Resources

How do we find true satisfaction in life? In this video, Toby Logsdon discusses the meaning of life and how it relates to finding true satisfaction. People who do not understand that their purpose is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever will not find satisfaction in anything.  Money and material possessions do not bring happiness, as even billionaires can be miserable. However, those who find God and their purpose in glorifying Him have a satisfaction that cannot be found through wealth or material possessions. Romans 15:13 (NKJV) - " Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Ezekiel's first chapter presents us with a very high view of God. This chapter has left many readers puzzled, confused, and bewildered, but by the end of the chapter, Ezekiel saw things more clearly than ever before. As an Israelite living in exile, he was reminded that God's sovereign plans cannot be thwarted. Comforted by this vision which reveals so many of God's glorious attributes, his outlook on his life and the circumstances he faced as an exile was changed forever. This incredible vision didn't only benefit Ezekiel by giving him a higher view of God, however; when we consider the significance of what he saw in his vision, it will strengthen our faith and confidence in God as well. This chapter reminds us that God is always in control, even when the world appears to be spiraling into chaos.

What is one of the biggest problems in the church today?  According to Toby Logsdon, it's pragmatism. This philosophy of doing whatever it takes to fill seats has led to the adoption of man's ideas rather than God's. When the church echoes the same message as the world, it's a sign of compromise and worldliness. Ultimately, pragmatism opens the door wide for these worldly influences to infiltrate the church. Logsdon's critique of the church's pragmatism is rooted in his belief that the church should be led by God, not man. He argues that the church should ask what pleases God, rather than what pleases people. When the church adopts a seeker-sensitive approach, the Gospel is watered down. This compromises the church's unique message and mission, which is to proclaim the truth of Christ to a lost and dying world. In conclusion, Logsdon's warning against pragmatism is a call for the church to remain faithful to its calling. The church should not compromise its message or mission in order to fill seats or please people. Instead, it should be led by God and seek to please Him alone. As the Bible says in Romans 12:2 (NKJV), "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." 

Should we segregate our children from parents during church services? In this video, Toby Logsdon addresses the practice of separating children from parents during church services and questions whether it has a biblical basis. He expresses the view that children are primarily discipled by their parents, as evident in the biblical scriptures. He encourages parents to take on the role of the 'youth pastor' for their children, emphasizing the importance of parental guidance in the spiritual upbringing of their kids. Logsdon further explains that children can be easily discipled with the right guidance and conversations. He suggests that parents should have ongoing conversations about the church and spiritual matters throughout the week, fostering an environment conducive for their kids to learn and understand. He asserts that children do learn to behave and participate in church when guided by their parents, debunking the need for segregation. Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV): "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Has the church lost its focus by trying to attract more followers through worldly means? In this video, Toby Logsdon observes that many churches have resorted to pragmatic tactics, such as using entertainment and popular culture, to attract more people. He argues that this approach is flawed because it is based on the assumption that the things of this world can lead people to spiritual growth. Logsdon asserts that while such methods may initially draw crowds, they do not promote lasting commitment or spiritual growth, as people will only stay as long as they are entertained. Logsdon further emphasizes that the mission of the church is not to seek numerical growth but spiritual growth. While it may be tempting to use gimmicks to attract a larger congregation, this approach often takes a one-size-fits-all methodology, which fails to consider the individual spiritual needs of each person. The church's mission is not to entertain but to make disciples, and that requires a personalized and sincere approach. Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen."

How can the spirit of independence affect our commitment to the church and its community? In this video, Toby Logsdon discusses one of the major discipleship challenges faced by churches today - the independent mindset. This mindset, particularly prevalent in Western societies, often encourages individuals to participate in church activities without any intention to engage in accountability. Accountability, as Logsdon explains, forms a crucial part of discipleship. Many individuals, however, prefer to remain unnoticed and unaccountable, a factor contributing to the spread of megachurches. Accountability and discipleship are necessities for all church members, from the pastor to the newest convert. While the desire for independence might encourage individuals to come and go without establishing connections or becoming accountable, Logsdon emphasizes the importance of accountability in discipleship. A study of God's Word reveals the need for accountability among all believers. Ideally, this sense of responsibility should be integrated into the way the church functions. Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV): 'As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.'

Do you set a good example to your children in regards to the Church? Toby Logsdon explains in this video that parents need to show their children the value of going to church -- fellowship, learning, and praising God. Are they seeing you actually desire to go to church or are they seeing you grumble and complain? How we view the local church and how we value it will greatly impact our children. We can either be a positive or a negative influence upon our children when it comes to matters of the local church and gathering together with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.  Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV) - "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

What is a danger of being controlled by our emotions? Toby Logsdon explains in this video that if we just follow our emotions instead of being rooted in God's Word, we will be easily swayed by how we feel, the newest fad, or by the world.  To combat this, we must let God's Word dictate what we believe and how we live our lives. God's Word is true and unchanging and will allow us to weather the ups and downs of our emotions or opinions. The newest fad or belief system will fade; but God's Word will endure.  Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) - "Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life."  

Is it possible for a pastor of a large congregation to develop personal relationships with each member? Toby Logsdon speaks on the reality of relational church life in a large congregation. He points out that the capacity for personal relationships is limited to around 100 people. In a church of 5,000, it becomes impossible for the pastor to personally know every member. Thus, it is essential for church members to develop relationships within the church. Without relationships, there is no platform for direction or biblical truth to be spoken into a person's life. Logsdon emphasizes the need to invest in personal relationships, learning to love and serve one another as Christ has loved and served us. This may be an impossible aspiration, but it is still a goal that every Christian should strive towards because Jesus has instructed us to love one another as He has loved us. John 13:34 (NKJV): "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another."

What does it truly mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Toby Logsdon addresses this question by exploring what it means to follow Jesus. A true disciple is not just someone who physically follows Jesus, but someone who follows Him with their heart. This is because love is the driving force behind obedience to Christ. As Logsdon explains, if someone loves Christ, they will obey Him, and to obey Him means to go wherever He leads, even if that path is not easy. Logsdon also delves into the significance of trust in this journey, drawing from Psalm 23 to illustrate that discipleship is not a guarantee of ease or comfort. Instead, it is about following Jesus through the 'valley of the shadow of death', trusting Him completely and not leaning on our own understanding. Despite the challenges, the ultimate goal is to become more like Christ, and that requires surrendering our hearts and our lives to Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.'

Peter was a fisherman by trade. Yet when he and his fellow disciples sought to catch a mess of fish by early morning, they couldn’t catch anything on their own. But when Jesus gave them instructions and they followed, He supplied them with an abundant harvest. The message here is this: apart from Christ we can do nothing, but when we trust in His Word, and live according to His instructions, we can flourish in our gifts. In this message, Toby Logsdon will explain how Christ supplies the abundant grace and power we need to make the most of our spiritual gifts in service to God and His people—for His glory and our enjoyment of Him.