Resources

In this audio marriage, Paul Carrington discusses the topic of forgiveness in marriage. He uses the chapter of Matthew 18 to illustrate what Christ says about forgiveness. Forgiveness is not something that should be withheld or conditional. Forgiveness in marriage is such an important thing for both spouses to embrace for without forgiveness, bitterness and anger can result. Forgiveness brings spouses back together and points both to Christ. Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) - "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

What is one of the biggest problems that we have in our churches today? Paul Carrington explains in this video that one of the biggest problems that we have in our churches and culture today is that many people claim that they are Christians but they never exhibit true fruits of salvation and they have never repented for their sins. They are not true Christians. As a result, people are thinking that they are doing just fine while they walk in darkness and are enslaved to the devil. Accordingly, they experience no victory over sin and continue to show affection for sin. There is a divide in their lives, where so long as they go to church on Sunday, they can do whatever they please the rest of the week. 1 John 1:6 (NKJV) – “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” 

How can we make our families more missions-minded? It begins with a broader understanding of what missions-mindedness actually is. It isn't enough to just give mental assent to the need of missions, but instead begins with genuine excitement and joy about missions. Parents need to cultivate a love for missions and the missionaries in the home and orient life around the mission of taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations.

In this audio message, Paul Carrington discusses the topic of how a father is to be priest within his home. He explains that our example is Christ. He is our compassionate High Priest. In this message, he looks at Job 1 and then provides several applications. Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV) - "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."

What does it mean to be a disciple and how does that shape one's identity? Paul Carrington delves into the concept of discipleship, highlighting that everyone is, in fact, a disciple, but the crucial distinction lies in whose disciple an individual chooses to be. He emphasizes that being a disciple goes beyond mere information intake; it involves embodying the life, values, and mission of the teacher or master being followed. For Christians, Carrington emphasizes that they are disciples of Jesus Christ, making Christ their ultimate Master. This affiliation is considered a high calling, echoing the sentiment expressed in the Psalms that it's better to be a doorkeeper in God's house than dwell in the tents of wickedness. The essence of Carrington's message centers on the profound nature of discipleship, characterizing it not just as acquiring knowledge but as a transformative journey of adopting the life and teachings of the chosen master. For Christians, this means aligning one's life, values, and mission with the teachings and example set by Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as the ultimate Master to be followed. Psalm 84:10 (NKJV): "For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

What does repentance look like in the life of a pastor? Paul Carrington explains in this video that a repentant pastor examines his life by the Word of God. He understands that if he is going to preach to his congregation, he must be willing to humble himself and repent of sin in his life.   Repentance involves humility. Elders need to be willing to repent and ask for forgiveness. He shares how he has seen examples of this in the church he attends. Acts 20:28 (NKJV) – “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God[a] which He purchased with His own blood.”

What does it mean to be a "follower of the way" as a Christian? In this video, Paul Carrington reminds us that being a Christian is synonymous with being a follower of "The Way." As seen in Acts 9, disciples of Christ were not only defined by their faith but also their path. This path represents a journey, a discipleship that goes beyond the moment of conversion. It's a continuous journey of living in the light of Christ's teachings and His sacrifice for us. Carrington points out that while the moment of becoming a Christian is often glorified, it's the steadfast pursuit of discipleship that truly matters. The journey doesn't end at the point of accepting Christ; rather, it's a lifelong commitment to living in His way. This calls for a consistent focus on Christ's teachings and a continuous alignment of our lives according to His will. Proverbs 4:18 (NKJV): 'But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.'

How can we learn from Jesus' patience with his disciples as an example of how to interact with children? In this devotional, Paul Carrington reminds us of the remarkable patience Jesus showed towards his disciples. Despite the disciples' lack of understanding and their frequent squabbles, Jesus never gave up on them. This patience mirrors the experiences many parents, particularly mothers, have with their children. Moments of selfishness and misunderstanding may tempt a parent to feel that their efforts are fruitless. However, Carrington encourages parents to stay patient and remain confident that God is sowing seeds in their children that will bear fruit in due time. Just as Jesus continued to teach his disciples, trusting in God's timing, parents should persist in educating their children. Despite the hardships and thankless moments, Carrington assures that God is using parents mightily. The work of a parent, like that of Jesus with his disciples, is a life of faith. 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NKJV): "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."

What makes the Gospel of Jesus Christ so transformative? Paul Carrington highlights the missionary nature of God and the chain of discipleship that has spread the Gospel throughout the world. As Christians in America or Europe, we are considered the 'ends of the earth', the recipients of the teachings of countless missionaries before us. The fundamental aspect of this process is not merely gaining converts, but creating true disciples of Christ. The transformative power of embracing the Gospel is evident in the dramatic societal changes observable in history and even in our modern day. Carrington presents the example of Korea, where the stark contrast between North and South Korea, visible even in satellite images, reveals the profound impact of the Gospel. South Korea, with its thriving Christian community, stands in sharp contrast to its northern counterpart. This vivid example demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel, underscoring the potential it holds to radically alter societies and nations. Matthew 28:19 (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."

What does true repentance look like? Paul Carrington explains in this video that true repentance looks like a man who has been undone. He’s been broken down, he sees his own poverty. Repentant people realize that there is nothing in their hands that they can bring to somehow merit salvation or repentance. They must cling to the cross.  We have nothing at all that we can bring to God. We owe Him everything. There is a recognition that we cannot save ourselves. We can see plenty of examples of true repentance throughout Scripture in the lives of David and Paul. A repentant person is humble -- Paul continues to refer to himself as the "least of all the saints." Ephesians 3:8-9 (NKJV) - "To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ."

In a time of cultural chaos like ours the overwhelming temptation is to turn inward and hope for the storm to pass. We may be dismayed and intimidated by the evil around us and even shocked by the speed in which society seems to be crumbling. But Scripture and Church history demonstrate that often the darkest times are the greatest times for the advancement of God's kingdom. Consider the final words of our Lord before He departed and be encouraged as families called to invade the darkness with the light of the gospel.

Paul Carrington explains in this video that the entire life of a believer is to orbit around God. Everything that He has said, we are commanded to follow. That is one of the key objectives of family life -- that the Word of God is to be dominant in all of our thoughts. You will be able to be sustained through difficult seasons of life if you keep God and His Word at the forefront of your life. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) - "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."