Free Resources
Is being busy a sin?
The book of Hebrews appeals to Jewish Christians who were becoming apathetic in their approach to the Bible (2:1, 6:11-12) and were tempted to go back to “following God” through the Old Testament without Jesus (2:1, 3:12, 6:4-8).
by Dr. Stephen Briix, Academic Dean, International College of Bible and Missions, Johannesburg, South Africa (and Entrust staff member)
Facilitating a Psalm online
Most of us probably never even knew about social distancing or flattening the curve. We’ve read about historical pandemics, but most of us have never lived through one. How do we not only rise above the hysteria around us, but be a source of hope and calm for others?
by Corrie M., Entrust, WWMT International director
Deeply, deeply loved
The gospel writer Matthew begins his story with the family tree of Jesus, tracing his ancestors back to Abraham. While it was unusual to include women in the family genealogy, Matthew includes four mothers —Tamar, who fathered twin boys by Judah, after pretending to be a prostitute; Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute who married an Israelite; Ruth, a Moabite woman, from a people group often in conflict with Israel, and Bathsheba, who had an adulterous relationship with King David and later married him after he had her husband killed.
by Sandy Shaffer, Entrust, Austria
Renewal, renovation, and peace
It feels like we live in a world that is uncertain and in chaos. The stock market is falling, grocery shelves are empty, schools and restaurants are closing, churches are meeting virtually and we are isolated in our homes unsure of what will happen next. We find ourselves in a new (ab)normal; stressed, worried, fearful and wondering when it will all end.
by Melissa Myers, staff member at New City Church, Charlotte, N.C.,
and an Entrust certified facilitator
Jesus knows what it's like to be alone
The whole world seems to be centered on the coronavirus, and that is certainly true for us in Europe. All of our ministry events have been cancelled in Serbia and Slovakia, as well as here in Austria. Right now, we are in a holding pattern, circling like a plane and wondering when we might be able to land and continue on with our normal lives.
by Sandy Shaffer, Entrust, Austria
Be still and God will be exalted
There's no denying that the whole world is in trouble. The most imminent danger is the coronavirus, but we all know that there will be serious economic and social effects from this pandemic. So, should we be concerned? Yes, we can be, but we should not be afraid or panicked.
by Ágnes Székely, Entrust, Hungary
Interpreting the times
During this coronavirus pandemic, for every question we answer another ten are left unanswered. Is this from God? What is he doing? How should I pray? If you are like me, you’re reading the Bible with more attentiveness, hoping that in your reading you’ll stumble across something that will give some insight. So, when I noticed “Interpreting the times” as a section heading for these verses, I took notice.
by Jim Blase, Entrust, Serbia
Develop eternal eyes
This 4th of July was just not the same. Normally we would go to a local minor league baseball game in our area. At the end of the game there would be a fantastic fireworks display. It would be so patriotic. Everyone would enjoy a great evening, feeling good about our country, community and life.
by Marge Hopkins, Entrust pastoral care
Why do we resist rest?
As I write this, our family has been in strict lockdown for around 10 weeks. This means for seven weeks my wife Tanya and our four kids have not left our property for any reason. I leave the house once a week to go to the local grocery store to get groceries and medicine. We do school together, worship together and I work from home. I was struggling with being discontent, when one of our supporters shared how he was loving time with God and his family.
by Dr. Stephen Briix, Academic Dean, International College of Bible and Missions, Johannesburg, South Africa (and full-time Entrust staff member)
