Issuu

EGM TIMES VOLUME 14 ISSUE 4

JULY - AUGUST 2026

EXPOSING | ENCOURAGING | EMPOWERING

MATERIALISM TRAP

“The greatest legacy you can pass on to your children and grandchildren is not your money or the other material things you have accumulated in life. The greatest legacy you can pass on is your faith in Jesus Christ and the godly character He produces in your life.” -Billy Graham

CONTENTS 07 The Materialism Trap -Evg. Jacob Vilgi Oommen

14 25 29

Blessing That Became a Snare -Dr. Gladys Childs

When More Becomes Never Enough -Gideon L. Pingkihan

Contentment in a Culture of More: Learning the Secret of Contentment -Effie Ochago

STAY CONNECTED EGMTIMES.COM

All Bible references are from the New International Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation, King James Version. EGM Times is published by Elohim Gospel Ministries, USA.

The Restorative Love of God -Daya Raja

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. EGM Times has no subscription price and is supported through contributions worldwide. Because all EGM Times editions are preplanned, we are unable to accept unsolicited manuscripts. For more information or to sign up for your free copy of egm times, visit: elohimgospelministries.com

35 Building Godly Homes -EGM Times Team

President: Evg. Jacob Vilgi Oommen Associate Editor: Gideon Pingkihan Content Editor: Effie Ochago Design: EGM Media

EGMTIMES.COM

EDITORIAL

ome time ago, I was walking through a thrift store, browsing aisle after aisle filled with countless items that were once purchased at full price by their original owners. Now they sat on shelves, marked with some of the lowest prices imaginable. I couldn’t help but wonder, What memories are attached to that clock? What is the story behind those toys?When people bought these things, did they ever imagine that one day they would end up in a thrift store, waiting for strangers to buy them for just a few dollars? I doubt it. That was when a sobering thought came to my mind: everything we possess in this world will one day remain behind and eventually perish, but what we do for God will never be forgotten. The Lord sees every act of faithfulness and will reward what has eternal value. In other words, whatever we do for the Kingdom of God is what truly remains for eternity. So why should we spend our lives investing our time, money, and energy in things that will not last when we can invest them in the eternal Kingdom of God? Materialism is one of the greatest dangers influencing God’s people today. It quietly shifts our hearts from being lovers of God to lovers of this world. We are living in a time when even some Christian leaders boast about their private jets and luxury watches as signs of God’s blessing, when in reality they can also reveal the subtle danger of materialism and a lack of contentment. In this edition, we explore the theme, “The Materialism Trap.” As you read each page of this magazine, it is our prayer that God will speak to your heart and that this issue will become a turning point, from materialism to contentment, from earthly treasures to eternal ones, and from the pursuit of more to the pursuit of Christ.

In His Service Evg. Jacob Vilgi Oommen President EGM Times

EGMTIMES.COM

Transforming Campuses, Transforming Nations

hen news broke of the tragic school shooting in Tacloban City, Philippines, the nation mourned. Questions flooded every news outlet and social media platform. How could something so heartbreaking happen inside a place meant for learning? While investigations continue and many factors are being examined, one truth remains undeniable: our campuses are filled with students who are carrying unseen battles. Tacloban is not alone. Across the world, schools and universities have witnessed violence, suicide, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and identity crises among young people.

“Education can shape the mind, but only Christ can transform the heart.” 05

EGMTIMES.COM

The United States has experienced some of the world’s most devastating campus and school shootings—from Columbine to Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, Parkland, and Uvalde. Although each tragedy has different circumstances, they all expose the same reality: education can shape the mind, but only Christ can transform the heart.

College and university students are at one of the most important stages of life. It is during these years that they shape their beliefs, establish their values, and make decisions that will influence their future. If the Church waits until after graduation to reach them, we may miss one of the greatest opportunities for discipleship.

Generation Z is often called the most connected generation in history, yet many have never felt more disconnected. They have instant access to information but struggle to find truth. They have thousands of online followers yet wrestle with loneliness. They know how to build a profile, but many are still searching for an identity.

Campus ministry is not simply about holding Bible studies or organizing fellowship meetings. It is about bringing Christ into the everyday lives of students. It is about walking beside those who feel forgotten, praying with those who are discouraged, answering difficult questions with biblical truth, and reminding every young person that their identity is found in Jesus Christ— This is why campus ministry is no longer just an not in social media, popularity, achievements, or option for the Church—it is a necessity. If there the opinions of others. is one place where the Gospel must be boldly proclaimed, it is the campus. Every classroom is a mission field. Every campus is filled with future teachers, engineers, nursIn 2023, the world witnessed a different kind of es, pastors, entrepreneurs, public servants, and story at Asbury University in Kentucky, USA. leaders. If these young people encounter Christ What began as an ordinary chapel service be- while they are still students, they will carry the came a continuous gathering of prayer, worship, Gospel wherever God leads them after graduarepentance, and surrender that lasted for weeks. tion. Thousands of students, pastors, and visitors came to witness what became known as the As- Our prayer should not simply be for safer bury Revival. Even more encouraging, the fire of schools, but for campuses that know Christ. revival spread as students returned to their own Because when Jesus walks the hallways of our campuses, igniting prayer meetings and Gos- schools through the lives of committed believers, pel-centered movements in universities across classrooms become places of compassion, hearts the United States. are transformed, and a generation discovers the only hope that never fails. The Asbury Revival reminds us that campuses can become more than centers of education— Perhaps the next revival will not begin from a they can become places where God transforms pulpit. Perhaps it will begin in a classroom. lives.This should inspire every local church.

EGMTIMES.COM

The Materialism Trap -Evg. Jacob Vilgi Oommen

hen you see something your friend has that you don’t have, what is the first thought or feeling that comes to your mind? When you see a car or a branded product that your friends or family possess, what’s your reaction? Jealousy? Covetousness? Or perhaps the thought, “I need to buy one of those too. We live in a world where everyone is often comparing their lives with others and trying to compete with one another. Most of the time, we fall into the trap of materialism by buying things we cannot even afford to satisfy the momentary cravings of our flesh. In a world of comparison, everyone is trying to become someone else, like a photocopy, while ignoring God’s original purpose for their own life. Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke once said, “God is not a duplicator; He is a Creator. You are an original!” You are not called to become someone else but to fulfill God’s unique purpose for your life. At the root of comparison is a lack of contentment and, above all, a lack of an eternal perspective on the hope that awaits those who believe in Jesus Christ. One of the greatest dangers of materialism is that it can subtly shape a Christian’s heart without even being recognized.

EGMTIMES.COM

When you go on a vacation and the apartment you booked for one night doesn’t have a bed, would you go to the nearest store and buy one just for those eight hours? Of course not. Instead, you would adjust with the blankets you have and get through the night because it is not your permanent home but a temporary place to stay. In the same way, we are not permanent residents of this world but temporary residents before we enter our eternal home in heaven. No matter how much you possess in this world, you cannot take any of it with you, no matter how expensive it is or how much you love it. The disciples of Jesus Christ not only ignored worldly things, but they were even ready to give their own lives for the Gospel because the revelation of eternal life through Christ was so profound in their hearts. “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospel’s will save it. Mark 8:35 ESV. Often, we are led astray from the things of God because we lose sight of the eternal hope that awaits us in Christ. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” (Jim Elliot).

Jesus Himself warned His disciples to guard themselves against covetousness, reminding them that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. The word of God says in Luke 12:15 ESV, “And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Here, Jesus warns us about the danger of covetousness, a sinful desire that is often fueled by comparing ourselves with others. We are not supposed to lead a life looking at others but at God alone. It’s not your abundance of possessions that brings value and true meaning to your life, but your faith in God and walking in his ways. As Christians, our focus should not be on materialism or on accumulating more possessions day by day. Instead, we must remember that, in the end, God will not reward us for how much we owned but for how faithfully we lived for His kingdom and invested our lives in what has eternal value.

In this modern world, we live under constant pressure, especially from social media, to conform to the world’s culture of comparison rather than God’s call to contentment. Social media plays a huge role in fueling a mindset of comparison in our hearts. As we scroll through other people’s posts, we see seemingly perfect, Pinterest-like pictures of their homes, cars, clothes, gardens, family, and more. After seeing these, we compare them with our own lives, begin to feel like failures, and try to imitate them. This happens because we are trying to fill the emptiness in our hearts with the things of this world. This world constantly teaches us to compare ourselves with others, buy more, and become part of a culture of consumerism so that we don’t feel left out among our friends and family. Companies spend millions of dollars influencing people to buy more things. It doesn’t matter whether you need them or whether you can afford them; they know how to influence your decisions so that you keep buying more and more. In the end, they profit while leaving you feeling even emptier. Take a look around your house, and you will probably find many things you bought with great excitement but lost interest in within a few hours or days. Today, they sit unused in a dusty corner of your home. Yet we continue trying to satisfy the cravings of our flesh by buying more things, only to repeat the same cycle again and again. When you rush to buy more things, pause for a minute and ask yourself Is this something I really need? Or can I invest this money in something else that’s worth investing in?

EGMTIMES.COM

According to the Los Angeles Times, “The average U.S. household has 300,000 things, from paper clips to ironing boards. U.S. children make up 3.7% of children on the planet but have 47% of all toys and children’s books.” This is not just a problem in America; it is a global crisis without a doubt. Materialism has quietly hijacked the Christian world like never before, from church leaders to believers, shifting our focus from the things of God to the things of this world. As Christians, how can we address this growing problem in our own lives? How can we begin making a difference in our own homes? First, we must deal with the root cause because this is ultimately a spiritual problem.

How can we live a life of contentment? First, we need to understand that contentment does not mean compromising the quality of your life. Nor does it mean becoming stingy or unwilling to spend wisely. Biblical contentment is about finding your satisfaction in your relationship with God rather than in the possessions or achievements of this world. In other words, a life of contentment leads to greater peace, joy, satisfaction, financial stability, and generosity. If you are not content with the money God has given you, your flesh will often keep you from giving to those in need by convincing you that you don’t have enough and need more before you can help others. If you cannot give when you have little, you are unlikely to give when you have much. Generosity is not determined by how much you possess but by the condition of your heart—a willingness to help others regardless of your circumstances.

Contentment is the solution to this problem. As Christians, we are called to be content with what God has given us and to find our contentment in Jesus Christ. When we neglect this essential principle of the Christian life, we become more susceptible to the desires of the flesh, planting the seeds of comparison and materialism. We can see a great example in the Bible: the widTherefore, Christians must pursue the content- ow’s offering. ment that is found in Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Mark 12:42-44 ESV “But a poor In fact, when you experience Jesus in His full- widow came and put in two very small copper ness, and your relationship with Him satisfies coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciyour heart, there is little room left to crave the ples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor unnecessary things of this world. Ask yourself: widow has put more into the treasury than all When was the last time you spent hours mind- the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but lessly scrolling through your phone and look- she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all ing at other people’s profiles? When was the last she had to live on.” The widow could have made time you filled your Amazon cart with things many excuses not to give because that was all you didn’t really need? Often, when our rela- she had to live on. Yet it was her generous heart tionship with God grows cold, we become more that led her to give everything she had, and Jesus vulnerable to seeking satisfaction in the things commended her for it. Don’t be deceived by the of this world. Abide in Him every day through devil into thinking that contentment leaves you prayer and His Word. As you remain in Christ, empty. Instead, contentment opens the door to He gives you strength to resist the temptations the abundant life found in Jesus Christ. of the flesh.

EGMTIMES.COM

The closer you are to Christ, the less you will crave the material things of this world. Make every effort to stay close to God by spending quality time with Him in prayer and in His living Word. As your soul is nourished, you become better equipped to resist the desires of the flesh, allowing the Spirit of God to work in your life to take precedence over sinful cravings. When the Apostle Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy, he emphasized the importance of contentment. Paul said, “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” 1 Timothy 6:6-10 ESV. Here, the Apostle Paul profoundly connects contentment with the eternity that awaits those who believe in Jesus Christ. We came into this world empty-handed, and we will leave it empty-handed. Therefore, no matter how much we possess, none of it will accompany us into eternity. So, be content with God and what He has graciously provided, for nothing is greater than Him. Paul did not merely teach this truth—he lived it. He counted everything this world had to offer as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and the eternal glory that awaited him. He writes, “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (1 Timothy 6:8, ESV). Paul also warns that those who desire to be rich expose themselves to greater temptation and many harmful desires, which lead to ruin and destruction. This does not mean that being rich is sinful, but it does mean that Christians must be especially careful that the pursuit of wealth does not become the pursuit of their hearts. He goes on to say that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Timothy 6:10, ESV). As we look around the world today, we can see how greed lies behind many of the problems we face. As greed increases, it can gradually draw a person away from faith in God. This world will continue to promote materialism, but as genuine disciples of Jesus Christ, we must resist its empty promises by finding our contentment in Christ and investing our lives in what has eternal value.

“The closer you are to Christ, the less you will crave the material things of this world.” 12

EGMTIMES.COM

THE STORY BEHIND THE SONG

In Christ Alone

Keith Getty

he song ‘In Christ Alone’ was released in 2001 and has quickly become a classic modern hymn, now sung all over the world, reminding us that we find all our hope in Jesus Christ. It was written by Keith Getty, who composed the music, and Stuart Townend, who wrote the lyrics. The authors were friends who enjoyed composing biblical worship songs.

Stuart Townend

Their goal was to bring back the age of hymn writing, encourage believers worldwide, and express the core truth of the gospel. The song has since been translated into countless languages and sung by believers of all denominations all across the globe.

More than two decades later, the hymn ‘In Christ Alone’ continues to inspire Christians, teaching us that, at the end of the day, nothing Keith Getty wrote the music, shared it with is more important or more valuable than havStuart Townend, and was quickly inspired to ing an eternal hope in Jesus Christ. write lyrics that tell a complete story of the gospel from beginning to end. Together they began writing lyrics that tell the full story of Jesus Christ’s coming into the world, his sacrificial death on the cross, his resurrection, and all the confidence a believer has in Him.

EGMTIMES.COM

THE BLESSING THAT BECAME A SNARE

-Dr. Gladys Childs

e spend years praying for what we do not have, then years discovering what God’s gifts reveal about our hearts. The first test is faith. The second is worship. Judges 8 tells the story better than almost anywhere else in Scripture.

Gideon takes three hundred men against a force too large to count. God hands him Midian. “Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also,” they say (Judges 8:22, ESV). He refuses, and for a moment, everything sounds right. “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you” (Judges 8:23). Then, in the next breath, he asks for the earrings. Gold from the plunder, seventeen hundred shekels, was made into an ephod and set up in his hometown of Ophrah. Scripture does not soften it: “and all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family” (Judges 8:27).

EGMTIMES.COM

Watch it happen. The gold came from a victory God gave. The snare got built out of the blessing. God won the battle, the spoils came home, and the spoils became the shrine. The earrings should stop us cold. The last time Israel pooled golden earrings, they pulled them from their own wives and sons and carried them to Aaron, who made a calf (Exodus 32:2-4). Centuries later, another pile of golden earrings took God’s people down the same road. Hosea saw it happen to a whole nation: “She did not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the wine, and the oil, and who lavished on her silver and gold, which they used for Baal” (Hosea 2:8). The grain came from His hand, and the oil, and the silver melted down for a rival. Idolatry seldom kicks off with rebellion; it starts with amnesia.

“The hardest idols to spot are the ones God handed us. So how do we tell when a blessing has become one?” 15

EGMTIMES.COM

The hardest idols to spot are the ones God handed us. So how do we tell when a blessing has become one? The difference never shows up in the object. Moses named the moment it turns, when the houses go up, the herds multiply, and the heart says, “My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:17). His correction hangs on the verb we skip: “You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Remember. That is where blessings become idols or remain gifts.

“Gold that drives us back to the Giver is a blessing. The same gold standing between Him and us is a shrine.” 16

EGMTIMES.COM

Which means the gold in our hands proves nothing. A man wanted Jesus to make his brother divide an inheritance. Jesus went after his heart instead. “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). He ended the parable of the rich fool with the phrase: “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). There is the line. Gold that drives us back to the Giver is a blessing. The same gold standing between Him and us is a shrine. Nothing around Gideon had changed. He was still standing in the same field, wearing the same armor, when he asked for the earrings. Only his heart had turned.

The land had rest for forty years. Then Gideon died, and Israel turned again to the Baals, making Baal-berith their god (Judges 8:33). Read that against Judges 8:27 and notice the same word used for both. The snare did not end with Gideon.

Notice what God did not do. He did not withhold the victory because Israel might mishandle the spoils. He entrusts good gifts. The gift corrupts no one. It exposes what already lives in the heart. The most dangerous idols are often fashioned from God’s gifts because we already know those gifts are good. Gold from a victory God gave is often the hardest thing to hold with an open hand.

Jotham, the youngest, hid and lived to speak the truth from Mount Gerizim. Seventy of his brothers did not. Gideon would not take a crown. His gold bought one for a son who murdered to wear it.

Before the story ends, run it against your own house. What began as an answer to prayer now competes with the One who answered it? What blessing do you instinctively protect, depend on, or fear losing more than your nearness to Christ?

The consequences reached beyond him. His son Abimelech received silver from the house of Baal-berith, then returned to his father’s house at Ophrah and killed his seventy brothers on one stone (Judges 9:4-5). Ophrah. The same address.

So name the gold. It is whatever we prayed for and received, whatever we would now argue with God to keep, the thing occupying the space where hunger for Him lived. Carry it back to Him with both hands open, and some of us will find our fingers do not unbend easily. Better to learn that today, while the ephod is still only gold.

Dr. Gladys Childs, host of Bare Faith and known as the “Truth Doctor,” boldly exposes lies that keep people from God’s truth, speaking with authority and real-life grit as a pastor’s wife, author, speaker, and former professor. Her new book, Chasing Emptiness, Finding Fullness, invites weary hearts to stop striving for what cannot satisfy and encounter the Spirit’s fullness in everyday life.

EGMTIMES.COM

SPOTLIGHT

he FIFA World Cup captivated mil- Athletic ability and recreation are blessings lions of people around the world, with that allow people to enjoy God’s creation and fans glued to their screens as they ea- develop their talents. While there is nothing gerly anticipated every match and cheered for wrong with believers passionately enjoying their favorite teams. Even those who were not football, our ultimate devotion belongs to regular football fans found themselves caught God, not a team or tournament. Whether up in the excitement, tuning in to watch one supporting a team or playing, believers can allow Christ’s light to shine through us. of the world’s biggest sporting events. FIFA is the French acronym for Fédération Love for sports can, however, become unInternationale de Football Association. It is healthy when devotion to a team is given the international governing body of football. center stage in an individual’s life, creating Founded in 1904, it organizes major tourna- an identity around it. One sign of this is bements, including the World Cup. Every four coming violent because of a team’s loss or a years, the best national teams in the world referee’s decision, allowing football to damage battle it out to be crowned world champions relationships and lead to addiction to sports gambling. Our passion for football should at the FIFA World Cup. never overshadow our families or responsibilFootball has a way of stirring up strong emo- ities. tions and bringing people from all walks of life together. Matches are shared with friends As we celebrate the excitement, unity and enand family, who gather around to watch and joyment that football brings, let’s keep Christ celebrate historic moments. It also reminds us at the center of our lives. When that is the case, we are free to enjoy every game with of the power of teamwork. gratitude, humility, and the right perspective.

EGMTIMES.COM

WATCH THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE ELOHIM BROADCAST ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL. ELOHIM GOSPEL MINISTRIES

THE ONE THING MONEY, SUCCESS, AND COMFORT CAN NEVER GIVE YOU.

IMPACT OF ONE YES

BROTHER ANDREW The Man Who Carried Hope Across Closed Borders

ome people are remembered for building great churches. Others are remembered for preaching to thousands. But Brother Andrew became known for something very different. He became known as the man who quietly carried Bibles into countries where owning one could cost a person their freedom or even their life. Brother Andrew, whose real name was Anne van der Bijl, was born on May 11, 1928, in the Netherlands. As a young boy, he dreamed of adventure. After World War II, he joined the Dutch Army and was sent to Indonesia. During his military service, he suffered a serious ankle injury that changed the direction of his life. While recovering in the hospital, he began reading the Bible. The more he read, the more he realized that God was calling him to something greater than a military career. He surrendered his life to Christ and chose to follow wherever God would lead him.

EGMTIMES.COM

After studying at a missionary training school As more people joined his work, the ministry in Scotland, Brother Andrew noticed that many grew into what is now known as Open Doors. countries behind the Iron Curtain had very few What began with one man carrying a suitcase missionaries. These communist nations restrict- of Christian literature became an international ed Christianity, and many believers lived in fear. ministry serving persecuted Christians in many Churches lacked Bibles, pastors had little sup- parts of the world. Today, Open Doors provides port, and many Christians felt forgotten by the Bibles, discipleship, leadership training, trauma rest of the world. Instead of seeing closed bor- care, emergency relief, and practical support to ders, Brother Andrew saw open opportunities believers living under persecution. The mission for God to work. has always been the same: strengthen the Church where following Jesus comes with a high cost. In 1995, he traveled to Poland to attend a youth conference. There he met believers who had al- One of the most remarkable moments in the most no access to the Word of God. One pastor ministry came in 1981 when Open Doors helped thanked him with words that stayed in his heart deliver one million Bibles to Christians in China for the rest of his life. during a carefully planned operation. It was one of the largest Bible distribution efforts in modBrother Andrew started making regular trips ern Christian history. Yet Brother Andrew never into Communist countries, carrying Bibles and measured success by numbers alone. He believed Christian books hidden inside his luggage and that every Bible delivered represented another his small blue Volkswagen Beetle. Every border life that could be strengthened by God’s Word. crossing carried great risk. If the guards discovered the Bibles, he could be arrested or impris- Although many people admired his bravery, oned. Yet he continued because he believed that Brother Andrew often reminded others that he God’s people deserved access to His Word. was simply an ordinary Christian who chose to obey God one step at a time. He once said that Before crossing a border, he often prayed a sim- the real calling is not to a certain place or career ple but powerful prayer. “Lord, You made blind but to everyday obedience. He believed that God eyes see. Now, I pray, make seeing eyes blind.” He can use ordinary people to do extraordinary trusted that if God wanted those Bibles to reach things when they trust Him completely. His life His children, no human authority could stop was never about becoming famous. It was about Him. Many times, guards searched his vehicle making Christ known wherever doors seemed but somehow overlooked the boxes of Bibles in- closed. side. Brother Andrew never claimed these were the result of his own courage. He always pointed to God’s faithfulness and protection.

EGMTIMES.COM

As political changes began to open some of the countries he had once visited in secret, Brother Andrew’s mission did not end. Instead, God led him to other places where believers were facing persecution. Whether he was visiting churches in the Middle East, Asia, or Africa, his message remained the same. He came to encourage Christians who were suffering, pray with them, and remind them that they were not forgotten. For Brother Andrew, delivering a bible was never the final goal. His greatest desire was to strengthen the faith of those who continued to follow Christ even when the cost was high. Brother Andrew passed away on September 27, 2022, at the age of ninety-four. His influence continues through the work of Open Doors and through the millions of believers inspired by his story.

His autobiography, God’s Smuggler, has been translated into many languages and has challenged Christians around the world to live with bold faith and complete trust in God. Brother Andrew’s life points us to something deeper. His example reminds us that God often works through ordinary people who are willing to take one faithful step at a time. That kind of obedience is what made his life truly remarkable.

Brother Andrew said yes to his God-given calling and finished his race well. Will you run from the call of God, or will you courageously run toward it? Say yes to His purpose for your life, it is eternally worth it. 22

“Our prayers can go where we cannot...there are no borders, no prison walls, no doors that are closed to us when we pray.” -Brother Andrew

EGMTIMES.COM

THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

SUDAN REMEMBERING

oing to church, reading the Bible, and even expressing oneself as a Christian are only some of the ordinary activities that many Christians throughout the world undertake. For the Christian community in Sudan, however, these are things that could cost them dearly. The struggles of past years have made life extremely hard for Christians and compelled them to live in fear and with faith in Christ.

EGMTIMES.COM

“Although we will never know what they went through ourselves, we can stand up for our brothers and sisters in Sudan with prayer, material assistance, and by bringing awareness to their plight.” The situation got worse after fighting broke out But even during these difficult times, the in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed church of Sudan shows amazing resilience. Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces Many Christians have decided to be faithful, (RSF). The current conflict has displaced mil- even though they have lost their property, inlions of people, destroyed homes, schools, hos- come sources, and even some of their family pitals, and places of worship. Churches have not members. The strength of the Christians brings been spared. Shelling has damaged some, while us back to the words of Jesus in John 16:33 others have been occupied by armed groups or (NIV): “In this world you will have trouble. But looted, leaving many believers without a safe take heart! I have overcome the world.” Their place to worship. faithfulness does not depend on favorable conditions but on God’s promises. In addition to the brutality of warfare, Christians also have to deal with the discrimination As the body of Christ, we should not forget our against them because they are a small religious persecuted fellow believers. “Continue to regroup in a country that is mainly comprised member those in prison as if you were together of Muslims. Converts from Islam have been with them in prison, and those who are misknown to feel most harassed. These people treated as if you yourselves were suffering” may be disowned by their families, threatened (Hebrews 13:3, NIV). Although we will never by their community members, or forced to re- know what they went through ourselves, we nounce their faith. can stand up for our brothers and sisters in Sudan with prayer, material assistance, and by bringing awareness to their plight.

EGMTIMES.COM

WHEN MORE BECOMES NEVER ENOUGH -Gideon L. Pingkihan

onsumerism is built on a simple promise: if you have more, you will finally be satisfied. It tells us that happiness is always waiting on the other side of our next purchase. The next phone, the next promotion, the next car, the next vacation, or the next upgrade is presented as the missing piece that will complete our lives. Yet once we obtain what we wanted, the satisfaction rarely lasts. Before long, our attention shifts to something newer, bigger, or better.

EGMTIMES.COM

Psychologists describe this pattern as hedonic adaptation, often called the “hedonic treadmill”. It refers to our tendency to quickly become accustomed to improvements in our circumstances, causing the excitement of new possessions to fade and our desire for more to return. In other words, the more we acquire, the faster “more” becomes our new normal.

None of this should surprise Christians. Long before psychologists studied consumer behavior, Scripture exposed the human heart. King Solomon, one of the wealthiest men who ever lived, wrote, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income.: (Ecclesiastes 5:10, ESV). Solomon was not condemning wealth itself. He was exposing the illusion that wealth can satisfy the This explains why materialism is such a pow- deepest needs of the human heart. Those who erful trap. It convinces us that satisfaction is al- make money their source of fulfillment eventuways just one purchase away, while ensuring we ally discover that there is never enough. never actually arrive. We keep running, yet we remain in the same place spiritually. We own Jesus made the same point in Luke 12:15 when more than previous generations, yet many peo- He warned, “One’s life does not consist in the ple report feeling just as anxious, restless, and abundance of his possessions.” Notice that Jesus did not say possessions are sinful. He warned dissatisfied. against measuring life by possessions. That is Modern research supports what Scripture has exactly what consumerism encourages us to do. warned about for centuries. A comprehensive It quietly shifts our identity from who we are in meta-analysis published in the Journal of Per- Christ to what we own, what we wear, where we sonality and Social Psychology examined 259 live, and what others think of us. independent studies involving 753 effect sizes and found a consistent relationship between materialistic values and lower personal well-being—people who placed greater importance on wealth. Possessions, image, and status generally reported lower life satisfaction, poorer psychological health, weaker relationships, and more unhealthy consumer behaviors. Psychologist Tim Kasser, whose work has focused on materialism for more than two decades, reached a similar conclusion. His research repeatedly shows that people whose lives revolve around money, image, and status tend to experience less happiness, greater anxiety, and lower overall well-being than those who prioritize intrinsic values such as relationships, personal growth, community, and meaning.

“The Christian life is not about having more. It is about discovering that, in Christ, we already have that matters most.”

EGMTIMES.COM

Perhaps the greatest danger of consumerism is not The Christian life is not about having more. It is that it fills our homes with unnecessary things. It about discovering that, in Christ, we already have is that it slowly empties our hearts of contentment. that matters most. Gratitude is replaced by comparison. Stewardship is replaced by accumulation. Worship is replaced by the pursuit for comfort. Without realizing it, we begin trusting possessions to provide what only Christ can give – security, identity, purpose, and lasting joy. The gospel offers a completely different invitation. Jesus never promised that following Him would make us wealthy. He promised something far greater: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, ESV). The abundant life is not measured by overflowing closets, larger bank accounts, or expensive lifestyles. It is measured by a heart that has found its satisfaction in Christ.

Gideon Pingkihan is a youth pastor and a writer based in Diffun, Quirino, Philippines. With a heart for biblical discipleship and the next generation, he writes to encourage believers to stand firm in God’s truth and live lives that faithfully reflect Christ. He has a passion for preaching God’s Word, music ministry, and equipping believers to grow in their faith and live for Christ.

EGMTIMES.COM

LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST

EGMINSPIRATIONS.COM WE UPDATE NEW PODCAST ON - MONDAY WEDNESDAY | FRIDAY AT 5 AM EST At EGM Inspirations Podcast, our heart is to encourage God’s people to pursue the Christian life with passion, anchored deeply in the truth of His Word. Each episode serves as an invitation to walk in the fullness of life found in Jesus Christ. It is our earnest prayer that each podcast moves you beyond mere belief transforming you from a follower into a true disciple of Jesus Christ.

LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS.

Contentment in a Culture of More: Learning the Secret of Contentment

-Effie Ochago

f there ever was a time when people desired more, it is now. More possessions, more money, more success, more recognition, more entertainment, more experience, more of everything. Every single day, through a deluge of advertisements, entertainment, and social messages, we are constantly reinforced to be unhappy with our current circumstances. We’re told that genuine fulfillment will come from the next bigger house, the newer car model, or the more exotic vacation. This cultural push toward more creates in us a restless, dissatisfied heart. Paul the apostle, who had lived in both deprivation and abundance, said it in different terms: “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians 4:11). He understood that genuine contentment does not stem from the size of one’s bank account or the extravagance of one’s circumstances, but rather from knowing Christ.

EGMTIMES.COM

“No matter Complete dependence on Christ is the greatest antidote to materialism. our attention is diverted from Jesus to acquisitions, positions, and what you When other people’s lives, discontent naturally sets in. have or what This dissatisfaction causes us to compare our circumstances with those of which only leads to dissatisfaction: “Until God is enough, nothing you don’t, others, else will ever be,” as some well-intentioned writers claim. And perhaps your hope, that’s not so far off the mark. we expect money, love, or success to satisfy the deepest parts of ourconfidence, When selves, we will get disappointed because they simply cannot, for only Jesus do that. Having said that, God does not ignore our material needs. and peace can Jesus Himself taught: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV). remain fixed So while it’s foolish to set our affections on material possessions and “seek more,” it is not presumptuous to ask God to provide our material needs as on the we diligently seek first His kingdom. faithfulness Here are five real-life indicators that will show you the state of the heart that is learning to find contentment in Jesus Christ: of God.” 1. You give thanks for what you already have from God. Content peo-

ple naturally offer thanks to God habitually. They may have difficult days, but their default posture is to trust God’s goodness rather than be ruled by circumstances. When we show gratitude, we’re less interested in what’s missing in our lives than in how God has faithfully supplied. Rather than looking at our lives based on what we’re lacking, we consider the faithful provision that’s already been gifted to us by God, and we’re thankful for His faithfulness. Gratitude has the power to change our perspectives. 2. You can share and celebrate other people’s blessings without being tempted by jealousy. Because you are not living the ‘compare and despair’ lifestyle, it is natural for you to share and rejoice in other people’s successes. If someone receives a promotion, gets married, purchases a home or lands an amazing deal – your heart is quick to rejoice without ever feeling that sense of ‘why not me.’ Contented believers understand God’s plan for their own unique lives and have confidence in God’s timing and plan for the lives of their loved ones.

EGMTIMES.COM

3. Your peace is not dependent on your current financial state. No matter what you have or what you don’t, your hope, confidence, and peace remain fixed on the faithfulness of God. This does not mean you become irresponsible; it simply means that the ups and downs of your bank account will not cause you to waver because you recognize God as your provider. 4. You possess an open hand toward material possessions, not a tight fist. Those with a content heart do not try to cling to the things of this world. They hold possessions with an open hand, being quick to share what they have and quick to give towards the purposes of God. This can be one of the truest signs that the power of money is losing its grip over your heart. 5. You prioritize God’s Kingdom over earthly success. The satisfaction that we find in Christ will cause us to reorder our lives with a whole new set of priorities. The drive to become rich or successful will pale in comparison to the call of Christ. Your ultimate goal will not be wealth or prestige, but to know Christ more closely. The amazing part is that when you set your gaze upon His Kingdom and seek Him first, God will faithfully provide all the other needs. These markers are not meant to establish a standard of perfection, but to encourage growing toward satisfaction in Jesus Christ. If it still seems far off, don’t be discouraged. The Holy Spirit is at work in you even now. Contentment doesn’t come instantly but through learning to trust Jesus in aspects of our lives. Let God’s word refresh your mind each day, and all eventually you will find rest. When we focus on His face, contentment will come naturally.

Effie is a writer and editor based in Nairobi, Kenya, with a deep passion for the word of God. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Language and Communication and currently serves as the Content Editor for EGM Times. Dedicated to sharing biblical truth and inspiring others in their faith journey, she uses her writing to uplift and encourage.

EGMTIMES.COM

BUT THOSE WHO DESIRE TO BE RICH FALL INTO TEMPTATION, INTO A SNARE, INTO MANY SENSELESS AND HARMFUL DESIRES THAT PLUNGE PEOPLE INTO RUIN AND DESTRUCTION -1 TIMOTHY 6:9-10 (ESV)

EGMTIMES.COM

BECOMING

The Restorative Love of God -Daya Raja

he story of the Bible is, at its heart, a story of restoration. From Genesis to Revelation, we encounter a God who relentlessly pursues His people. His love is not passive or distant. It reaches into our brokenness and gently leads us toward wholeness. Many people believe He is waiting for us to become better, pray more, or overcome our failures before He welcomes us. Yet Scripture tells us something profoundly different. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

EGMTIMES.COM

The restorative love of God is deeply personal. Throughout Scripture, God calls people by name and meets them in their unique circumstances. He met Hagar in the wilderness and Peter after his denial. In the same way, He meets each of us in our own journey. Unlike the resources of this world, God’s love is not limited. There is no shortage of grace, mercy, or compassion. We never have to compete for His attention or affection. As Paul writes, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39, NIV).

God’s restoration about leading us into the new life He has prepared for us. He sees beyond our mistakes and failures and knows exactly how to redeem them. The prophet Joel declares God’s promise: “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten” (Joel 2:25, ESV).

What feels lost is never beyond God’s ability to restore. God’s love does not simply cover our past, it creates a new future. He walks with us, shapes us, and faithfully leads us into the life He designed for us. No matter how far you feel you have wandered, God’s love has not diminished. He knows your story, your pain, your questions, and your failures. He also knows the path that leads to healing and flourishing. His love restores our identity, and reminds us Nothing can exhaust God’s love, and nothing that we are never beyond His grace. can separate us from it when we belong to Christ. As Jeremiah proclaimed to God’s people, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have God is not waiting for us to fulfil a checklist drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah before He begins restoring us. Instead, He 31:3, NIV). invites us to come as we are. Jesus Himself says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and God’s love is everlasting. It is not earned, meaburdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew sured, or exhausted. It is a love that pursues, 11:28, NIV). Notice that Jesus does not say, heals, restores, and makes all things new. come after you’ve fixed yourself. He simply When we receive that love, we discover that says, Come. His love welcomes us before it restoration is not merely about recovering transforms us. what was lost, it is about becoming who God has always created us to be. As we experience His love, His kindness begins to soften our hearts and draw us back to Him. Scripture reminds us that “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4, NIV). Repentance is not driven by fear of punishment but by the realization that we are deeply loved. It is turning away from the things that keep us from God and Daya thinks it’s absolutely cool to be known by Jesus. She deeply appreciates nature, art and turning toward the One who has always been silence. Her dream is to fall in love with Jesus reaching for us. and humanity every day. Daya can be reached at dayaraja95@gmail.com.

EGMTIMES.COM

HARD TRUTH

Building

Godly Homes -EGM Times Team

odly homes are not an option but a necessity in this world, especially in this modern world. Christianity has impacted and transformed this world in incredible ways over the past decades and centuries, and it all started in homes. Parents felt the weight and responsibility to create a godly home so that their children could grow up with godly values and character.

The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 3:13, (NKJV) “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” Jesus did not die merely so we could escape judgment. He died so that sin would no longer rule our lives, including our homes. Building a godly home is not optional. It is a calling. Strong churches are built on strong families; strong families are built on godly homes; and godly homes are built by men and women who choose, every single day, to put Christ first. 35

EGMTIMES.COM

As parents, we have come to realize the tremendous responsibility entrusted to us—to mentor our children in godly values and help them become genuine disciples of Jesus Christ who reflect Him wherever they go, no matter how old they become. Every child is a gift from God, and as parents, we are privileged to receive that precious gift. We are custodians of the children God has entrusted to our care, and it is crucial that we faithfully steward this responsibility in Christ. The Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6, ESV). If you are a parent, let this word sink into your heart. Ages one to five are the best time for a child to receive training and mentorship, and parents must play a significant role in the child’s life. Sow the seeds of God and good values during this time. Your sacrificial investment not only shapes your child’s future but also impacts generations to come.

Studies have long shown that parents have a greater impact on children than anyone else. More often than not, kids will just be like you or do as you do, rather than just do what you command them to do. This is why leading a life marked by godly character and the fruit of the Holy Spirit is a significant gift to your household. Scripture speaks directly to fathers: “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, NKJV). A father’s greatest responsibility is not simply to provide food, pay the bills, or build a successful career. Those things matter, but they are not enough. A father can provide everything his family wants and still fail to provide what they need most—a life that points them to Christ.

Mothers are equally called to leave a legacy of faith. Timothy’s sincere faith was first nurtured by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). They should have an environ- Their influence reminds us that ment that helps them know God faithful parenting is one of God’s and experience His presence at greatest ministries. such a young age. Teach them God’s Word and share stories Perhaps you grew up without from the Bible. Involve them in a godly example. Perhaps your household chores. As a father home was marked by anger, adand mother, and as a husband diction, abuse, neglect, or spirituand wife, be an example to your al indifference. Those experiencchildren, and they will live a god- es may explain your struggles, ly life because you created a godly but they do not have to determine home for them. your future. In Christ, a new legacy can begin.

The cycle of anger, addiction, unfaithfulness, and prayerlessness can stop with you. God has always changed generations through ordinary people who chose to obey Him. Joshua understood this when he declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15, NKJV). He did not wait for the nation to change. He began with his own home. Psalm 127:1,(NKJV) leaves us with a sobering reminder: “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” We can leave our children wealth, education, and property. But if we fail to leave them a genuine faith in Jesus Christ, we have failed in the greatest responsibility God has entrusted to us. The future of the Church is not decided only behind pulpits. It is decided around dinner tables, during family prayers, in ordinary conversations, and by parents who live what they preach. Every home leaves a legacy. By God’s grace, may ours be a legacy of faith—a home where Christ is known, loved, obeyed, and passed on to the next generation.

EGMTIMES.COM

A MOMENT TO REFLECT 1. Have I allowed the pursuit of money, possessions, or success to become more important than my relationship with Christ? 2. In what areas of my life am I struggling to be content with what God has already provided? 3. How have social media, comparison, or consumer culture influenced my desires, priorities, and view of God’s blessings? 4. What practical step can I take this week to demonstrate that my greatest treasure is Christ rather than material possessions?

THE TURNING POINT

Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something we earn. We are saved by trusting in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again to give us new life (Ephesians 2:8–9). To respond to Jesus is to repent and believe, to turn away from sin and place our faith in Him. True faith includes confessing Jesus as both Savior and Lord, surrendering our lives to His authority (Romans 10:9). Salvation is the beginning of a transformed life, where God forgives, renews, and gradually shapes us through the Holy Spirit as we learn to follow Christ daily. A Prayer of Repentance and Faith Lord Jesus Christ, I confess that I am a sinner and that I need Your mercy. I turn away from my sins and place my trust in You alone. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again. I receive You as my Savior and submit to You as my Lord. Change my heart, lead my life, and help me follow You. Amen. If you prayed this prayer, tell someone you trust, find a Bible-believing church, and begin walking with others who will help you grow in faith.

WRITE TO US