Tony Collins Ministries

09/07/2026

When God Transforms Us
From The Inside Out

By Pastor Gail Collins

““I will give them an undivided heart and will put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws.” — Ezekiel 11:19–20

What the Bible says about the heart involves far more than our emotions. The heart stands for the core of our being—comprising our intellect, emotions, desires, beliefs, and will. In the heart, we think, feel, believe, make decisions, and ultimately decide how we are going to live.

That is why God's promise of a new heart is so important. Christianity involves more than a behavior change, because God wants to transform us completely from the inside.

Look at the order in which God promises in Ezekiel. He states that He will take away the people's stone hearts and give them flesh hearts. Only then will they carry out His decrees. A changed life results from a changed heart. Obedience is not merely something that is imposed on us from the outside. It is the response of a heart which God has transformed.

Jeremiah 24:7 reinforces this truth: “I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD.”

The main aim of the new heart is to know and experience God. God does not merely want us to have information about Him, but to know Him personally and intimately. His Word must affect our thinking, touch our emotions, shape our desires, and, in the end, control our decisions.

It is completely possible to realize that something is true without that truth altering us.

It is possible to know that God supplies and yet keep worrying. It is possible to know that God orders us to forgive and yet still hold on to bitterness. It is possible to know that God calls us to holiness and yet continue making excuses for compromise. It is possible to know that Jesus commanded us to make disciples and yet never intentionally disciple anyone.

The issue isn't always that we lack knowledge of the truth. At times the truth gets into our head even though it doesn't fully reach our heart.

Jesus said, “You will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32), because for the truth to bring freedom, it must affect the whole person.

The intellect comes to know the truth; this truth then starts to alter our emotions and our feelings. This will change what we love, what we desire, what we fear, and what we consider valuable. In the end, the truth affects our will, changing the decisions we make and the way we live.

Truth has to go from the head to the heart and then from the heart to life. Biblical truth was not intended to inform us; it was meant to transform us.

That is also why worship is so important; authentic worship is an act of surrender. When we worship, we intentionally shift our focus from ourselves to God, and we make our hearts remember that He is good, faithful, holy, sovereign, and worthy. Worship brings our thoughts, feelings, and desires into line with the truth about God. The greater our awareness of His greatness, the easier it becomes to give in to His will.

Jesus summarized the matter perfectly: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” — Matthew 22:37
God does not desire merely the religious aspect of our lives; He desires our heart to be entirely devoted.

A heart that has been replaced thinks differently, desires differently, responds differently, worships differently, and thus lives differently. God doesn't want merely better behavior. He wants our hearts.
Once God alters the heart, then the heart in turn changes a person's life.

HOWICP

08/31/2026

The Battle is Real!

Another historic Christian church has been destroyed by fire, adding to a disturbing string of blazes that have devastated places of worship across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

08/31/2026

Train Up A Child

By Bishop A. Collins

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6

A major challenge now confronting the Church and Christian parents is giving their children a faith that is strong enough to endure the storms of life. We have seen a large number of young people grow up in the church only to leave the regular gathering of believers when they became adults. Although they had learned the songs, attended the services, heard the sermons and acquired the language of Christianity, their faith had never really become their own.

There is a great many reasons why this occurs.
There were those who grew up in homes in which they heard talk of God but saw little of the transforming power of God. Some went to church but were never personally faced with the reality of the God of the Bible. A few were taught what Christians believe but were never given a proper explanation for why we believe it.

Then came adulthood.

The questions grew more difficult. The temptations grew in strength. The various worldviews they encountered began to challenge what they had been taught. They experienced disappointment. Their prayers were not always answered in the way they had expected. And when the storms of life started to hit their faith, a number of people found that their spiritual foundation was not strong enough to endure.

That is the reason why Proverbs 22:6 is still so important: "Train up a child in the way that he should go..."

It is not enough just to take our children to church; we need to make a deliberate effort to teach them the basic beliefs of Christianity and assist them in understanding the reasons for these beliefs as they are represented in the Bible. Our children should not rely merely on the convictions they inherit from us; they need convictions that they have personally developed.

Every Christian ought in the end to have the capacity to defend their faith, not only to others but also to themselves in the private courtroom of their own mind.

Investing in Spiritual Excellence

With that objective in view, Houses of Worship International Christian Partnership (HOWICP) is launching the Caleb Spiritual Excellence Scholarships.

These scholarships are intended to encourage, support, motivate, and inspire young people to lead lives marked by spiritual excellence, just as Caleb did. God described him as having "a different spirit" and as one who fully followed Him (Numbers 14:24).

Our aim goes beyond just rewarding academic achievement; we want to encourage young Christians to become acquainted with the basic teachings of their faith, to understand the reasons why they hold those teachings, and to develop convictions that can remain firm in a world which is becoming more difficult.

HOWICP will give ten scholarships of $500 to eligible high school seniors who are between 17 and 19 years of age, with the funds intended to further their Christian education.

Applications will be accepted from September 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027.

One of the best things we can do for the next generation is to assist young people in becoming disciples of Jesus Christ and to make sure that they know what they believe, why they believe it, and how to put their beliefs into practice.

We can't make certain that our children will never have to encounter a storm. But we can assist them in building a foundation that will be strong enough to endure when the storms arrive.

To learn more about the Caleb Spiritual Excellence Scholarships or to apply, visit:
Caleb Spiritual Excellence Scholarships — HOWICP

Or go to HOWICP.org, look under the “Services" header, and click on “Caleb Spiritual Excellence Scholarships” - or click on the “Learn More” button below.

08/23/2026

Houses of Worship International Christian Partnership (HOWICP) is launching the Caleb Spiritual Excellence Scholarships, and the applications will be accepted from September 1, 2026 to
January 31, 2027.

These scholarships are intended to encourage, support, motivate, and inspire young people to lead lives marked by spiritual excellence, just as Caleb was, since God had described him as having "a different spirit" and as one who fully followed Him (Numbers 14:24).

Our aim goes beyond just rewarding academic achievement; we want to encourage young Christians to become acquainted with the basic teachings of their faith, to understand the reasons why they hold those teachings, and to develop convictions that can remain firm in a world which is becoming more difficult.

HOWICP will give ten scholarships of $500 to eligible high school seniors who are between 17 and 19 years of age, with the funds intended to further Christian education.

One of the best things we can do for the next generation is to assist young people in becoming disciples of Jesus Christ and to make sure that they know what they believe, why they believe it, and how to put their beliefs into practice.

While we can't make it certain that our children will never encounter a storm. We can assist them in building a foundation that will be strong enough to endure when the storms arrive.

To learn more about the Caleb Spiritual Excellence Scholarships or to apply, visit:

https://www.howicp.org/caleb-spiritual-excellence-scholarships/

08/11/2026

Have You Become Distracted?

By Bishop A. Collins

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” - Matthew 6:33

There is a spirit rising within much of the Church today. It is a spirit of distraction. It is a seductive spirit that slowly pulls believers away from wholehearted devotion to Jesus Christ without them even realizing it.

It whispers two subtle but destructive lies:

1. “As long as I attend church on most Sundays, I can pretty much live the rest of my life however I choose.”

2. “As long as I am being blessed financially or things are going well, then God must be pleased with me.”

These lies create a counterfeit Christianity that seeks the benefits of God while neglecting the presence of God.

This spirit attempts to replace the true worship of Jesus Christ with loyalty to a Jesus shaped by human imagination rather than the Jesus revealed in Scriptures. Its ultimate goal is to dethrone the God of the Bible and enthrone self. Self becomes the authority. Personal preferences replace biblical convictions. Feelings become more important than truth.

This spirit resists correction because it prefers validation. It rationalizes sin instead of repenting of it. It refuses accountability, because accountability threatens self-rule. No one is permitted to question its motives or confront its behavior with the Word of God. The result is tragic.

These people desire the promises of God, but have little desire for the presence of God. They want His blessings, but not His lordship. They want His provision, but not His transformation. There is little hunger for Scripture, little passion for prayer, little delight in worship, little joy in praise, and little commitment to pursuing Christ. Religion remains, but relationship fades.

When believers live outside the presence of Christ, the fruit becomes evident. Gratitude is replaced by complaining. Joy gives way to discouragement. Spiritual passion is exchanged for routine. They continue to practice religion while slowly drifting from intimacy with God. The saddest part is that many cannot even see it.

Drifting is rarely sudden. It happens gradually - one neglected prayer, one missed opportunity to seek God, one compromised conviction at a time. Eventually, people become comfortable with spiritual misalignment. Scripture describes this condition as “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” Outwardly they appear religious, yet inwardly their hearts have wandered far from Christ.

The question is not whether we attend church. The question is whether we are seeking first the Kingdom of God. Perhaps it is time for an honest spiritual inventory.

How many minutes each day do you spend reading or listening to God's Word - not a devotional, but Scripture itself?

How much time do you spend in genuine prayer? Is your prayer life driven primarily by ritual or crisis, or by a desire for communion with God?

How intentionally are you teaching your children the Word of God?

How often does your family talk about Jesus, His Kingdom, and His purposes?

How regularly do you serve Christ by serving His Church?

Who is intentionally discipling you?

Who are you intentionally discipling?

Do the people you work with know that you belong to Jesus Christ?

When was the last time you were overwhelmed by the goodness of God and brought to tears in His presence?

When was the last time you humbled yourself on your knees before Him?

Are you cultivating intimacy with Christ, or are you merely maintaining religious habits?

These questions are not intended to produce guilt. They are intended to produce clarity.

Perhaps it is time to wake up. Perhaps you have become distracted. Perhaps you have been pursuing the gifts instead of the Giver, the blessings instead of the Blesser, the benefits of Christianity instead of Christ Himself.

Jesus never called us merely to attend church. He called us to follow Him. God desires all of us. He is not interested in occasional devotion or partial surrender. He desires hearts that seek Him first, lives that are continually being transformed into the image of His Son, and disciples who daily become more like Christ.

Jesus became the perfect offering for us so that we might joyfully become living offerings for Him. So, ask yourself one final question, not to condemn yourself, but to examine your heart before God:

Have I become distracted?

HOWICP

08/11/2026

Ten Biblical Responsibilities
of a Godly Man

By Bishop A. Collins

“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the Savior of the body.” - Ephesians 5:23

Scripture teaches that men have been entrusted with a tremendous responsibility. According to God's design, a husband is called to lead his family in the same spirit that Christ leads His Church - with love, sacrifice, humility, and service.

Other than our responsibility to obey Jesus Christ, there is no greater earthly assignment than faithfully leading our families. The family is the foundation of society, and when families are strong, communities are strengthened. Conversely, much of the moral decline we see in our culture can be traced directly to the absence of Godly fathers within the home.

If we desire to honor God, influence our families, and leave a lasting impact upon the world, we must take our biblical responsibilities seriously. Godly leadership is not accidental, it must be intentional.

Here are ten responsibilities every Christian man should embrace, as taught by Pastor John Galloway, Calvary Christian Center - Palm Coast, FL.

1. Love God Above All Things
Make Jesus Christ the center of your life. A man cannot effectively lead others where he is unwilling to go himself. Every other responsibility begins with a wholehearted devotion to God.

2. Rule Yourself Well
Before a man can lead a family, he must learn to discipline himself. We must learn to exercise self-control over our tongues, emotions, attitudes, and actions. Our character is revealed when no one is watching.

3. Lead Your Family in the Things of God
Take responsibility for the spiritual atmosphere of your home. Lead in prayer, worship, and obedience. Set the example by pursuing Christ consistently and sincerely.

4. Love and Sacrifice for Your Family
Jesus demonstrated leadership through service and sacrifice. A Godly man puts the needs of his family ahead of his own comfort and convenience. Let your wife and children know they can depend on your presence, support, and protection.

5. Praise and Discipline Your Children
Children need both encouragement and correction. Celebrate their victories, affirm their value, and lovingly guide them when they stray. Raise them according to God's principles so they are prepared for life and eternity.

6. Provide Through Faithful Work
Work is a gift from God and a means of serving others. A Godly man develops a strong work ethic and pursues excellence in whatever God has entrusted to him.

7. Protect and Steward What God Has Given You
Everything belongs to God. Our family, health, finances, relationships, talents, and time are all gifts entrusted to our care. Steward them wisely and faithfully. Invest in the things of God.

8. Serve the Body of Christ
Model the importance of serving Jesus beyond the walls of your home. Be actively involved in the local church and demonstrate to your family that Christ's Kingdom deserves our time, effort, and commitment.

9. Participate in the Great Commission
Tell others about Jesus. Invest in discipleship. Grow spiritually and help others grow as well. Every Christian man is called to advance the Kingdom of God and make disciples.

10. Leave a Godly Legacy
Think beyond today. The greatest legacy is not what you leave for your family but, what you leave in your family. Build a legacy that is spiritual, emotional, financial, and relational. Leave a legacy that points future generations toward Christ.

Conclusion
The world desperately needs men who will take their God-given responsibilities seriously. Men who love God, lead their families, serve others, and faithfully fulfill their divine assignment and become instruments of transformation in their homes, churches, communities, and nations.

Take an honest inventory of your life. Identify areas where growth is needed and commit yourself to pursuing God's design for biblical manhood. When men become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, families are strengthened, churches are empowered, communities are impacted, and generations are changed.

Remember: When men change for Jesus, hell trembles.

HOWICP

07/31/2026

Every building with a cross on the top or the word church in its name is NOT a House of Jesus Christ! Be careful where you call your church home.

The Apostle Peter issued one of the New Testament's strongest warnings, not about persecution from pagan governments or attacks from an unbelieving culture, but about deception arising from within the Church itself. Peter understood that the greatest danger to Christianity would often come from lead...

07/30/2026

"He makes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust." - Matthew 5:45
HOWICP