Paul’s message of reconciliation in 2 Cor. 5:18-21 contains at least three other elements that accompany reconciliation. These are elements of God’s peace process with us that was started in the Gospel. 1. Adoption [“reconciled the world to himself”] In adoption, God claims us! He … Read More
A Picture of Reconciliation
Reconciliation is illustrated well by the story of Ruth Youngsman, who, at a Prison Fellowship banquet in Seattle, said these words: “The man I ate dinner with tonight killed my brother.” The words, spoken by the stylish west-coast woman, were how she introduced her incredible … Read More
How the Gospel Works Through Us
For a few posts I have been addressing this question: “What does this Gospel do in us and for us?” But I’d like to ask another now, specifically, “How does the Gospel work through us?” Quite frankly, these are questions we ask simultaneously throughout our spiritual journey; … Read More
Bold Belief
Acts 16 paints several pictures of bold belief that can serve as patterns for those committed to living a Gospel-centered life. After all, that’s one of the things the Gospel does in us and for us – it encourages us to believe God boldly. Keep … Read More
Idolatry 101
Some additional yet basic insight about idols . . .• Something isn’t an idol because of what it is, but rather because of why we choose it and how we use it. (Rom 14) • We generally don’t know what our idols are until we evaluate … Read More
Unbelief and Idolatry
All unbelief is idolatry. Frankly, when we refuse to believe God, we are saying we believe/have faith in something other than God. Indeed, that is idolatry! In no uncertain terms we are replacing him with our own functional savior, someone or something we think can “take … Read More
The Bird Saga and Sanctification
I had mentioned that I would try and follow the nest saga outside our back patio…so far so good with the bird story! Of course, so many things rush to the forefront of my cranium when I view a pic like this. But when I compare this pic … Read More
The Gospel’s Effects: An Example
The body of believers among whom I pastor are currently enjoying a series entitled “The Gospel-Centered Life,” and we are using the study guide of the same title (by World Harvest Mission) as a companion tool for our small groups. The numerous effects of the … Read More
The Gospel is the Cause, Our Effort is the Response
I’ve had some requests for more info from my message on Sunday, May 9 (since we didn’t have the usual study guide available), so here are some excerpts from my notes (in multiple posts) with the humble prayer that this will be of help to … Read More
The Greatest Thing About the Gospel
Here’s a good reminder that, though the Gospel does many things in us and for us, it’s greatest gift is in who it brings us to!