Today is Friday. In two days from now Christians all over the world will gather together to worship God. They will do so in simple church buildings or fancy ones. They will gather in storefronts or movie theatres. They will gather in someone’s home or out in a field.No matter what their surroundings look like, … Continue reading Are we coming to worship entitled or thankful?
salvation
The slavery of sin
An angel told Joseph something significant about Jesus’ role: “[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). What does it mean for Jesus to save someone from their sins? Firstly, he saves us from the “consequence” … Continue reading The slavery of sin
Salvation before reputation
Let’s start with two words. Salvation and reputation. First, reputation. That’s what other people tend to think about your character, based on what you have said or done over time. You can develop a good reputation, or a bad one. Second, salvation. When people use that word they often mean “being saved” (from God’s wrath) … Continue reading Salvation before reputation
Jesus + ____________
Jay Strother is a pastor in Tennessee. He says that Jesus plus anything equals a false gospel. The word “gospel” means good news. It is the good news of what God has done for us in Christ. He has come to us personally and victoriously to renovate and renew all things; he has come to … Continue reading Jesus + ____________
Laughing in the Devil’s face
I recently came across a correspondence between the Reformer Martin Luther and a friend. in The Voice, Keith S. Lindley sets the scene like this: “In July of 1530, Martin Luther penned a letter to his dear friend, Jerome Weller. During a season of depression, Weller began to doubt the reality of his salvation, and … Continue reading Laughing in the Devil’s face
Surprise adoptions?
I recently saw a video of a boy named Carter.* It was Christmas morning and he was at the home of the Kipharts. Carter needed a family. The video shows them giving him a gift which included a letter. In it they told him that they were going to adopt him. The video is quite … Continue reading Surprise adoptions?
I will in no wise cast you out
According to Jesus, Satan is a liar. In fact, he calls him the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Here is a doozie he loves to tell God’s people. “You are not enough!” “Do you see yourself in the mirror? How in the world can you think that a backsliding sinner like you could ever be … Continue reading I will in no wise cast you out
All your sins listed on your back? Fear not.
In some jurisdictions they make convicts wear neon vests while out in the world doing community service. The neon vests are partly for safety, but they serve another purpose as well. Some say something like ‘Community Rehabilitation Program’ on the back. It’s to make the public aware that they are prisoners. I once heard of … Continue reading All your sins listed on your back? Fear not.
Salvation and sanctification
Salvation and sanctification are central to Christianity. But if we get them mixed up, it can mess with our thinking. Salvation is being made right with God, both in this life and the next. When you believe in Jesus and what he has done for you on the cross (dying in your place and paying … Continue reading Salvation and sanctification
What we want to be true vs. what actually is
Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Here in the modern west, a new set of cultural values are emerging, both positive and negative. Let me highlight two of the negative. If someone says you are being “exclusive” or … Continue reading What we want to be true vs. what actually is
