View the story “The Cross & Dying to Sin or What Grace Is All About” on Storify] Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin’s every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it…
Today is Martin Luther’s birthday, the day after mine. That’s why I’ve always felt a deep kinship with him. I love the passionate way Martin Luther talks about God’s grace. Luther’s most famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” is such a good example of his unwavering faith in Christ Jesus. The hymn is a paraphrase of Psalm 46. The hymn is widely and ecumenically used which brings me much joy. A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark…
Life is a journey. With the words of Billy Graham “My home is in Heaven. I’m just traveling through this world”. This life is not everything there is. God is waiting for us to get home. Life is a gift. It’s fragile and it’s precious, and it’s over before we know it. We need to be mindful how we use our time here on earth. But if God is the center of our lives, then everything gets meaning. Then even…
One of the most quoted Bible verses is Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God!” Too often we just think of it as an invitation to silence. But it is an invitation for a whole new way of thinking. It is an invitation for a peace-filled way of life! Let’s explore! The Message Bible paraphrases Psalm 46:10 this way: “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above…
Does faith and luck have anything to do with each other? Not if we think that luck has nothing to do with God. But if we see God as a giver of luck or blessings, then faith and luck are closely related. Even the beatitudes could be translated “Lucky are those”. The Greek work used here is ‘makarios’ and it means “the ones to be congratulated” or “the ones who are fortunate”. Jesus starts his sermon on the Mount with…
I call to God; God will help me. At dusk, dawn, and noon I sigh deep sighs—he hears, he rescues. (Psalm 55:16-17, MSG) When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don’t pray, they don’t. ~William Temple ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ Dear friends in Christ, let’s pray in Jesus name! ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ The Knots Prayer Dear God, please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart and my life. Remove…
Do you believe that God loves you for real? Have you let that sink in your heart? Or is it only a nice, intellectual concept for you? God’s monumental love for us is a fundamental fact of Christian faith. If you don’t yet fully embrace it ask God to enable you to believe it. When you really grasp this lovely fact it opens you up to be fully human and fully alive. Because your value comes from God: you are…
Do you enjoy rooting for the underdog? I do. Whether in sports or fairy tales like Cinderella I’ve always enjoyed cheering the least likely to win. The world is a harsh place and it does my soul good to see that people do overcome adversities. There are a lot of stories of underdogs in the Bible. Today I want to look into how David got anointed to be king. He was the least likely candidate, just like Cinderella. Pay also…
Salvation is readily available for everyone. We don’t need to wait until heaven to experience the presence of God. We are all called to a God-filled life right here, right now. How do we do that? By repenting and asking God into our hearts. By getting back on the altar. Day after day.God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how…
God has a master plan for the world. The whole history of mankind is about unfolding God’s story. God uses strategy of grace to advance his master plan. God wants to touch everyone with his redeeming love. It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith,…
