We need the gospel to inform and correct our definition of who we are and what our struggles are really about. What the gospel teaches us is that our struggle is deeper than the problems of our past, the difficulties of my present relationships, and the situation I face daily. Peter writes that the corruption in the world is caused by evil desires of the heart, and it is at the heart level that true change needs to take place. Many people have little sense of the presence and power of indwelling sin. They have little sense of the thoughts, desires, and choices of the heart at the root of their personal difficulties. As a result, the world tells them to blame people and situations, and this leaves them blind to the heart struggle that they bring to every situation of life. The gospel presents the war within described in Romans 7 and James 4 as the primary target of God’s redemptive concern (2 Peter 1:3-4). The gospel focuses on the person who has the right and desire to change, and the transformation that takes place when we embrace the truth of the gospel, which can transform our lives. Paul … READ MORE

One of he key things that a believe brings to his community is the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul writes in Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, …” People by their very nature re interpreters, always seeking to make sense of life. Thos around us are confused because they are unable to understand WHAT is happening, WHY it is happening, and WHAT TO DO as a result. The big problem in our community is that most people do not know that they are confused. They think that their interpretations are insightful and their actions are logical. They do not see themselves and their situations with clarity. They only things that can correct this spiritual blindness is clear presentation of the gospel. When the Bible was removed from the educational system, we threw out all the foundational principles for absolutes, and understanding. Society today is building on a foundation that is riddled with theories, and conjecture. Only the Word of God can provide an answer to the crazy world that we live in, and it is the gospel that … READ MORE

Over the years it has been my privilege to have friends. What would the world be like without people who have invested their lives in me. As I consider those who have impacted my life, I must admit that there is an unspeakable comfort in knowing that God is constantly taking knowledge of me in love, and watching over me for my good. There is tremendous relief in knowing that His love to me is utterly realistic, and based at every point on prior knowledge of the worst about me, so that no discovery now can disillusion him about me, in the way that I am so often disillusioned about myself, and quench His determination to bless me. There is great cause for humility in the thought that He sees all the twisted things about me that my fellow-men do not see (to which I am grateful), and He sees more corruption in me than I see in myself, yet He still loves me and is committed to revealing Himself to me. God wants me as His friend, not because of what I can do for Him, but because of what He has to offer to me. This is true … READ MORE