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Understanding the Heart of the Gospel

  Understanding the Heart of the Gospel   To walk in a manner worthy of the gospel, we must know the heart of Christ. Christian living is not formulaic. It can’t be learned by rote, rule, or religion. It is not a series of questions and steps as if we were a service person responding to calls in a call center. What do we do in a given situation? “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.“ (Philippians‬ ‭1:27‬ ‭NIV‬‬) You have likely heard the famous Christian acronym, WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) But we may more precisely ask, what is the heart of Christ? What does His heart communicate? For what Jesus  did  came from His  heart  as He communicated the heart of the Father.  His heart goes out to the downtrodden and unworthy. His heart is the heart of a servant. He washes the grime, the dirt, the disgusting; the well-trodden feet of those who have walked through the difficult situations of life. His heart is lowly and gentle, humble and kind. He cam
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Knowledge without heart is a dangerous tool that can inflict blunt force trauma and with its usage leave behind offense, injury, and alienation. Paul writes in Colossians 2, My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know ( ἐπίγνωσις - epignosis )   the mystery of God, namely, Christ,   in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge ( γνῶσις - gnosis ). Paul is referring to two types of knowledge here. The latter (gnosis) is the same word for knowledge he uses in 1 Corinthians 8 when he writes,  But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. (verse 1) This type of knowledge is experiential,  acquired, applied. I know what it takes to keep my marriage strong - communication, treating my wife kindly, listening to her. I "gnosis" what to do in order to maintain a good relationship with my wife. But the first type of knowledge Paul is refe
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Shoveling Snow with Oven Mitts

Shoveling Snow with Oven Mitts so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) The scriptures are full of promises and there is no shortage of mugs, plaques, pens, and now, masks, that have been inscribed with these very precious promises. I have many in my home study, given on those special occasions like Father's day and my birthday (March 31st in case you might need to know). Great reminders. Sparks of encouragement. Behind every scripture, every promise of God, there is purpose and meaning. The scriptures were inspired by the Spirit and graciously given by God to both admonish and to encourage. Therefore it is important to us to understand the context of the scriptures we hold on to and rightly handle this Sword of Truth as we battle through life.  I can put on a pair of oven mitts, grab a shovel, and start shoveling snow. Will my hands be pr
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Forever Grateful But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) There's an old expression that I've heard used when one wants to express gratitude, "I'm forever in debt to you." These words came out of my mouth this morning as I was thinking about what Jesus did for me, personally. When I couldn't have cared less about God and His plans and His glory and His will, when I was consumed with my life, my desires, and my understanding, He broke through and rescued me from the pit of a self-centered life being lived on the path of eventual destruction. He saved me. "Lord, I'm forever in Your debt for all You have done for me!" But here's the good news, the truth of the matter: we are forever out of debt because of all He has done for us. Yes, instead, gladly, I am, we are as believers, forever grateful for all that He has done for us. And He continues in His mercy and grace to
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The Struggle For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face - Colossians 2:1 There comes a feeling that is hard to explain in knowing that someone is fighting for you; to know that someone has your best interests in mind. "I've got your back." "I'm with you." "You're not alone." Words like these have the power to bring comfort, relief, assurance, and strength to go on. The struggle that Paul is referring to in this letter to the church at Colossae existed on two fronts. Lies, distractions, bad doctrine and faulty teaching was seeping into the church. It's not surprising considering that the church as shown herself to be influenced by the world that the Lord has placed us in to shine as light. We are sheep. We need guidance. And Paul struggled for the meandering church at Colossae as a loving older brother. He had likely never met the members of this chur
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Faithful Not Successful Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. - Colossians 3:23,24 Mother Theresa is quoted as saying, "God does not require that we be successful, only that we be faithful." She spoke of the value of faithfulness over success. And so did Jesus. It is both humbling and freeing to know that those of us who have not found ourselves high on the ladder of success are highly valued in our low positions and rewarded for our faithful service. The daily grind is service to the Lord when done with all of our heart.  Do you mean to tell me that designing a business system at my place of employment will bring eternal reward for me? Are you saying as I care for my family and run my household well that God is filling my eternal home with good things? Can it be that as I study faithfully and
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I have good news for you ... You're not perfect. Isn't that a relief? Think about it, as a child of God, a believer in Jesus, you aim for righteous behavior (alignment with God's purpose for your life) and when you fall short, you don't rejoice or fluff it off; you care. But we still tend towards falling short. And realizing that we are "but dust" is a good thing. Why? Because God knows it as well because He know us; and yet, He still loves us, He still forgives. Some have made the mistake of placating their guilt by attempting to convince themselves that they are OK within themselves; that value relinquishes the need for payment, for redemption. But it does not. We are all on a level playing field in the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. No matter the quantity of good works, no matter the quantity of bad works, all of us are in need of a Savior. So put aside the rose-colored glasses and take a clear, honest look at yourself. You are not perfect.  But
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