July 17, 2014
Paul quoted David’s psalm (Psa. 32:1-2) to support his explanation about how being made right with God is not by works, but by faith alone. When we place our faith in Christ and receive forgiveness and salvation, His blood not only covers our sin, it washes it away. Our “record” is “cleared.” The Lord did not clear them by merely erasing them. This would not satisfy His justice. No. He cleared our record by charging our sin to Jesus’ record, so that God’s wrath and justice was poured out on Christ. There is now no condemnation left for us who believe (Rom. 8:1). What joy! Our record is cleared of sin!
July 16, 2014
We are not able to keep the law of God. It is holy and perfect. We are not. Yet, God made a way for us through Jesus, who fulfilled the law and paid sin’s penalty in our place. When we “place our faith” in Christ, God counts us as righteous. A great exchange has taken place. Jesus took our sin, our death and our separation from God. So that we might receive His righteousness, His eternal life and His Sonship. Jesus paid it all, so that we might be “made right with God” by simply “placing our faith” in Him.
July 13, 2014
The beauty and order of creation points to the unseen Creator, yet sin has lowered humanity’s vision to the visible creature. With an innate need to worship, they praise nature instead of nature’s God. This fallen focus puts a lie at the center of their thinking, so that their thinking devolves into foolishness and futility. This falsehood cannot be exposed without spiritual power. Mere words and human persuasion will not suffice. Sin has blinded their eyes and their minds are darkened. Only the power of God and the preaching of the gospel can shine the light of truth and reveal their need to repent and be saved.
July 12, 2014
Today is my 56th birthday and this verse is more dear to me than ever. I have always loved it, but as I get older my love of the gospel “Good News” grows while my other cares decrease. When I was younger I had many cares. I sometimes struggled with being a people-pleaser. I wanted people to like me, to approve. I wanted to come across as being intelligent and witty. But I learned that people weren’t persuaded by intellectual arguments or cool cultural allusions. They needed the gospel. Only the gospel has the power to persuade and save. It is the power of God at work in me and in all who believe. I am thankful to God that He has given me another year of life to preach the Good News. I am not ashamed.
August 1, 2012
The apostle Paul described his church-planting strategy: Go where no one has yet heard. This strategy informs our approach at WCC. We want to be a church that grows by preaching the gospel in a clear and relevant way to a generation that is far from God. Do you know someone who has “never heard of Him?” Invite them to join you at WCC this Sunday!
July 29, 2012
Look for someone “ordinary” to sit next to at church today. And if you notice that several are looking to sit next to you, perhaps they read today’s quote too.
July 26, 2012
This salvation has immediate, ongoing, and future implication. You are saved from sin’s penalty (Justification). You are being saved from sin’s power (Sanctification). You will be saved from sin’s presence (Glorification). Salvation in Christ is whole and complete. He saves to the uttermost. Have you yet trusted Jesus as the Resurrected Lord and Savior of your life?
July 24, 2012
There are days when we don’t know what to pray. Perhaps we feel overwhelmed or spiritually dry. Some days we are really wanting God’s best, but we lack the clarity to know how to pray for it. Whatever our state, as believers we have the Spirit as our Counselor and Friend. He knows what to pray. Say, “Spirit of God, please pray for me.” Then, listen to hear what He says.
July 20, 2012
Stop trying to break a sin-habit and focus on giving that part of your life to God. Draw on the spiritual life of Christ that abides within believers. The Christian is not focused on no longer sinning, but living righteously for God.
July 18, 2012
Abraham’s faith was characterized by full conviction. He knew and believed what God had promised him. For us to have such faith, we must first know God’s promises and then, we can decide to be fully convinced that God will keep them. What promises of God are you believing today?