Last week, we examined Paul's testimony and saw the evidence for why Paul's gospel was legitimate. The second question we will explore today from this passage is: What did Paul's gospel produce in Paul? Are there things that happened to Paul that we could hope would happen to us?
Read moreArchival Post: Release Yourself From The Pressure To Be Expert (Psalm 131:1)
The psalmist stated his commitment. He would not concern himself with matters too great or too awesome to grasp. He knew he was not God, would never be God, and could not replace God. In his infinite wisdom and knowledge, God can handle thoughts regarding all matters, but we are not him, so we cannot.
Read morePsalm 22—A Move From Dim Anguish to Radiant Joy
Psalm 22—A Move From Dim Anguish to Radiant Joy
Read moreWhy Is Paul's Gospel Legit? (Galatians 1:10-24)
The book of Acts tells the story of Paul's conversion three times. He was a persecutor of the church and was on his way from Jerusalem in Israel to Damascus in Syria to imprison and kill Christians when Jesus appeared to him in a bright light, knocked him down, and confronted him with the truth. And Paul believed!
Read moreArchival Post: One Way "Having A Peace About It" Could Mislead You (Psalm 129:3)
You see, the Christian life follows Christ, the one who embraced affliction to win the church. He had a vision of what could be, but also the suffering required to get there, and endured that pain to reach his goal. We will never atone for anyone’s sin like Christ did, but once in Christ, he will further his kingdom by calling us to pockets of pain.
Read moreMaturity Profiled 07—The Mature Grow in Wisdom—James 3:13-18
Sunday Teaching: Maturity Profiled 07—The Mature Grow in Wisdom—James 3:13-18
Read moreWhat's Wrong with Adding to the Gospel? Pt. 2 (Gal. 1:1-9)
Last week, we began studying the book of Galatians and heard Paul’s urgent message that adding to the gospel is dangerous — it is abandoning Jesus. A second reason adding to the gospel is dangerous is because it is destructive.
Read moreArchival Post: Become A Free Slave (Romans 6:15-23)
I call it the Africa Decision Myth. I’m sure you’ve heard, or maybe even said it, before. The idea is simple: if God asks me to go to Africa, I will go. In other words, I will live my life, my way, and then if God busts in and interrupts everything, gives me a big ol' sign in the heavens, I will do as he asks.
Read moreWhat's Wrong with Adding to the Gospel? Pt. 1 (Gal. 1:1-9)
The next book we’ll dive into, beginning today, is Galatians. The theme word for our study of *Galatians* is *"fly."* The end of Paul's letter to the Galatians describes a life in flight — a life that has taken off and is soaring in God's best, God's grace.
Read moreArchival Post: Enjoy Christ’s Gift (Ephesians 4:11-12)
God has, Paul told us, given each believer enabling grace. If the blood of Christ covers us, we are part of the larger body of believers. From His exalted seat in heaven, Christ pours out His grace and Spirit to aid us in the church's work. He is our head. We are His body.
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