THE THIRTIETH DAY OF AUGUST IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN. Today's gracEmail is by Sara Faye, whom I thank for allowing me to share it with you. Waxing philosophical today as I fly home to Houston from Tennessee and an emotional weekend of goodbyes. Celebrating the remarkable life of my precious cousin Kathy, whose many friends gathered to reflect on her life of faith as we joined her dear family in praising God for our living Hope. Sharing memories with cousins of days gone by and reflecting on invisible ties that bind us. Poring over photographs from childhood, … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2015
Family Notes 26/08/2015
THE TWENTY-SIXTH DAY OF AUGUST IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN. CHRIST'S RETURN To be a Christian in the first century was to be a person awaiting Jesus' return (1 Thess 1:9-10). How sad, therefore, that throughout church history this defining value of apostolic Christianity has so often gone missing. Which gives special reason to rejoice that Intersections of Faith and Culture, a twice-yearly magazine published by Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, devotes its current issue to the theme "Prepared for Christ's Return." A dozen articles (including a very … [Read more...]
SECURITY AND ASSURANCE
THE TWENTY-THIRD DAY OF AUGUST IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN. A gracEmail subscriber writes that he often feels insecure regarding his standing with God. Does that mean he is lost? * * * Not at all. There is an important distinction to be made in this matter, and that is the difference between security and assurance. Security involves our actual objective condition. Assurance reflects our subjective perception of it. Someone has noted that God told Noah to waterproof the Ark with "pitch" (bitumen) both inside and outside--outside for his security and inside for his … [Read more...]
DOES FAITH REQUIRE NO DOUBTS?
THE NINETEENTH DAY OF AUGUST IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN. A gracEmail subscriber writes: "As hard as I have tried to believe in God and Christ, for over 40 years I have never conquered my doubts. At rare times I can almost say, 'I know,' most of the time the best I can do is pray 'help my unbelief'. I try hard to please God. The harder I try, the more inadequate I feel. I get tense, angry, and profane, then repent and repeat the same cycle. As far as I understand myself, I want to love. I want to believe. I want to persevere." * * * Jesus promised that whoever … [Read more...]
JESUS THE LIBERATOR
THE SIXTEENTH DAY OF AUGUST IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN. It's a simple truth but exceedingly profound--Jesus came to rescue sinners, not to condemn them (John 3:17). We already know that we are sinners; we do not need anyone to tell us that. Deep inside we know our private addictions and secret compulsions, whether to pride, self-centeredness, lust, alcohol or other drugs, rage, power, possessions, or whatever. We also know by experience that we cannot break these bonds in our own strength. By ourselves, we can only grit our teeth, make new resolutions, maintain … [Read more...]
Family Notes 12/08/2015
THE TWELFTH DAY OF AUGUST IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN. A STORY OF CRIME, FORGIVENESS, AND REPENTANCE Misty Wallace was eighteen years old when Keith Blackburn, 18, shot her through the face. Miraculously, Misty survived and eventually she was able to forgive the man who shot her. Today, after serving ten years in prison for attempted murder, Keith holds a Master of Divinity degree and is a chaplain in the Indiana prison system. Misty is Indiana Regional Coordinator of Bridges To Life. Together, they share their overlapping stories on a daily basis at venues around the … [Read more...]
BE ASSURED, NOT AFRAID
THE NINTH DAY OF AUGUST IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN. A recent email pleaded, "I have been searching for years to find some assurance of salvation. I know my weaknesses, I pray continually for forgiveness. I don't know why I'm able to tell you all of this, but I do love Christ, have been baptized, and want to go to heaven. I just want some peace in my heart." * * * Hear what God says to you and you will find comfort; trust what he says and you will have peace. We are accepted by God in the person of his son, Jesus Christ, and we know Gods evaluation of him. God … [Read more...]
SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP MALE & FEMALE
THE SECOND DAY OF AUGUST IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN. There is much discussion today regarding church leadership and its exercise by male and female disciples. Unfortunately, this discussion often generates more heat than light. Needed instead are calm and thoughtful believers who can observe and discern biblical details, analyze the scripture data, successfully bridge the gap across twenty centuries, then work patiently with other brothers and sisters to faithfully apply ancient biblical principles to today's circumstances. These were my goals when I prepared the … [Read more...]
