Galatians
Salvation is something to be received as a gift from God who loves us. As Martin Luther taught hundreds of years ago, salvation is by grace through the faithfulness of Christ. Salvation is by grace alone. It is through Christ’s faithfulness alone. I cannot save you (or me). You
Galatians
For anyone interested in a very quick synopsis of the background of Galatians, I put up a post but did not have it trigger an email. That post can be found on the DFR website here. Allowing others to sense Jesus within us is one of the greatest gifts we
Galatians
I love the book of Galatians. It's compact, it's deep in its theology, and some people claim it is the catalyst for the Protestant reformation because it is the book that Martin Luther was studying deeply when he began to question how he was being asked
Mark
In the end, what matters is God’s light shines upon a world desperately in need of it. We all have jobs to do. Sometimes it is hard to see how our daily jobs relate to God’s will. They do still relate, though. God’s grace, love, and mercy
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God doesn’t expect perfection; He expects an openness to following Him. Who among us is perfect? Who among us doesn’t have questions? Who among us doesn’t tread carefully when trying something new because we are afraid to fail? The verses presented today give an alternate ending to
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What will you do with the story of Christ? That’s really the crux of the issue, isn’t it? Sure, we receive eternal life and look forward to eternity with God. But what are you going to do between the point where you receive the gift and the time
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God continues to do the impossible again and again throughout the remainder of history. It starts with the resurrection. It continues now. God continues to do the impossible in you and me. Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, and Salome bring spices to the tomb. The job of taking the body
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Jesus’ body is prepared for burial so the rest of God’s plan could unfold. The cross provided the way to eternal life with God, but God isn’t done. Humanity still needs some help understanding God's hand in motion. Joseph of Arimathea comes to care for the
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Jesus died knowing His death opens the gate to eternal life for all who are willing to follow. His death frees us from eternal condemnation. His death allows us to look evil in the eye and not flinch. His death allows us to embrace death with grace rather than fear.
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The only question that remains is how we will respond to His love. Sin has been dealt with. Favorable judgment has been guaranteed. Life with God is ours for the taking. What difference will that make in your life? When Jesus breathes His last, the temple curtain is torn. At
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Following Jesus is about sacrificial leadership. Jesus sacrificed existence in Heaven to come and live among us. He sacrificed personal glory to serve others. He sacrificed His own life so others could live. It’s a simple concept. Jesus cries out as He hangs upon the cross. The deed is
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Like Jesus, we must remain true in our understanding that in the end, it is God whose plan will win out. It can be difficult to follow God, make sacrifices for His sake, and watch other people get ahead by following the world’s ways. It is difficult to help