Galatians
We often make following God harder than it needs to be. We put on the expectation of perfection. We put on the expectation of doing the impossible. We overlook the small tasks to which God calls, thinking only the noteworthy accomplishments matter. That’s on us, though, not God. Paul
Galatians
When God calls us, He frequently calls us to take time to grow and develop before He calls us into action. This should make sense. Whenever I feel like doing something new, how can I hope to be successful if I don’t take time to learn and grow? Jesus’
Galatians
We are disciples of Jesus. This might feel like a no-brainer, but it doesn’t always play out that way. Am I Lutheran or am I Christian? Am I Baptist or am I Christian? Descriptors like Lutheran or Baptist have a place. They help us understand how a congregation
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
Mark
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
Mark
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
Mark
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
Mark
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
Mark
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.