Category Archives: Gospel

Fearless Love

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 John 4, Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Love God, Love Others, Ministry, No Fear, Obedience, Scripture, Theology | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Scandal of Foolish Love

For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. — 1 Cor. 1:17 With these words, Paul gets at … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Love God, Love Others, Quotes, Scripture, Theology | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

The Church as Public Witness

From Michael Goheen’s A Light to the Nations: The Missional Church and the Biblical Story: [The] witness of the early church was publicly subversive. The early church did not allow itself to be pushed into a private realm in some … Continue reading →

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The Gospel as a Caged Lion

The Word of God can take care of itself, and will do so if we preach it, and cease defending it. See you that lion. They have caged him for his preservation; shut him up behind iron bars to secure … Continue reading →

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Love Never Fails

1 Corinthians 13 is a text that I’ve read at nearly every wedding over which I’ve presided. That’s great; these are certainly fitting words for such an occasion. But there’s a flip side to such familiarity. If we come to … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 13, Devotional, Eschatology, Faith, God, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Love God, Love Others, Marriage, Scripture, Theology | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Love First: Action

This year, our church theme is “Love First.” Not only is this statement a strong word in favor of obedience and missional living, it is also a word of action. This calls to mind Mother Teresa’s famous quote: “Faith in … Continue reading →

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Love First: Missional

What does God desire of us? What does He want from His people? In Scripture, we see that our God is a God of mission. He is a missionary God, sending His own Son into the world for our sake. … Continue reading →

Posted in 2 Corinthians 5, Devotional, God, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Love God, Love Others, Missiology, Scripture, Theology | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Love First: Obedience

To put love first is to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength while also striving to love your neighbor as yourself. This means that Love First is a word about obedience. Obedience is definitely not a … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, God, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Love God, Love Others, Mark 12, Obedience, Scripture | Leave a comment

The Culture Wars and Engaged Alienation

(Note: this is part of a series of posts based on some of the things I’m currently reading and reflecting on. Click here for part one.) For most of our nation’s history, a Judeo-Christian worldview could simply be assumed. You … Continue reading →

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When Hope and History Rhyme: A Christmas Eve Meditation

“Peace on Earth” has been called U2’s most agnostic song. Recorded as part of the 2000 release, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, the song’s lyrics were inspired by the Real IRA Omagh bombing in Northern Ireland in August 1998. … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Disappointment, Eschatology, Faith, Gospel, Hope, Jesus, Music, Social Issues, Video | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment