Category: Grace

What Was Paul’s Primary Focus

Q: The apostle Paul had much to say to the 1st Century Christian’s (and to us today). What was Paul’s primary focus? A: Paul’s primary focus can be summarized as the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ and its transformative power for both individuals and communities. His ministry emphasized the following key aspects: 1. …

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2021 Daily Devotionals

2021 In 2021, I started, and was able to complete, two daily Christian devotionals. I think this is the first time I’ve ever been able to actually do all 365 days. These were excellent. The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge is written by Tony Dungy. This was a gift to me Christmas 2020 from …

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Notes for the 4 G’s of God

In October 2021, I have the pleasure of preaching a sermon on, what I am calling, The 4 G’s of God. Here are a few notes and links. Glory of God 5 Solae – the 5 Alone statements The 5 Solae (Greek for alone) of Protestantism are five foundational Biblical principles upon which our (Protestant) …

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Grace is a Kingdom with Doors Open Wide

Broken Things is a wonderful song by Matthew West.  The concluding last line, “Grace is a kingdom; With gates open wide; There’s a seat at the table just waiting for you; So, come on inside.” is a great statement on the grace of God, His Kingdom, and the welcome He provides. Lyrics: If grace …

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Howard Thurman influential American visionary, educator, and leader

Howard Thurman Howard Thurman (Nov. 18, 1899, Daytona Beach, FL – Apr. 10, 1981, San Francisco, CA) was an American author, philosopher, theologian, mystic, educator, preacher, and civil rights leader. As a prominent and inspirational religious figure, he played a leading role in many social justice movements and organizations of the 20th century. Dr. Thurman …

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Means of Grace – Jerusalem Cross

https://um-insight.net/in-the-church/practicing-faith/how-to-nurture-a-disciple-of-jesus/

A couple notes on the pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer

Chapter 3 is a barnburner. Chapter 4 discusses that faith is a reckoning not just a spiritual feeling. There’s a prayer at the end of each chapter. It is somewhat of a summary of the chapter but also a progression upward toward the pursuit of GodIt is somewhat of a summary of the chapter but …

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Be present at our table, Lord

table grace https://hymnary.org/text/be_present_at_our_table_lord sung to the Old 100 UMC Hymnal # 621 Be present at our table, Lord; Be here and everywhere adored; Thy creatures bless and grant that we May feast in paradise with thee.

“Come, let us discuss this,” says the Lord.

Isiah, long before Christ appeared, unfolds the Gospel plan Isiah 1:18 18 “Come, let us discuss this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will be like wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat …

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Prevenient, Justifying, and Sanctifying Grace

Good, not to long, article on Wesley’s view of Prevenient, Justifying, and Sanctifying Grace. http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/our-wesleyan-heritage  To sanctify means to set apart as or declare holy; consecrate. To consecrate means to make or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose. Through God’s sanctifying grace, we grow and mature in …

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