Tuesday, November 25, 2008
GodTube - Try it out
If you haven't seen or heard of GodTube...take a look at http://www.GodTube.com (what a great alternative to YouTube). My kids are getting of the age where YouTube and other social networking sites are very attractive. While we can't protect our kids from every online danger, we can certainly point them to some very good alternatives (and GodTube certainly qualifies). YouTube has some great stuff (my church is on youtube), but GodTube is a place I don't have to worry every second about what my kids are viewing. I've been watching GodTube for a while but have just now "joined" under the LiveNHim username. I'm not sure how I will use it but I have to say, it's pretty cool. Try it out!
Friday, October 24, 2008
My church provides "Hope"
I am so thrilled at how my local church (North Point Community Church) is changing lives in so many ways...I have to say I'm a bit partial to the Hope Ministry since my wife is going through their training to serve others by God's grace! The Hope Mentor ministry is an exchanged life, grace filled ministry helping individuals understand the "truth that will set them free"...I'm glad I can provide our FreeNHim "In Adam / In Christ" rack cards to supplement their awesome teaching. Understanding our true identity as a believer is a core belief that each person must wrestle with to enter into God's freedom and rest. Let me know how we can help as you grow by His grace.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Grace is not "in your face"
I was reading over Romans 14 and was reminded about the "bottom line" of our Christian walk. It's found in verse 17.
“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
(Rom 14:17 NLT)
For some the message you need to hear around this verse is, don't major on the minor issues of what you or others eat or drink (or any other religious law) but rather, focus on living out of the very life of Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God is expressing the life of Christ in everything we do and everywhere we go. If you're saying, I already understand that and I'm free and don't abide by all those rules and regulations on what I eat, drink, etc. Well, there is another message here perhaps for you. Are you the one who is repeatedly "breaking the religious rules" to make a point about God's grace? Take a look at verses 15 & 20 (I just picked out a few verses here but read the whole passage, it's a great message).
“And if another Christian is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died.”
(Rom 14:15 NLT)
“Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, there is nothing wrong with these things in themselves. But it is wrong to eat anything if it makes another person stumble.”
(Rom 14:20 NLT)
You don't need to have a kind of "in your face" grace approach exclaiming your freedom to those who "just don't quite get it". Now, there may be a time where you do need to take a stand on God's grace and freedom in the church, but I'm talking everyday life here. The general rule of thumb when it comes to personal relationships with those who do not understand God's incredible gift of grace for living is simply more "grace". What does that look like? We're to act "in love", even to the point of refraining from a freedom we think is perfectly fine to protect our relationship with other believers. It's a humble, accepting and encouraging approach to those who might differ with us. Limiting your freedom on behalf of another is not a compromise of grace but more a sacrifice of love. Allow Christ to love through you...at times, it will be a sacrifice.
“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
(Rom 14:17 NLT)
For some the message you need to hear around this verse is, don't major on the minor issues of what you or others eat or drink (or any other religious law) but rather, focus on living out of the very life of Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God is expressing the life of Christ in everything we do and everywhere we go. If you're saying, I already understand that and I'm free and don't abide by all those rules and regulations on what I eat, drink, etc. Well, there is another message here perhaps for you. Are you the one who is repeatedly "breaking the religious rules" to make a point about God's grace? Take a look at verses 15 & 20 (I just picked out a few verses here but read the whole passage, it's a great message).
“And if another Christian is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died.”
(Rom 14:15 NLT)
“Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, there is nothing wrong with these things in themselves. But it is wrong to eat anything if it makes another person stumble.”
(Rom 14:20 NLT)
You don't need to have a kind of "in your face" grace approach exclaiming your freedom to those who "just don't quite get it". Now, there may be a time where you do need to take a stand on God's grace and freedom in the church, but I'm talking everyday life here. The general rule of thumb when it comes to personal relationships with those who do not understand God's incredible gift of grace for living is simply more "grace". What does that look like? We're to act "in love", even to the point of refraining from a freedom we think is perfectly fine to protect our relationship with other believers. It's a humble, accepting and encouraging approach to those who might differ with us. Limiting your freedom on behalf of another is not a compromise of grace but more a sacrifice of love. Allow Christ to love through you...at times, it will be a sacrifice.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Let's all sink in
I was reading through Romans from the NLT and came across Romans 13:14. Now, in the NAS translation it reads, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts" (that's basically the way I've always read that passage). After reading the NLT translation, I wanted to dive in again to this verse. The NLT2004 reads, "Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires". When I put these translations together, the Vernon version reads to "put on and clothe yourself with the life and presence of Lord Jesus, allowing Him to control and live through you; stop thinking on ways to indulge your fleshly desires". I think it gets better when you look at some of the words with just your basic Strong's concordance or greek dictionary. The idea of "putting on" is the idea "to clothe...(in the sense of sinking into a garment)".
1746. enduo, en-doo´-o; from 1722 and 1416 (in the sense of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively): — array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on.
Have you ever had a garment that you just sink into? It's almost a part of you; comfortable, warm, familiar...it''s just you. The illustration here is more than simply putting on a lifeless set of clothes, but rather entering or "sinking in" to the very life of Christ (clothes are static; the Life of Christ is dynamic!); the idea of resting in His love, forgiveness, omnipotence, provision, mercy, grace and again, His very Life. The decision is clear, we can either "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" and allow Him to "take control" OR we can think on ways to meet our needs and satisfy our flesh (whether that flesh looks good or bad). The phrase "make no provision" is the idea of "forethought" and is in the present tense reminding us not to continually think and plan ways to satisfy our flesh.
4307. pronoia, pron´-oy-ah; from 4306; forethought, i.e. provident care or supply: — providence, provision.
If you try and not think about something by definition you're already thinking about it! So, the lesson here is to put on, sink in, enter in and simply rest in the life of Jesus Christ vs. a life of trying to avoid thinking about all that other stuff. Allow Him to express His very Life through you. If you find yourself thinking, scheming, or planning about ways to get your needs met, perhaps that's a clue your not resting in the very Life of Christ provided for you at the cross. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against planning or goals, but are you setting goals and planning out of the fullness of who you are in Christ or out of perceived need to become something or gain something that you already have in Him? Don't get too caught up in the self analysis trap, meditate on Romans 13:14 and just sink back into the life of Christ and enjoy the rest He has provided.
1746. enduo, en-doo´-o; from 1722 and 1416 (in the sense of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively): — array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on.
Have you ever had a garment that you just sink into? It's almost a part of you; comfortable, warm, familiar...it''s just you. The illustration here is more than simply putting on a lifeless set of clothes, but rather entering or "sinking in" to the very life of Christ (clothes are static; the Life of Christ is dynamic!); the idea of resting in His love, forgiveness, omnipotence, provision, mercy, grace and again, His very Life. The decision is clear, we can either "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" and allow Him to "take control" OR we can think on ways to meet our needs and satisfy our flesh (whether that flesh looks good or bad). The phrase "make no provision" is the idea of "forethought" and is in the present tense reminding us not to continually think and plan ways to satisfy our flesh.
4307. pronoia, pron´-oy-ah; from 4306; forethought, i.e. provident care or supply: — providence, provision.
If you try and not think about something by definition you're already thinking about it! So, the lesson here is to put on, sink in, enter in and simply rest in the life of Jesus Christ vs. a life of trying to avoid thinking about all that other stuff. Allow Him to express His very Life through you. If you find yourself thinking, scheming, or planning about ways to get your needs met, perhaps that's a clue your not resting in the very Life of Christ provided for you at the cross. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against planning or goals, but are you setting goals and planning out of the fullness of who you are in Christ or out of perceived need to become something or gain something that you already have in Him? Don't get too caught up in the self analysis trap, meditate on Romans 13:14 and just sink back into the life of Christ and enjoy the rest He has provided.
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Lord hears the needy
Consider Psalms 69:33 “For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise His who are prisoners.” I love this verse, in fact, I choose it as a memory verse for a study in our small group. Often we wonder if it’s ok to be “needy” or express our needs. We sometimes think or believe that we must act “perfectly” or “never let them see you sweat” but I’m hear to tell you, God hears the needy. In fact, the verse goes on to tell us that God does not despise us when we are prisoners!
Have you been held captive by the enemy in a certain besetting sin? Perhaps you feel trapped in a job or relationship or even ministry! God does not despise, look down or condemn you...you are His child and He knows exactly where you are. Share you need, surrender your situation and allow Christ to work through you right where you are.
Have you been held captive by the enemy in a certain besetting sin? Perhaps you feel trapped in a job or relationship or even ministry! God does not despise, look down or condemn you...you are His child and He knows exactly where you are. Share you need, surrender your situation and allow Christ to work through you right where you are.
Crucify the Flesh
Read Galatians 5:16-25; it is a familiar passage that can be summarized with “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” [5:16]. It can be confusing when 5:17 says “the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit” yet in 5:24 “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”. What’s the deal? I accepted Christ as my Savior, I “belong to Jesus” so have I actually “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”? I don’t act that way sometimes. And what about 5:21 where Paul is referring to the deeds of the flesh and says “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God”? I know some Christians who practice “outbursts of anger”...will they “not inherit the kingdom of God”? Let’s take a quick look here.
The word “flesh” is a broad term and is typically translated from the greek word sarx (G4561] where Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines:
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such): — carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly).
So “flesh” can mean or refer to:
1. Our physical bodies - Luke 24:39, 1 Cor, 15:39 & 50
2. Our human heritage - Rom. 1:3, 4:1
3. Our old self/old nature/old way - Rom. 7:5, 8:4-9
Again, “flesh” is a broad term that can refer to the “old self”, “old nature” or “old man” depending on your translation as well as the “WAY” of the “old self” in our thinking and behaving. As always, the context of scripture will help you derive the correct meaning.
What was crucified with Christ? Rom. 6: 6 provides the answer. Our “old self” which was the embodiment of sin...our sin nature...the very essence of who we were before Christ. It was the engine or generator of your old way. As a believer, your old self is literally dead and gone; that’s what Gal. 5:24 is referring to (”crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” referencing the “old self” or nature). How did you crucify the flesh? By believing in Christ, accepting His forgiveness and receiving His new life. Ok, you might say, I get it! But what about Gal. 5:17? It sounds like the “flesh” is very much alive. Remember, “flesh” is a broad term as I mentioned above. How does the “flesh [set] its desire against the Spirit” in the context of a believer?
Well, God gave us an incredible gift in the human body and brain. Every action, thought, desire is recorded on the human hard drive of the brain. The “old self” or nature is dead (that’s what happens when you get crucified...you don’t typically recover) and you have been raised up a brand new self or nature. Those old desires, habits and behaviors have been recorded and can and will resurface...that broad term “flesh” or old ways of thinking and behaving will set its desire against the Spirit but the truth is, you are “dead” to that stuff! There is no real power to make you act or think in the “old way”, in fact, quite the opposite. You have the omnipotent power and Life of Christ in you to think and live a brand new life. When you choose to “walk according to the spirit” you are operationalizing the truth of your co-crucifixion, will bear the “fruit of the Spirit” and experience His victory!
Paul encourages the Galatians in 5:25, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit”; as believers, we are “led by the spirit” [5:18] and “live by the Spirit” [5:25] so our choice in day to day life is to “walk by the Spirit”. Don’t choose to walk in your old way of thinking and behaving...that old self was crucified...you’re dead to sin and alive to Christ!
So the big picture...Paul shows us two groups identified by “the deeds of the flesh” and “the fruit of the Spirit”. The deeds of the flesh group characterizes someone who does not know Christ. The problem here is that Christians can sometimes “look” like that group when they are not walking after the Spirit allowing Christ to manifest His Life through them. Paul reminds the Galatians in 5:21 “that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God”. If you accepted Christ as your Savior, you’re not in this group (although at times you may certainly look like it!). This is the same language he used in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. The “unrighteous” (read unbeliever) will not inherit the Kingdom of God and the deeds of the flesh mentioned here describe the life of one who is not “in Christ”. Our goal is to walk in truth as the new creation we truly are not in the old way of the flesh. Paul tells them, don’t walk like these guys, it’s not who you are! Realize the truth of your new identity “in Christ” and allow the fruit of the Spirit [Gal. 5:22-23] to permeate through all that you think and do. Don’t try and produce the fruit, surrender to Him and you will simply bear it in and through your life.
You “crucified the flesh” or old nature when you accepted Christ or “believed”; you “crucify” the flesh or old way of thinking and behaving in the same way...believe. Believe the truth of your co-crucifixion and new identity in Christ. Believe the truth that God has forgiven you, accepted you and loves you apart from your performance. Believe and choose to allow Christ to live His life through you...that’s “walking in the Spirit”!!
The word “flesh” is a broad term and is typically translated from the greek word sarx (G4561] where Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines:
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such): — carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly).
So “flesh” can mean or refer to:
1. Our physical bodies - Luke 24:39, 1 Cor, 15:39 & 50
2. Our human heritage - Rom. 1:3, 4:1
3. Our old self/old nature/old way - Rom. 7:5, 8:4-9
Again, “flesh” is a broad term that can refer to the “old self”, “old nature” or “old man” depending on your translation as well as the “WAY” of the “old self” in our thinking and behaving. As always, the context of scripture will help you derive the correct meaning.
What was crucified with Christ? Rom. 6: 6 provides the answer. Our “old self” which was the embodiment of sin...our sin nature...the very essence of who we were before Christ. It was the engine or generator of your old way. As a believer, your old self is literally dead and gone; that’s what Gal. 5:24 is referring to (”crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” referencing the “old self” or nature). How did you crucify the flesh? By believing in Christ, accepting His forgiveness and receiving His new life. Ok, you might say, I get it! But what about Gal. 5:17? It sounds like the “flesh” is very much alive. Remember, “flesh” is a broad term as I mentioned above. How does the “flesh [set] its desire against the Spirit” in the context of a believer?
Well, God gave us an incredible gift in the human body and brain. Every action, thought, desire is recorded on the human hard drive of the brain. The “old self” or nature is dead (that’s what happens when you get crucified...you don’t typically recover) and you have been raised up a brand new self or nature. Those old desires, habits and behaviors have been recorded and can and will resurface...that broad term “flesh” or old ways of thinking and behaving will set its desire against the Spirit but the truth is, you are “dead” to that stuff! There is no real power to make you act or think in the “old way”, in fact, quite the opposite. You have the omnipotent power and Life of Christ in you to think and live a brand new life. When you choose to “walk according to the spirit” you are operationalizing the truth of your co-crucifixion, will bear the “fruit of the Spirit” and experience His victory!
Paul encourages the Galatians in 5:25, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit”; as believers, we are “led by the spirit” [5:18] and “live by the Spirit” [5:25] so our choice in day to day life is to “walk by the Spirit”. Don’t choose to walk in your old way of thinking and behaving...that old self was crucified...you’re dead to sin and alive to Christ!
So the big picture...Paul shows us two groups identified by “the deeds of the flesh” and “the fruit of the Spirit”. The deeds of the flesh group characterizes someone who does not know Christ. The problem here is that Christians can sometimes “look” like that group when they are not walking after the Spirit allowing Christ to manifest His Life through them. Paul reminds the Galatians in 5:21 “that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God”. If you accepted Christ as your Savior, you’re not in this group (although at times you may certainly look like it!). This is the same language he used in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. The “unrighteous” (read unbeliever) will not inherit the Kingdom of God and the deeds of the flesh mentioned here describe the life of one who is not “in Christ”. Our goal is to walk in truth as the new creation we truly are not in the old way of the flesh. Paul tells them, don’t walk like these guys, it’s not who you are! Realize the truth of your new identity “in Christ” and allow the fruit of the Spirit [Gal. 5:22-23] to permeate through all that you think and do. Don’t try and produce the fruit, surrender to Him and you will simply bear it in and through your life.
You “crucified the flesh” or old nature when you accepted Christ or “believed”; you “crucify” the flesh or old way of thinking and behaving in the same way...believe. Believe the truth of your co-crucifixion and new identity in Christ. Believe the truth that God has forgiven you, accepted you and loves you apart from your performance. Believe and choose to allow Christ to live His life through you...that’s “walking in the Spirit”!!
School's in session
My wife and I are thrilled that school is back in session!! For the first time, our three kids will be at the same school (we know it won’t last long). We’re praying that God will protect and encourage our kids again this year as they brave the new world of fourth and third grade as well as kindergarden. The summer has been a bit laid back after our Florida vacation; the structure of the school year will be welcome. Speaking of structure, some folks see any type of “structure” in their personal life or church as a form of legalism...that is so far from the truth. Legalism starts in the heart and looks to our motivation for action. If we believe that structure and formality (or the lack thereof) is more pleasing to God or is necessary for God’s favor, we’ve fallen into a legalistic trap. Whether you prefer the structure of a school year or the endless days of summer, allow Christ to work His will through those preferences knowing that the God loves and accepts you regardless.
Rack Cards on a mission
A staff counselor at First Baptist Atlanta is using 250 of our “In Adam / In Christ” rack cards on a mission trip to Kenya this month discipling Pastors and educators. We’re thrilled to be a small part of their training efforts. Please go to our eStore and pick up a few as a follow-up to your discipleship efforts.
The Shack, by William Young
I typically do not read fiction, Christian or otherwise. I have to tell you now, this book is a MUST read. You may disagree with the author’s portrayal or imagery of God (I kind of like it) but the story will break your heart, stir up emotions you’ve rarely felt and then provide a perspective on God and His grace that will change your life. Don’t read this to satisfy some theological curiosity, read it relationally and allow God to speak through the story and revel His love in your own circumstances. I don’t want to give away any of the story...just get through the first four or so chapters and you're on your way to seeing God in a whole new light. I read this in one sitting...I could not put it down, I had to finish. You will enjoy it.
Freedom From Addiction by Mike & Julia Quarles and Neil Anderson
I’ve known Mike and Julia Quarles for a pretty good while...we’ve had lunches, dinners, produced podcasts and more but I have never read their book cover to cover until now. You have got to read this book.
Part 1 (the first seven chapters) has Mike sharing his personal struggles with alcohol addiction...a seminary student and Pastor as well as successful stock broker, his private life was no where near “successful”. Mike shares his struggles, his attempts at solving this drinking problem and his repeated failure. His wife Julia also shares what she was going through during this time...you get both perspectives and trust me, God was working in both their lives through this horrible situation.
Mike tried everything he could think of, like most of us would, to fix this problem. AA, treatment centers, healing sessions, psychologists, pastoral counseling, accountability... in fact, he lists 30 specific strategies all in his attempt to get free. He soon discovered that it’s the truth that set’s us free...the truth of the cross. We often hear that one has to hit rock bottom before one can experience freedom and there is truth in that statement...brokenness is key, but brokenness without truth will simply lead to hopelessness.
Neil Anderson, in Part 2 of this book, provides his insight on the issues of addiction and spiritual bondage. With insights garnered from Mike’s experience, Dr. Anderson begins his part of the book with “The Making of an Addict” and continues providing insight around our needs, our victory, the battle for our mind and body and more. At the back of this book is Dr. Anderson’s “Steps to Freedom in Christ” which takes you “step by step” through God’s truth that will set you free.
If you are struggling with addictive behaviors, check out this book and check out Mike’s web site at www.FreedomFromAddiction.org.
Grace Amazing by Steve McVey
Steve is no stranger to the community of grace-filled believers...author of Grace Walk, Grace Rules and others, Steve is well respected and recognized for his many teachings around the subject of God’s amazing grace. “Grace Amazing”, formerly released as “Grace Land”, touches some very sensitive topics among believers confronting the issues of “Religion”, questioning the idea that God will not put on you more than you can bear, discussing the idea that our old sin nature is really dead and gone, and so much more! How ‘bout that old concept of us “working for God”...yep, Steve nixes that idea as well and actually promotes “rest” for the believer. Are you tired of the same old Christian rhetoric...if so, then read this book and I’m telling you it is like a breath of fresh air.
How ‘bout a few quotes...”We don’t earn the blessings of God; we simply enjoy them by faith [pg. 107].” “Jesus did not tell the lukewarm church at Laodicea that their need was to return to the laws of God. He told them that their need was to return to Him [pg. 126]!” “We aren’t called to live by principles, but by the life of Jesus Christ who is within us.” “God won’t become angry with us as Christians, because the only thing that causes anger in God has been removed from us by the cross [pg. 162]!” There is so much wisdom and truth in this book...do the above quotes whet your appetite a bit?
I believe this book will not overwhelm new believers yet has enough depth not to leave seasoned believers begging for more. This book is personal, it is not an encyclopedia of grace but rather a book complete with real life stories punctuating Steve’s vast ministry experience. Each of the eleven chapters begins with a personal story or illustration and ends with a prayer; Steve also offers “G.R.A.C.E. Group Questions” at the end of each chapter to facilitate discussion should you desire to use it in a small group setting.
I enjoyed reading through Grace Amazing...Steve has an excellent perspective on grace with arguments and illustrations that are rock solid. If you get a chance to read it, let me know what you think. Also, check out Steve's website at www.GraceWalk.org.
Marriage! The Journey by Dr. Anne Trippe
OK...I am biased on this book. My wife Brenda and I met Anne Trippe in the mid to late ‘90s as we were learning about God’s grace and what is sometimes termed as the ‘exchanged life”. As we were training to become lay counselors, we were also struggling in our relationship. At that time Anne was teaching a class “Journey to freedom in marriage” and we were excited to be a part of it. God used Anne’s unassuming teaching style and grasp of the truth to get our attention and move our relationship forward. Her book expands on much of what was taught in that class and introduces the reader to a few brave couples who share their personal struggles while Anne guides them to the truth.
Anne structures the journey as a parallel to the children of Israel leaving Egypt and heading to the promised land...that’s where we all want to be in our relationships, right? Anne describes the “survival strategies” we’ve learned over the years, relationships that seem to go in circles, couples who get “stranded”, what “law” does to a relationship, myths of marriage, the role of adversity, our emotions and much more. You may find this is a radical departure from coping strategies, etc. found in most teaching. As Darryl pointed out in her book on page 87, “Depending on Christ for my emotional protection will be totally unfamiliar. I’ve never heard anything like this”.
Here are a few myths Anne exposes in her book (pg. 56)
-My spouse is to be my completer, otherwise, why marriage?
-I am entitled to my husband being the spiritual leader
-I am entitled to my wife being submissive and compliant
-If I serve my spouse, it makes me a doormat
-I need a person (spouse) to be fulfilled, complete, secure and validated
I still have so much to learn here but “God is faithful”; I trust this book will be an encouragement to you as it has been to me...get a copy at Amazon or most Christian book resellers, I highly recommend it.
The New You by Dr. Lewis Gregory
I met with Dr. Gregory (President of Source Ministries International) in late 2005...what a wonderful guy. His book is a culmination of many years teaching the truth of God’s incredible grace. The 300 page book (or better yet, Exchanged Life manual) is organized by “Your Origin”, “Your Problem”, “God’s Solution”, God’s Provision” and “God’s Plan”. He uses the KJV for scripture references which I do not prefer but he had his reasons. The book provides an excellent foundation for the “Exchanged Life” and is a good read with many scriptures and personal examples along the way.
A few quotes...”You were born spiritually dead--void of the life of God. Thus, the condition of your spiritual heart is beyond repair. Therefore, a spiritual heart transplant is vital! [pg. 9]” This basic truth is critical for any believer to understand...we must stop trying to repair our heart and life and recognize we have a brand new life in Christ. Dr. Gregory explains the radical transformation that took place when you accepted Christ as your Savior.
“...[Christians] are often heard praying about ‘getting closer to God.’ Why would Christians pray such prayers? It may be because they feel separated from God. This false sense of separation also is illustrated when Christians pray for the Lord to ‘be with them.’ [pg. 67]” Wow...that hits close to home. Dr. Lewis Gregory reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God!
There are many more quotes but suffice it to say that Dr. Gregory takes a believer step by step through the basics leaving virtually no stone unturned. I say the basics as this book is more breadth than depth...it’s deep enough to wet your whistle but doesn’t spend pages on a particular greek nuance...I find it very refreshing.
I see “Introducing the New You” as a solid book that will remind some and introduce many to the new life we have in Jesus Christ. You can order this book at http://www.sourceministries.net.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Introduction
This blog will combine 3 other blogs (Grace Notes, LiveNHim and TruthNHim) from another service into one main blog for FreeNHim Ministries. I may just start fresh with the blog vs. moving all the older posts...a fresh start! There is a lot to do...thanks for your patience.
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