Tag: freedom
-
The Other Side of Achievement
When talking about grace, we often give negative connotations to words like effort, performance, and accomplishment. They become four letter, anti-grace cuss words. And if one is gaining their approval from God and others based on what they do, than a negative perception is the correct one. We cannot earn or be worthy of God…
-
Precision Cut Grace
Thirteen years ago I had laser eye surgery. In this procedure, the patient lies on a table, staring at the light. Behind the light is a computer guided laser, reshaping your cornea to correct your vision. I so vividly remember this simultaneously exciting and terrifying event. The first eye went fine. “Stare at the light and…
-
Not All Checklists Are Bad
I hate checklists for spiritual growth. They lead towards a works orientation and a focus on being performance-based. When a recent church service message started with a “Checklist for Spiritual Zeal” I was concerned. 6 commands from Ephesians 5 were restated as questions. Each one had an emphasis on not having a “hint” of such…
-
3 Simple Reasons to Practice Servanthood
Servanthood is a buzzword in churches and leadership circles today. We need servant leaders, we want to serve our spouse and our families, and we are always asked to be a cheerful servant in various areas in our local place of worship. Why? Here are 3 reasons to practice servanthood. 1. We serve cause Jesus…
-
Christ is Risen Indeed
When we speak of Christ’s work on the cross, most of our emphasis is on his sacrifice which became the basis for our forgiveness. But we have a dual problem. Genesis 3 instituted sin and death as consequences for Adam and Eve “breaking the planet.” The prediction of the Messiah coming to break the curse…