An insightful post written by one of our supporters, Mark Summers, on his personal blog.


In Romans 5, the Apostle Paul writes:

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

What is important to me, especially today, is the recognition that God would not offer reconciliation to one for whom He has no interest in relationship. God wants us. He wants me!

Paul is telling us that reconciliation – the gift of mercy and grace given through the sacrifice of Jesus – is not just a quick fix. . .a simple change in condition that allows the Lord to put us in the “fixed” pile instead of the “broken”...

Continue Reading

It was too difficult for Freddy to climb the steps. His leg has been giving him so much trouble lately. So, instead of ascending to the ornate golden podium where the Scripture reader usually stands, Freddy simply limped a few steps out in front of his favorite pew and turned to face the congregation. The passage was from the Book of Acts, Chapter 2. Through his thick accent, his voice rang out in a stilted cadence, “Peter… standing with the eleven… raised his voice… and addressed the crowd… ‘Let the entire house of Israel… know with certainty… that God has made him… both Lord and Messiah… this Jesus whom you crucified...”
 
Each phrase repeated that same rhythm, like a...

Continue Reading

As I handed the final paper to my professor, the weight of anxiety began to dissipate. I was free…at least from schoolwork. My mind had already catalogued a list of projects to accomplish after I finished my class work for the semester, the foremost of which was trying to find possible adjunct teaching positions for next summer. Upon returning home, I diligently went to work crafting my resume and introductions to the appropriate people in the hopes that my finesse might charm them enough to follow up. The more I fussed over my presentation and wording, the more hopeful I became that something would work out in my favor.

While taking a break in the midst of...

Continue Reading