I really didn’t want to write about sin today, but I think it’s what God is prompting me to write. As Christ-followers, we deal with sin. You do. I do. We all do. It’s a daily fight to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. This morning, my quiet time reading was out of Romans 8, one of my devotional books talked about sin, and recent our chapel message from Eric Geiger was about the consequences of sin. It’s so real. Today I’m reminded that I’m a sinner, but I have been saved by grace. We live in the tension between the reality that sin is … [Read more...]
You Can Own Your Sin Because Jesus Bore Your Sin
In Tolkein’s classic The Fellowship of the Ring, the Lady of the Woods, Galadriel, says to Frodo the Hobbit: “You are a ring-bearer, Frodo. To bear a ring of power is to be alone. This task was appointed to you. And if you do not find a way, no one will.” The statement stands in the shadow of Jesus for the Christian. Jesus, who prayed in the garden that if there was a way, some other way, than for Jesus to bear the weight of sin, then let it be so. But the answer came back from the Father to the Son. This is a task … [Read more...]
It’s All About New Life
If you've taken any type of Biology class, you’ve likely studied DNA. Generally, DNA is the blueprint for life: It stores the genetic code for all living organisms. Virtually every cell in your body contains the exact same DNA code — and no two people have the same code. Even the tiniest parts of your cells contain the hardwiring for your existence. Spiritually, we’re also programmed with a kind of DNA. Just as we inherited a physical generic blueprint from our ancestors, we’ve also inherited their sin. It permeates every part of … [Read more...]
Memorial Day: A Closer Look
For most, Memorial Day is spent by the pool with family and friends and a grill. But let's take a closer look at its history and the opportunities to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom. General John A. Logan, a northern Civil War veteran, called for a national day of remembrance - Decoration Day - on May 30, 1868 (picked because no particular battle occured on that date) to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. During World War I, Memorial Day (as Decoration Day came to be known) evolved to honor all deceased … [Read more...]