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Showing posts from October, 2017

Journal, October 27: By Grace Alone

Scripture: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.  (Titus 2.11-14) Observation: In this passage, the author (traditionally St. Paul) is reminding Titus of the effects of divine grace on and in the life of the believer.  It's said that grace "bring[s] salvation," which is widely affirmed in most Christian traditions––but also held up as some future state we're awaiting.  Salvation , however, has a much broader meaning, as the root of the word––which means "healing"––indicates.  What these verses point to, then, isn't just a concern for how

Journal, October 20: Be An Example

Scripture: Tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it—not for sordid gain but eagerly.  Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.  And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. (1 Pet 5.2-4) Observation: Here Peter offers instruction to the "elders" (Greek  presbyteros ) regarding how they're to tend to those in their care: those for whose spiritual well-being they're responsible.  The term can mean someone of a certain age, but often refers to someone of a particular office––especially someone who presides over a body of believers.  The apostle's word indicates that persons in this position should be mindful not only of how but also of why they "tend the flock of God": not "for sordid gain," but out of willing love––and after the pattern of the "chief shepherd," Jes