Cross Of Grace

Sometimes church can feel more like an awkward family reunion and less like a family. Here's a simple reminder of how beautiful God's church really is, and how He wants to be glorified in us as well as through us.

The Corinthian church had plenty of spiritual gifts, but they lacked one essential thing that makes the gifts effective and fruitful - love. Paul teaches us the importance of seeking the character of God before we seek the power of God.

With all our differences, remember at the core we are all the same. We all struggle with sin, we all need the grace of our Savior. And as one Body, we need each other.

Before sending out His disciples, Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit on His Church to give them the supernatural power and ability to go and continue the ministry that He began on earth. And He's still doing that today. Gifts of the Holy Spirit equip us with the power we need to preach the gospel to the lost, and to encourage the one another.

Did you know that some people in the New Testament died because they took Communion the wrong way? That's just one of many reasons we need to know what Jesus intends when we celebrate the Lord's Table.

What if you could have every bad thing you ever did erased forever? That's what Easter reminds us - Jesus transforms all who trust in Him. His resurrection not only gives us hope, but through faith in him we are made new.

"The Lord's Table (Communion) is a special celebration given to the Church by Jesus. The Apostle Paul teaches us why it's important, and why it's important we do it right."

Everything we do in our public worship on Sundays sends a message. It tells others what we believe about Christ's authority and about His role on our homes. In the cultural context of hair and head coverings, the Apostle Paul reminds us why Sunday worship matters.

All of life, including our liberties should be done with a goal of God’s glory and the good of my neighbor.

How do we guard our hearts against idolatry? When we hold to Christ as our chief desire, all other competing affections will fall away.

How has the modern self-esteem movement affected Christians and our command to serve others? The Apostle Paul reminds us we are not to live life for ourselves. We are called to serve as slaves and train as athletes, all for the sake of the gospel.

Should pastors get paid? If so, why wasn't Paul paid? And was Paul even a real Apostle? Eating or not, drinking or not, getting paid or not - we do it all for the sake of the gospel of Jesus and the good of His Church.

What happens when one Christian's convictions collide with another Christian's freedoms? Paul has some instruction for the one flaunting liberties, and for the one too easily offended...

There is much joy in marriage. There is also spiritual value in staying single. Either way, the real issue - whether married or not - is living with hearts attached to heaven and a lifted gaze toward eternity.

Our status in life before God is defined through the gospel, not in what we do (jobs, etc), which frees us to then lead the specific assignments God has given each of us - to his glory.

What does God say about divorce and remarriage? Can a Christian live a holy single life in today's world? Is sex between husband and wife commanded, or is it optional? 10 solid principles on singleness, marriage and sex - straight from the Bible...

The one thing Christians are commanded to run away from...

When Christians tear each other down, we are telling non-Christians the gospel isn’t really power to change. Jesus isn’t really the Savior who transforms. And the non-Christian will rightfully say, “If that’s a Christian, I don’t want to be one.” So how should Christians handle disputes with each other?

For every child in the womb, God not only knows them by name, but God ordains the plans for that child’s life – before it’s ever born. And whether that child lives only days, or if that child grows and lives a long life, every life God creates – no matter how short or how long – bears His image, has value, and has a God-ordained plan and purpose.

What can transform our prayer life as a Christian? The gospel fuels a humble confidence in Christian prayer. Confidence because we are called his children, and he is our generous loving Father who gives good gifts. Humility, because we trust God’s will and he is going to do what is best for his children.