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The Gospel Is About More Than Just You

The gospel is amazing. We are sinners, and our sin separates us from God. In our natural state, the Bible calls us dead (Ephesians 2), in the domain of darkness (Colossians 1) and enemies of God (Romans 8). But God doesn't leave us that way. Jesus came to the world as the God-Man, lived a perfect life as a substitute for our sinful life, died on the cross, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for us. 

The gospel. 

But salvation is not the end of the Christian story. Salvation is not, fundamentally, about getting into Heaven when we die, but about living in relationship with God as we were created to do. Jesus has broken down the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2) and has transferred us from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light (Colossians 1), so that we can live each day with God. 

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:11-14 NASB

Jesus did not come to the world, first of all, to save us for our own sakes, but for God. He is after a holy people (1 Peter 2). Salvation is not primarily about us, but about God getting the glory that He deserves. 

The children's catechism is so helpful here. Who made you? God. What else did God make? All things. Why did God make you and all things? For His own glory. How are you to glorify God? By loving Him and doing what He commands. 

These are the answers to life's searching questions. Why are you here? Because God made me so that I will glorify Him by loving Him and doing what He commands. 

Our focus has to turn from us to God. As Titus says, He is saving a  people for His own possession. And with that saving comes the amazing truth that I am His, and He is mine. I am no longer my own, but bought with a price, so I must honour God in all that I do, whether that's eating or drinking or driving to the store or spending time praying and reading the Bible or getting to work on time. All of it. 

Jesus did not just come to give you a get-out-of-hell free card, He came to save a people for Himself, for His Father's glory. He came so that once again humanity can walk with God, hand in hand (Psalm 73). Salvation is about having a living, vibrant, intimate relationship with God. God not only lets you into His house, out of the cold, He bids you take your shoes off and unpack. You live with Him now. 


What I'm Reading 

    • I finished Dale of the Mounted in Newfoundland by Joe Holliday. If was a fun read. I think if you have boys that love the Hardy Boys they may also enjoy this one. 
    • Take Heart Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith by David Powlison. Looking for a daily devotional for 2024? This one is short and thought provoking, an excellent addition to daily scripture reading. 
    • 5 minutes in Church History by Stephen J. Nichols. An easy and insightful read. There is a podcast by the same name if you'd rather listen than read. 

What I'm Enjoying 

    • Friends. Have you ever thought how wonderful and kind it is of the Lord to give us friends? 
    • I've been listening to Christmas albums by the Piano Guys, Rent Collective, Christmas Music Holiday Trio, and Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker 
    • Making sourdough bread. I'm late to the game with this one, mostly because people kept saying how hard it is. It's not hard. Every loaf has turned out and it's super easy.

"My long scrutiny showed me the keenest eye, the hardest mouth, the subtlest smile I ever saw--a face which in repose wore the look that comes from those who have led lives of pleasure and learned their emptiness." A Whisper In the Dark by Louisa May Alcott




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