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Each Friday, I’ll post links to 3–5 resources from around the web you may want to check out.
Love the Lonely Among You
Steve DeWitt writes about how the gospel is inherently welcoming and how this should propel Christians to embrace a ministry of hospitality.
Jesus said that radical love for one another would distinguish his disciples (John 13:35). The early church shook the world with its countercultural heart of hospitality, especially for the marginalized, orphaned, and abandoned. This ancient DNA is still embedded in the gospel today. So, it should trouble us when the lost and lonely who wander into our gatherings are overlooked.
Working with Faithfulness When Our Bodies Are Weak
For many moms, our work—paid or not—must continue when we don’t feel well. How do we practice faithfulness in our work when we don’t have the energy or margin to tackle our normal tasks? Are we faithful on the days we feel strong and accomplished but unfaithful on the days we feel weak and need rest?
Note: Washington Presbyterian Church and the editors of this blog do not necessarily endorse all content produced by the individuals or groups referenced here.
In our therapeutic, self-help age, we may be tempted to reduce it to a reference book for successful living. But by correcting a few simple misconceptions, we can access the poetry and richness (and yes, usefulness!) the book has to offer. Here are three guidelines to shift our perspective for a better reading.
What I was taught by the world was that my feelings were supreme. That love is over all. That love is an internal emotional that no one can challenge and is defined by the individual. That who you were attracted to and what you desired and who you loved were intimately tied to your identity which was and is profoundly sacred. I was taught all this by a thousand songs, a million movies, and a billion TV shows. Whatever my heart desired, my heart desired. End of story.
This week on the blog we published an article I wrote called Training That Only Grace Provides. If you haven’t already seen it, check it out!
Note: Washington Presbyterian Church and the editors of this blog do not necessarily endorse all content produced by the individuals or groups referenced here.
My years as an athlete ended in high school. I was decent in one sport, decidedly below average in a few others, and quite content to leave formal competition behind at graduation.
My high school coaches didn’t fit the stereotype of an athletic trainer. They were encouraging, supportive, and (mostly) kind. Perhaps because of movies and television, I picture a trainer differently: intense, aggressive, and maybe a little bit mean.
What comes to your mind when you think of training? Does training have any relationship to Christian discipleship? In this post we’ll learn about the trainer Paul describes for all believers, regardless of fitness level.
Grace is a Trainer
I’ve recently been turning the following passage over in my mind.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11–14)
God’s grace is training us. That may sound surprising, as many people wouldn’t put grace in the role of trainer. Before studying this passage, I’d list several aspects of the Christian life before grace when thinking of training, including law, God’s discipline, and the example of other believers.
But Paul lands on grace as our trainer. To understand Paul’s logic, let’s look just one chapter later in this letter.
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4–7)
We are not saved by our works, but by God’s mercy. We have been justified by God’s grace and have therefore become heirs of God. We are new people, through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit.
Through God’s favor, we now have an identity we do not deserve and would never choose. We are heirs of God.
God’s grace trains us because reflecting on our new identity is confrontational. His grace is contrary to our expectations, our nature, and even our basic notions of cause and effect. When we encounter God’s grace in this way, it forces us to grapple with what is true about God, us, and the way God really operates.
A trainer might force us to get out of bed to run when we’d rather sleep. The moral and religious path of least resistance is one of works and consequences. Grace, as our trainer, wakes us up and puts the uncomfortable (and wonderful) truth in our faces: we are justified by grace.
Training to Renounce and Live
Training always has a goal. Grace is “training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” In other words, God’s grace trains us to live as the new people we are.
The word “renounce” has teeth. It is different than “reject” or “refuse.” Renounce carries the idea that this was part of me and my lifestyle—but no more. To renounce is to intentionally put what I was behind me. Because we are justified, heirs of God, we can say “no more” to all the ungodliness and worldly passions that defined us.
Grace also trains us to live. This letter to Titus is full of what a “godly” life is like. (See Titus 1:5–9; 2:1–10; 3:1–2; 3:9–10.)
The renounce/live training that grace provides is similar to the put off/put on pattern of repentance that Paul describes in Ephesians 4:17–32. Because this is training, this renouncing and living is something Christians learn and practice throughout their lives.
Waiting For Our Blessed Hope
Part of our new living is “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Most of us don’t like to wait for anything, so we might bristle to learn that waiting is part of our Christian calling. Yet we know exactly what we’re called to wait for: the appearing of the glory of Jesus.
Paul also tells us why we should look forward to this appearing: because of what Jesus has done. Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” When Jesus gave himself for us there were (at least) two outcomes in mind: to redeem his people and to purify his people.
If Jesus gave himself for us for these world-altering ends, why wouldn’t his people eagerly long to see his glory?
The End of Our Training
All training is for a purpose—for an event or an outcome or a season of competition.
Similarly, grace trains us toward an end. We hope for the appearing of Jesus. When we see him, all will be made whole, all will be new. God’s children will receive their promised inheritance.
Paul refers to this as our “blessed hope.” Our progression in the Christian life will choke and sputter without this hope fueling our engines. There are many ways we can grow in hope, but hope is not optional for believers.
But we are not alone as we seek to grow. God’s grace is training us.
The image of God means that all human beings have inherent worth and dignity. This is one reason abortion is wrong. A person is a person no matter how small, no matter her development, no matter his environment, and no matter her degree of dependence on another human being. Innocent human life must be protected, even when that life is old or sick, even when the person wants to end his own life. Because every human being is made in God’s image, descended from the same human pair, there is no place for racism, partiality, or feelings of ethnic superiority.
A Biblical Message for Aging Parents
This topic is necessary, though it may not be pleasant. Christians should think of (and plan for) the ways they will care for their parents as they age. (Aging parents should think about the ways they will be cared for, too.) This article offers some practical advice.
Aging parents must speak with their children about their expectations and plans for their sunset years. This includes discussing living arrangements, medical care, financial matters, and emotional needs. These conversations are not just practical—they are deeply spiritual and relational. Scripture calls us to live wisely and lovingly, and that includes preparing for the inevitable transitions of aging.
It is Finished
Our poem of the week: It is Finished, by Tania Runyon. This poem, written from the perspective of Jesus, urges readers to remember that his sacrifice is enough.
Note: Washington Presbyterian Church and the editors of this blog do not necessarily endorse all content produced by the individuals or groups referenced here.
As parents, we raise little apple trees, souls that bear fruit only with time and patience. Yet how often do we, unlike the farmer, expect to find mature fruit too early as we scrutinize our children for signs of spiritual growth? For all our efforts to train our children well — opening God’s word, bowing in prayer, and worshiping with God’s people — we often find something is missing in the middle of it all: peace of mind.
Want to Grow in Wisdom? You Need Gospel Friends.
Courtney Doctor describes what she means by “gospel friends” and encourages us to seek out friends like this.
Think about whom you most often ask for advice. Do you have a group of friends you go to? Do you scroll social media to see what the “experts” say on any given topic? Do you ask your neighbor, mom, or aunt? What voices have the greatest influence in your life? To faithfully navigate the Christian life, we need more than good advice. We need gospel friends who help us walk in wisdom.
How many times have we read a passage of Scripture and had no idea how to make sense of it—not because it was hard to understand theologically or the language was confusing—but because it seemed to directly contradict our life circumstances? It left us wondering, “Does God keep his promises?”
Note: Washington Presbyterian Church and the editors of this blog do not necessarily endorse all content produced by the individuals or groups referenced here.
You should be thankful! Think how much worse things could be!
I’ve heard this advice throughout my life. I’ve probably given it plenty of times.
Is it good counsel? I’m not so sure. It doesn’t seem biblical, especially when “thankfulness” is understood to be the Christian virtue of contentment.
Paul: Content In Every Circumstance
Most Christian teaching I’ve read about contentment focuses on Paul’s writing in Philippians 4.
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phil 4:10–13)
Paul learned a “secret,” allowing him to be content in any situation, whether in abundance or need. What is that secret?
We know that God gave Paul confidence to “do all things” because of the strength he provides. Perhaps that is the secret. But Paul doesn’t provide a how-to course on contentment. If the strength of the Lord, and the knowledge that the Lord provides that strength, is the key to contentment, a modern reader can be forgiven for thinking there are still some unanswered questions.
Critically, for our purposes, Paul makes no mention of comparison here. His reason for contentment seems to have little to do with knowing that he is better off than other people.
Content Because of the Lord’s Presence
Philippians 4 is a great place to start thinking about contentment in the Bible, but there are other relevant passages.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5,6)
As the author of Hebrews is wrapping up his discourse, this passage follows the general command, “Let brotherly love continue” (Heb 13:1). Like another key passage (1 Timothy 6:6–8), Hebrews contrasts contentment with the love of money.
Unlike other passages, this author provides a substantial reason for being content: the promise of God’s presence. God has promised that he will not leave or forsake his people; therefore, we can be content with what we have.
The end of this short passage illuminates the way many view their possessions or wealth. If we are content with the Lord’s presence, we know he is our helper, and that surpasses anything man could do. For those who seek protection and security through their net worth, this serves as a stiff rebuke.
The Danger of Comparison
When we compare our situation to another’s, we are prone to fall into either envy or pride. The advice written at the top of this post tends toward the latter. It seems to say, God is caring better for you than he is for that other person, so be grateful! A path of superiority does end in godly contentment.
Instead of looking at others, the Bible suggests we look to the Lord for our contentment. We should not take stock of what we have or do not have, but rather who is ours.
In Christ, the promise of God’s abiding presence made to saints of old is both made to us and kept. Jesus secured that promise for us, and the promise is realized through the Holy Spirit.
For believers, God is with us. He is our helper; we have no need to fear; what can man do to us?
Each Friday, I’ll post links to 3–5 resources from around the web you may want to check out.
A Christian Vision for Exercise
David Mathis has recently published a book on a theology of exercise, so this article represents some of the fruit from that project. I found all of these helpful and thought-provoking.
God made us remarkably flexible as humans. We are the kind of creatures who think and feel, and also move and act. Unlike other creatures, God made us for contemplation and for exertion, for pausing to ponder and for then acting in the world to accomplish tasks.
God designed us for rhythms of life: not always being on the go, not always being on the stay. We glorify God by reflecting on him and rejoicing in him and representing him in the world. We meditate and move. Typical human life includes both. God made us to be thoughtful and fruitful, to experience emotions and take up agency in the world.
That Bible Verse Is Not About Immigration
A few politicians have used Bible verses in recent public comments, but (surprise!) they have not always used these verses well! Here’s an article explaining why we need to read the Bible in context.
Christian publishing, much of Christian music, and maybe the majority of Bible studies are afflicted with this same bad habit. Christian bookstores are full of “Bible promise” titles filled with de-contextualized verses meant to directly apply to the reader. But how many books of Bible curses are there, though the Bible includes those, too? How many Americans, in the habit of “verse plucking,” gladly claim Deuteronomy 28’s national blessings, but don’t read on about the national curses for disobedience that directly follow? How many Bible studies ask the question, “What does this verse mean to you” before truly wrestling with, “What does this verse mean?”
Expecting Peace When There is No Peace
Alan Noble has written a thoughtful article about the teaching that we need to feel a sense of peace in order to be right with God.
I can’t begin to tell you how many times in my life I have gone astray by listening to my feelings of anxiety and distress and assuming that they were signs from God that I was not at peace with God. It’s taken me many years to begin to internalize the reality that I am always already at peace with God, because he has made peace with me when his Son died on the cross for my sins. Yes, there are daily opportunities for repentance, but I remain justified, redeemed, and loved even in my sin.
Thanks to Cliff L for his help this week in assembling the links!
Note: Washington Presbyterian Church and the editors of this blog do not necessarily endorse all content produced by the individuals or groups referenced here.
