Not a Crutch But a Stretcher

"Christianity isn’t a crutch for the weak; it’s a stretcher for the dead. The gospel doesn’t claim to help the weak; it claims to make the dead live again. We reject the notion of the crutch of Christianity because we don’t need something to help us walk along; we need something to make us truly alive." - Michael Kelley

HT: Vitamin Z

Mark Driscoll on the Gospel

This will get your blood pumping...



HT: Vitamin Z

The Gospel and Friendship

Of all the experiences Heather and I had during our time in Canada last week, perhaps nothing has stuck with me as much as a sense of wonder at the amazing implications that the gospel has for friendships. I first began exchanging emails with Dan Collison, pastor of our sister chuch, The Sanctuary Pickering, back at the end of last year. He and his wife, Denise, visited us in February, and we just spent time with them in Toronto. Between both visits, we have spent perhaps a total of 4 days together, but likely a little less. Heather and I can now say that we view them as close friends, and we feel like we've known them forever. How is that possible in only 96 hours?

It's possible because we share Jesus Christ in common. In him, there is a bond that runs deeper than any other, including blood. I realized this on an even deeper level when we worshipped with their church last Sunday. Here we were, in a room with 40-50 people we'd never met, and there was an instant connection, an immediate sense of community. We didn't share nationality in common, we didn't always share personal histories in common, but we all shared the joy of having our sins covered by the sacrifice of Christ, and that was more than enough. It was never difficult to strike up a conversation with people, and in just a couple hours we had meaningful conversations that most people would never dream of having with people they'd just met. For us, though, there was a sense that we were on the same wavelength, that we held the same values, passions, and joys. There is truly no bond like the gospel.

We're really looking forward to going back this summer with our team from Hazelwood. We've got friends that we look forward to seeing again, and we've got a fresh appreciation for the gift that our church family is to us. As you read this, think about the people at your church. You may share more things in common with some than others, but at the end of the day you share something of supreme significance with all of them, something that shatters all other petty differences. You share Christ. With him as our foundation, healthy, deep, and meaningful relationships are never far away.

Preach the Gospel With Your Tip

As one who spent four years working in a restaurant, I can attest to the truth of what Driscoll says here. Listen closely.



HT: Vitamin Z

Happy New Year!

Happy 2009 to everybody! Rather than write a lengthy New Year's message, I'll just link to the New Year's sermon I preached to my church last Sunday. Enjoy the new year, and may the Gospel go out in power.

"As an Athiest, I Truly Believe Africa Needs God"

Very cool article in the Times Online (UK) from columnist Matthew Parris. Parris reflects on the missions work being done by Christians in Africa, and concludes that though he doesn't believe in God, there is something being accomplished there that simple aid programs cannot do. A quote...

"Travelling in Malawi refreshed another belief, too: one I've been trying to banish all my life, but an observation I've been unable to avoid since my African childhood. It confounds my ideological beliefs, stubbornly refuses to fit my world view, and has embarrassed my growing belief that there is no God.

Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good."

Go check out the full article, and be reminded of the power of the gospel.

HT: Justin Taylor

A Reminder of What the Gospel Does

“You have been told that God is a loving, gracious, merciful, kind, compassionate, wonderful, and good sky fairy who runs a day care in the sky and has a bucket of suckers for everyone because we're all good people. That is a lie... God looks down and says 'I hate you, you are my enemy, and I will crush you,' and we say that is deserved, right and just, and then God says 'Because of Jesus I will love you and forgive you.' This is a miracle.” – Mark Driscoll

The Power of the Gospel

Check out this amazing interview with Mosab Hassan Yousef. The son of a Hamas leader, Yousef has embraced the gospel of Christ and discusses his amazing journey with Fox News.

Like a Child

Take a look at this great post from Zach Nielsen about a lesson in forgiveness from his 5-year-old son. As one about to become a father for the first time, this one hit me very hard.

HT: Vitamin Z