The concept of being "reconciled to God," as mentioned in the Bible, is truly remarkable. The Greek term used for it is "apokatallassō," derived from the verb "katallassō" which means to change from enmity to friendship and reconcile. This term is exclusively used in Paul's epistles, such as Ephesians 2:16 and Colossians 1:20, 21. The … Continue reading Friendship With God
Eating With Sinners
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2 From the moment Adam & Eve sinned in the garden, men and women have been hiding from God. Then the amazing happens! Jesus comes … Continue reading Eating With Sinners
Legalism Kills…
Legalism is the religion of human achievement. It is when we exchange our relationship with Jesus for our own rules and rituals. Legalism takes the focus off of what God has done for us and puts the focus on what we have done for God. As J.I. Packer put it, “Legalism is a distortion of … Continue reading Legalism Kills…
Live Like Christ
I was reading J. I. Packer’s devotional, Knowing God’s Purpose For Your Life, the other day and thought I’d share his thoughts on our call to live like Christ. "In Christ believers are involved in a process of character change. The Holy Spirit and Christ now indwell them to transform them into Christ’s likeness. Christ … Continue reading Live Like Christ
Love is an action
Jesus said, "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." (John 13:34-35) Jesus isn’t talking the feeling of love or about an … Continue reading Love is an action