Truth

Black and white. Dead and alive. High and low. Light and Dark.  Hot and cold. Sooners and Longhorns. Life is filled with stark contrasts. But there is one ultimate contrast that supersedes all others, the contrast between that which is true and that which is false. This is the contrast between Jesus Christ, who is truth incarnate (John 14:6), and Satan, who’s very nature is false and devoid of the truth (John 8:44).
 
The best definition of “truth” I’ve come across is that it is “the way things really are, as established by God.” Jesus Christ, in His person, words, and works, exposes all that is false and gives absolute clarity to the way things really are.
 
Here’s the way things really are: every human being has been created by God, for His glory. Every human being is alienated from God and under His wrath because of sin. And every human being can be reconciled eternally to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
 
As Christ came to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37), so now those of us who belong to Him through faith likewise are to bear witness to Him who is true (John 15:26,27).  This means that as we faithfully speak and live the Gospel in the power of His Spirit, we help others to see the way things really are.
 
Praying with you to be all the more alert and diligent in our truth-proclaiming calling! 

Pastor Greg

Please Don’t Forget To Give

Please don’t forget to give!!

 With annual predictability, most churches and non-profit organizations in America experience a significant decline in financial giving during July and August.  Our church is no different.  Summer vacations, changes in routine, and other factors usually make these months the leanest in terms of giving.  Add to this the already challenging economic times we live in, and the impact on the church budget and ministry is that much greater.

 While giving often declines during the summer months, financial needs and obligations for the church continue as normal.  For this reason, let me encourage you to prayerfully stay faithful and sacrificial in your financial giving to RCG – for the glory of God and the advancement of the Gospel.

 2 Cor. 9:6-15 is an always timely exhortation and promise:

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, “He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever.” Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!   

A sermon I preached a number of years ago on this passage might be helpful.  Additionally, you might be helped by two different series I’ve done in the past on possessions and stewardship, both of which can be found in the sermon archives of our church website.  One series begins in August of 2004, the other in January of 2008.

 Praise God for the abundant riches He has given us in Jesus Christ!

 Pastor Greg

Please Don’t Forget To Give

Please don’t forget to give!!

 With annual predictability, most churches and non-profit organizations in America experience a significant decline in financial giving during July and August.  Our church is no different.  Summer vacations, changes in routine, and other factors usually make these months the leanest in terms of giving.  Add to this the already challenging economic times we live in, and the impact on the church budget and ministry is that much greater.

 While giving often declines during the summer months, financial needs and obligations for the church continue as normal.  For this reason, let me encourage you to prayerfully stay faithful and sacrificial in your financial giving to RCG – for the glory of God and the advancement of the Gospel.

 2 Cor. 9:6-15 is an always timely exhortation and promise:

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, “He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever.” Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!   

A sermon I preached a number of years ago on this passage might be helpful.  Additionally, you might be helped by two different series I’ve done in the past on possessions and stewardship, both of which can be found in the sermon archives of our church website.  One series begins in August of 2004, the other in January of 2008.

 Praise God for the abundant riches He has given us in Jesus Christ!

 Pastor Greg

Gospel Centered Thinking

Through the Apostle Paul in Phil. 4:8, the Lord exhorts His children to cultivate Gospel-centered thinking:

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (NASB)

A wonderful online resource that can help you fulfill this gracious mandate is “Grace Gems.” Based on mostly Puritan writings, you’ll find numerous Christ-exalting resources. Among other things, you can sign up to receive daily devotional quotes via email. I’ve been greatly refreshed in receiving these for a number of years.

The Lord has left us a rich collection of godly literature from previous generations. Take advantage of it – for the nourishment of your soul, the blessing of others, and the glory of God!

Pastor Greg