Speaking Truth Lovingly Entails Listening Carefully

As members of Christ’s body, the church, we have the privilege and responsibility of protecting one another in the truth.  This is the heart of what God commands in Eph. 4:25 –

 

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

 

We need to be moving toward one another, and seeking to move each another toward Christ by speaking the truth of God’s word in love (see also Eph. 4:12-16).  We’re thus to help one another stand against the deceitful lies of Satan.  He is the one who relentlessly seeks to lead us into unbelief and disobedience, to think that God and His word doesn’t matter.

 

Part of learning to speak the truth wisely in love means listening carefully to one another!  And listening carefully often involves asking good questions:

 

  • How is it with your soul?
  • How can I pray for you?
  • Any challenges you are currently facing…any temptations?
  • What things are you thankful for today?
  • What truths from God’s word are you feeding on today?

 

Beloved, may God help us minister His truth to one another lovingly and skillfully, that we might strengthen each other’s faith.  And may He thereby equip us to all the more faithfully proclaim the gospel to those who are lost.

 

Because Christ lives, and is returning,

Greg

He Who Did Not Spare His Own Son

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”  (Rom. 8:31-32)

 

What a great and powerful promise this is!  As a means of more fully walking in the hope of all Paul declares in these words, I encourage you to listen to this recent sermon from Dr. J. Ligon Duncan (given at this year’s Shepherds Conference in March).

 

May you indeed be strengthened in the fullness of all God’s provision in Christ – I’m praying for you to that end (Eph. 3:14-21)!

 

Because Christ lives, and is returning,

Greg

Because Our God Reigns

Beloved, our God reigns, as He will through all eternity.  Keep trusting, rejoicing in, seeking, and obeying Him.  And keep proclaiming the great hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  May the Lord help your soul be still in the knowledge of who He is!

Psalm 46

To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song.

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Amen!  With love, affection, and prayers for you,
Greg