Tag: Miscellaneous

Reflecting on the Five Solas

On By BrianIn Miscellaneous

fivesolas

Sola Gratia & Sola Fide – By Grace Alone Through Faith Alone

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it – the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.  For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. – Romans 3:21-24 (ESV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

Questions for Reflection
Do we receive the righteousness of God through faith or works?
Are we justified (declared righteous) by grace or by works?
Are you looking to Christ and resting in his grace?
In what ways are you tempted to try to earn your salvation?

 

By Grace

On By BrianIn PASSION Quotes

TransGraceWe are brought into God’s kingdom by grace;
we are sanctified by grace;
we receive both temporal and spiritual blessings by grace;
we are motivated to obedience by grace;
we are called to serve and enabled to serve by grace;
we receive strength to endure trials by grace;
and finally, we are glorified by grace.
The entire Christian life is lived
under the reign of God’s grace.

– Jerry Bridges in Transforming Grace

Sermon Songs: Ephesians 1:2

On By BrianIn Ephesians Hymns

MusicNotes

Behold the riches of His grace
That saves, empowers me
To serve Him as I run this race
From guilt and sin set free

Behold the wonders of His peace
Our God now to enjoy
Christ died for us that strife might cease
His love we might employ

(To the tune of the “Amazing Grace”)

Sermon Songs: Isaiah 61

On By BrianIn Isaiah Hymns

MusicNotes

Jesus the Lord’s Anointed One
Proclaims the year of grace
A great reversal, salvation
For us, the human race

The poor receive great hope anew
The humble His mercy
The mourning find His comfort true
The captive liberty

Those ruined by their sin and shame
Once broken and hopeless
Now beautiful in Jesus’ name
Clothed in His righteousness

So go to Jesus every hour
Find grace to meet your need
In all your weakness, seek His power
Upon His favor feed

Our Lord will come, end suffering
All evil He’ll defeat
We’ll praise Him with great rejoicing
Our salvation complete

– From a sermon on Isaiah 61
(To the tune of “O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing”)

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

Cheap Grace Isn’t Grace – Ricky Stark (YMRT)
…genuine faith requires repentance—and that a call to grace is a call to holiness. 

Living Well in a Digital World – Tim Challies
I am thrilled to live in this time, and eager to use all of these new technologies for good. But I know, and you know, that we need to use them well, and to use them for God’s glory.

Preaching the Ten Commandments – Ray Ortlund
When I preach through the Ten Commandments, each sermon has four points, because each commandment does four things at once. [Not just for pastors – good thoughts on the Ten Commandments]

Two Ways To Ruin Your Relationship With The Giver – Mike Wittmer (via Tim Challies) We must see God’s gifts of creation as windows into his glory and opportunities to praise him. But we must also find pleasure in them.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day with your local church!

Passion Points

On By BrianIn PASSION Points

Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:

Grace Is Not A Thing – Jeremy Treat (TGC)
Consider several misconceptions and enemies of grace.

4 Reasons to Stop Obsessing about Heaven – Mike Wittmer (TGC)
And set your hope on the resurrection!

Does Your Facebook Rant “Honor Everyone?” – Trevin Wax
Think before you post!

God’s Tapestry – Tim Challies
God weaves the good and bad things in your life into a beautiful tapestry.

Hope you have a great Lord’s Day with your local church celebrating God’s grace!