Tag: Gospel

Good Enough? Not Even Close!

In the opening chapters of Galatians, Paul confronts a troubling idea: that righteousness before God can be earned through human effort. For some early Christians, the path to holiness seemed tied to strict adherence to the Mosaic law—a rigorous system that no one could keep perfectly. Paul knew firsthand how impossible it was to attain righteousness this way. The law, as Paul explains, is not a ladder to God; rather, it’s a mirror, showing us just how far we fall short.

This is why Paul’s words still ring true: the law wasn’t given to save us but to reveal our need for a Savior. If it were possible to be “good enough” on our own, then Jesus’ sacrifice would be unnecessary. But in our imperfection, Christ’s perfect obedience becomes our saving grace. Jesus fulfilled the law in ways no one else could, and because of our relationship with Him, we’re declared righteous—not by our actions, but by His.

When we live with this understanding, good works take on a new meaning. They’re not a checklist for salvation or proof of our worth but rather a response of gratitude for what Jesus has already done. We live righteously because we’re loved and saved, not in an attempt to become loved or saved. This mindset frees us from the endless cycle of trying to “measure up” and invites us to rest in the assurance that Christ has already bridged the gap.

Let’s not allow ourselves to be drawn back into performance-based religion. Instead, let’s remember that our worth is found in Christ’s fulfillment of the law and His deep, unwavering love for us. We live righteously not out of obligation but out of joy, thankful for a salvation we could never earn but freely receive.

The Power of the Ask

In Acts 8, we encounter the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, a passage that highlights the remarkable power of asking questions. Here, Philip receives a prompting from the Holy Spirit to go to a specific road where he encounters an Ethiopian official reading aloud from Isaiah. Rather than diving straight into a sermon or explanation, Philip begins with a simple question: “Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30). This question opens the door to a life-changing conversation, as the eunuch’s curiosity and Philip’s obedience intersect at just the right moment.

Philip’s willingness to ask a straightforward question gives the eunuch an opportunity to express his need: “How can I [understand], unless someone guides me?” (Acts 8:31). From there, Philip shares the Gospel, leading the eunuch to faith in Jesus and immediate baptism. This story reminds us that sometimes the most profound ministry happens not through grand speeches, but through simple, Spirit-led questions that show a genuine interest in the other person.

In our own lives, we often underestimate the value of a question. A gentle, open-ended inquiry can open doors we didn’t even know were there. Philip’s example teaches us to be observant and sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting, looking for moments to engage with those around us. We don’t need to have every answer or a well-rehearsed speech; sometimes, a single question—one that shows care and sparks curiosity—is all that’s needed to start a transformative conversation.

Wherever we find ourselves, whether it’s in a coffee shop, workplace, or even on a casual walk, we are not there by accident. God places us in specific situations and brings us into contact with certain people for a reason. Like Philip, we’re called to be obedient to His leading, staying open to opportunities to ask the right questions. As we ask, listen, and respond, God can work through us in powerful ways to share His love and truth.

In Defense of Peter

The account of Peter in Gethsemane is a stirring reminder of how human we are, even when we deeply desire to follow Jesus. Peter, who had walked with Christ, witnessed miracles, and even claimed he would follow Him to the death, shows us that the spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). We might critique Peter for his actions that night—falling asleep, impulsively wielding a sword, and then ultimately denying Jesus—but perhaps, his story is also ours. In Peter, we find relatable lessons that urge us toward deeper discipline, patience, and boldness in our faith.

At Gethsemane, Jesus invited Peter, James, and John to keep watch with Him during His agonizing prayer. But Peter’s spirit gave way to fatigue, and three times he fell asleep as Jesus wrestled with the reality of the cross. In these moments, we see a call to better discipline. Just as Peter needed discipline to stay awake and pray, we, too, are called to “watch and pray” that we do not fall into temptation. Distractions and weariness can easily pull us away from prayer and obedience, but discipline helps us continually seek God’s strength, especially in trying times.

Next, we see Peter’s struggle with patience. When the soldiers arrived to arrest Jesus, Peter acted instinctively, drawing his sword to protect his Lord. He acted out of zeal, but it wasn’t what Jesus had asked of him. Jesus had already made it clear that He must go to the cross, yet Peter acted on impulse, unwilling to wait for the Lord’s guidance. Here, we learn the importance of waiting on God, resisting the urge to take matters into our own hands. Jesus often leads us through unexpected paths, and patience allows us to stay in step with His timing, trusting that He has a purpose beyond what we can see.

Finally, after Jesus was arrested, Peter’s courage seemed to fade. Standing by the fire, surrounded by strangers, Peter denied knowing Jesus—not once, but three times. His boldness faltered when it was most needed. It is easy to judge Peter’s fear, but it’s also a moment to recognize our own hesitations to fully identify with Jesus. True boldness means openly claiming our faith, even when it feels risky. We may face fear, awkwardness, or discomfort, but Jesus is our strength. Through Him, we find the courage to stand firm, even when the stakes are high.

Peter’s journey in Gethsemane reminds us that Jesus isn’t looking for flawless followers—He seeks willing hearts. Yes, we may stumble as Peter did, but God’s grace meets us in our weakness. As we grow in discipline, patience, and boldness, we find that Jesus is always there, shaping us into people who are prepared to follow Him, even when it’s hard. Let’s remember that Jesus restored Peter after his denials and used him to build the Church. In the same way, He is patient with us, guiding us into lives that glorify Him, no matter how many times we fall.

Why Isn’t God More Obvious?

It’s a question that people have asked for centuries: If God exists, why isn’t He more obvious? We long for unmistakable signs—something dramatic to shake us out of doubt or unbelief. But this very demand for a sign is addressed by Jesus Himself in both Mark 8:11-13 and Matthew 16:1-4. When the Pharisees approached Jesus, demanding a sign from heaven to prove who He was, His response was blunt: “No sign will be given to you except the sign of Jonah.” Essentially, Jesus was saying that if they couldn’t see what was already in front of them, no further proof would change their minds.

Why, then, does Jesus reject the Pharisees’ request for a sign, and what does that say about us today? First, we have to understand that the Pharisees weren’t looking for evidence out of an earnest desire to believe. They had already seen countless miracles—healings, exorcisms, and even resurrections—but refused to acknowledge the significance of what was happening. The request for a sign wasn’t about seeking truth; it was a way to test or trap Jesus, hoping to discredit Him. Their hearts were hardened, and even the clearest revelation wouldn’t have softened them.

Jesus’ response was not an unwillingness to demonstrate His power but rather a statement that God’s work cannot be reduced to spectacle. He had already shown them who He was through His life and ministry, and yet they remained blind. This is why the “sign of Jonah”—a reference to His future resurrection—was the ultimate sign they would receive. If they couldn’t see the truth in His words and works, not even the resurrection would open their eyes.

This speaks directly to the question of why God isn’t more obvious. In many ways, He is obvious. The beauty and order of creation, the intricacy of the human conscience, the life and death of Jesus, and the power of Scripture are all profound revelations of God. But like the Pharisees, many of us demand something more, not because we lack evidence, but because we struggle with the implications of surrendering to that evidence. The desire for a more “obvious” God often stems from a reluctance to submit to Him.

The issue, then, is not God’s hiddenness but our willingness to see Him. We may claim to seek clarity, but the deeper question is whether we truly want to find Him. As Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).

In a world filled with distractions, it’s easy to look past the everyday ways that God reveals Himself. We may not get the signs we think we need, but we have something better: the life of Christ, the testimony of Scripture, and the witness of transformed lives.

So, why isn’t God more obvious? Perhaps the better question is: Are we willing to see Him as He has revealed Himself? If we continually ask for more signs without acting on what we’ve already been given, we’re not so different from the Pharisees. And just as Jesus called them to repentance, He calls us to trust what has already been shown—the cross, the resurrection, and His ongoing work in the world.

What is the Unforgivable Sin?

When Jesus warned about the unforgivable sin, it raised a question that has troubled many believers: What exactly is this sin that cannot be forgiven? As we look deeper into His words from Mark 3:28-30 and Matthew 12:31-32, we see that He refers to “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” as something from which there is no return.

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not a fleeting thought, a moment of doubt, or even a single bad decision. It’s a deliberate, hardened rejection of the Holy Spirit’s testimony about Jesus. In the specific context of Mark 3, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees who accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Satan. Essentially, they are witnessing the power of God right in front of them and, instead of accepting it, they attribute it to the devil.

This sin is so serious because it reflects a heart that is completely closed off to God’s work, refusing to recognize His grace and power. When we reject the very Spirit who brings conviction, repentance, and forgiveness, we cut ourselves off from the possibility of being forgiven. The Spirit’s work is to point to Jesus, to testify of His salvation, and when that testimony is consistently, willfully rejected, we are left with no other means of reconciliation with God.

But what does this mean for us today? It’s important to understand that this sin is not about a specific word or action in a moment of weakness. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit is about a continual, unrepentant stance against God. It’s choosing to remain in opposition to Him, attributing His good work to evil, and closing your heart to His grace.

The thought of an unforgivable sin can be unsettling, but if you are concerned that you’ve committed it, that very concern shows you have not. A heart hardened to the Holy Spirit wouldn’t be troubled by such thoughts. The unforgivable sin is a conscious, final rejection of God’s truth, where the heart becomes so resistant that repentance no longer seems possible.

Consider this: the Bible says that “the words you speak will either acquit you or condemn you” (Matthew 12:37). What are the words of a repentant heart? Confession and humility. What are the words of a hardened heart? Denial and rejection. The unforgivable sin is to stand against the work of the Spirit in such a way that, instead of confessing Christ, we attribute His power to evil.

The good news is that for those who turn to God, no sin is beyond His reach. For all the fear that this warning might stir, Jesus extends forgiveness to anyone willing to repent. He is slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and ready to forgive those who seek Him. The unforgivable sin isn’t something that sneaks up on us — it’s a deliberate, hardened choice to turn away from God, even when His truth is made plain.

Forgiven Little, Loving Less: Why You Might Be Missing the Full Picture

In Luke 7:36-50, we find the story of a sinful woman who interrupts a dinner at the house of a Pharisee named Simon. She falls at the feet of Jesus, weeping, and pours expensive perfume on His feet, wiping them with her hair. Simon is shocked that Jesus would allow this woman, known for her sinful reputation, to touch Him. But Jesus uses this moment to teach a profound lesson about forgiveness and love.

Jesus tells a parable about two debtors: one who owes a large debt and another who owes a smaller one. Both debts are forgiven, and Jesus asks Simon which of the two will love the creditor more. Simon answers that it is the one who had the larger debt forgiven. Jesus agrees and says to Simon, “He who is forgiven little, loves little” (Luke 7:47).

This story illustrates an important truth about sin, forgiveness, and love. The woman’s extravagant love for Jesus stems from her awareness of the great debt she owed—her sins were many, and her forgiveness was much. But Simon, who saw himself as righteous, believed he owed little to Jesus. His view of sin was small, and as a result, his love for Jesus was shallow.

A Theology of Sin

At its core, sin is not just bad behavior; it is a rebellion against God, a failure to meet His standard of holiness (Romans 3:23). All of us are born into this state, separated from God (Ephesians 2:1-3). Sin is more than just breaking moral rules—it is the rejection of God’s authority, resulting in both personal and cosmic consequences.

Throughout the Bible, we see the seriousness of sin:

Isaiah 59:2 explains that sin creates a barrier between us and God, cutting off our relationship with Him.
Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death—spiritual separation from God that leads to eternal separation unless reconciled through Christ.
James 2:10 reminds us that even if we fail in just one part of the law, we are guilty of breaking all of it.

The Bible’s portrayal of sin makes it clear that every human being is in a state of great need—each of us is a debtor to God. Sin isn’t a small misstep; it’s a complete severance of our relationship with God, one that can only be restored through the grace extended in Christ. Without this understanding, we are likely to minimize the gift of forgiveness that God offers.

A Small View of Sin Leads to a Small Love for God

Jesus’ point to Simon—and to us—is that the way we view our sin directly impacts how we relate to God. When we minimize sin, we minimize the need for God’s grace. This results in a shallow, distant relationship with Him. If we think our sin is small, we’ll see Jesus as little more than a moral teacher or good example. But if we understand the depth of our need, we will respond with deep gratitude, just as the woman in Luke 7 did.

The truth is, we all owe a great debt—whether we realize it or not. The woman in this story knew her need for forgiveness, and her love for Jesus reflected her awareness of how much she had been forgiven. Simon, in contrast, saw no great need for forgiveness and, consequently, showed little love.

Why This is Good News

Here’s the beauty of this story: Jesus doesn’t rebuke the woman for her past or even for the nature of her sins. Instead, He honors her act of love and forgives her because of her faith. This tells us that no matter how great our sin, God’s forgiveness is greater. But it also serves as a reminder that if we don’t fully acknowledge our need for forgiveness, we may miss out on the depth of the relationship God wants to have with us.

The challenge for us today is to ask: How do I view my sin? Do I minimize it, thinking of myself as mostly good and only in need of minor forgiveness? Or do I recognize the profound debt I owe—a debt that Christ paid in full? Those who are forgiven much, love much. And the truth is, we have all been forgiven much. If we fail to see the greatness of God’s grace, it is because we have too small a view of sin.

The great news is that we are not left to bear the weight of our sin. Jesus has already borne it for us. When we understand this, it transforms our relationship with God, just as it did for the woman at the feet of Jesus. The more we grasp the depth of our forgiveness, the more we will love Him in return.

Unexpected Heroes: The Women Who Shaped Salvation

When we read through the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, we’re confronted with an unexpected detail: the inclusion of five women. In a time when genealogies typically traced lineage through men, the appearance of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary stands out. But what’s even more striking is why these women, in particular, were chosen. They weren’t the matriarchs like Sarah or Rebekah, and they weren’t the well-known mothers of the tribes of Israel. So why these women? What did they contribute to God’s redemptive plan that others did not?

Each of these women played a direct, active role in the salvation story—often in ways that were culturally or morally controversial. Their actions not only shaped the lineage of the Messiah, but they also reveal a deeper truth about how God works through those who are often overlooked, scandalized, or marginalized.

Tamar: Preserving the Line of Judah

Tamar’s story (Genesis 38) is one of desperation and justice. Widowed twice, she found herself in a situation where the family of Judah failed to fulfill their duty to provide her with a husband and offspring. In response, Tamar took a drastic step: disguising herself as a prostitute to bear a child through Judah himself. While her actions seem morally questionable on the surface, she was acting to preserve the family line—ensuring that the tribe of Judah, through which the Messiah would come, continued. She forced Judah to fulfill his responsibility, even when he was unwilling to do so. Tamar’s inclusion in the genealogy isn’t about celebrating deception but recognizing her critical role in ensuring the continuation of the Messianic line.

Why Tamar and not someone like Leah or Rachel? Tamar’s direct action ensured the survival of Judah’s lineage. Without her, the line that would bring forth Jesus might have ended. Leah and Rachel, while important, were part of the natural unfolding of events. Tamar’s story is one of stepping in to secure the future when everything seemed to be falling apart.

Rahab: The Outsider Who Saved Israel

Rahab (Joshua 2) was a Canaanite prostitute living in Jericho. Yet, her faith in the God of Israel led her to hide the Israelite spies and help them escape. In return, her family was spared when Jericho fell. Rahab not only became part of Israel but also married into the nation, becoming the great-grandmother of King David.

Why Rahab and not other women of faith from Israel’s history? Rahab’s story emphasizes that God’s salvation is for all people, not just the chosen nation of Israel. Her inclusion highlights the expansive nature of God’s grace. She wasn’t born into the covenant but was grafted in through faith. Her faithfulness was pivotal in the conquest of the Promised Land, making her a vital part of the salvation narrative.

Ruth: The Loyal Foreigner

Ruth’s story (Book of Ruth) is one of loyalty and redemption. A Moabite widow, she chose to leave her homeland and stay with her mother-in-law Naomi, declaring that Naomi’s God would be her God. Her devotion led her to Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer who married her and continued the family line, eventually leading to the birth of King David.

Why Ruth and not the matriarchs like Sarah or Rebekah? While Sarah and Rebekah were critical to the birth of Israel, Ruth’s story is about the inclusion of the Gentiles. Ruth was an outsider, a Moabite, and yet she became the great-grandmother of David. Her faithfulness in an uncertain situation ensured the continuation of the line that would produce the Messiah. Ruth’s inclusion teaches us that God’s plan is not limited to those within the covenant but includes those who choose to enter it by faith.

Bathsheba: The Mother of the King

Bathsheba’s story (2 Samuel 11-12) is filled with tragedy and scandal. She was the wife of Uriah, a Hittite, and became pregnant by King David after he summoned her. Her first child with David died, but their second child, Solomon, became the king through whom God’s promise to David was fulfilled. Despite the circumstances of their union, Bathsheba’s role as Solomon’s mother was vital in ensuring the continuation of David’s line.

Why Bathsheba and not others like Abigail or Michal? Bathsheba’s inclusion points to the complexity of human sin and divine grace. Despite the scandal of her relationship with David, she bore the king who would build the temple and continue the Messianic line. Bathsheba’s story shows that even in the midst of sin and failure, God’s redemptive purposes are at work.

Mary: The Faithful Servant

Mary’s inclusion is perhaps the most obvious. She was the young woman chosen to bear the Messiah (Luke 1). Her faithfulness in accepting God’s will, despite the social stigma she would face as an unwed mother, sets her apart. Mary’s quiet submission to God’s plan is a powerful example of faithfulness in the face of uncertainty.

Why Mary? Mary’s unique role as the mother of Jesus makes her central to the salvation story. Unlike the other women, she was directly chosen by God for this role, and her faithful acceptance of God’s will brought the Savior into the world.

Conclusion: Faithfulness Over Status

What sets these women apart isn’t just their actions, but their willingness to step into God’s redemptive plan, often in messy, complicated situations. They were not chosen for their status or for adhering to societal expectations but for their faithfulness in the face of difficulty. Their stories show us that God’s primary desire is not to bring about social change, but to transform lives. When we are faithful in the circumstances we find ourselves in, God can work through us, even when the situation looks hopeless or morally complex.

While today’s culture often pushes for external reforms and changes, the Gospel calls us to internal transformation. The change we need begins with hearts surrendered to God, and from that place, societies are transformed as a byproduct. The lives of these women remind us that true change comes from faithfulness in the margins, not through performative actions but through trusting God to use our brokenness for His glory.