Pastor’s Blog

Getting back to the basics is stressing fundamental principles. You will hear a coach speak of getting back to the basics or a business leader. It is important because all we do build on fundamental principles. As believers, it is crucial to regularly get back to the basics of our faith to avoid drifting spiritually from the fundamental truths of biblical or orthodox Christianity. Paul lays out the basics of the faith in his letter to the Romans. Starting in Romans 3:27 through chapter four, he speaks of justification by faith and uses Abraham as an example of this blessed gift of God.

Justification speaks of the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is a mighty act of God by which He declares sinful people not guilty but righteous instead. God does this by accounting the righteousness of Christ upon the believer. This acquittal and remarkable exchange of the price for our sins (death) for righteousness occurs to all who receive it by believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and believing that what He has done is sufficient to make us right with God.

We discover in Romans 3:27-31 some implications of justification by faith. For instance, the believer can’t boast in their own part of salvation since they are saved by faith in Christ’s finished work. The believer is not justified by doing works, but through our Lord’s salvific work (v.27). The believer is not justified because they have fulfilled what the law requires (vv. 28-30). However, justification by faith does fulfill the law through Christ and by pointing to Him and showing how His Spirit is working in our lives, making us more and more like Jesus (v.31). We boast in Christ, not in ourselves.

Paul then uses Abraham as an example of saving faith (justification by faith). Abraham is the father of God’s people. Paul will establish that we can expect to find salvation and be justified by God the same way as Abraham.

Paul explains in Romans 4:1-5 that Abraham was not declared righteous on account of good behavior. If we could come to God on any other basis other than faith, it would mean that God owed us something. All God owes us is the wages of sin, which is death. It is through Christ we receive the gift of life. To stress this point further, Paul in Romans 4:6-8 shows that like Abraham, David (psalmist, one of the kings of Israel, and known as a man after God’s heart) enjoyed forgiveness by faith, not works. Faith is the instrument that allows the ledger sheet (wage of sin is death, but the gift of God through Christ is life) to be reconciled.

Some Jews fell into the trap of believing because they were circumcised, they were right with God. Circumcision occurs as part of the religious ceremony for a Jew. It signified the covenant relationship between God and Abraham. In Romans 4:9-12, Paul describes how Abraham was not declared righteous on account of religious ceremony. In fact, Abraham was declared righteous by faith before ever being circumcised. For the churchgoer, today, communion, baptism, church membership can be seen as somehow bringing salvation. These are religious acts that have meaning, but not the power to save. No ceremony or ritual can administer salvation to us. Only Christ offers salvation to those who place their faith in Him.

Some Jewish teachers taught that Abraham was perfect. They apparently had not read the accounts of Abraham’s life in Genesis. He was a man of faith, but certainly not perfect. So, Paul in Romans 4:13-16 shows how Abraham was not declared righteous by keeping rules. In fact, Abraham is declared righteous before the law had even been given. The law given to Moses was not given until some 500 years later. Abraham was justified by faith, plain and simple. This is a model for all of us of saving faith. Paul strongly emphasizes in Romans 4:17-22 that Abraham was a man of faith, and that made all the difference. Justifying faith is a faith that looks at the problem and believes upon God as the solution. Our faith in God releases His righteousness in our life.

Paul concludes in Romans 4:23-25: “But the words ‘it was counted to him’ (speaking of righteousness) were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” Jesus was crucified for our sins and resurrected for our salvation. This is a fantastic reality. I stress the term reality. It is real. It is authentic. We place our faith in a real God and actual work done by Jesus Christ. Like Abraham, we can be justified (saved) by believing God is real and that He sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins, and Jesus was resurrected that all who receive Him in faith will be saved. I hope you have placed your faith in Christ and are saved (in a right relationship with God). If not, consider doing so right now. If you have, celebrate this gift of our Lord and share the good news with others. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

As believers, it is important to regularly get back to the basics and understand the gospel’s foundational truth. This is what allows us to grow as we exercise our faith. Through the New Testament book of Romans, Paul presents the basics of Christianity. Among the many things Paul shares, we discover in Romans 3:9-26 the gospel’s bad and good news.

Paul begins by sharing the bad news beginning in Romans 3:9: “we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin.” All humanity is under sin and therefore condemned. Paul declares that the problem is that humanity is corrupt from head to foot. Sin is the truest and greatest leveler of humanity (Rom 3:10-18). We are on equal footing before God. We are guilty. The sentence has been given. But, the sentence has not been commenced (Rom 3:19-20). This leads us to the good news of the gospel.

Paul writes that “now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it” (Rom 3:21). The righteousness of God is revealed in His anger against sin (Rom 1:18) as well as in His grace for sinners (Rom 3:21-22). All of humanity has a problem our sin keeps us from a right relationship with God. Our Lord, however, has provided a way to deal with sin justly and offer salvation to all who will respond in faith.

In Romans 3:21-26, Paul explains that God has provided salvation to all who receive Christ as Lord and Savior. Yes, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). In the past, all have sinned; in the present, all are sinning, all are falling short. This is indeed bad news. The good news is that God has shown His love for us through the finished work of Christ on the cross. Jesus died for our sins and was resurrected for our salvation. God has proven Himself to be “just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom 3:26). God’s love is seen in Him sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the price, to be the covering for all of our sin.

God’s anger toward sin is removed from us as we believe in Christ for our salvation. Since Jesus bore our sin on the cross, He took our guilt and punishment for us, when we place our trust in Jesus, we are found not guilty. Because of the price paid for our freedom, when we enter into a saving relationship with Jesus by faith, we are free indeed.

There are two factors in salvation: the basis and the instrument. The basis is the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is Christ alone and not by any work of any person. The instrument is faith. Jesus did the work, and we are called to believe. Francis Schaeffer explains:

“Our faith has no saving value. Our religious works, our moral good works, have no saving value because they’re not perfect. Our suffering has no saving value. We would have to suffer infinitely because we have sinned against an infinite God. The only thing in God’s entire moral universe with the power to save is the finished work of Jesus Christ. Our faith merely accepts the gift. And God justifies (acquits) all those who believe in Jesus for their salvation.”

This is truly good news and an amazing offer.

The gospel’s bad news is that we have all sinned, and this carries with it a death sentence. The good news is that Jesus has already paid this sentence on the Cross, and all who receive Him as Lord and Savior are made right with God. No doubt, there is an unholy togetherness all of us share, but so too is the offer of salvation in Christ. We ought to all jump at the opportunity to be saved. Jesus has died for our sins and resurrected for our salvation. This is good news, and all we have to do is believe in Christ to receive salvation, eternal life, and the divine benefits that our Lord provides to those who place their faith in Jesus. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Getting back to basics takes concentration on the foundational building blocks. A baseball player may go back to the basics of a swing. An author goes back to the basics of writing. A Christian goes back to the basics of the gospel. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, we discover the basics of the gospel that benefits the seasoned Christian, those exploring the faith, and everyone in between.

In Romans 2:1-3:8, Paul presents the case that God is fair by proving that all are guilty. In a court case, evidence is presented to show the guilt of a defendant. The evidence is not to be mere circumstantial, but concrete. Here, in our country, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. A person is convicted when they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Paul will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that all are guilty, and God is indeed fair.

Paul argues that in Romans 2:1-6, those who are quick to condemn others but slow in judging themselves are found guilty by their own judgment. When we pass judgment one another and declare what should be the penalty, we are usurping God from His divine judgment seat and really passing judgment on ourselves. God judges on a standard of perfection. God’s fairness is seen in that He judges justly.

Then, we read in Romans 2:7-13, Paul’s case to all well-doers that if they could be perfect in every way, they would be acceptable. The problem is that no one can live perfectly. This is bad news. But, the good news is that we are not saved by good works. We are saved as we place our faith in Jesus Christ. However, those who are saved will do good works. The real spiritual power is for those who believe in Christ for salvation and through the power of the Holy Spirit desire to obey it. Therefore, God’s fairness is seen in His just verdict.

Paul further explains in Romans 2:14-16 that the Jews (today’s equivalent of those who have the Bible) have the Scriptures, but they do not live up to it. The fact is that you find some who do not have the Bible living better lives than those who do. The relatively good behavior, not perfect behavior for no person, lives a perfect life, condemns those who have the Bible. How does this even occur? It occurs because “the law is written on their hearts” (Rom 2:13). We all know what it feels like to be accused by our conscience then explain it away. Whether we know of God through special revelation (the Bible) or general revelation (nature), we all know something of God and of what is right and have chosen to sin against that something we know.

Paul then proceeds to address the Jews directly. In present-day terms, he could have spoken directly to people who have a bible. To summarize, he writes to discuss whether or not we who have access to so many Bible translations, who have so many churches to choose from, who live amid a culture of Judeo-Christianity: is this enough for salvation? Paul explains in Romans 2:17-24 that being a Jew or being raised in Christian teaching is not enough to save anyone. Further, we discover that when a person with the Scriptures treats it as something external, not allowing it to be a transforming agent in their lives, the person without the Scriptures is caused to dishonor God and His Word. Paul even dives deeper in Romans 2:25-29 by declaring that religious rites are not enough, in and of themselves, to save anyone. To the Jew, circumcision was the rite Paul writes of specifically. For the person with the Bible today; its baptism, confirmation, church membership, or communion. Paul clearly teaches that these things are powerless without real faith in Jesus Christ to save.

Paul clarifies, in Romans 3:1-8, that there is a benefit to being a Jew or today being raised in the church. However, neither of these things saves anyone. It merely gives a person greater access to the truth of the gospel that leads people to place their faith in Christ, bringing salvation to them.

Paul understood that people often attack God’s character, His fairness, when we speak of guilt. Paul has explained that God is good and just. God’s fairness is seen in that He judges justly, His verdict is just. All are under judgment, but the judgment has not been carried out yet. The sentence has been given, but not commenced. This is good news because God is here. He wants to bless us by working in and through our lives. I pray we will take Him up on His offer. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

As one studies the first eight chapters of Paul’s epistle to the Romans, we discover one of the most precise explanations of the gospel in all of Scripture. It is the basics of the Christian faith and worthy of being explored over-and-over again. All of us need to regularly get back to the basics. Any athlete knows the importance of returning to the basics. This is true of life. So-called advanced techniques are really just basic moves coupled with speed and accuracy. As Christians, we, too, need to regularly get back to the basics and understand the foundational truth of the gospel. Then, we are empowered to grow in the faith and advance it for God’s glory.

In Paul’s introduction, in Romans 1:1-18, he introduces himself as a servant of Christ and one of His apostles. He explains that the substance of the gospel is Jesus Christ, and the scope is everyone (all nations). In speaking of the gospel, Paul explains that the gospel is powerful in that it saves, and reveals the righteousness of God.

Paul then goes on in Romans 1:18-32 to present God as the plaintiff, as in a court case, bringing the charge against humanity of the crime of sin. He explains, in Romans 1:18-19, that God’s wrath is now revealed against sin. God’s wrath or anger is not to be thought of as an uncontrolled tantrum, but the reasonable reaction of a righteous God against unrighteousness.

Paul proceeds to explain in verse 20 that those who claim ignorance of God as an excuse are in error since God has revealed Himself through His creation. All one needs to do is look at nature to see the handiwork of God. The beauty and intricacy of nature do not introduce us to God’s character but does give testimony to His existence. There are two things God wants us to see in nature, His awesome power and His being God. The psalmist writes: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge” (Psa 19:1-2).

We realize in verses 21-31 that people rejected God as creator and experienced spiritual devaluation; therefore, God consigned them to sin’s power. God expected humanity to respond to His creation by glorifying Him, acknowledging His greatness, and to give thanks, expressing gratitude towards Him. However, humanity responds negatively by their futile thinking allowing the darkening of their foolish hearts. Humanity has ignored God’s power so clearly revealed in creation. They even have resorted to worshiping idols. They reduced God to the form of a corruptible man and also creeping things.

Lastly, Paul, in verse 32, gives us a summary of sin. We read: “Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” Sin, downright rebellion, is the charge waged against humanity. In the end, nothing keeps people from entering into a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ more than denying their need for Him or their reluctance to admit it.

What makes all the difference is how we respond to the charges brought against us and the impact of sin on all our lives. We can deny the charge, but it does not mean we are not guilty. We can refuse to come to Christ for salvation, but then, we are left without hope. What makes all the difference is how we respond to the charges brought against us and the impact of sin on all our lives. The good news, as Paul shares later, “since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:1). A person who places their faith in Christ, has been justified and declared righteous by God, once and for all. Now, that is good news. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Any athlete knows the importance of returning to the basics. So-called advanced techniques are really just basic moves coupled with speed and accuracy. Golfers will go back to the basics when they’ve lost their swing. This is also true of basketball, baseball, and football players who have lost their game. As believers, it is important to regularly get back to the basics and understand the foundational truth of the gospel. I believe Romans 1-8 offers us an opportunity to do just that.

I really like this quote from Martin Luther about the book of Romans: “This Epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament and the very purest gospel, and is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with, the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes.” An exploration of the book of Romans as a whole, but specifically Romans 1-8, which speaks of Christ’s finished work on the cross, allows us to become more acquainted with the gospel’s basics. This allows us to confidently press on victoriously in our journey with the Lord.

Paul introduces us to the power of the gospel in Romans 1:1-17. Paul begins by giving us a two-fold description of himself as well as the substance and scope of the gospel in verses 1-7. Paul is a servant and apostle. Paul is a humble servant of God with a special calling and authority given him by Christ. The substance of the gospel is Jesus Christ, and the scope of the gospel is everyone (all nations).

Then, in verses 8-15, we discover that the faith of the church in Rome is world-renown. Paul also discloses that he is a debtor. Paul can’t wait to go to Rome to minister and be ministered to. When the relationship between believers is as it should be, the blessings run both directions. The indebtedness Paul feels is due to receiving the good news about and salvation through Jesus Christ. He must share the love and message of Christ with others. When people enter into a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ, they are immediately saved and sent.

Paul concludes his introduction to his epistle in verses 16-17 by declaring that the gospel is powerful in that it saves and reveals God’s righteousness. We read: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” (vv. 16-17). Notice Paul does not ask for the gospel to be powerful. The gospel is powerful.

We recognize the gospel’s power in the Son of God becoming incarnate, living a sinless life, suffering, being crucified and buried, rose again, and ascended into heaven. We recognize the gospel’s power in the accomplishment of salvation. Sinful people, far from God, can hear and respond to the good news that Christ died for their sins and was resurrected for their salvation and can repent and believe in Christ and be saved. Those in Christ are called by God, justified by grace, regenerated by the Spirit, united with Christ, adopted into God’s family, and filled with the very Spirit of God. Now that’s power!

The Christian life begins with faith and is maintained through growing faith. As J.B. Lightfoot rightly proclaimed: “Faith is the starting point and the goal.” The gospel is powerful, and God is righteous. Righteousness is a legal term. To be righteous is to be right, just, and good. It can speak of the actions and positive results of a sound relationship, especially within a community or communion. The Christian is granted Christ’s righteousness and seeks to bring about personal and social righteousness in all his/her relationships. God’s righteousness is a key concept in Romans. God is righteous because he always acts in accord with His holy character and promises to His people.

It’s important to understand that the person who waits to be saved based on his/her own righteousness will wait forever. Likewise, if we wait to grow spiritually based on our own prideful efforts, there will be no spiritual growth. The righteousness revealed by God is a God kind righteousness, that man unaided could never have conceived or still less attain. We come to Christ in faith and grow in faith. We trust God for our salvation and walk in step with the Spirit to become like Him. This is remarkable and speaks to the basics of the gospel. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

We are in full election mode. The information dump is happening all around us. It’s difficult to find a space where you can retreat from the inundation of candidate promotion and policy declarations. Don’t get me wrong. I believe we need to be informed, but I am not a big fan of being told the same information over-and-over-and-over again.

As followers of Christ, I believe we need to exercise our right to vote, making Christ’s voice heard. I do not deny that there is a nuance to voting, even among Christians. However, I do believe that some issues are politicized but are actually spiritual at its core.

Now, I would guess that you are ready for me to tell you who to vote for or how to vote. I am going to do neither. What I am going to do is describe how to decide who to vote for and how to vote.

I have always been fond of Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psa 119:105). In ancient Israel, the common style of lamp was a small bowl with a pitched lip that was used to support a wick. It could be used to guide one’s next step. It’s used here as a metaphor for God’s guidance through His Word, the Bible. God, through Scripture, guides the believer in making the right step down the right path. Those who study and apply the Word of God are given the guidance necessary to walk rightly. Therefore, not only does the Word of God inform us of His will, but, like light, shows us how to follow the right and avoid the wrong way. What does this have to do with voting? Everything! Stick with me a moment.

I do not know if I can genuinely say that I am a man of one book. Rather, I am a man of the Book, which serves as a filter of every other book, actually everything else in life. Obviously, this also includes voting. When I vote, I take the platform of a party, candidate, a policy, and allow the Word of God to serve as a filter to see if it or they honor the Lord. Some of what is said and written will allow for a variation between how one believer votes and another. But, I believe, much is laid plain when you allow God’s Word to guide you. This process takes us beyond a personality contest or preference issue to the core of who or what glorifies God, will bless us, and allow others to have the opportunity to flourish.

Allowing the Word of God to serve as our guide empowers us to avoid the trap of being swept up in the prevailing current, being washed down the wrong stream. No, we are granted the strength to go against the current and go and lead the right way, God’s way. God, through His Word, does this for us.

I have a challenge for all believers. This election season vote informed. Allow the information you have to pass through the filter of God’s Word. Take the time to study the Bible for yourself and determine what it actually says, rather than merely letting others tell you what it says and means. This does not mean that we don’t allow the church’s historical voice to assist in our study. It does mean that we use proper hermeneutics (methods used to rightly study the Bible) to study and therefore apply Scripture through our lives.

I believe every election is important. Don’t miss out on this one. Decide to vote and decide now to go a little deeper and let the Word of God be a “lamp unto your feet.” This is how to determine who to vote for and how to vote.

Don’t let the election season drive you crazy. Take advantage of your right to vote. Vote in a way that honors God. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Today we celebrate Labor Day. This federal holiday is more than a Monday off. It honors and recognizes the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievement of our nation. The work, each of us does, matters.

This year we have been introduced to a term: “essential worker.” An essential worker is somebody who holds a specialized knowledge and whose service is essential for the successful operation of a business enterprise and society as a whole. I am thankful for the countless individuals who worked through the pandemic in service to our nation (i.e., doctors, nurses, first responders, garbage collectors, and grocers). However, I must admit that I believe all workers are essential. The Babylon Bee posted a meme of a man slumped over a table starring into nothingness with these words under the pic: “Man Glad To Know Job That Fed His Family, Paid His Rent Is ‘Non-Essential.'” No job is non-essential. What you do matters. It matters to you, your family, society, and God.

The Bible, God’s Word, has much to say about work. For instance, it speaks to our attitude toward work. We read in Colossians 3:23-25: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” This is the Christian work ethic. We are called to put forth our best efforts to work from our heart and soul at whatever we do. We are accountable to God as we administrate the gifts He has given us. Our work flows from our thankfulness to Him. God provides us with the ability to work, and we do so with gratitude.

Some see work as a dirty word, but it was instituted with creation before the Fall (see: Genesis 2:15). It became difficult after the Fall (See: Genesis 3:17-19). However, work is part of the “excellent” piece of all God created (see: Genesis 1:31). Simply put, work is of God and good. Obviously, this does not mean we ought to allow ourselves to be taken advantage of in our work or work in unhealthy environments, but that work in a healthy environment is good and God’s will for us.

Among the many words regarding work found in Scripture, we discover: “Hard work always pays off; mere talk puts no bread on the table” (Proverbs 14:23). We also read: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). The Bible encourages a strong work ethic. One way God provides for us is through our work.

It is important to note that nowhere in Scripture is workaholism championed. We work to honor God, provide, and use what is supplied to be generous to others. As much as the Bible speaks of work is also numerously addresses rest. God did not just institute work at the beginning of creation. He also established the Sabbath. He did the work of creation for six days, then ceased. God did not need to rest. He is omnipotent, meaning He is all-powerful. God’s ceasing was to set an example for us. We humans need to rest. Working, God’s way is good. So too is rest when we do it God’s way. We are even commanded to practice a Sabbath rest in the Ten Commandments (see: Exodus 20:9-10). When we put our best into our work, we ought to rest and not feel guilty. After all, God commands it. God’s call to rest is a gift to all who choose to receive it.

Followers of Christ are to work hard for the Lord’s glory. We also are to rest well in Him and from our work. I have heard it said: “Work hard, play hard, and rest well.” On this Labor Day, let me thank you for your essential work. I hope you can truly rest from your work and in the Lord. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Growth is essential for a Christian to thrive. Peter challenges us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Peter is calling believers to cultivate stability, so to speak, through Christian growth. This growth is spiritual growth, growing in faith.

When we enter into a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we are born again spiritually into God’s family. This new birth, similar to that of a newborn baby, requires nourishing milk for growth and proper development. A new or baby Christian needs spiritual food for growth. Peter writes: “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation” (1 Peter 2:2-3). Christians are to be like infants in their longing for pure spiritual milk. Milk is used in the New Testament as a symbol of what is basic to the Christian life, God’s Word.

Just as healthy babies move beyond milk to solid food, so do believers (see: Hebrews 5:12-14). Paul saw a problem with the Corinthian believers in that they had not grown in their faith, and he could only give them “milk” because they were not ready for solid food (see: 1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Christians are expected to grow. We need to learn and grow and become confident in handling the Bible, discerning God’s will, and sharing it with others. A baby needs to be fed, but a growing believer learns to feed themselves, eventually helping others grow.

A Christian will only grow as much as he or she purposefully reads and obeys and applies the Scriptures. Growing is up to each individual believer. Growth is not measured in years, but commitment. Some believers have been saved many years, but spiritually are still babies. Others have been Christians for a relatively short time, but have grown in leaps and bounds due to their devotion to God and His Word. It is important to note that it’s the doing of the Word, not merely hearing it that makes it a reality in one’s life. Genuine Christian growth comes when one puts what they know of God’s Word to practice in their life. This allows the Scriptures to take root in them.

A Christian’s diet ought to consist of the Word of God. The truths taught in the Bible are rich food for the believer. Peter writes, in 2 Peter 1:3, that God has given us everything we need for life through our (growing) knowledge of Him. As we continue down through verse 11, we discover a list of character qualities that need to be added to our beginning point of faith for maturity to take place, allowing us to thrive in Christ. There are many things that can help us grow.

Crosswinds have developed a discipleship strategy that assists believers in developing a daily time alone with God as well as meeting with fellow Christians through one-on-one discipleship groups and small groups. Meeting with other believers allows us to ask questions, share what we are learning with one another, and be encouraged as we continue to grow in knowing God and making Him known. We offer ministry teams where you can serve with other believers putting into action your growing faith. However, ministry does not only happen in ministry teams. As Crosswinds, we encourage one another to be used by God in extraordinary ways as missionaries in the ordinary places we find ourselves each and every day. Our large weekend worship gatherings are where we put God’s glory on display, sharing the workings of God in our lives and together are sent out on mission throughout our region. We also offer support options for those wrestling with specific issues like depression or situations like divorce as well as those desiring freedom from the hurts, habits, and hang-ups of life. The believer is called to take personal responsibility for their growth but is not meant to grow alone. God has provided His Spirit and the community of other believers to help us grow.

The foundation of Christianity – the milk – is something wonderful and not something we should forget. But, we are meant to grow beyond milk and become self-feeders of the solid food of God’s Word, able to help others grow. We are meant to be doers of the Word as we allow the Spirit of God to use what we know of the Scriptures to transform us more and more into the image of Christ. This is what it means to grow as a believer and thrive in Christ. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!

Trust is a powerful word. According to Merriam-Webster: “Trust is reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.” Trusting God is essential for a believer to thrive. Now, you don’t need to spend much time around Christians to hear the expression, “trust in Jesus.” This statement is layered with meaning. We trust in Jesus by believing in Him for our salvation (John 3:16). We believe who He is and put our faith in Him as our Lord and Savior. We believe He died for our sins and was resurrected for our salvation (Romans 4:15). Not one of us can save ourselves, so we trust Jesus to save us (Romans 3:10-20 & John 11:25).

Once one finds salvation by trusting in Jesus for his or her salvation, “trusting Jesus” means committing or dedication one’s self entirely to Him. Followers of Christ trust Jesus by putting complete confidence in Him and His Word. We discover in John: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). To abide in Jesus’ word means to continue believing what Jesus has said and walking in obedience to Him. Continuing to trust Jesus and obey Him is one test of who is truly His disciple. Jesus is speaking of one way to know the truth, and that is by continuing to believe and obey His word. Such trust in Christ brings freedom from guilt and the enslaving power of sinful patterns of conduct. Simply put, the more we know and abide in the words of Jesus, the more we will obey Him, and the more we grow to trust Him and experience freedom in Christ, we thrive.

One verse that I have expressed more in prayer than I personally like to admit is Mark 9:24: “I believe; help my unbelief!” In context, this verse is found amidst an account where a father is seeking the Lord’s miraculous power to heal his son. Jesus calls this man to trust in Him. The father’s confession is raw. He confesses he has some faith but also acknowledges his spiritual weakness and appeals to Jesus to create in him a heart that believes more firmly in Him.

It is easy to become discouraged when our trust waivers, but Jesus understands our weakness and knows we will struggle to trust Him. Paul encourages us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). When we take our uneasy hearts to the Lord in prayer, He offers us peace. His very presence is peace. Notice that the promise is not to give whatever we’re are asking for, but the promise is peace to guard our hearts and minds.

Trusting Jesus means to come to Him and believe He is good and is trustworthy. His plan for our lives is to thrive. We can be confident in this because of who He is and who we are in Him. We are as John 1:12 proclaims: “To all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” When we trust in Christ for our salvation, God’s supernatural work makes us His children. When we trust in Jesus and who we are in Him, He pours out His peace into us, empowering us to thrive.

Our trusting in Jesus grows as we continue to walk with Him. It grows through experience (see: 2 Corinthians 1:10). As we experience God’s faithfulness through the good, the bad, and the ugly of life, our faith, our trust in Him grows. In this sense, the Christian life becomes a testing and training ground of trust (see: James 1:2-4).

To trust the Lord, we need to know who God is and who we are in Him. Jesus is teaching us to trust Him in all things at all times with all our heart. As we learn to trust Jesus more and more, He empowers us to thrive. Soli Deo Gloria (God Alone be the Glory)!

Interestingly, we descend into greatness, as one author has put it. In other words, humility is an essential character trait of the believer becoming more like Christ. After all, Christ is the great example of humility (see: Philippians 2). Biblical humility is grounded in the nature of God. In James 4:6, we read: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” That’s pretty straight forward. God’s grace is extended to the humble, but He resists those who are proud.

An excellent summary verse of humility is Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” To be humble, we must trust God and believe that He will lead us down the right path. We are to place our faith in God prayerfully leaning on His understanding, not our own. In fact, our prayer ought to be to make His way our way as we are transformed into Christ’s image (Romans 9:29). It is humility that opens our hearts to God and allows us to withdraw from the arrogance of our ego.

Some people choose humility as a survival method, at least the appearance of humility. However, it is true humility interrelated with confidence in a believer’s life that is essential to thriving in Christ. Some view humility and confidence as opposing realities. The Scriptures view them as crucial aspects of a believer’s life.

It takes humility to have Christian confidence. Confidence is having trust in someone or something. We trust those in whom we have confidence. The world teaches us to have confidence in ourselves. We are told to trust that we have the ability to accomplish anything we desire. We are to have confidence in our wealth, in our power, in our position. The sources of Christian confidence is not ourselves but in God Himself.

We find in Jeremiah 9:23-24: “Thus says the Lord: Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the Lord; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.” A truly wise man and woman find confidence in the Lord. They learn what God teaches. Knowing God means knowing His profound love, justice, and righteousness. Paul wrote it this way, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31 & 2 Corinthians 10:17).

God desires for the believer to thrive, not merely survive. Therefore, the Christian life goal is not selfish ambition, but to glorify God by knowing Him and making Him known. We are not to trust in ourselves or our own wisdom but trust in God (see: Proverbs 3:5-6). God is our confidence, our rock our refuge (see: Psalm 18:2).

The believer is to have confidence in the risen Christ. It takes genuine humility to admit our need for Christ for salvation and everything else in our lives. He is our everything. As we grow in the Lord, such humility is paired with a confidence rooted in Him that empowers us to partner with Him as we walk in faith. Such a walk is not void of self-confidence or self-respect. The issue is the source of our confidence. We are to be confident in Christ and our identity in Him.

The interrelation between humility and confidence in a believer’s life is remarkable and essential if one is to thrive in Christ. Jesus is the perfect example of humility and confidence. I pray that each of us will become more and more humble and confident as we become more and more like Him. The world does not need another survivor but desperately needs to see those who are thriving in the Lord. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!