Life and Faith

Tag: Gospel

  • Conduct Reflects The Gospel

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    Jon
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    We know when people work together in unity much can be achieved. There is a bond together, there is a goal to achieve, there is progress made, sometimes quite rapidly, when people are united. We may have experienced this before ourselves when working with others on a particular task, on a particular project, or toward…

  • The Gospel Impacts Conduct

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    Jon
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    According to several scientific studies conducted about first impressions, it takes seven seconds for the human brain to create an impression about someone upon first meeting them. And in that initial meet every second is important in creating a good impression. Unfortunately, first impressions can only be made once and it is over in a…

  • The Advance of the Gospel: In Joy

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    Jon
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    The book of Job in the Old Testament presents the story of a man who, despite his righteousness, is subjected to immense suffering. Job’s friends, in their misguided attempts to provide comfort, suggest that his misfortune must be due to some hidden sin. Job, in defiance, is confident that God will ultimately vindicate him, that…

  • The Advance of the Gospel: Selfish Motives vs. True Intentions

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    Jon
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    In Philippians 1:15-18, Paul provides insight into how the message of Christ is being proclaimed and how the gospel is advancing, despite his imprisonment. Intriguingly, there seem to be two groups of people within close proximity to Paul, possibly in the city where he is imprisoned, each preaching Christ but with divergent intentions. One group…

  • The Advance of the Gospel: In Suffering

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    Jon
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    When baking, it’s often wise to follow a recipe, as it guides us to create the delicacy we envision. It instructs us on the ingredients to add, how to mix them together, and even specifies the right oven temperature to bake that perfect cake you’re dreaming of right now. In the grand scheme of Christian…

  • Gospel Partnership Is Prayerful Partnership

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    Jon
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    Saying you are going to pray for someone is a common occurrence in the Christian faith. We hear the needs of others and strive to support them. Prayer is our go-to action when we cannot provide tangible help, and it’s far from being the ‘least’ we can do. This is not to diminish the reality…

  • Gospel Partnership Is Joyful Partnership

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    Jon
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    After Paul gives his initial greetings to the church in Philippi (Philippians 1:1-2), we immediately sense just how much joy and affection he has for them. In v3-8, we read of how their partnership in the gospel is a joyful partnership. Prayers For The People In v3, Paul gives thanks to God for this church.…

  • Chicken Nuggets or Gospel Nuggets

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    Jon
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    Every now and then I like to spoil my four-year-old daughter by taking her out for fast food. Her food of choice is usually chicken nuggets. You know, those small morsels of processed chicken enveloped in a thin batter. If she’s hungry enough she’ll eat six in one sitting. These little pieces of chicken are…

  • Published: Gospel of Mercy: Remembering Our Identity In Christ

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    Jon
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    A huge influence on the way we think of ourselves, particularly as youth ministry practitioners, is related to our identity. This is relevant to anyone who isn’t a youth pastor or involved in youth ministry work too, obviously. But recently I’ve reflected on this in relation to the youth pastor position, and had a piece…

  • Published: Chicken Nuggets or Gospel Nuggets?

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    Jon
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    I’ve had a daily devotional published as a blog post on digisciple.me: “Formerly I was in a place that was foolish. In this position I sought to gain pleasure for myself, looking out solely for my own needs and wants. This leads down a path that is unhelpful and unhealthy. Seeking pleasure in the wrong…