Something I Must Constantly Remind Myself Of

Religion focuses on rules.

Christianity focuses on relationship.

Religion is commitment to practice.
Christianity is commitment to a Person.

A law-centered life produces despair and pride.
A Christ-centered life produces gratitude and worship.

A legalist seeks to gain favor with God.
A Christian seeks to live for God because Christ alone has placed Him in a favorable position before God.

Religion promotes self.
Christianity promotes Christ.

Religion is focused on "don't do".
Christianity is focused on "Christ did".

Religion seeks praise from others.
Christianity seeks praise for Christ.

A legalist obeys a list.
A Christian simply follows Christ.

Religion is rooted in honoring self and thus bears fruitless branches.
Christianity is rooted in Christ and thus bears the fruit of the Spirit.

Legalism is ultimately selfish and works against the church.
Christianity is ultimately selfless and works with and for the church.

May God be pleased to search our hearts that we may not be religious legalists, but Christ exalting Christians! Do we view the Christian life as a series of road signs telling us what not to do, or do we view Christianity as pointing us to the cross of Jesus Christ telling us what Christ did for us?

- Pastor Andy

Article on God's Impassibility

I meant to mention the following article in Sunday School class today. In the article, the author clearly and accurately explains the extremes concerning the doctrine of God's impassibility. May we understand not to "under throw", or "over throw" this important doctrine. We must remain Biblically balanced. Furthermore, as I mentioned in class, we must rely heavily upon Isaiah 55:8-9 and Romans 11:33-34.

Here is the link.

Together for the Gospel on Vimeo

Watched two great sermons last night and today from the Together for the Gospel Conference this past week in Louisville. You can watch them as well (and I would encourage you to do so). So far, I have watched MacArthur and Piper, and I highly recommend both. I cannot speak to the others because I have not watched them.

Here is my analysis...

MacArthur: Spoke about the Parable of the Seed (Mark 4:26-29). Did a great job reminding us that salvation is a sovereign work of God. The sower sows the seed, and then sleeps really well. Therefore, there is no need to adjust the Gospel to accomadate the culture, or draw people. The Spirit blows on who He wants to, and on whom He determines to. Thus, we must sow the seed, and leave the results to God (i.e. sleep well).

Piper: Spoke on the Pharisee and Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14). Did a great job reminding us that we must recognize two important elements to justification by faith. Justification includes: 1) Christ's perfect obedience in our place, and 2) His death as a perfect atonement in our place. The good works that we exhibit as Christians is the fruit, not the root of our justification. We have had imputed to us the righteousness of Christ if we have placed faith in Him alone. It is an alien righteousness. The basis of salvation is Christ alone!

Click here for your viewing pleasure.

What is the Gospel? A Great Definition!

Click HERE for a clear, simple (yet not overly simplistic), and thorough definition of the Gospel. It does not get much better than this.

Compliments of R.C. Sproul (said at the Together for the Gospel conference)

Angelic Rap Music in Heaven

Click on the following to hear some....
http://vimeo.com/9571314

Huggins Speaks From His Heart

All true West Virginians will be moved as they listen to these remarks from Coach Bobby Huggins following the loss to UConn on Monday night. It reminded me of similar words he spoke a couple of years ago in an interview with Bray Cary (Decision Makers). Unfortunatley, Decision Makers does not place archive videos online so I cannot provide you with that clip.

Start listening at the 6 minute mark to hear what I am talking about.

Today Where is the Boldness of Luther Who Said...

"Unless I am convicted by Scripture or by right reason (for I neither trust in popes or councils since they have often erred and contradicted themselves)- unless I am thus convinced, I am bound by the texts of the Bible, and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I neither can, nor will recant anything, since it is neither right nor safe to act against conscience. God help me. Amen."