Thinking of my brother today, a graphic designer, a youth pastor, and the best role mode. I’m designing a mailout, and I paused, hit by how much I miss him. What I’d give to have him here, working side by side, teaching me more of his craft and his wisdom about life.
Modern people think that sin is forgiven by time, by our good works, by our decent lives, or by simply death. But there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood, and there is no perfect forgiveness without a perfect sacrifice.
People look for peace in escape, in evasion, or in compromise, but they will only find it in righteousness. Jesus the Christ is the only source of righteousness
“This is real penitence, when the man gives glory to the justice of God, even though it condemns him. O my hearer, do you thus repent? Is sin really sinful to you? Do you see its desert of hell? If not, your repentance needs to be repented of.” (Spurgeon)
What men want most is not the elimination of religion, but their own religion. They say they want the kingdom, but they want their own version of Jesus.
It's easier to gather crowds than to make disciples. They both require work, but the latter requires a different kind of work- one marked by love, patience, humility, Bible wisdom, Holy Spirit power, selflessness. Crowds impress men. Building the church is costly, but eternal.