26
Apr 2012
Clarifying the “Means of Grace” The term ‘means of grace’ is used by Roman Catholics and Protestants, and many evangelicals. Historically, the term comes out of the Roman Catholic Church which teaches that the sacraments (7 of them) are means by which the saving grace of God is communicated. The Reformers retained the terminology but nuanced the understanding of the sacraments (2 of them) as ‘the means by which saving grace is applied and confirmed.’ Both Roman Catholicism and Reformed Protestants institutionalize the means of grace, i.e. the sacramental means are neither......
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24
Aug 2011
A Gospel-Centered Way Beyond Fundamentalism and New Evangelicalism At Grace Church of Philly, we long for Christian fellowship with other believers that is based upon gospel essentials. By gospel essentials, we mean those teachings of Scripture which are necessary for one to truly be called a Christian. Those gospel essentials would at least include a belief in the authority and reliability of Scripture, the Trinity, the exclusiveness and sufficiency of the redemptive work of Christ, and the depravity and inability of mankind. Also, included in those gospel essentials would be credible evidence......
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18
Aug 2011
Why we use the Apostles’ Creed at Grace Church of Philly From time to time I hear concerns from well-meaning people questioning our use of the Apostles’ Creed. Most often it has to do not so much with the content, but with their personal history of having recited it in the Roman Catholic Church or a liberal denominational church. Part of their conversion story is that in understanding the gospel of salvation by faith alone in Jesus Christ, they left a religious system that had corrupted and confused the gospel. We rejoice......
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25
Jun 2010
The Gospel and Patriotism Dr. John P. Davis Note: I am indebted to Steve Wilkins’ article on “Biblical Patriotism” for some of the major points and the basic thrust of this blogpost. Recently in the United States, the last Monday in May was marked by the remembrance of those who have given their lives as members of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. In just one week on July 4 we will celebrate Independence Day. National occasions such as this raise the question of ‘what does it mean for......
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31
May 2010
In this text we will be gleaning from Jesus’ encounter with a societal outcast – someone who has been pushed to the edge of a stable life in the city. Listen to this unusual story: Mark 1:40-45 40 ¶ And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.......
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11
Sep 2009
Welcome to Grace Church of Philly – Today we gather in the name of Jesus Christ to worship him who loved us and gave his life for us. Please join us as we sing about the greatness of our God. Adoration (recognition of God’s greatness and grace) Sing – How Great is our God (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl1k_Q1n-QU&feature=PlayList&p=FBFA602E6C01B00D&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=5) Sing – Glory to the risen king Confession (acknowledgment of our sin and need for grace) Please remain standing as we read a portion of God’s word that reminds us of our need of his grace. Isaiah......
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02
Aug 2009
What does it mean to be Missional? Luke 5:27-39 27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and......
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11
Jul 2009
The ultimate target group for Grace Church of Philly is simply ‘people who need Jesus.’...
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30
Jun 2009
The gospel is not a lesser, unrefined, more elemental understanding of God’s work of redemption. The gospel is deeper and broader than any biblical theology or systematic theology....
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