11
Nov 2015
The Congruence of Grace and Discipleship 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1Co 15:10 ESV) I believe in gospel grace. Free undeserved grace. God’s saving grace. Grace personified in Jesus. Grace that forgives and grace that transforms. I also believe in gospel discipleship. Costly and demanding discipleship. Obedient discipleship. Life-altering and life-consuming discipleship.......
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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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16
May 2011
1 Peter 1: 13-25 Series Title: Christian Living in a Non-Christian World Christian Values in a Non-Christian World (Part One) 1. Why is it important that we understand that Christian living in a non-Christian world is grounded in knowing our identity, valuing it, and allow it to define who we are and how we will live in this world? 2. What is the difference between a ‘value’ and a ‘belief’? 3. How does the development of these values create a growing distinction between the values of the world (which we once held)......
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17
Jan 2011
PHILIPPIANS 2:12-18 The Gospel Conduct of a Servant Questions for Further Discussion 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted......
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04
Jan 2011
A Servant’s Gospel-Cause Phil 1:27-30 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. 29 For it has been granted to you that......
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03
Jan 2011
INTRODUCTION: Today I want to look at the servant’s Gospel-cause. What or Whom will I serve? Will I serve the cause of Patriotism, the cause of Justice, the cause of Success, the cause of Money, the cause of self-preservation, or the cause of the gospel Listen to our text today: Philippians 1:27-30 27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one......
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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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05
Jan 2010
Missional Grace The World Needs Grace Colossians 4:2-6 2 ¶ Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison– 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 ¶ Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt,......
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