gracelifethoughts Grace Thoughts

Teaching Notes: On Dynamic Christianity – The Beginning

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

When we say that the Christian life should be “dynamic,” we’re saying it should be “powerful.” The Greek word Paul used in his letter to the Christians in Corinth is δύναμις (dunamis). The English word “dynamic” comes from the Greek and means “power, might, ability, energy” (the French word is dynamique). A dynamic life is a “powerful” life, a life with the energy and ability to achieve mighty things.

The idea of the Christian life being powerful is a central theme of the Bible. With that introduction, I’d like to share a series of Bible studies taught in churches more than 40 years ago. We invite you to read and share with others in any way God leads you.

Continue reading “Teaching Notes: On Dynamic Christianity – The Beginning” →

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gracelifethoughts Grace Thoughts

Grace in the Third Millennium (Pt 2)

We continue today sharing a GraceLife article written almost 15 years ago at the beginning of the Third Millennium A.D. These were thoughts about the new millennium at the beginning of the new millennium. I’m thinking now about how the first 15 years of the millennium have gone for Christians and the world God called us to reach with the Gospel. This is the second part of that article. If you haven’t read the first part, you may want to do that now.

Also, I’m curious what you think about what this article says about Christians and Christianity, about the Gospel and the people who need to hear it. Please share your comments with us and we’ll include them in the section below the article. Thanks!

Continue reading “Grace in the Third Millennium (Pt 2)” →

gracelifethoughts Grace Thoughts

What Jesus Wants for the New Year

New Year Arrow

We recently looked at what Jesus wanted for Christmas. As New Years’ Day approaches, let’s look at what He wants for the New Year.

It’s the same thing He wanted for Christmas!

“He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me.” John 14:21

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” John 15:9-10

“… make disciples of all the nations …” Matthew 28:19

“… repent and do the first works …” Revelation 2:5

Continue reading “What Jesus Wants for the New Year” →

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The “Gravity” Prayer

Gravity Movie ImageIf you have not seen the movie “Gravity” starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney and you plan on seeing it soon, you may not want to read any further.

What I’m going to share may spoil it for you … but then, it may not. It could be just the thing you or someone you love needs to read.

“At 372 miles above Earth, the view is breathtaking, but life is impossible. Whatever you do: don’t let go.”

Continue reading “The “Gravity” Prayer” →

gracelifethoughts Grace Thoughts

By the Grace of God

Cross and Sun

“For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” 2 Corinthians 1:12

Can we say this about ourselves? Can we “boast” that we have our “testimony” in the world and with our brothers and sisters in Christ in “simplicity and godly sincerity” that are from God? Paul was speaking straight from his heart to the hearts and minds of his friends in Corinth. He was also speaking to you and me and every other believer through the centuries. Paul was an example to Christians of how they should conduct their lives on earth.

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gracelifethoughts Grace Thoughts

The Best Way to Live Your Life

Christ Appears to Disciples

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5

“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” NIV

Pleasing God is the best way to live your life. God is already pleased with us because Christ is “in” us and we are “in” Christ. Now, God wants us to follow Christ’s lead in our lives by obeying Him and fulfilling His desires.

Too simple? There’s got to be more to Christianity than that? Sorry. Spiritual success is no more complicated than doing what the Spirit desires. “…those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”

Living the Grace Life comes in two parts:

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gracelifethoughts Grace Thoughts

Romans – The Gospel of God (Part 12)

SAMSUNG“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures.” Romans 1:1-2

What did Paul refer to when he wrote about the “Holy Scriptures?” Paul used the word “Scripture” 15 times in his letters, and Luke used the word in reference to Paul’s ministry four times in the Book of Acts. So, what “scriptures” did they mean?

Paul referred to the Scriptures twice in his letters as “holy” – Romans 1:2 and 2 Timothy 3:15. What does that mean when placed before the word “Scriptures?” Let’s see what God has for us today.

Continue reading “Romans – The Gospel of God (Part 12)” →