Imitating God in Christ

Link: Imitating God in Christ

Dr. Jason B. Hood speaks about the imitation of Christ, based on the biblical theology. The teaching of imitation is sometimes clouded by a “gospel-centered” focus on justification that loses sight of the importance of sanctification in salvation. Dr. Hood clears away these misconceptions to show how the indicative of Christ’s person and work is consistent with the imperative of imitation of Christ, tracing it back to the image of God.

God designed us in his image so that we may be like him. It started in Genesis and it will continue for eternity. Even creation is waiting for humans to rule rightly as God designed! “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.” Romans 8:19

Salvation and Christ-centered moral-living are not separate. As Christians, we are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ. By God’s grace, that starts upon initial repentance and faith in Christ.

Antinomianism and Reformed Theology

Link: Antinomianism and Reformed Theology

Antinomian (against all laws) thinking is rooted in a weak view of the person of Christ and leads to reducing sanctification to justification. Dr. Jones addresses Martin Luther’s relationship to antinomianism, the relationship between theology and practice, and the necessity of good works for salvation. …

This is such a good listen! Antinomianism has slipped into the gospel community, and this provides the right direction to understand faith, good works and the good sanctifying grace of Jesus.

Blessed

Oh how humbling that God would use a poor wretch like me, use me to be a vessel of mercy. That my life might be something good, but it isn’t because of me, but because God is gracious and has a plan for those who love him. “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” Romans 8:29

"Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? " Romans 8:34-35

Home is where the heart aches?

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us...

…cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. - 2 Cor. 7:1

And what exactly are these promises, these sweet promises that are yes and amen in Jesus?!

For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,

“I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
Therefore go out from their midst,
and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch no unclean thing;
then I will welcome you,
and I will be a father to you,
and you shall be sons and daughters to me,
says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:16-18)

Jimmy Needham

Link: Jimmy Needham

Wow! Such a diversity of style, yet all so solid. Check him out.

Is there a place for joking about sin among the people of God?

Blessed is the man

who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

but his delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2, ESV)

 

Lord, I know I must be a hypocrite as I bring this up, but clear my vision so I may see Jesus and delight in the way of righteousness, the way that is perfectly founded in the faithfulness of Jesus, the righteous son.