there’s more to the gospel than evangelism.

creature of the word“We must diligently and consistently cast the gospel in larger terms than only evangelism. The gospel consumes the Christian life itself, affecting how our corporate lives play out among the communities where God has placed us, providing us with multiplication potential at every turn…

Whenever people come to a service at your church, they should hear in some way that we are all sinners in need of grace, but that grace has been extended to us in Jesus Christ. His righteousness has been imputed to us, and in His cross God’s wrath toward us has been removed if we will hear, submit, and believe.

Every week someone should proclaim the gospel, no matter what the topic is. If we’re talking about holiness, about manhood, about marriage, parenting, money, or any particular biblical command, we need to teach it and talk about it in view of the gospel, always bringing it back to the epic story of God’s redemption.” (emphasis added)

Creature of the Word: The Jesus-Centered Church
by Matt Chandler, Josh Patterson, and Eric Geiger

i’ll stay where you send me.

Lord, please give me courage.

Bless me with wisdom and words of grace and unflinching honesty.

Please Lord, place your hand at the small of my back and guide me. Please place your hand of restraint on my shoulder when I am overcome by pride or anger so I won’t say things that are unedifying. Please please empty my mind of distractions and open my heart to your presence. Help me to focus not only my eyes on you, but my hope also. You alone can redeem this seemingly hopeless circumstance.

Your way is the best way.

I’m just whining because I don’t know what that is. And it’s slow. so. slow.

Please bless me with encouragement, Lord. Please, please, please – don’t let me fail to understand and do my part in Your perfect story.

stay where you send meI want to stay where you send me
but I’d rather leave this place.
Lord, I’ll go where you keep me
plant my feet to run this race.

You stay with me
when I doubt
You hold me up
when my hope runs out.

You give me my portion
You fill me up
manna for one more day
Your faithfulness is enough.