Some Christians are really good at compartmentalizing their faith. By that I mean they pick and choose when and where and in what ways their Christian values and beliefs are expressed. There are certain sacred arenas, so to speak, in which being a Christian is for them the thing to do. But there are also secular venues in which they check their Christianity at the door and live almost as if they know nothing of Jesus Christ. 

Paul won’t have it! As far as he’s concerned, there is no such thing as “secular space.” There is no event, activity, endeavor, or goal that is exempt from the lordship of Jesus. There is no idea, aspiration, dream, or belief that does not come under his sovereign sway. There is no achievement, accomplishment, work, or word that does not exist for the glory of the Son of God. 

As we’re approaching our last Sunday for a while at Grace, we’ve been reflecting on everything that the Lord has done since we’ve joined the church.

Grace Kids is a ministry to the family partnering with parents in the journey of our children’s discipleship. Our mission is to see children, also sinners and sufferers, transformed by the grace of God into disciples who treasure Jesus, have deep friendships, and boldly evangelize. One way we do that is by providing age-appropriate, Jesus-centered classrooms at our Sunday gatherings.

Between Genesis and Revelation is the story of God’s desire to have a people among whom he can dwell. So, that happened first in the tabernacle, then the temple, then in Jesus himself–God with us–and now in the church through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. You could say that God’s presence is both the means by which he works out his plans for his people, and also the goal of those plans. 

Jesus triumphed over Satan and all his demons through His work of redemption, particularly by canceling the authority of sin over us at the cross, and His exaltation to the right hand of the Father (Matt. 12:28-29; Eph. 1:19-23; Col. 2:13-15). Satan is already condemned and his final destruction is sure (John 12:31; 16:11; Rev. 20:7-10).

Outlined below is a process of dealing with conflict in a gospel-centered manner. Each aspect is listed, along with some questions that will help you assess your tendencies in that area. You may call to mind past experiences or even a current conflict with someone. Remember, the goal is to recognize unhealthy patterns in your life and to practice applying the gospel more effectively. 

God captured my attention at an early age to the Truth of the Gospel. I could articulate the Gospel for as long as I remember. I knew Jesus loved me. But it wasn’t until college that I truly began to be hungry for the Word and eager to grow in my relationship with my Savior—to grow in my sanctification.

I grew up in a house and a church that loved Jesus. All of my friends came from church. I attended church regularly. I sang the songs. I read the Bible. I went to the summer camps and ski trips. From a young age I considered myself a Christian because of these things. How could I not be a Christian since I was surrounded by Christian things?  

Consider what follows as a simple encouragement to press into a life of love in practical ways. A life God has called us to, saved us for, and modeled for us. Here is what gospel affection looks like, presented practically in 10 Ways to Love Your Brothers and Sisters.

1. Biblical accountability. Godly fellow elders are a great means for holding the pastor accountable to live, teach, and lead faithfully. In addition, sharing authority among a number of men can keep one man from wrongly lording it over the congregation.