Blog Archives - Page 42 of 48 - The Gospel Outpost

Crowns of Men: The Crown of Self-Righteousness

May 22, 2017

It has always been a rather large temptation for me to define my worth by my achievements. For whatever reason, there has been this need to prove myself as “good enough” or fully capable to handle myself in any circumstance. While I may have tried to define my self worth as a person by my achievements, every time I earned one, the pleasure may have lasted for a while, but ultimately the crown of achievement was not able to sustain a deep internal need. For many of us, we do everything in our power to wear the crown of achievements on our head because it makes us feel special, important, and loved, but ultimately, that deeper sense of meaning and purpose cannot come from our actions.

Crowns of Men: The Crown of Achievements

May 15, 2017

It has always been a rather large temptation for me to define my worth by my achievements. For whatever reason, there has been this need to prove myself as “good enough” or fully capable to handle myself in any circumstance. While I may have tried to define my self worth as a person by my achievements, every time I earned one, the pleasure may have lasted for a while, but ultimately the crown of achievement was not able to sustain a deep internal need. For many of us, we do everything in our power to wear the crown of achievements on our head because it makes us feel special, important, and loved, but ultimately, that deeper sense of meaning and purpose cannot come from our actions.

Crowns of Men: The Crown of Treasures

May 8, 2017

With John’s Revelation, we are given a glimpse into the spiritual side of the story that God weaves throughout human history. This hotly debated book remains one of the few parts that Christians stand in eager expectation of its coming rather than a record of the past events of the faith. With its fantastical depiction of the end of days and the victory of Christ over the forces of nature, Revelation shows us that Christ already won and secured our victory. However strong this may be, we are catching up and eagerly awaiting the promised finale. Nonetheless, God is still seated on the throne. Whatever accomplishments we may earn as we await the coming of eternity, compared to the fullness of God’s victory, they will fall short.

Crowns of Men: Laying Down Your Crowns

May 1, 2017

With John’s Revelation, we are given a glimpse into the spiritual side of the story that God weaves throughout human history. This hotly debated book remains one of the few parts that Christians stand in eager expectation of its coming rather than a record of the past events of the faith. With its fantastical depiction of the end of days and the victory of Christ over the forces of nature, Revelation shows us that Christ already won and secured our victory. However strong this may be, we are catching up and eagerly awaiting the promised finale. Nonetheless, God is still seated on the throne. Whatever accomplishments we may earn as we await the coming of eternity, compared to the fullness of God’s victory, they will fall short.

Luke 2:22-40 Awaiting The Timing

April 24, 2017

Make no mistake, shepherds were dirty people. Not morally, although maybe they were, but they were often covered in dirt, sweat and grime. For the sake of protecting the flock, they would stay with the sheep, sleeping in the fields. They smelled like livestock and were not the upper class of society. If you were planning an event for the coming of the King of the Universe, more than likely, you would overlook the shepherds. Yet, it was to the lowly shepherds that the angels announced the birth of the Savior.

Holy Week: Easter and Our Eternity

April 17, 2017

I will never be able to fully comprehend the pain and suffering that Christ endured on the cross. Yet that is precisely the point. I am not supposed to understand fully. Christ, taking my punishment on my behalf, took what was rightfully mine so that I would not have to carry it. After all, I don’t have the ability to do so. From His sacrifice, though, I put to death my flesh and am crucified with Christ, not to earn His love, but in response to it.

Holy Week: Good Friday and Our Condemnation

April 14, 2017

I will never be able to fully comprehend the pain and suffering that Christ endured on the cross. Yet that is precisely the point. I am not supposed to understand fully. Christ, taking my punishment on my behalf, took what was rightfully mine so that I would not have to carry it. After all, I don’t have the ability to do so. From His sacrifice, though, I put to death my flesh and am crucified with Christ, not to earn His love, but in response to it.

Holy Week: Palm Sunday and Our Expectations

April 10, 2017

The Sunday before Easter kicks off what is referred to as Holy Week in the Christian calendar. During this time, the church focuses on the final journey of Christ, leading up to his death and resurrection three days later. Yet, as everything began and he entered Jerusalem, knowing this would be the place of His crucifixion, He was greeted by the people who had heard all He had done. The stories and rumors of this man had spread across the land. Jesus was coming to be the King that would grant the freedom to the people. He was the coming Savior. And so, the people gathered to celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ.

Luke 2:8-21 A Gospel For The Dirty

April 2, 2017

Make no mistake, shepherds were dirty people. Not morally, although maybe they were, but they were often covered in dirt, sweat and grime. For the sake of protecting the flock, they would stay with the sheep, sleeping in the fields. They smelled like livestock and were not the upper class of society. If you were planning an event for the coming of the King of the Universe, more than likely, you would overlook the shepherds. Yet, it was to the lowly shepherds that the angels announced the birth of the Savior.

Where Is God In The Loneliness?

March 27, 2017

Sadly, everyone will experience a time of loneliness. Friendships will become strained. Family will move. For me personally, these have been the times I have sought God the hardest. When everything around me seemed to disappear, I cried out for God asking where he is.