Faith Archives - Page 10 of 13 - The Gospel Outpost

Anxiety: Feeling Not Good Enough

November 6, 2017

We strive so hard to prove our own worth through our own actions and feats, but doing so will never distill the anxiety but only multiply it. Grace through faith is the key to calming our anxious minds. In the end, our works are vastly insufficient to produce a self-worth of any value. But this is not the stem of our anxiety but rather are we good enough. We ask the question over and over presenting our best works forward to the people around us in hopes for validation of a question that can only be answered by God. “Am I good enough?” The answer from a loving God who sought us out in our ruin, is a most assured and resounding “yes.”

Nobody Special 021: Thor Ragnarok and Sleep Deprivation

November 3, 2017

What is better than talking about a movie that just came out? Doing so on very little sleep. The boys discuss the Godly themes throughout the new movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Also, talking at 1am is pretty difficult but we push through because we love you. And we thought this would be funnier. Oh well. Lessons learned.

This episode contains spoilers for Thor Ragnarok so be careful. We try and wait until the last half of the show but only make it 6 minutes. Sleep deprivation.

The Book of James: Faith and Works - James 1:12-18

James 1:12-18 Dealing With Temptation

November 1, 2017

Every person seeking to follow Christ will most assuredly encounter tempation along the way. This is an unavoidable fact that we must be willing to deal with. It is during these times of temptation that what we believe about God and about His salvation becomes clear. We quickly see what the things we turn to are and who we blame for our situation. But James makes it clear, that being able to stand up in the face of temptation is a valiant expression of our faith; one that leads to eternal glory. Furthermore, God is there every step of the way through our times of temptation to see us through to the other side.

Anxiety: The Hand of God For Those We Love

October 30, 2017

Feeling concerned for a person to either renew their relationship with Christ through their daily living or for them to come to Christ in the first place is natural. However, it is not a place we can stay. The feelings of concern, worry, and anxiety are not things we are meant to hold on to. It is a burden and God is able to handle much better than we are able to. Worry for those I care about, while it may be based in a good sentiment, is ultimately the worst thing I can do. We will all go through times of feeling anxious for a person, but what we do during that time is what marks the difference. Instead of spiraling downward into anxiety, what better option do you have than to place that person in the hands of God and allow God’s hands to work through ours.

Anxiety: The Lord Will Provide For Your Needs

October 23, 2017

The Gospel that Jesus Christ brings speaks a great deal into our finances and the provision. Jesus, in His iconic sermon on the mount, instructions His people to not worry about where their provision will come from. To this he shows us the examples of the birds and animals who live in trust that God will provide for their daily needs. We are worth more to God than animals and can trust God for the provision for our daily living. This may not always be easy, but we are able to trust God. He has provided for us in the past and will continue to guide us in the future. Furthermore, when God provides, we have the opportunity to live our our faith and be good stewards of what we have been given.

Nobody Special 020: Lying to Children and Asking For Candy

October 20, 2017

This week the boys of Nobody Special look at various holidays and where they stand. Is Santa real? Maybe. But definitely not. What about halloween? We look at whether we should even participate and whether we should lie to children about even the concept of Santa. Also, the boys look at whether Christian should participate in halloween and how the church should respond in the face of those who disagree with us. We should all respond with one another in grace and love. The Gospel Outpost Presents Nobody Special. Be sure you like us, give us stars and ratings and tell your friends. And be sure and write in with your questions! Sorry Ethan.

Everyone Did As They Saw Fit

October 9, 2017

For the people of Israel, they had entered into a period before King Saul but after Joshua had led them into the promise land. By God’s miraculous hand, the people were not only saved from the Egyptians, but were under the constant guidance and protection of God during the process. When they arrived at the promise land, their victory was secured by the hand of God as a display of His sovereignty and might. When the author of Judges claims that Israel had no King, it is a harsh indictment of the people whose Sovereign King had led them. They abandoned God for the chaos of everyone pursuing their own desires and wishes.

More Than: Our Popularity

August 23, 2017

Following Jesus Christ comes with a great cost. But, more importantly, it comes with a great reward. Maintaining the image that the world finds acceptable leads to the forfeiting of our eternal standing with God. The values of the world and things we are directed to chase and endure are incompatible with the richness of following Christ. In the end, we all have the same choice to make; which will we follow? Will we choose to follow the ambitious path of being acceptable to the world, or will we choose to rest at the feet of Jesus, knowing full well our faith and hope is in Him for all eternity?

A Faith Worth Living Out

August 21, 2017

Salvation is by grace and grace alone. Yet, it is that salvation that fuels the light on the hill. When the Spirit begins weaving his presence through the fabric of our existence, the world notices. Our faith is worth expressing beyond the Sunday morning experience. Now is the time to rise out with a radical outpouring of the love God has given us on the world crying out in anguish.

More Than: Our Achievements

August 14, 2017

The best I am able to bring in my approach of God is not enough. The standard of God is perfection. Thinking we are able to meet the standard of perfection without the help of God attempts to bypass the cross. When standing on merit of what we do, our works can only be viewed as filthy rags, unfit to stand before the presence of God. Yet the message of the Gospel and of Jesus Christ seems to stand in contradiction. We are invited to approach the throne room of God with confidence. We are called into deeper and meaningful relationship with our creator and maker. We are more than even our best because of Christ who goes before us and redeems us. Our response is nothing less than full devotion to God.