As a pastor, my deepest desire is not just to proclaim the Gospel, but to see it lived out in every aspect of our lives. The Gospel isn't just a message to be heard on Sundays; it's a way of life that transforms us from the inside out. I'm convinced that everything in the Gospel is livable, and part of my calling is to help us all see how the love and light of Jesus can permeate every detail of our lives.
It's easy to talk about the Gospel in abstract terms, but the challenge -- and the beauty -- lies in living it out in the real world. The Gospel is meant to be lived on the streets and on the job, in our bedrooms and kitchens, through the joys and heartaches, the triumphs and trials of life. Whether we're facing the mundane routines of daily life or walking through the valleys of cancer, divorce, or loss, the Gospel has something to say. It's meant to be lived with our children, in our marriages, and in every relationship we hold dear.
This is no small task. I'm very aware that it's not enough for me to stand on stage and just declare the Gospel; I must also live it out myself. And let me tell you, this is no easy assignment. I'm walking this journey right alongside you, and I understand that living out the Gospel in every area of life takes time, patience, and grace.
This is why I often refer to this as a Jesus journey and why I'm committed to the long haul. The journey of faith is not a sprint; it's a marathon. It's what Eugene Peterson famously called "a long obedience in the same direction." This phrase captures the essence of what it means to follow Jesus -- not in fits and starts, but in a steady, faithful walk that endures through all seasons of life.
The Apostle Paul wrote, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). This is a promise we can hold onto as we commit ourselves to living out the Gospel. God is faithful, and He will complete the work He has started in us. But it will take time, and it will require us to stay the course.
As I live out the Gospel, and as we live it out together, let's settle in for this Jesus journey. Let's commit ourselves to a long obedience in the same direction, trusting that God will guide us, shape us, and use us to reflect His love and light in this world.
This coming Sunday, we'll witness a group of Hopesters, both young and old, publicly profess their faith through the act of baptism. It's a significant step in their journey of living out the Gospel amidst their walk with Jesus. It's going to be a fun celebration, and I hope you'll plan on joining us! We'll have one Sunday service at 10 a.m. on the basketball court (bring a lawn chair or blanket) and we'll provide lunch afterward. Please be praying!
Peace,
Nick
It's easy to talk about the Gospel in abstract terms, but the challenge -- and the beauty -- lies in living it out in the real world. The Gospel is meant to be lived on the streets and on the job, in our bedrooms and kitchens, through the joys and heartaches, the triumphs and trials of life. Whether we're facing the mundane routines of daily life or walking through the valleys of cancer, divorce, or loss, the Gospel has something to say. It's meant to be lived with our children, in our marriages, and in every relationship we hold dear.
This is no small task. I'm very aware that it's not enough for me to stand on stage and just declare the Gospel; I must also live it out myself. And let me tell you, this is no easy assignment. I'm walking this journey right alongside you, and I understand that living out the Gospel in every area of life takes time, patience, and grace.
This is why I often refer to this as a Jesus journey and why I'm committed to the long haul. The journey of faith is not a sprint; it's a marathon. It's what Eugene Peterson famously called "a long obedience in the same direction." This phrase captures the essence of what it means to follow Jesus -- not in fits and starts, but in a steady, faithful walk that endures through all seasons of life.
The Apostle Paul wrote, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). This is a promise we can hold onto as we commit ourselves to living out the Gospel. God is faithful, and He will complete the work He has started in us. But it will take time, and it will require us to stay the course.
As I live out the Gospel, and as we live it out together, let's settle in for this Jesus journey. Let's commit ourselves to a long obedience in the same direction, trusting that God will guide us, shape us, and use us to reflect His love and light in this world.
This coming Sunday, we'll witness a group of Hopesters, both young and old, publicly profess their faith through the act of baptism. It's a significant step in their journey of living out the Gospel amidst their walk with Jesus. It's going to be a fun celebration, and I hope you'll plan on joining us! We'll have one Sunday service at 10 a.m. on the basketball court (bring a lawn chair or blanket) and we'll provide lunch afterward. Please be praying!
Peace,
Nick