It’s sure been a while!


So as many, if not all, of you know, yesterday the world was completely turned upside down by a Supreme Court decision legalizing the marriage rights of homosexuals. I've seen article after blog post after interview spanning the entire spectrum of stances on the issue, and I've got something to say.

I was asked by someone to share my thoughts on Grace, Faith, and Salvation, so I thought I would write a blog about it. Thank you to all those who read my blog and support us here at Grace Wins with your prayers and kind words. 

Let's get started..

I'd like to take a moment to be real with you for just a moment. I'm gonna say some things in this letter that will most likely hurt your feelings. My intent is not to hurt you, but to write to you as one adult to another.

"He beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner'" Luke 18:13
Broken. A good place to be.

That is the latest post from John Piper. Is it in any way accurate for a believer? Is it how we as believers should live our days? Not a snowballs chance in hell! How do I know? Well, I'll tell you. 

"but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,"
1 Peter 3:15

So the last blog I wrote was, let's just say not widely well received. But the Spirit keeps speaking to me about all this “sin” business. What is it? WHAT IS IT? 

What is sin? We have always been told that sin is an action that offends God. But is it really?

When I look at you I see beauty.
When I look at you I see perfection.
When I look at you I see all of the things that I've always wanted.
When I look at you I see myself.

When you smile it makes my heart jump for joy!
When your eyes light up I can see straight into your soul.
When you cry, I cry with you.

Look around you, see all of this?
I made it for you!
I set things in their place so that it would be perfect for you!
I waited and waited and at just the right moment, you began!

As I carefully placed each part of you where it should go,
I listened quietly as your heart started beating.
I gently set your mind in motion.
Oh the things we will do together!
I couldn't wait!!

But I waited with patience. 
As you wandered through the darkness
You hear me
You've been down a rough road.
How could anyone ever want something like you
How could anyone ever love someone like you.

As you cry out from your soul
The last cry of desperation
I answer

All of eternity has been mounting to this moment!
To the moment that we meet!
As you look at all the beauty around you
You see me
And now here you are
My child
My love
My beloved

You are mine!
I have waited for you since before time began!
You are the one I made all of this for!
It's because of you that there is beauty
It's because of you that there is life!
It's because of you that I Am

You have been loved from the beginning 
You have been accepted from the beginning
You have been sought after from the beginning

Nothing could keep me from you!
Nothing could deter me from wanting you!
Nothing could ever change my mind about you!

You are safe
I love you!

Welcome home child.

With all my love,
Papa


Bless you!

The Other Guy

I've been thinking lately about how much responsibility Christians in general pass around. Most of what happens in our lives that's bad, or that we do wrong we attribute to the devil. And of course the inverse is true, that everything good that happens in our lives or the good that we do is attributed to God. But is this true? Is this a correct way of thinking?

“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Matthew 5:27-28