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Adopted as a Son…

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Holiday break is fast approaching and as we think about Jesus coming to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21), I am going to take Justin Buzzard’s challenge. He recommends we work through this chart this holiday to remind ourselves of the truth that in Christ, we are sons and daughters of God:

He links to a longer version of this chart and while you’re on that page, download Gospel Encouragement to Cheer Up (2nd from the top). (We will be using World Harvest Misson’s Gospel Centered Life curriculum in small groups this Winter.)

I’ll close with an amazing quote from the Gospel Encouragement to Cheer Up article and see if your heart isn’t better stirred to praise Jesus:

The gospel is the best news we could ever hear. The gospel is about Jesus Christ and his power to transform our lives and relationships, communities, and ultimately, the nations. Through this gospel, we are freely given a new identity—an identity not based on race, social class, gender, a theological system, or a system of rules and regulations. Rather it is a new and perfect identity based solely on faith in Christ, an identity that defines every aspect of our lives. We are now forgiven, righteous, adopted, accepted, free, and heirs to everything that belongs to Christ. So even our sin, weakness, and failures do not define who we are. Because of this good news, we no longer have to hide from our sin and imagine that we have it all together, for God knows and loves us as we are, not as we pretend to be.

May you spend this Christmas season honoring the Savior who accomplished these very things for you in His life, death and resurrection.

How Well Are You Using Your Time (Really!)…

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As the year winds down here, I have been thinking about how busy I’ve been in a recent season and considering what adjustments need to be made and where and I came across a helpful tool that I used in years previous to think about this. Check out this Pastor’s Accountability Form from Desiring God. I appreciate how this tool gets at more than just “so what’d you do?” to the deeper heart issues of thoughts, energy level, feelings, rest, Bible memory, family, integrity, eating and exercise. I commend it to all of you to use.

Preeminence

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Today’s sermon, Preeminence, from Colossians 1:19-20 is online. I thought we had a great morning. The sermon itself focused on Jesus’ incarnation as well as His death to reconcile sinners. It was encouraging to look at these truths, because I know in my sin, I don’t focus on Christ the way I need to during this season.

Anything stick out to anyone out there?

Chalcedonian Christianity?

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Here’s what they confessed at Chalcedon:

THEREFORE, following the holy fathers, we all with one accord teach men to acknowledge

one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at once complete in Godhead and complete in manhood, truly God and truly man, consisting also of a reasonable soul and body;

of one substance with the Father as regards his Godhead, and at the same time of one substance with us as regards his manhood;

like us in all respects, apart from sin; as regards his Godhead, begotten of the Father before the ages, but yet as regards his manhood begotten, for us men and for our salvation, of Mary the Virgin, the Godbearer;

one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten, recognized in two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, without separation; the distinction of natures being in no way annulled by the union, but rather the characteristics of each nature being preserved and coming together to form one person and subsistence, not as parted or separated into two persons, but one and the same Son and Only-begotten God the Word, Lord Jesus Christ; even as the prophets from earliest times spoke of him, and our Lord Jesus Christ himself taught us, and the creed of the fathers has handed down to us.

This Sunday, we will look at verses (Colossians 1:19-20) that get at some of these truths. Confess this with other believers and come ready to exalt the Preeminent One, Jesus Christ.

Update on Chandler

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Here’s the latest on Matt Chandler, from the church’s website:

Dear church,

In the first chapter of Philippians, the Apostle Paul writes that whatever imprisonments, beatings and trials he may have suffered, they all “serve to advance the gospel” of Jesus Christ. We implore you to keep the gospel of Christ as the main focus as we walk with Matt and Lauren through this trial.

On Tuesday, Dr. Barnett informed Matt and Lauren that the findings of the pathology report revealed a malignant brain tumor that was not encapsulated. The surgery to remove the tumor, the doctor said, was an extremely positive first step; however, because of the nature of the tumor, he was not able to remove all of it.

Matt, who is being released from the hospital today, is meeting with a neuro-oncologist this week to outline the next steps of the recovery process. There is a range of treatment possibilities but the exact course of action has not yet been determined. He will continue outpatient rehab.

The Lord is calling Matt and Lauren and The Village Church body to endure this trial. It will be a challenging road for Matt, his family and our church body. The gospel is our hope and the Lord is our strength. Matt and Lauren continue to find solace and hope in Christ. They weep facing this trial, but not as those without hope and perspective. The gospel clarifies their suffering and promises more of Christ through it all.

You have done a wonderful job respecting the family, and we ask that you continue to do this. They are processing all of this together and need you to give them precious space. Please do not visit them at their house unless personally invited by the Chandlers. The best way to serve the family is to continue to be faithful in prayer. Specifically, pray for the following:

* Wisdom for all the coming decisions
* Strength and peace to endure
* The kids’ (Audrey, Reid and Norah) hearts; pray the Lord is merciful as they process and that their little hearts do not grow embittered
* The Chandlers and The Village would suffer well because of the gospel and for the sake of Christ’s name

As you hurt and weep for the family, do not do it alone. Gather with your home group and with other believers in homes and pray together. This is a time to walk together with others and to endure this trial in community. If you wish, send cards and letters to Matt and Lauren at 2101 Justin Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028.

We will continue to keep you informed as new information is made available. Please be patient with the frequency of the updates. May God strengthen us all and may His glory shine brightly through this.

That’s the story as it stands today. Please continue to remember this family, church and the Gospel’s progress through them in prayer.