When Redefining a Word Begins Redefining the GospelRecently I had a conversation with another pastor that forced me to stop and reconsider something that many Christians assume they already understand.The subject of the conversation was simple: What is a disciple?At first glance, that might seem like a basic question. The church uses the word constantly. We talk about discipleship programs, discip...  Read More

Key ScripturesJonah 2:9 – “Salvation belongs to the Lord!”Romans 11:36 – “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”1 Corinthians 1:26–31 – “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong… so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”Ephesians 1:3–6 – “He chose us in him be...  Read More

Key Scriptures2 Timothy 1:13–14 – “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”1 Corinthians 4:7 – “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”Romans 11:36 – “For from him and...  Read More

Key ScripturesEphesians 2:8–9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”Romans 9:15–16 – “For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”Jo...  Read More

Key ScripturesRomans 9:11–16 – “Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls… So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”John 10:14–15, 26–29 – “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me… and I lay down my life for the s...  Read More

Key ScripturesRomans 1:16–17 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes… For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’”Ephesians 2:8–9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of wor...  Read More