Though we live after the time of Christ, Christians are called by God to show their gratitude for his free salvation by living for God’s glory in obedience to his law.
Read Hebrews 8
Prophetable Encounters 21: God’s Grace: Costly But Free
In the story of Naaman, Elisha, and Gehazi we see three perspectives on God’s grace. Naaman thought it could be purchased by money or self-reliance. Elisha illustrated that God’s grace was free. Gehazi was anti-grace, suggesting that human contribution was necessary.
Read 2 Kings 5:15-27
We Believe 18: Assurance
Our assurance that we are Christians is fostered within us as we test ourselves regarding what we believe, how we obey God’s commands, and how we love our brothers and sisters, and as we reflect on the love of God in the sending of his Son to be a propitiation for our sins.
Read 1 John 4:7-21
Prophetable Encounters 20: Naaman was a Great Man But...
The command to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ is foolishness to humans because of the way it humbles us as sinners and because of its simplicity. God promises that those who humble themselves by trusting in the foolishness of the gospel will be exalted.
Read 2 Kings 5:1-19a
We Believe 17: To the End
God preserves his people as Christians through their persevering in the faith. By God’s grace true believers will be faithful to the end.
Read Mark 4:1-20
Resurrection Responses
The reason the religious leaders in Jesus’ day did not believe Jesus’ resurrection was not lack of evidence but lack of faith. Jesus doesn’t leave those who believe with an empty tomb but meets with them personally as he did the two Marys.
Read Matthew 27:62-28:15
Judah: The First Human Substitute
In the drama of Joseph’s re-enactment of the scenario when his brothers sold him into slavery we see in Joseph’s brothers’ response to Benjamin that they had changed for the better. We particularly see God’s grace in Judah who, in Christ-like fashion, was willing to substitute himself for Benjamin for the sake of his father. We were encouraged to be willing to be disadvantaged for our brothers’ advantage for the sake of the Father.
Read Genesis 44
The Father's Cup
Christ’s life was not taken from him. He, as King, lay down his life for the sake of his people. He said to the soldiers, and to his Father, “Take me, but let these go free.”
Read John 18:1-11
We Believe 16: Good Works
Good works are not for salvation but from salvation, not just the giving of actions but the giving of ourselves, not defined by us but defined by God, and not for us but for God.
Read Romans 11:33-12:2
Prophetable Encounters 19: Give us This Day our Daily Stew and Bread
God provides grace for his people to keep them from danger and to make up for their deficiencies according to his glorious riches in Christ.
Read 2 Kings 4:38-44