Simple Gospel, Simply Grace - Original

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Welcome to the first edition of our teaching series, Simple Gospel Simple Grace! As a college student, I made a vow to God. "God, I know I've been a disappointment to you. Thank you for a clean slate and for the opportunity to start fresh in college. From this day forward, I promise to by your guy." That promise didn't last very long. We often make promises to God regarding our actions, thoughts, speech, etc. There is a disconnect between what we want to do and what we do. As Paul said in Romans 7:18 "I have the desire to do what is good." We incorporate human effort to bring it about, and we fall flat on our face every time. We need to understand the grace of God. As Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote, "The Christian life starts with grace, it much continue with grace, it ends with grace." The Christian life is simply grace from start to finish. (Introduction, page 1)

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

So often, we start our Christian lives making promises to God. Promises we can't keep. Like Paul wrote in Galatians 3:3 we are foolishly trying to live the Christian life in the flesh rather than the Spirit. And that was me. But I finally realized I needed to go back to the simplicity of the grace I responded to at the end of a summer camp at 12 years old. What about you? When did you respond to the grace of God? When did you realize that as Paul wrote in Romans 5:8 "...God demonstrated his own love for [you] in this: While [you] were still [a] sinner, Christ died for [you]."? C.S. Lewis wrote: "When Christ died, he died for you individually just as much as if you had been the only person in the world." As a result of God's grace, we are forgiven people, we've been made alive in Christ, we share in His resurrection, His grace teaches us to say "no" to sin, builds us up, gives us an inheritance, and so much more. So rest in the sufficiency of God's grace as you walk through this life with Him. (Introduction, page 2)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

In this edition of the teaching series, we look at the proof of the resurrection of Jesus. This is a fundamental truth that enables us to understand that salvation is more than forgiveness - it is LIFE! To see change in your life, you must first have new life - life that is found only in Christ Jesus. First life, then change!

Bob Christopher, Richard Peifer

Today we look at the importance of putting first things first. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heart and soul of Christianity because it solves our deepest problem. A miracle of new life (resurrection) occurs every time someone turns to Christ by faith. That is the power of the gospel, the amazing grace of God pours out on those who look to him for life. To see change in behavior, we must first receive new life by believing in Jesus Christ. It is Christ in you, your hope of glory! (page 9)

Categories: Resurrection Faith Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Today we look at the chapter The 180. This is a very personal chapter to me. I wrote about my father's death. He died suddenly at home. Seeing him the casket just seemed so final and hopeless. Yet, just as dad went from life to death in an instant, when we believe in Jesus Christ we are changed in a heartbeat from death to life. A complete 180. To do a complete 180, we must look at the word repentance. It is the first time that we truly "fix our eyes on Jesus". Repentance is centering our mind on Him and Him alone. It is taking my eyes off worldly effort and fixing them on Christ Jesus. Salvation is not a self-improvement program - it is moving from death to life. God gives us a brand new life - in Jesus. A perfect example is the life of Paul. His encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus turned Paul from unbelief - a complete 180-degree turn. Jesus' love, grace and mercy turned this blasphemer into a preacher, changed an enemy into a friend, and transformed the "chief of sinners" into a saint. This is the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

We continue with The 180 today. You can't experience life to the full if you are still holding on to your old life. There's only one reason you would hold on to that life - because you think it has value. Let God change your mind. You know you're there when you see your spiritual death as the beginning of your good-news story. You can't change death. There is nothing you can do to change that condition. At that point the only thing you can do is to put all that you are and all that you will ever be in God's hands. This is called faith. This step of faith is the most courageous step you will ever take. God doesn't want "better" people. He wants "new" people - people who are fully alive in him. Are you willing to place all that you are in the hands of Jesus, the one who is the resurrection and the life? (Chapter 2, page 16)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Like many things we think of - whether academics or sports or technology - there are recognized "fathers" - the one who made it real. When it comes to faith the Scripture clearly shows us Abraham as the father of faith. We can see the four promises given by God to Abram in Genesis 12. God told Abram to go and he went. God promised to make him a great nation, to make his name great, to bless him, and to bless all people through him. These promises compelled Abraham to be a willing participant in God's story. And we see that Abram demonstrated his faith by taking action based on God's promises. God's grace gives rise to faith. It's derived from His initiative in our life. God so love the world... Have you responded to God's initiative through Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection? Have you received His resurrected life?

Categories: Faith

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

God's plan for each of us is a plan carried out by faith, in Jesus. This plan empowers us to live in this world of darkness. We are taking a look at faith today. We begin with Abraham, the Father of Faith. The key chapters are Genesis 12, 15, and 22. Notice how God entered Abraham's life - not with condemnation and wrath, but with promises and blessings. This is grace in action. This grace compelled Abraham to respond by faith. God delivered on his promise to Abraham. When Abraham was 100, his wife, Sarah, gave birth to a son and they named him Isaac. "Some time later," as Genesis 22 begins, God tested Abraham. After a three day journey, Abraham and Isaac arrived at Mount Moriah, the place of sacrifice. It was time for Abraham to do what God had ordered - to sacrifice his child of promise, Isaac. When told to take Isaac's life, Abraham reasoned that God had the power to raise him back to life. Abraham was tested, at the critical moment, his faith proved genuine. He truly believed God had power over death. Here is where belief in the resurrection is crucial. If you do not believe God raised Jesus from the dead, you're not going to believe he can give you a new life. Do you believe this to be true? If not, step into the faith of Abraham and experience the reality of the resurrection. (Chapter 3, page 21)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

The writer of Hebrews tells us "faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance of what we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1). "Without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). That's the essence of faith. Faith is tied to Jesus Christ. Apart from him, it is just an empty meaningless word. But when Jesus Christ shows up, that word fills with life, substance and meaning. We continue examining the story of Abraham and Isaac and see how Abraham's faith was lived out. Abraham was tested, at the critical moment, and his faith proved genuine. He truly believed God had power over death. Here is where belief in the resurrection is crucial. Do you really believe this to be true? If not, perhaps it's time for you to step into the faith of Abraham and experience the reality of the resurrection. (Chapter 3, page 22)

Categories: Grace Faith

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

What happens to a person when he responds to the Gospel through faith? Many would respond to that question based on what they did ... walked an aisle, prayed a prayer, etc. We want to look at what happens as far as God is concerned. The answer is found in John 5:24 - when someone responds to the Gospel through faith we cross over from death to life. Understanding this truth is key to our Christian life falling into place. (Chapter 4, page 25)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

John 5:24 ""Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."Do you ever ask yourself "Why am I here?" This is a question about purpose. In the realm of darkness, purpose is where we miss the mark. We don't live out God's desires for us - we live for ourselves. To "cross over" from death to life is to cross over to a new purpose in life. It also means to cross over into a new identity. The moment you received Jesus Christ, you crossed over from "sinner" to "child of God". Understanding that you are a child of God, a co-heir with Christ, and that you are righteous in God's sight will finally allow you to cross over from bondage to freedom, guilt to gratitude, and will usher in a whole new purpose in life! (Chapter 4, page 28)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Beginning on page 29, we will continue discussing the issue of identity. The moment we believed in Christ, we were changed; we received a new identity. Our old identifiers were replaced by one amazing identity which is not contingent on behavior — child of God. Through the disobedience of Adam, mankind was made sinners. Through the work of Jesus Christ, however, we are made a child of God through faith in Him. Once you fully understand your change of identity, then your behavior will begin to be consistent with who you are. Embrace the truth of John 1:12-13 "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God." This is good news!

Categories: New Covenant Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Bob begins with a story from his days at University of Georgia. When Herschel Walker joined the team, he single-handedly changed the expectations of the football program. They had great success all because a kid from south Georgia showed up. It's a great analogy of Christianity. When Jesus shows up in our life, everything changes! God's presence in your life changes everything. The God of the universe is living in you. His love, grace, truth and power are now coursing through your spiritual veins. Now all your hopes and expectations for life are pinned to him. Jesus showed up in your life. He is on the scene. As a result, you can live with great expectations. In our own testimonies we look human-side - let's look at it heaven-side. What is God's testimony about us?

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Many verses in the Bible make the case for eternal security. The strongest come from the mouth of Jesus. In John 10:28-30 he says, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." As hard as Satan tries to seek, kill and destroy, this statement by Christ renders his effort powerless. No one and no thing can ever destroy the assurance of your salvation. It's done! God wants you to know you are saved. It is so important to him that he asked the Spirit to make this truth real in your heart. Your assurance of salvation is on his shoulders and he is up to the task. With Christ living in you, you can walk in assurance. That's good news! (Chapter 5, page 35)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

The pressures of life can do all sorts of things inside us. Fear and anger can fill our minds, and restlessness can disturb our souls. We get to the point where all we want is a little peace. But peace is not out there and it can't be bought. Peace comes from God. As we learn to abide in Christ, we will bear the fruit of his peace in our lives. The real work is God's. We simply bear the fruit of his work in us. It is by grace through faith. With Christ in you, you will bear the fruit of his Spirit. Jesus has found a home in your heart. Expect him to do great things in and through you.

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Do you know that God has forgiven your sins? Confusion on this most fundamental truth hampers every other aspect of the Christian life. The Gospel proclaims that our sins - past, present and future - have been forgiven through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Questions about forgiveness are answered in his death, burial and resurrection. That is hope for the hopeless and the refreshment our souls need. If you want to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ and experience his love, the cross is the place to start. That all important question, "Will God forgive my sin?" is answered in three powerful words - "It is finished". (Chapter 6, page 41)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Jesus's final week began with his triumphant march into Jerusalem, hailed by the people as their King. Things quickly changed. Later that week, Judas betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders, who arrested him in the Garden of Gethsemane. The high priest and elders interrogated Jesus, mocked him, and beat him through the night, hoping to find evidence to condemn him to death. All of these incidents were part of God's plan. Pilate's act of handing Jesus over to be crucified brought about the exact outcome that had to happen to carry out the plan and will of God ... on our behalf. Jesus' sacrifice is summed up in three words - "it is finished". That's good news for you and me! (Chapter 6, page 43)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Why the cross? The cross was God's way of taking away our sins once for all. Jesus offered his body as sacrifice for sins. This once for all sacrifice allows us to say that we are totally forgiven. God's plans cannot and will not be thwarted. Everything that happened in the story of Jesus' death was used by God to accomplish his perfect plan for us. The most precious three words in all of Christendom are "It is finished." Jesus shed his perfect blood as payment for the sins of mankind. The darkest day in human history ushered in the most wonderful provision for us - the New Covenant.

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

God forgave your sins in Christ and He has made the choice to remember them no more. God's grace has been poured out on you in forgiveness. By grace, Jesus took your sins on himself. By grace, he suffered the punishment for them. By grace, he offered his blood to the Father on your behalf. By grace, he forgave your sins. Now through faith, thank Jesus for what he has done and rest confidently in the forgiveness that is yours in him. Let the love of God turn your fear into faith.

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

We have one core fear - fear of God's punishment. We see that in the Garden - after Adam and Eve's disobedience they were afraid and feared God's punishment. Our sins make us afraid to approach God because we are fearful of God's punishment. We must come to grips with Christ's accomplishment on the cross. Through Christ's sacrifice, God's grace has been poured out on you. Forgiveness is yours. It is imperative that you settle this issue once for all. By grace, Jesus took your sins on himself. By grace, he suffered the punishment you deserved. By grace, he offered his blood to the Father on your behalf. By grace, he forgave your sins. Let the love of God turn your fear into faith. (Chapter 7, page 52)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Merriam-Webster defines forgiveness this way; to stop feeling anger toward (someone who has done something wrong): to stop blaming (someone): to stop requiring payment of (money that is owed). To find out what forgiveness really means, we need to go the one who has the authority to forgive our sins. Jesus delivered his mercy to the paralytic in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 2:1-12) with four simple words, "Your sins are forgiven." He says the same four words to you. Jesus is God. When he says your sins are forgiven, they are forgiven. (Chapter 8, page 55)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

What happens when God forgives? The main Greek word for forgiveness is aphiemi. The primary meaning is "to send forth or away, to let go from oneself". It's a powerful word. It's also used in the context of divorce. In essence, Jesus "divorced" you from your sins. They have been put away and God remembers them no more. The fact that we have been declared righteous is proof that our sins have been forgiven. Our sins no longer define who we are. That's the ministry of reconciliation - the God is no longer counting sins against us. We have the righteousness of Jesus. (Chapter 8, page 57)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

If God is the only one who has the authority and power to forgive sins, why does the Bible encourage us to forgive others who have sinned against us? We can trust God to work this act of grace through us toward others. Once we understand the pure gift of forgiveness, it only makes sense to extend forgiveness to others. God has done a powerful work for you in Christ. Listen again to the words of Jesus: "Your sins are forgiven." This is Jesus's message to you.

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

We look at the topic of forgiving yourself. Often we have an easier time believing that God has forgiven us, and yet we cannot forgive ourselves. The Bible doesn't even address this issue. It is always about God forgiving our sins. Hebrews 9:22 is a foundational verse and we encourage you to memorize, underline, and take to heart the truth in this passage. CS Lewis said "if God has forgiven us, then we must forgive ourselves". This teaching session will help settle this issue once and for all in your life. Understanding our identity in Christ is the key to letting go of our old labels and embracing our new identity - child of God. (Chapter 9, page 63)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Some people believe their sin is so bad they have crossed a line and that they are beyond the reach of God's grace and forgiveness. If you believe your sins are so big they have exhausted the supply of God's grace, you are doomed to a life of self-condemnation. You will miss the grace of God. Here is the good news. God's grace never runs out. It is a limitless supply. There's no place you can be that God cannot reach you and pour out his grace and mercy on you. Are you willing to receive his grace and mercy and set your heart at rest? (Chapter 9 ,page 65)

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

It's difficult for many people to forgive themselves. They can understand that God has forgiven them but they have trouble letting go of the past. We've all heard the story of the prodigal son. The world with all its seductive charms lured him into a life of recklessness and waste. It led to a place where he felt unworthy and unlovable. Here's a powerful truth: God knows your real story. He is not ashamed of you. For proof, look at the cross. Let go of those feelings and let the forgiveness of God cleanse your soul. Faith says it's worth the risk! (Chapter 9, page 67)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Rest is the end result of learning to truly trust that your sins are forgiven by Christ once for all. If you really know that, your soul will be at rest. Out of that rest you're going to start seeing growth and transformation. But if you're still unsure about forgiveness, if you still are expecting some kind of punishment, then you will be restless. In 2 Peter 1:5-9, Peter lays out a good progression of maturity: "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins". If you are seeing these things come out of you, you are growing in your knowledge of Christ. If you are not seeing growth, Peter says you have forgotten your sins have been forgiven. (Chapter 10, page 71)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

"Come unto Me and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). If you're not growing in Christ, maybe you have missed the message of the total forgiveness of sins. It is time to rest in Christ's finished work on the cross. God's justice was fully satisfied in the shed blood of Jesus. Jesus fully satisfied the demands of God's justice and holiness. Since God is fully satisfied with the work of Christ, you can rest in his shed blood as complete and final payment for your sins. God is satisfied. That's grace. Jesus accomplished for you what you could not accomplish for yourself. (Chapter 10, page 72)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

The message is clear and strong. Jesus sat down because his work was finished. He accomplished everything the Father sent him to accomplish. He satisfied the justice and holiness of God. He satisfied his Father once and for all. He successfully turned aside the wrath of God. God judged our sin, condemned it, and he punished it. But that was not the end goal. The fact that God has declared you righteous in his sight is proof that all your sins have been forgiven. They have been sent away from you as far as the east is from the west. The work has been done. It is time to rest and enjoy your freedom in Christ. (Chapter 10, pg 75)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Forgiveness plus life equals freedom. Real freedom. This is where the Gospel takes us. Paul puts it this way: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5:1). Freedom is what you have longed for all your life. Now in Christ, it is yours. Here is the good news! Through faith in Jesus we have escaped the world and it's system. We are not under law. We are under grace. We have been set free. This is God's goal for us, and he has equipped us to handle it.

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

We are honoring our veterans today. They deserve honor, respect and dignity for the service of the brave Americans who have sustained the freedom that we all enjoy. Freedom comes at a price and we should be aware of the sacrifice of those who have fought to defend it. Enjoy this special edition of Basic Gospel!

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

The people of Israel suffered for 400 years at the hands of the Egyptians. They were living in the wrong place, under the control of the wrong person, carrying out the wrong purpose. But God did not leave them there. Freedom was his plan. Just as the Israelites were delivered, Jesus Christ delivered you out of darkness. He set you free by unlocking the chains of sin and death that held you captive. Your hope of living life to the full in anchored to his power and presence in you. This hope trumps fear. And it silences all those legalistic voices, both internal and external, that say you can't handle freedom. Christ in you says you can!

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

What is the new covenant about?

• Why do we need a new covenant?
• What is the law for?
• What marked the end of the old and the beginning of the new covenant?
• What covenant did Jesus live under?
• Isn't the law there to improve me?
• Heb.9:22, Heb. 10:1-18 What provides for the forgiveness of sin?
• How can I fill the void within?

Categories: New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

God's plan for the Israelites was freedom. But Pharaoh was stubborn. He was not going to let the Israelites go. They were far too valuable to him and the Egyptian economy. Through a series of plagues, God displayed his awesome power. And with each one, Pharaoh's heart hardened even more. It was the last plague, which we know as the Passover, that compelled Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. The story of the exodus describes your new life in Christ. Your old way of life has come to an end. You are no longer a slave to sin. You are a child of the living God. But not just a child. God declared you to be a son. (Chapter 11, page 83)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

"New" is an exciting word when it's attached to things like cars, clothes, a house and gadgets. But when it comes to the weightier matters of life, "new" can be scary word. It means change. It means stepping into the unknown and the unfamiliar. But the Gospel ushers us into the new. And there's no going back to the old way of life. The only option is to move forward into all that God has for us in Jesus Christ. Welcome to the new!

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins..." (Colossians 1:13-14). Our story is a tale of two kingdoms. It involves a daring rescue mission that snatches us away from one kingdom and places us fully and forever into a new kingdom. God's rescue plan was drawn up by love and grace and was carried out through death, burial and resurrection. Through faith in Jesus Christ, you have gone from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. You are in the kingdom of the Son! The kingdom of the darkness has no hold over you anymore. The power of sin and death has been broken. You are free!

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis

Hope anchors us to Jesus, and to all that we are and have in Him. From this hope spring forth faith and love. These three - faith, hope and love - are the way of the Kingdom of God. These are the new laws God placed in your mind and wrote on your heart. Once we are saved, we can't go back. The only option is to move forward. We can't reverse all that Christ accomplished. We can't go from life back to death. We can't go from belief to unbelief. That's good news! (Chapter 12, page 90)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Welcome to a special edition of our Friday teaching series. As a new year approaches, we know that many people are looking for something different, a new way of living. The answer to their search rests fully in Jesus Christ. His death ushered in the New Covenant and this is where we will find peace and joy. When we come alive to this new way of life, we will experience the change we desire. We've been given a new life, a new heart, a new identity and a new way of living altogether. Join us in 2017 as we talk about what it means to live differently. From all of us at Basic Gospel. Happy New Year!

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

One of the lessons of life is that we can't go back. The only option is to move forward. The same is true for the Christian life. We can't go from belief to unbelief. Why would we want to? You died to sin, to unbelief. The old you is gone. You are new in Jesus, equipped to live a life of faith, hope, and love. So what does the scripture say to you? Press on! It takes courage, but experiencing the life of Jesus is worth everything. This is what he saved you for. (Chapter 12, page 91)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

The wonderful S. M. Lockridge delivered the powerful and moving sermon titled, "It's Friday, but Sunday's Coming." It's a sermon that fills that darkest day with light and hope. Sunday is here. Jesus walked out of that tomb and he lives today. Have you come to know this story? Have you found what you are looking for in the person of Jesus Christ? If so, the resurrection story has become your story. Sunday is here for you. But not for the world. It's still Friday for this world of darkness. This raises an important question: How do you live a Sunday life in a Friday world? Let's find out... (Chapter 13, page 93)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

In Romans 10:3-4, Paul draws the line between the way of the world and the way of Christ. It is the difference between law and grace. Resurrection life is lived by grace through faith. The law can't save us. That is Jesus' job. The law points us to him. The purpose of the law has a purpose and that is to show you your need for Christ. The law diagnoses our spiritual problem, but it cannot provide the cure. The cure is Jesus Christ living in and through us, by faith. (Chapter 13, page 95)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Law as a rule of life rests squarely on the shoulders of human effort. The law does have a purpose - to show you your need for Christ. But that purpose does not supersede God's greater purpose for you. The first step in living by faith is to let go of human effort. The "Sunday" life is a life of faith. It is a life that is led by and empowered by the Spirit of God. (Chapter 13, page 96)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

How do we live a Sunday life in a Friday world? The world is not for us, it is against us. Our choice is to either live by the law (the way of the world) or by grace through faith in Jesus. The law simply diagnoses our spiritual problem, but it cannot provide the cure. That's Jesus's job. Law as a rule of life rests squarely on the shoulders of human effort. Now our life is to be lived by faith in Jesus. He will produce his life in and through us. The Sunday life is a life led by and empowered by the Spirit of God. (Chapter 13, page 96)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

How do we live a Sunday life in a Friday world? The world is not for us, it is against us. Our choice is to either live by the law (the way of the world) or by grace through faith in Jesus. The law simply diagnoses our spiritual problem, but it cannot provide the cure. That's Jesus's job. Law as a rule of life rests squarely on the shoulders of human effort. Now our life is to be lived by faith in Jesus. He will produce his life in and through us. The Sunday life is a life led by and empowered by the Spirit of God. (Chapter 13, page 97)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Think of the law as a servant serving a house with a greater purpose. The purpose is to set us free from the law of sin and death so that we could be filled by the Spirit and led by the Spirit as children of God. We have been released from the law so that we can serve in the new way of the Spirit. The new way of life is a life of faith, led by and empowered by the Spirit of God. All the weight of life is on Jesus; we simply rest in Him, trust in Him, and allow him to live his life through us. The first step of living a Sunday life in a Friday world is to let go of human effort. Living by the Spirit is trusting God to complete the work he began in you. (Chapter 14, page 101)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. That's the command in Matthew 5:48. Is the meaning of perfect "flawless perfection"? Telos is a Greek word that has philosophical roots extending back to Plato and Aristotle. The word refers to an end or a purpose. Plato and Aristotle believed that there were ends, or purposes, to which all of life was leading. In other words, what happens in the world is not accidental. There is a propelling force moving the world to a stated end. Telos also has biblical roots and it is a word that is significant in telling the Gospel story. One of the meanings of the word telos is "wanting for nothing". It's a place of contentment. Read Matthew 5:48 again in light of this meaning of the word. (Chapter 14, page 103)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

God in his grace and mercy delivered you into the New Covenant. That is where he wanted you to be, and that is where you are. Because of Christ, you will never be outside of God's favor. You are in the New Covenant and there is no turning back. It's time to fully embrace God's perfect plan and will for you. It's time to drive the stake in the ground-to set aside the old and fully embrace the new. It's time to say, "I am a new-covenant believer." (Chapter 14, pg 104)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Grace is powerful and active. It is not passive or reactive in the least. It is Jesus Christ living his life in you. He saved you by grace through faith. And now by grace he is perfecting that faith, bringing it to maturity. God is completing the work he began in each one of us. In John 16:33, Jesus says "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." It is in the trials of life that you learn that Jesus is enough. You learn that his grace is sufficient. (Chapter 14, page 105)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

As we go through the trials in life, we see our mind being aligned to the very truth of the word of God, we see our wills begin to choose the very will of God for our lives, and we see our actions reflecting it. This is what Jesus means when he says he is going to perfect our faith. He's going to align our souls to what's true in our spirit. Jesus is enough. He is more than adequate for any circumstance or problem. Abide in him. Trust him. Experience the full measure of his resurrected life. This is where God's grace takes you. This is New Covenant living. (Chapter 14, page 106)

Categories: Grace God's Will

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

The Bible talks about a newness of life that is altogether different than anything we've experienced. Christ came to give us life. Not just any life. But his life. And that life is eternal. Life is all about relationship. Knowing and being known. This is at the heart of eternal life. And as we grow in the understanding of who Jesus is, we will be transformed from the inside out. John 17:3 "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (Chapter 15, page 109)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Why did Jesus come to earth? To make the Father known to you. God initiated this relationship with you. He reached down to you through Jesus Christ. That's grace. His grace worked in you a desire to know him. That's faith. At God's initiative, a union was formed - you in Christ and Christ in you. That was the point when eternal life began for you, when God started making himself known to you in a real and personal way. That's good news! (Chapter 15, page 110)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

God is an infinite being. We are finite. He reveals himself to us more and more as we are ready to receive. Our knowledge of him grows over time. Our initial , incomplete knowledge grows into a fuller or more complete knowledge. John sketches out this progression in his first letter by addressing children, young men and fathers. (Chapter 15, page 112)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

Jesus Christ defined eternal life this way: "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." As we grow in grace we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. John addressed this growth in 1 John. He addresses, children, young men, and fathers. How would a father's knowledge of God differ from that of a child? Think about a long term relationship you've enjoyed. What do you know about that person now that you didn't know when it first started? How has that knowledge strengthened and enriched that relationship? How has that knowledge changed you? (Chapter 15, page 113)

Categories: Grace

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

As we grow in our knowledge of Christ, things start to happen inside of us. We begin to be transformed in the image of Christ. We are part of a bigger picture. God works in us to connect others to the love of God. That's really what grace is all about - it's God work in us to connect us to his love, to enable us to understand, to be grounded in that love and to grow in that love. As we do we see that salvation is much more than me being saved. God uses our story to connect others to that same grace and love. To be part of that plan is the most exciting thing in life. That's the direction of grace - it reaches down and saves us but it continues to work in us and bring us to the point where we are fully engaged in God's purpose and plan. The skeptics say that grace is a license to sin. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Holy Spirit works in you to animate your faith, anchor your hope and source your love. He has lifted you out of that old way and ordered your steps to walk in love. (Chapter 15, page 114)

Categories: Grace God's Will

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

We have a new law in Christ Jesus. It is an internal law, not the external laws written on stone. The New Covenant is internal - written on our hearts. This law is made known to us through the work of the Holy Spirit. You have been entrusted with the knowledge of God. That's what distinguishes you from the world. To know God is to know that He is love. The expression of the New Covenant is love. That's the story of the Gospel. (Chapter 15, page 115)

Categories: Grace New Covenant

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

The gospel message calls us to be free...in Christ. This allows us to serve one another in love. Consider the apostle Peter. He denied the Lord three times. Yet, Jesus lifted him out of his despair. That's grace. Peter knew the Lord. The love of God compelled him to break away from long held sentiments toward the Gentiles and tell them about Jesus. The gift of grace is Jesus Christ. You have the joy and privilege of knowing him and walking in his love. You have the privilege of making him known in this world of darkness. Rejoice. In Christ you know the God of the universe. Even more amazing, the God of the universe knows you. And as Jesus said, this is eternal life.

Bob Christopher, Bob Davis, Richard Peifer

There is no good news apart from the grace of God. The simple gospel is simply grace. The new life you have in Christ, the forgiveness you have in Christ, and the freedom you have in Christ are all gifts of grace, given freely and without conditions. His presence in you is grace. He freely chose to abide with you and to open the way for you to abide with him. The gospel is grace from start to finish.

• Acts 20:24 "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."

Categories: Grace