Grace is a gift, not a reward—it’s the elevator that lifts us to the penthouse while the law keeps us stuck in the basement. Just as Hagar couldn’t see the well until her eyes were opened, the law blinds us from seeing the blessings that God has already provided. Let’s rest in the promise that we are no longer slaves under the old system but full-grown sons, heirs of God through Christ, living in the freedom of His grace!
Children of Promise
October 27, 2024 • Brandon Ball
The story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar paints a powerful picture of the contrast between law and grace. Just as Isaac was born by God’s promise, not by human effort, we are children of grace, set free from the bondage of the law. We’re not stuck in the basement of works and striving; we’re full-grown heirs through Christ, living in the freedom and overflowing blessing of God’s grace!
Greater Than John
October 20, 2024 • Brandon Ball
Under the new covenant, Jesus declares that even the least in the kingdom is greater than John the Baptist, who was greater than any Old Testament figure. This means we are living on the fulfilled side of the promise, with a reality they could only hope for. So, why strive to replicate the lives of Old Testament heroes when we have what they never did—perfect righteousness in Christ and the fullness of God’s promises, already accomplished through Jesus?
In Awe of His Goodness
October 13, 2024 • Brandon Ball
We find Jesus clearly in the Old Testament story of Hosea the Prophet. Hosea’s story reveals the astonishing depth of God’s love and faithfulness toward us, even when we are unfaithful and undeserving. Just as Hosea pursued and redeemed Gomer despite her flaws, so too does Christ pursue and redeem us with a love that is relentless and unwavering. Let this truth fill us with awe and gratitude as we reflect on the goodness of God, who loves us not because of what we do, but simply because, well, He loves us.
Life For a Look
October 6, 2024 • Brandon Ball
The bronze serpent lifted up in the wilderness is a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus’ crucifixion. Just as the Israelites were saved by simply looking at the bronze serpent, we too are saved by looking to Christ in faith, trusting in His finished work on the cross. In Christ, we have been fully reconciled to God, standing before Him holy, blameless, and without fault—this is the victory of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice.
That Rock Was Christ
September 29, 2024 • Brandon Ball
In the Old Testament, we see powerful shadows pointing to the redemption found in Christ. Whether it’s the bitter waters turned sweet by the tree, the manna that sustained life, or the rock struck to give water, each story reveals Jesus as the ultimate solution to our deepest needs. As we look to these types, remember that Jesus is our Redeemer, the Bread of Life, and the Rock that was struck once for all, offering us His grace forever.
Rest Found Grace
September 22, 2024 • Brandon Ball
Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, and that grace brought rest in the midst of judgment. Just as Noah was saved by entering the ark, we find our salvation in Christ, the ultimate ark of safety. In Him, the curse is reversed, and we experience the blessing of complete and eternal security.
