In our reading from 1 Timothy, God has taken the wildest, most violent, blaspheming torturer and has transformed him into not only a believer but also a trusted friend and partner. Now, if God can do that with Paul, there is nobody who remains outside the reach of God’s mercy. As Augustine wrote, “This was so that others could all say to themselves, ‘If Paul was cured, why should I despair?’”
The only people beyond God’s saving grace are those who are convinced they have no need of it and so refuse it. This is reflected in Jesus’ words to religious leaders who complain about the lowlifes Jesus hangs out with. “I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” (Luke 5:32)
Good News for Sinners, Freaks, & Misfits
(the self-righteous, not so much)
September 15, 2019 • Graeme Sellers
More from
2019 Messages
What Did You Get For Christmas?
December 29, 2019 • David Hammerslag
Christmas has come and gone. We may have overlooked the true value of God's gift of Love. God's gift of love through his Son has incredible value in its own right, but it is not meant for us to keep for ourselves. It is meant to transform us so that we can be transformed by it and love others with the same outrageous extravagant love given to us.
The Supernatural & the Scent of Rain
December 22, 2019 • Graeme Sellers
The scent of rain and Advent itself are impossible to understand apart from the reality of the supernatural. Scent of rain doesn’t just happen — it is caused by Someone, caused supernaturally. Two supernatural aspects of the Jesus' birth narrative integral and normative to the Christian life are prophecy and angelic activity, and both them can bring the scent of rain. Once you start looking for it, the supernatural is almost impossible to miss in the Christmas story – it’s everywhere: dreams, words, angels, visions, prophecy.
The Girl Who Caught the Scent of Rain
December 15, 2019 • Graeme Sellers
Mary is the girl who caught the scent of rain. And she changed the world as a result. Before anyone else, she sees and announces Jesus’ mission. If any person ever fit the description of being the dangerous kind, Mary does; she’s dangerous because she knows the identity of her son and because she begins to tell his story—and no one is more dangerous than those who tell his story.