Matthew 16:19 “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

I heard that the performance of a $100K vehicle can’t stand up to solid gold streets. That’s really a bummer.

Thank you…good word…very good

I think this is a good, honest approach to a reality that seems to becoming to the forefront of Western Christianity. We can no longer stay silent and hide behind religion, God has called us to something greater and we need to hold each other “accountable” to that calling.

My personal struggle with sovereignty and grace is trying to decide when and where to speak-up. Also, how does discipline work itself out (reaping and sowing), and how does free-will and sovereignty connect in our lives as it seems like Scripture points to both being present.

Anyhow, good post!

I guess my only push-back (and it’s not really a push-back) is this: as a functional atheist myself, I need to the gospel both to challenge me to repent (which you just did) and to help me believe.

Why do I continually look to influence or attractiveness or any other sign to define me? As you rightly said, it’s because I do not truly believe that my “identity is in Christ.”

How can I believe that again?

I think the only way that my grip on all the other things I look to please/satisfy/define will be loosened is when my heart is warmed to Christ again. And my heart is warmed to him – when once again I see his heart for me.

The bad news is that I am a functional atheist. The good news is that God loves functional atheists – even to the point of death – and for that, I praise him.

Capture our hearts, again, God.

And Matthew, thanks again for the post.