I am the husband of one and the homeschooling father of five. I am a singer, songwriter, and a worship leader who plays guitar and piano. I am the Executive Director of Trinity Arts Center, a small Christian Arts Academy in Eastern Tennessee. I'm also a guitar teacher and -- I spend about half my time building web sites and helping companies organize their thoughts, fine tune their products, and turn their customers into company evangelists. I've been involved with four music projects in my life -- Hot Pink Turtle, Spin Radio, Stand Like Stone, and of course, Jamin Rathbun. I'm also training to be an Ultimate Fighter (that's not true). = )
stuffThey are looking for answers to the greatest questions. They are looking for the reasons and purposes of life. They are looking for truth.
Their mission statement begins:
"One of our main objectives in developing the online edition of the Christian Courier is to create a unique library of information that would strengthen our brethren by supplying quality, biblically-sound materials that were easily accessible."
As with any site who takes a stand on biblical issues, I'm sure most of you will find some areas where you disagree but -- from my brief review of their content... they put together well organized and well cited articles on a vartiety of topics. Thanks to them for investing the time... I appreciate it. I think many of you might too.
bible1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Acts 3:19
Repent then, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out -- that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Acts 3:19
Repent then, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out -- that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
1 Peter 2:24
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.
Die to sin and live for righteousness.
We had a time of worship and communion with some friends recently and the verses above kept coming to mind and driving home a message of repentance. I talk to my kids all the time about how repentance (or an apology) carries with it the meaning that you are sorry for the transgression, sorry for the result of your actions, AND that you will attempt not do that thing again.
Too many times I find myself asking forgiveness for the same things that I repented of yesterday. Too often I take lightly the "little" sins in my life, often justifying their repetition by what is usually, in retrospect, questionable logic.
I can really take possession of Paul's statement that "I have the desire to do good but I cannot carry it out." (Rom 7:14-25) This is what the Law shows me..
One of the things that struck me in 1 Peter is the fact that Christ bore our sins in HIS body on the tree so that WE might die to sin and live for righteousness. That picture affects me. A picture of Christ suffering to allow a way for me to experience everything that these passages promise -- righteousness, forgiveness, and refreshing.
You can add to that list restoration, regeneration, renewal, peace, strength, and eternal life.
Given that sacrifice and those promises -- how can I possibly delay my repentance. Why would I delay his forgiveness and restoration?
The hope is this... Through Christ -- the Law is dead. Christ IS righteous and He HAS conquered death and He IS offering me a way out of my brokenness. He is offering forgiveness and cleansing. He is offering righteousness and a fresh start. "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." (Titus 3:5)
So... it begs the question again. Why would I delay?
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