“How Do You Identify?” – Gal. 2:20-21

Galatians 2:20-21 

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” 
 
The question, “How do you identify?” is ever-present in our post-Christian culture as what was once taken at face value is now less so. But in a general sense, how we identify is an important question to nail down. It gets to the root of our narrative. Our narrative is what we tell ourselves about ourselves. Our self-identity is the filter through which we measure and make sense of the world around us. We might find our identity in our heritage, our nationality, race, sexual orientation, religious affiliation or political party. We might find our identity through something that we’ve done or that has been done to us.
 
Paul found his identity in Christ. This narrative of identifying with Christ was all-encompassing, to the point that he had to empty himself to make room. He saw his life as no longer his own. He had exchanged his anemic, temporal, and mundane desires and ambitions for something incomparably greater. The “gift” he was willing to give compared to the gift that Christ offered through love and sacrifice would be similar to swapping roadkill for a mansion. 
 
When we find our identity in Christ, we can experience a life full of love, generosity, freedom, and grace. Why would we ever choose to spurn such a gift for some broken thing we might duct tape together on our own? How do I identify? I’m with Him. 
 
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:  
  • What are various ways that you might identify and how do they shape your perspective? (ie. a southerner, an only child, a widow, a millionaire, a veteran)
  • If you identify with Christ, what are some results you’ve experienced through living this narrative? Consider sharing in the comments below.  

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you? 
Explain – what does the passage mean? 
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today? 
Respond – how is God leading you to respond? 

Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor
 

Photo by Alex Iby on Unsplash
 

“How Do You Identify?” – Gal. 2:20-21 Read More »

“What’s in Your Wallet?” – Galatians 2:15-16

Galatians 2:15-16
“We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.”
 
“Membership has its privileges” – touted American Express in the ’90s. Paul was drawing on his privilege as a member of the “Jews by birth” club, identifying with those who looked down on the “Gentile sinners” because they lacked the millennia of background and context common to God’s chosen people. Paul was saying, “Take it from me, I’m one of you. But as one of you, I can tell you, the old ways no longer work.” 
 
Sometimes the old ways can get in the way. The Old Testament reveals a path to redemption through a promised messiah. Understanding this gives richer significance to what Jesus did through his life, teachings, death, and resurrection. But prior knowledge of the Old Testament background or adherence to the old covenant laws weren’t a prerequisite to benefitting from a new life offered through Christ. The law – the old way, was to be left at the door upon entering the new covenant. 
 
Faith is the currency of the new covenant. Works are no longer accepted as credit. So as we consider what we bank on to put us in the right relationship with God, we might go to another card slogan and ask, “What’s in your wallet?”  
 
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:  
  • What old ways are getting in your way of living in faith, the currency of the new covenant?
  • What “membership” do you hold that gives you access to speak truth to those within your influence?  

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean? 
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today? 
Respond – how is God leading you to respond? 

Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor
 
Photo by Avery Evans on Unsplash

“What’s in Your Wallet?” – Galatians 2:15-16 Read More »

“Take In: 3 Avenues”

We’ve talked about the three avenues of “Take In” at Belmont – corporate worship, small group accountability, and personal devotion. Each of these avenues is important and when we skip one, we are missing out on an important part of our spiritual growth. 

In CORPORATE WORSHIP we build UNITY. We hear the vision of the pastor, get a sense of the direction of the church and participate in a large group experience that reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We hope that you’ll join us this weekend in worship, on campus or online. 
 
In SMALL GROUPS we create COMMUNITY. We enjoy the blessing of community through discussion around the word, praying together, ministering to each other, and living life together. This reminds us that we need each other and can accomplish more together. If you’re not a part of a small group, we’d love to help connect you. Click to find out more.
 
Through PERSONAL DEVOTION we form HUMILITY. We take time in solitude focusing on and communicating with God through prayer and the reading of His word. This reminds us that we are not in charge, that His ways are higher than our ways, and that we exist to glorify Him. We have set up this website as a simple resource to help you with your time alone with God.
 
Our intention is to weave all three of these avenues together with the same scripture. The scripture that you read through the week in your time of personal devotion will be discussed in your small group time and will be reinforced through the message from the pastor each Sunday. What better way to stay connected with the fellowship and truly meditate and marinate in God’s word!

Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor
 
photo by Sawyer Barret peopleilove.com

 

 

“Take In: 3 Avenues” Read More »

“Future Neighbors” – Revelation 7:9

Revelation 7:9

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,”

As we reflect on unity this week, it’s fitting to end with a look to the future. In the book of Revelation, John is given a glimpse of those who will stand at the throne worshipping the lamb together. People from every tribe, nation, and language. This vision of our future is a testimony of God’s sweeping love and a reminder that our spiritual family extends far beyond those who are just like us. Part of revealing and reveling in God’s Kingdom here on earth is showing love and grace to our diverse brothers and sisters that will one day be our eternal neighbors.  
 
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
  • What is the significance of white robes? What about the palm branches? 
  • Revelation was a letter of encouragement for the persecuted church in John’s day. How would this image have encouraged them? How might it encourage you? 
  • What can you do this week (prayer or action) to lift up your future neighbors?   

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?

Explain – what does the passage mean?

Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?

Respond – how is God leading you to respond?


Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor

 

photo by monkeybusiness from elements.envato.com

 

 

 

 

“Future Neighbors” – Revelation 7:9 Read More »

“Preparing Your Heart” – Psalm 131:1

Psalm 131:1

“O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.”

This short psalm (just 3 verses) is labeled A Song of Ascents. Of David. It is one of a group of ascent psalms attributed to King David. There are several possibilities for the original use of these short psalms. Some suggest that they were sung by those making pilgrimage up to Jerusalem for the festivals, some suggest they were recited by the priests ascending the stairs into the temple courtyard. Either way, they can be seen as psalms to prepare the heart and mind for worship.
 
One of the elements of worship is humility – having the right perspective of who we are in relation to who God is. We are coming into the presence of the Most High. The more we focus on this truth, the more we remember our place. We are finite, He is infinite. We are fallen, He is perfection.
 
In our access to God through Christ, we are brought into the family and made co-heirs with Christ. However, we must make sure that the familiarity we are afforded through God’s mercy and grace is tempered with honor and respect.
 
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
  • What do you think David meant by “my eyes are not raised too high?”
  • Is this psalm suggesting we shouldn’t pursue the big questions in life? 
  • What are some things that you can do to prepare your heart for worship? List one or two in the comments below.  

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?

Explain – what does the passage mean?

Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?

Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor

 

Photo by Alain Wong on Unsplash

 

 

 

 

 

“Preparing Your Heart” – Psalm 131:1 Read More »

“The Star of the Show” – Philippians 2:3-5

Philippians 2:3-5

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus”

 Paul’s admonition here falls into the category of ‘easier said than done.’ It’s our natural default to always think of and look out for ourselves – our preferences, our aspirations, our reputation. The movie we play in our head usually has us as the hero or the victim, but always the star of the show. Other people are simply supporting staff, extras coming into and out of scenes that highlight OUR story. But Paul is saying here to give others equal billing, or worse, put them ahead of ourselves?
 
If you’re like me, you might be thinking, “Impossible! I can be nice to others, but consider them as more significant than me? That’s a tall order.” But this isn’t impossible, it’s just uncomfortable. It’s part of dying to ourselves, which is part of being a disciple. This death to self doesn’t just allow us to follow Christ, it also creates an ensemble cast that points to Him as the TRUE star of the show.
 
While using the HEAR method (see below) consider the following questions:
  • Are there some people that you find it particularly difficult to count as “more significant than you?”
  • How might you look to the interest of others today?  

Highlight – what words or phrases jump out at you?
Explain – what does the passage mean?
Apply – how does the passage intersect with your life today?
Respond – how is God leading you to respond?

Today’s post is by Jon Price, Associate Pastor

Photo by Oscar Keys on Unsplash

“The Star of the Show” – Philippians 2:3-5 Read More »