The action of confession of sins is quite varied in today's Christianity. In John's first epistle he focuses on confession as the central ingredient for a discipleship that has eternal life.

The world around us is fixated on self-promotion, self-posting, and selfies! Wherever there is someone to impress we'll find a temptation to pursue worldly strategies and strength. The Bible shows us another way...

The follower of Jesus must find the fullness of their identity in Jesus. When this is our desire, we will find a corresponding growth in our discipleship as we are shaped by our efforts to rest in Christ Jesus.

Sometimes well-meaning evangelists will make our faith sound too easy. They will offer promises without cost, and blessings without sacrifice. Jesus routinely spoke of Kingdom disciples having to "count the cost". We will see that keeping our eyes on Jesus is the answer to the question: "Is Christianity easy or hard?"

The miracle of salvation is that it is offered to sinners. When we were still enemies with God, Jesus died for us. It is His grace in salvation that moves us towards good works for His glory and praise.

Our relationship with God will determine the characteristics of "dead" and "alive" in our lives.  According to our identity in Christ, we are united with him as presently "dead to sin" - and this reality, grounded in the facts of Jesus' resurrection, will result in new life now!

The dual nature of the person of Jesus is critical in our salvation and discipleship.  To be established in a full understanding of who our Savior is, will lead us into the discipleship resource of worship, that we might train our hearts according to the balanced truth.

The Bible presents a picture of humanity that transforms throughout the unfolding of history. We will see that it is our standing in the Lord Jesus Christ that determines our truest identity.

The goodness of God is everlasting. When we fail to ground our worship of God in His nature we will be like a boat tossed about by the waves. But when we anchor our worship of God to the rock of his being we will find praise and thanksgiving in abundance.

The manifold nature of God's all-mighty access to us must be the main resource in our confidence in His justice. Not only does He know us fully, and not only is His judgment good, but He leads and loves us as well.