We aren't saved by grace without works and then transformed into His likeness by works without grace. The grace that saved us is the grace that sustains us. We are saved and sanctified--both--by the grace of God.

In the presence of Almighty God, being enveloped in the splendor of His holiness, in the midst of the worshipful songs of angels and glorified saints, there is only one appropriate posture--falling down on our faces before Him, in reverence and awe!

The Scriptures, not to mention all of history, are replete with stories of the unconquerable being conquered, the invincible being taken down, the haughty being humbled, and the boastful made to eat their words.

When we say we will preach the Word, narrowly we mean the Good News of Jesus Christ as Savior & Lord. More broadly, we mean what Paul called the Whole Counsel of God. That means God's Word as it pertains to all things, big and small, far and wide.

Believers in Christ have no other real choice before us but to press on towards the higher calling of our Lord. The notion of giving up must not take root in our minds and hearts.

We are called to lend our shoulders for others to cry upon, to be vessels and voices of comfort and consolation. Romans 12:15 says: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."

The Jesus we offer to the world is not just a little Baby born in Bethlehem, He's the Maker of all things seen and unseen, One with no beginning or end, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

The Bible is full of stories where God showed up to help His people but also where God showed up to help His people, help His people!

What flows to us in the way of God's blessings are meant to also flow through us to others. And there is no greater blessing bestowed by our Lord than His amazing grace.

What we say can be immensely valuable, encouraging, and even life-changing. The Scriptures are the mines where godly prospectors go for words of great treasure.