Tag: bible

Hey friend, let’s take a look at Proverbs 25:28. It’s a great reminder to be honest with ourselves about our self-control. Maybe we can ask God to help us identify any areas where we might need some extra support. 💕✌️🙏

Dear Divine Spirit of Justice and Mercy, we address you today, burdened by sorrow, the anguish of injustice, and the yearning for peace that transcends all divisions.

We extend our prayers to the workers in California, where one life was lost, and hundreds were detained in a raid that undermined dignity. May the memory of Jaime Alanis be honored, and every hand that labors be met with fairness, safety, and respect. Let justice not be wielded as a weapon but as a balm for the weary and the unseen.

We lift up the global community, as new tariffs threaten to deepen divides between nations. May leaders remember that economic strength is hollow without compassion, and that true prosperity is measured not in profit but in the well-being of every soul.

We hold in prayer the vulnerable at the margins—as Hamas, depleted and desperate, seeks to capture rather than reconcile, and as conflict continues to steal futures and silence hope. May the captives be released, the wounded be healed, and the longing for peace be stronger than the thirst for power.

We grieve the quiet erasure of truth, as the Stonewall Monument website removes the word “bisexual,” following the silencing of “transgender.” We remember that history is not a convenience but a sacred record of courage, struggle, and love. May every identity be honored, and no one be written out of the story they helped shape.

In the midst of sorrow, we celebrate the triumph of grace—as Iga Swiatek makes history with a flawless victory at Wimbledon. May her strength remind us that excellence can coexist with humility, and that joy, too, is a sacred thread in the tapestry of life.

For all beings—the grieving and the rejoicing, the powerful and the powerless, the seen and the unseen—may peace prevail, love lead, and hope endure. Amen

What do you believe happens after death, and how does that belief shape how you live? 💕✌️🙏

Hey, let’s take a look at Proverbs 25:28. It’s a great reminder about the importance of healthy boundaries. How do these boundaries help us practice self-control? 💕✌️🙏

Opening Prayer

Dear Gracious and Loving Creator, as we enter into reflection on The Gospel of Paul: Awakening to Grace and Freedom, may our hearts be open to the truth of Your unfailing love. May the words and wisdom of Paul illuminate the beauty of grace—a gift freely given, never earned, yet transforming all who receive it.

Guide our minds to grasp the depth of freedom found in Christ, a freedom not bound by law but fulfilled in love. Let our spirits be stirred toward a deeper understanding of Your mercy, and may we walk ever closer in the light of redemption.

May this study bring renewal to our souls, assurance to our hearts, and inspiration to live fully in the grace You so generously pour out. Amen

The journey through Core Course 7: The Gospel of Paul has been nothing short of transformative. Guided by the wisdom of professors Dr. Don Keathley, Craig Snyder, Dr. Steve McVey, Dr. N.T. Wright, Douglas Campbell, Jon DePue, Jason Clark, Paul Golf, and the Rethinking God w/Tacos podcast family, I have encountered Paul’s gospel with fresh eyes, stepping into a deeper revelation of grace and the unshakable truth of our inclusion in Christ. I am profoundly grateful to the staff of Global Grace Seminary for making this class possible, providing a space where faith is not merely studied but experienced in its fullest expression.

The required readings—Chosen for Paradise by John Crowder, Galatians by Don Keathley, and Secret of Contentment by Andre Rabe—have been instrumental in reshaping my understanding of grace and the heart of Paul’s gospel. Each of these works has challenged long-held religious paradigms that subtly (or overtly) promote striving, conditional acceptance, and performance-based righteousness. Instead, they unveiled the radical and boundless nature of God’s unconditional love—a love that is not earned, negotiated, or dependent on human effort but freely given and eternally established in Christ.

John Crowder’s Chosen for Paradise paints a breathtaking picture of divine adoption, revealing that humanity has always been included in God’s redemptive plan. The idea that salvation is not a transaction but an awakening—that we are discovering a reality that has existed long before we ever acknowledged it—has profoundly reframed how I understand grace. It is not an invitation to come in, but a revelation that we have never been outside. Crowder articulates the joy and freedom of realizing that Christ’s work was never about creating a new barrier to entry but about removing every false notion of separation.

Don Keathley’s Galatians further fortified this revelation, illustrating Paul’s unwavering defense of grace against the infiltration of legalism. Paul’s passionate rebuke of any attempt to mix law and gospel exposes how easily humanity gravitates toward performance-based faith, fearing the simplicity of grace. Keathley unpacks the implications of Paul’s teachings—showing how the law’s purpose was never to provide righteousness, but to expose the futility of striving for it.

Through his exposition of Galatians, I have come to see that righteousness is not something acquired but something realized. It is not a matter of moral achievement but of divine gifting. We are not being transformed into righteousness; we are waking up to the righteousness that has always been ours in Christ.

Andre Rabe’s Secret of Contentment ties this message together by emphasizing that true fulfillment is found in resting in our union with Christ. Paul, writing from imprisonment and facing persecution, declares that he has learned the secret of contentment—not through external circumstances but through the unshakable reality of Christ’s life within him. Rabe powerfully illustrates that contentment is not about what we possess or achieve but about embracing our sufficiency in Christ. This understanding is revolutionary in a world that constantly tells us to strive, prove, and earn. Instead, the gospel calls us to rest, receive, and awaken.

Together, these readings have reinforced the foundational truth of Paul’s gospel: salvation is not a ladder to climb but a revelation to behold. Christ’s finished work is the cornerstone of our identity, and righteousness is not a prize for spiritual effort but the very essence of who we are in Him. This understanding has not only changed my theological framework but has fundamentally transformed how I approach faith, ministry, and everyday life. The implications are endless—shifting from striving to resting, from fear to confidence, and from uncertainty to assurance in the unfailing love of God.

One of the most profound insights gained from this course is the distinction between law and grace, particularly explored through Don Keathley’s Galatians. Paul’s unwavering commitment to the purity of the gospel shines through his letter to the Galatians, where he dismantles any attempt to merge legalism with faith in Christ. This distinction is not merely theological—it is foundational to how we experience and embody our union with Christ.

Legalism operates on the principle of human effort, imposing conditions on righteousness, belonging, and divine favor. It tricks the mind into believing that acceptance is something earned rather than given, creating an endless cycle of striving, guilt, and fear of inadequacy. By contrast, Paul’s message in Galatians cuts through this deception, boldly declaring that righteousness is not a product of adherence to religious law but a reality found in Christ alone. He argues that the moment we attempt to supplement grace with law, we step into a distorted gospel—one that negates the very freedom Christ came to establish.

Keathley’s exploration of Galatians brought deeper clarity to Paul’s fierce defense of grace against the encroachment of religious tradition. The apostle’s words in Galatians 5:1—”It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”—serve as a rallying cry against any theology that binds believers to conditional acceptance. Paul understood that mixing law with grace does not strengthen one’s faith; rather, it dilutes and corrupts the message of Christ’s sufficiency.

A pivotal moment in Paul’s letter is his rebuke of Peter, who, though he had embraced the gospel of grace, reverted to excluding Gentile believers by conforming to Jewish customs. Paul confronted him, exposing the hypocrisy of legalism creeping back into the community. This confrontation underscores the deceptive nature of law-based thinking—it is subtle, often disguised as devotion or spiritual discipline, yet its effects are harmful, fostering division and eroding confidence in Christ’s finished work.

Grace, on the other hand, liberates. It does not ask for improvement, performance, or proof—it simply invites us to awaken to our belovedness. Legalism says, “You will be accepted when you do this.” Grace declares, “You are already accepted—now live from that reality.” The beauty of Paul’s gospel is that it removes all illusions of separation. We are not striving toward inclusion; we are living from inclusion. We are not chasing righteousness; we are resting in the righteousness gifted to us in Christ.

This understanding deeply reshapes how I engage with both my personal faith and ministry. As I walk in grace, I see that the gospel is not about convincing people to qualify for God’s love, but about unveiling the truth that they have always been embraced by it. My work in chaplaincy and creative projects, now centers on revealing this freedom—helping others recognize the radical joy of living from an already-secure identity in Christ.

Paul’s gospel is revolutionary not because it gives us new rules, but because it dismantles the need for rules altogether. It affirms that Christ has already accomplished all that needed to be done. In Him, we are already included, already beloved, and already made righteous—not by effort, but by divine grace that has always been ours.

John Crowder’s Chosen for Paradise expounded on the joyous reality of divine adoption, unraveling the illusion of separation and affirming that humanity has always belonged within the heart of God. His message powerfully affirms that our place in God’s family is neither conditional nor dependent on our merit—it is an eternal truth established in Christ before the foundation of the world. This realization dismantles the transactional mindset that often accompanies religious striving, replacing it with the certainty that we have always been included, always embraced, and always beloved—long before we ever recognized it.

One of the most profound aspects of Crowder’s teaching is his emphasis on the preexistence of our adoption in Christ. He boldly challenges the notion that salvation is something that happens at a specific moment based on our decision to accept God’s offer. Instead, he reframes it as an awakening to a truth that has always been—our adoption is not an event, but a reality woven into the fabric of creation itself. This changes everything. It means we are not earning a place in God’s family, nor are we striving to maintain our standing. We are simply discovering our belonging, stepping into the awareness that we have never been excluded.

This revelation has profoundly reshaped how I approach ministry and personal spiritual growth. For years, faith has often been framed as a journey toward God—one where we strive to draw closer, to reach a deeper connection, and to become more worthy of divine intimacy. But Crowder’s insights have led me to realize that I am not on a journey toward God; I am living from the unshakable truth that I have always been in God. There has never been distance, only the illusion of it. Grace is not about moving forward—it is about waking up.

Understanding divine adoption through this lens shifts everything in how I minister and share the gospel. Instead of portraying salvation as a moment of entry, I now see it as an unveiling of what has always been true. Rather than encouraging people to work toward belonging, I now emphasize that they are already fully embraced—they simply need to embrace the reality of their inclusion. This shift transforms ministry from persuasion to revelation, from effort to rest, and from striving to joyful participation in what God has already done.

In my personal walk, this truth has dismantled any lingering anxieties about measuring up or maintaining favor with God. It allows me to approach spiritual growth not as a process of becoming more acceptable but as a journey of exploring the depths of a love that has never been absent. It grants freedom, freedom to live, to trust, and to rejoice in the certainty that I am a child of God, not by effort or choice, but by divine design.

Through my reflections, prayers, and creative projects, this truth continues to guide me. I am no longer writing to help people attain faith—I am writing to awaken them to the faithfulness of God that has always held them. My ministry is no longer about leading others into God’s love—it is about revealing that they have never been outside of it. Crowder’s Chosen for Paradise is more than a theological exploration; it is a call to awaken to the breathtaking reality that we are, and have always been, included in the divine embrace.

Andre Rabe’s Secret of Contentment illuminated Paul’s wisdom concerning peace amid life’s uncertainties, offering a fresh lens through which to view suffering, joy, and the ever-present tension between human striving and divine sufficiency. Paul’s unwavering trust in Christ enabled him to rejoice even in the midst of hardship, demonstrating that true contentment is not dependent on external circumstances but anchored in the revelation that we are already full in Him.

In a world that relentlessly measures success and fulfillment by wealth, status, or emotional highs, Paul’s message cuts through the noise: contentment is not found in what we acquire or accomplish, but in the unshakable reality of Christ’s life within us. Rabe beautifully unpacks how this truth shaped Paul’s approach to suffering. Instead of viewing trials as obstacles to his faith, Paul embraced them as opportunities to deepen his trust in Christ’s sufficiency. His letters radiate the paradox that, in weakness, we find strength; in lack, we discover abundance; and in uncertainty, we uncover unwavering peace—not because of anything external, but because Christ remains constant.

Rabe’s exploration of Philippians 4:11-13 stood out as a defining moment in this revelation: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Paul speaks from experience, not theory—he has endured beatings, imprisonment, hunger, and rejection, yet his contentment remains intact. Why? Because his confidence is not rooted in the fleeting nature of circumstance but in the eternal reality of union with Christ. This understanding dissolves the anxiety of chasing security in things that are temporary. It shifts the foundation of our joy from what is happening to us to who we already are in Him.

Applying this truth to my own life has been transformative. As someone deeply involved in ministry and theological study, the temptation to measure impact by external responses—by the success of a project, the affirmation of others, or visible results—is always present. However, Rabe’s insights reinforce that true sufficiency is not found in validation, accomplishment, or reputation. Rather, it is found in the quiet assurance that Christ’s life is fully present, fully complete, and fully enough—no matter the season. Whether I walk through joy or challenge, the truth remains unchanged: I lack nothing, because in Him, I am already whole.

This understanding shapes not only my personal faith journey but also how I approach ministry and spiritual support. As I craft reflections and prayers through projects, I desire to communicate this profound reality to others—that they, too, are not waiting for fulfillment to arrive, nor must they prove their worthiness to receive divine peace. Instead, they can rest in the certainty that the presence of Christ within them is their true foundation. Contentment is not about ignoring pain or pretending struggles don’t exist; rather, it is the ability to navigate life with the confidence that nothing can diminish the sufficiency we already possess in Him.

Rabe’s Secret of Contentment is more than a theological exploration—it is a call to live from peace rather than for peace, from sufficiency rather than toward sufficiency. It is the reminder that the circumstances of life may shift, but our identity in Christ remains unshaken. This revelation continues to shape me, encouraging me to walk through each season—whether marked by triumph or trial—with the quiet confidence that I am already held, already sustained, and already complete in Him. Applying the truths learned in this course means living with the assurance that grace is not merely a doctrine but a daily experience. As a chaplain and seminary student, I am committed to embodying the message of inclusion and freedom in Christ, ensuring that others recognize their belovedness and divine identity. The gospel has ceased to be about what must be done and has become a continual revelation of what has already been accomplished in Jesus.

Moreover, as I continue developing my ministry, this course has reaffirmed my desire to share reflections that awaken hearts to grace rather than burden them with religious performance. Too often, ministry has been framed as a call to action—an invitation to strive, to earn, to modify behavior in order to attain greater spiritual standing. But the true essence of ministry is not to impose transformation, nor to convince people that they must reach a certain threshold of holiness before they can rest in God’s love. Instead, it is about unveiling a reality that has always been true: the finished work of Christ has already accomplished everything necessary for righteousness, belonging, and divine intimacy.

This course has illuminated the profound difference between ministry that seeks to control behavior and ministry that reveals identity. Religious systems throughout history have sought to enforce outward conformity, prescribing rules and rituals to manufacture transformation.

However, Paul’s gospel dismantles this approach, declaring that transformation does not come through effort—it emerges through awakening. The reality of grace is not something we create through discipline, nor is it something we receive through religious performance. It is something we discover—something that has always been ours, simply waiting to be seen.

As I engage in ministry, both through chaplaincy and creative projects, my focus is no longer on persuading others to improve or strive harder. Instead, my heart is set on revealing the breathtaking truth that they are already whole, already beloved, already embraced by divine love.

Ministry is not a ladder we climb toward God—it is the unveiling of the truth that we have never been outside of God’s embrace. Every sermon, every reflection, every prayer is an invitation for others to step into this awareness—not to become transformed, but to realize they have already been transformed through Christ’s finished work.

This shift in perspective also changes how I support and encourage others in their faith journeys. Many struggle with feelings of inadequacy, believing that they are falling short of some imagined standard. But the gospel declares there is no standard to meet—only the invitation to rest in what has already been done. The more I embrace this truth, the more I feel compelled to create spaces for others to encounter it as well. Whether through writing, one-on-one conversations, or public ministry, I now see every interaction as an opportunity to lift burdens, not impose them.

This course has reaffirmed that true ministry does not seek to reform people—it seeks to free them. It does not demand spiritual progress—it reveals spiritual fullness. And most importantly, it does not dictate who is worthy—it declares that all are already included, already reconciled, already transformed through the unwavering grace of Christ.

I extend my deepest gratitude to Global Grace Seminary for offering such a powerful and enriching course—one that has not only shaped my understanding but has truly awakened my heart to the depths of Paul’s gospel. The wisdom imparted by the professors, the insights gleaned from the readings, and the discussions that challenged and inspired me have all contributed to a profound transformation. This has been more than an academic pursuit—it has been an encounter with truth that dismantles fear, liberates the soul, and invites me into deeper awareness of the fullness of Christ’s finished work.

The Gospel of Paul is not merely a theological concept to be studied; it is an unfolding reality—a divine invitation to live in the freedom that has always been ours. Through this course, I have been reminded that grace is not a doctrine to be debated but a presence to be experienced. It is a force that draws us deeper into rest, into trust, and into the boundless love of God, revealing the breathtaking truth that we are already held, already included, already righteous in Him.

This journey has left an indelible mark on my heart and my ministry. I walk away from this class not simply informed, but forever changed. The gospel has ceased to be something I work toward understanding—it has become the lens through which I see all of life, the foundation upon which I build, and the reality that fuels my calling. I carry forward the wisdom of this course with profound gratitude, knowing that its impact will continue to shape how I live, minister, and share the message of grace.

To the professors, faculty, and staff of Global Grace Seminary, I offer my deepest thanks. You have cultivated an environment where truth is not merely taught but revealed—where students do not simply learn about grace, but awaken to it. Your dedication has made this journey possible, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

In Conclusion

As I reflect on The Gospel of Paul: Awakening to Grace and Freedom, I am reminded that this journey has been more than a study—it has been an invitation to live from the reality of Christ’s finished work. Paul’s gospel dismantles every illusion of separation, every burden of performance, and every shadow of striving, replacing them with the liberating truth that we are already included, already beloved, and already righteous in Him.

Through the wisdom of Paul’s writings, the teachings of Global Grace Seminary, and the insights from Chosen for Paradise, Galatians, and Secret of Contentment, I have come to see grace not as a theological concept but as the very essence of our life in God. The law sought to control and condition human behavior, but grace invites us into the effortless flow of divine love—a love that has never been transactional, only transformational.

Moving forward, the truths uncovered in this course shape not only my personal walk but also my ministry. I embrace the calling to reveal grace rather than demand effort, to reflect inclusion rather than reinforce barriers, and to affirm that salvation is not something we achieve but something we awaken to. In ministry, in study, and in daily life, I now approach the gospel with the confidence that Christ has accomplished all that needed to be done. There is no separation, no striving—only the unfolding reality of divine embrace.

This course has not merely informed me; it has transformed me. It has reshaped my perspective, deepened my trust in Christ’s sufficiency, and reaffirmed that the gospel is not about religion but about relationship—not about earning but about being. I walk away from this study grounded in the truth that freedom is not something we chase; it is something we already possess in Christ. And in that freedom, I move forward—confident, resting, and fully alive in the boundless love of God.

Closing Prayer

Dear Gracious and Loving Creator, as we conclude this reflection on The Gospel of Paul: Awakening to Grace and Freedom, may Your truth dwell deeply within us. May the grace revealed through Paul’s writings continue to awaken our hearts, freeing us from striving and leading us into the embrace of Your unconditional love.

Help us to walk boldly in the liberty found in Christ, unshaken by fear, steadfast in faith, and transformed by Your mercy. May this understanding not remain within us alone, but flow outward—illuminating lives, inspiring hope, and calling others into the beauty of Your grace.

May we live as those truly free, carrying the light of salvation wherever You lead us. Amen

Works Cited:

Crowder, John. Chosen for Paradise. Sons of Thunder Ministries, 2012.

Keathley, Don. Galatians: A Grace Commentary. Global Grace Seminary, 2018.

Rabe, Andre. The Secret of Contentment. Always Loved Ministries, 2016.

Rethinking God with Tacos. Hosted by Jason Clark and Paul Golf. Various episodes, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, http://www.rethinkinggodwithtacos.com..

Wright, N.T., Douglas Campbell, Steve McVey, Craig Snyder, Jon DePue, Jason Clark, Paul Golf, and Don Keathley. Course Lectures. Core Course 7: The Gospel of Paul, Global Grace Seminary, 2025.

The Holy Bible, New International Version. Galatians 5:1; Philippians 4:11–13.

How do you define a “good life”?

Quote: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” — Isaac Newton

Key Scripture Passages:

Hebrews 12:1:

Proverbs 27:17:

2 Timothy 2:2:

Reflection:

Isaac Newton’s famous quote is a tribute to the power of legacy—that our insights and achievements are rarely born in isolation, but rather built upon the wisdom, sacrifice, and faith of those who came before us. This beautifully mirrors the biblical principle of spiritual inheritance: we grow closer to God and deeper in wisdom by receiving and stewarding the teachings of others.

Hebrews 12:1 refers to the “great cloud of witnesses”—the faithful believers who have gone before us, demonstrating courage, endurance, and trust in God. Their lives form the foundation upon which we now stand, urging us forward in our own walk with Christ.

Proverbs 27:17 highlights the mutual growth found in godly relationships. Mentors, peers, and spiritual giants help shape our understanding and refine our character. Their insights become our starting point—not our ceiling.

In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul encourages Timothy to pass down truth, echoing the pattern of spiritual succession. Faithfulness multiplies when wisdom is shared across generations. The giants of the faith—Moses, Ruth, Paul, Priscilla, and countless unnamed saints—have laid paths for us to walk boldly and faithfully.

Application:

Recognize Your Giants: Reflect on those whose lives and teachings have lifted you up—mentors, elders, spiritual leaders, and biblical heroes.

Become a Giant for Others: Live in a way that offers your shoulders to the next generation. Pour into others through encouragement, discipleship, and service.

Value Community: Pursue relationships that sharpen your spirit. Growth often comes through conversation, shared prayer, and collective worship.

Remain Humble: Acknowledge that your insights are part of a larger story. Give thanks for the foundations laid by those who came before.

Prayer:

Father God, Thank You for the giants of faith who have gone before us—whose courage, wisdom, and love have shaped our journey. Help us to honor their legacy by living with humility, growing in community, and lifting others as we ourselves have been lifted. May we see further not by our strength, but by Your grace and the faithful witness of those who paved the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen

What kind of future do you imagine for yourself, and how do you feel about it?

Hey friend, today’s challenge is to read Proverbs 25:28. Then, take some time to think about where your walls might be broken down. Reflect on it and ask God to help you rebuild them. 💕✌️🙏

Dear Loving Spirit of Justice and Mercy, we address you today with a profound sense of longing for peace in a world deeply divided, compassion in the face of fear, and hope that endures even in adversity.

We extend our gratitude to the courageous individuals who stand up for justice. As a federal judge upholds the ban on birthright citizenship, let this serve as a poignant reminder that dignity is not a privilege but an inherent attribute of every human being. We pray for every child born on this soil, ensuring that their right to belong is never questioned and that no law can erase the sacred truth of their humanity.

We mourn with the people of Kerr County, whose lives have been tragically lost by floodwaters, exposing long-standing neglect. We extend our support to the officials who valiantly tried to address the crisis but were denied their efforts. We also remember the families who waited patiently for sirens that never arrived. May this tragedy serve as a catalyst for change, not only in policy but also in our collective resolve to protect one another.

We hold in prayer the asylum seeker who endured four years of waiting for a hearing, fleeing violence only to face fear once again at the courthouse door. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of hope and the importance of remembering that justice, even when delayed, is not justice denied unless we choose to ignore it.

Amidst these somber moments, we celebrate the triumph of spirit. Amanda Anisimova’s remarkable achievement of reaching her first Grand Slam final has inspired us all. Her victory reminds us that resilience can blossom in unexpected places, and that joy, too, is an integral part of the tapestry of life.

For all beings—the grieving and the rejoicing, the powerful and the powerless, the seen and the unseen—we extend our collective prayer for peace, love, and enduring hope. Amen