5 Key Connections: Forgiveness and Progress

Here are 5 key passages from recent Christian content around the web, including one on the kinds of progress the Bible promises.

I’ve Been Forgiven. Now What? (J.D. Greear Ministries)

The necessary complement to forgiveness of sin is a release from the power of sin. It’s the other side of the salvation coin: If you are forgiven, you’ll be changed. If Jesus’ death releases you from the penalty of sin, then his resurrection life starts to release you from the power of sin. The two always go together.

What Did Jesus Teach about Evangelism? (Jerram Barrs, Crossway)

We are to observe the way God’s moral perfection shines forth from [Jesus]. We see how he lives a human life that is fully conformed to the image of God. We hear him committed to speaking only the words the Father wants him to say, and to say every word in a manner that delights the Father’s heart.

The Bible Promises These Two Kinds of Progress (Colin Smith, Unlocking the Bible)

Never be discouraged that a work is small if Jesus Christ is at its center! The kingdom of God is like a tiny mustard seed. It may be small now, but it is part of something glorious that will last forever. 

A Letter to the God of “Again” (Courtney Yates, GCD)

Jesus, I am so grateful you are the God who never grows tired of “again.” I’m so grateful you are strong enough to exult in monotony. You created each of your children, every star in the sky, and the cattle on a thousand hills. You made them each separately and never grew weary in the process.

Follow the Leader (Kay Fuller, Risen Motherhood)

Identifying our Shepherd’s voice comes through a life-long pursuit to know God, immersing ourselves in him through prayer, through his word—the Bible, and through the wise counsel of dedicated Christ-followers. God’s voice will always align with scripture; it will never be contrary to scripture, nor will it ever persuade toward disobedience or a destructive path.