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| J.D. Greear on the Gospel and Everyday Routines Posted: 10 Mar 2014 10:45 PM PDT
J.D.’s book Gospel is particularly relevant to the topic of our upcoming Secret Church 14, “The Cross and Everyday Life.” That’s why we’re grateful he agreed to answer the following questions…. 1. How should a recovery of the gospel affect everyday tasks, responsibilities, and routines? For years now I have begun every day with “The Gospel Prayer” (see below), a tool that I’ve found helpful in steeping my mind and heart in the truths of the gospel. Sometimes people in the gospel-centered movement seem ill-at-ease with spiritual disciplines, as if forcing yourself into a habit automatically spells legalism. True, devoid of the gospel, such disciplines will become legalistic and empty. But the entire purpose of daily disciplines is to give us an opportunity to think about, and meditate on, and move within the gospel. Practicing spiritual disciplines is like cutting furrows that faith in the gospel can fill with new life. The discipline has no power in itself, but provides a context in which God form the affections of faith. And ironically enough, our obedience to God when we don’t “feel” like it can even be an act of faith in and of itself, a cry to God can change our hearts. 2. How can we tell from a practical standpoint if we’re not being motivated by the gospel in our everyday routines? Well, start each day with the assumption that overnight your heart got re-steeped in idolatry. John Calvin said that the human heart is an “idol factory,” constantly coming up with new things to replace God, new ways to have a life of happiness and power without God. Ask yourself some diagnostic questions: What one thing do I have to have today to be happy? What made me feel the most significant yesterday? Where did I turn for comfort when things weren't going well? These questions can reveal certain patterns in our lives—where our heart runs for meaning, satisfaction, and comfort. As St. Augustine said, things like worry, fear, sadness, and jealousy are “smoke from the fires” rising from the altars of our idolatry. Follow the trail of that smoke and you’ll see where you have substituted the gospel for something else. 3. How would you counsel a believer who is beginning to notice that his daily life is disconnected from the truths of the gospel? Our hearts are hard-wired towards works-righteousness, so we need to constantly saturate ourselves in the gospel. If we don’t, our natural drift will always be away from those crucial truths. As I said in question 1, I’ve prayed a specific prayer every day for years now to remind myself of the gospel. I simply call it, “The Gospel Prayer.” It’s not magical, but it’s a tool to train your mind in the patterns of the gospel:
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| North Korea To Execute 33 Christians Posted: 10 Mar 2014 09:50 AM PDT Reports coming out of North Korea reveal that 33 Christians have been sentenced to death for working with Kim Jung Wook, a Baptist missionary from South Korea who was arrested in North Korea last year. Together, they have planted approximately 500 underground churches. Kim Jong-un has called for their execution as he believes these efforts to be in direct opposition to his regime, a threat to national security. This would not be inconsistent with past actions, as he executed his own uncle–Jang Song-thaek–late last year, along with all of Mr. Jang’s relatives, because he perceived him to be a threat to power. Tragically, public executions in North Korea are not a rare occurrence. Hundreds upon hundreds have taken place, some for offenses as small as owning a Bible. First, let us be encouraged and challenged by the example of these 33 believers who, at the risk of their lives, have done the work of ministry. Five hundred churches! Are we taking full advantage of our religious freedom to even aim at doing what the unfree have, by God’s grace, accomplished? Second, let us pray for them. There is no doubt these precious brothers and sisters have some tough days ahead. Let us pray for their freedom. But most importantly, let us pray for their faithfulness to Christ. Ask the Lord to give them strength to endure. And as a result of their example, pray that the gospel goes forth strongly, spreading like wild fire to Kim Jong-un, throughout his regime, across North Korea, and beyond. |
Sure, the gospel is necessary for our conversion, but what role does it play after that? How does it shape our everyday lives? Pastor and author J.D. Greear has answered a few questions for us on this very topic. J.D. is a pastor at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, as well as an author and a blogger.
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