Seeking Jesus First

As a Christian, I have reservations about the characterization "sinner saved by grace."  Perhaps it is just a problem for me and people who think like me.  I can see all the value it might bring, but for me it is defeating.  It is quoted by very godly people that are much farther along and more mature than I am in the faith.  This has made me try to understand the underlying meaning they are trying to express.  But it still gives me pause. In particular, J.D. Walt emphasized it, today, when he was expounding on Romans 3:9-18.  He definitely falls into the category of  "farther along and more mature."  His heart, faith, and reason have taught and inspired me through the daily Wake-up Call from Seedbed.   I think when people like J.D. say it, they are expressing a godly humility that counteracts the tendency toward arrogance of those of us with Wesleyan roots.  Sometime, people who are "entirely sanctified" deny their sins because "go...

Summary  I try too hard to contribute to conversation.  Put another way, I talk too much.  I'm coming to realize it's a form of arrogance.  And yet, I can't shake the feeling that God is teaching me useful things that might help others.  So, this is an experiment.  Whenever I think I should speak up, I'll probably blog it, instead. Details I have no idea how this is going to play out.  It may become a private journal.  It may be just a way to let my family and closest friends know what's going through my head.  It may get a wider audience.  Just allowing for the possibility that there may be a wider audience is a red flag that I'm seeking acclaim.  Holy Spirit, guide me. I remember an official in my general church (Nazarene) saying that pastors have a tendency to share everything God tells them whether it was intended for their congregation or not.  "I am not a prophet or the son of a prophet" (Amos) so I don't pretend to have ...