Labor-of-Love Weekend (And Life)

September 2, 2023 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Labor-of-Love Weekend (And Life) SCOTTY SMITH We remember before our God and Father “your work of faith, labor of love, and enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Thess.1:3)   Lord Jesus, Labor Day weekend in the USA—what’s not to like? Gratitude for the gifts of work and vocation, the official beginning of the college football year, a “legal” holiday on Monday. However, we can’t think of “work and vocation” without referencing your grace-work on our behalf. Everything changed with your declaration from the cross, “It is finished!” It’s why you came into the world—to give your life as “a ransom for the many.” How “many” is “many”? Your bride is as countless as cherished. Heaven’s math describes her quantity in terms of stars, sand, and dust (Gen.22:17, Gen.13:16); and her identity representing “every nation, tribe, people and language” (Rev.7;9). Your love is that great, Jesus. Your grace is that powerful. The Gospel is that glorious. When you died, death died, and performance-based-spirituality took an eternal beatdown. Works righteousness, legalism, and heaven-by-merit were exposed as graceless frauds. The “work of faith, labor of love, and enduring hope” now mark our lives, and give you glory. We obey you, Jesus, because we love you—not to get anything from you. Should we get any rewards when you return, we won’t need a neck brace to wear our stacked up “crowns,” just a nanosecond to throw ‘em at your feet (Rev.4:10-11). What a Savior you are, Jesus. What a stunning salvation you have earned for us. We are grateful. So Very Amen.   Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2023 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

The Multifaceted, Variegated, Plenteous Grace of God

September 1, 2023 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH The Multifaceted, Variegated, Plenteous Grace of God SCOTTY SMITH “He gives us more grace” James 4:6   Heavenly Father, we take this promise very seriously today—not as a cliché, “rabbit’s foot,” or sentimental hymn. No matter our context, conundrum, or cry, you give us grace shaped perfectly for the need (Heb.4:16). Just when we’re about to throw in the hope-towel because the darkness feels too dark, you give us “sane-ing” grace. You bring us back to Gospel-sanity, the perspective of eternity, and a fresh sighting of Jesus—out of his tomb and comfortably on his throne. Just when we’re about to enter our float in the pity-party parade… because the pain is too much, the world is too crazy, and heaven is too far away… you give us sufficient grace. Not sufficient as in barely enough, but as in surely enough. This is still your world, and we are your beloved children. Just when we’re about to appoint ourselves as judge and jury for people who disappoint, fail, or annoy us, you pour sanctifying grace into our hearts. You knock us off our high horse of self-righteousness. You show us, yet again, nobody needs Jesus and his grace more than us. Just when we’re ready to give up on friends and family members ever knowing and loving you, you give us sustaining grace. You are at work in ways we don’t see. What a God you are: “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me” (Isa.65:1). Our calling is to love, only you can save. Just when we’re close to isolating in shame, running away in fear, or medicating our pain foolishly, you give us more saving grace. Your grace doesn’t just save us from old sin and regrets, but also from today and tomorrow’s failures. Hallelujah and thank you, Abba. So Very Amen.   Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2023 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

Dwelling in Jesus and His Word Dwelling in Us

August 31, 2023 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Dwelling in Jesus and His Word Dwelling in Us SCOTTY SMITH “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you” (Col.3:16)   Lord Jesus, meditating on several portions 2nd Thessalonians has been akin to savoring the finest dark chocolate ever cooked and crafted. They catalogue much of what you freely give us in the Gospel—beginning with this one: 2Thess.3:5 – “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” If we pay attention to the GPS of the Gospel, it will always direct our hearts into more of your love and your perseverance—not our perspiration. Because you are our righteousness, we can’t increase or diminish your love for us; but we can surely experience more of it more often (Eph.3:18-19). By your Spirit, please make that our feast. We will persevere and overcome all the way Home because of our union with you, Jesus—the Overcomer. Your grace, not our grit, will deliver us safely to heaven.     Then there’s 2Thess.2:16-17 – “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” Jesus, thank you for giving us eternal, not fleeting comfort; and good, not flimsy hope—“good” like you are good Jesus, meaning perfect hope. Lastly, there’s 2Thess.3:16 – “May the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.” Thank you for being the “Lord of peace” and for giving us your peace (Jn.14:27)—the peace that bypasses our reason and is accessible 24/7. You know our current “situations” for which we most need and crave your peace. Jesus, grant it, bring it, and free us to surrender to your peace. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen. Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2023 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

Hurry! Final TGC23 Price Increases Tomorrow!

It's Just Weeks Away

Hi First,   In just a few weeks, over 5,000 of us will gather together in Indianapolis for TGC23, exploring the theme, Hope in the Wilderness: Encouragement for Pilgrims from the Book of Exodus. You won't want to miss it.    Thinking about joining us September 25 to 27? The current price of $289 ends tomorrow. This is your final opportunity to save on the ticket price so register today. Find Out More Speakers include: David Platt J. D. Greear H. B. Charles Miguel Núñez John Piper Jen Wilkin Ligon Duncan Andrew Wilson Nancy Guthrie Ken Mbugua  And more! We hope you'll invite your friends, family, and church to join you for a three-day conference full of Bible teaching and worship music led by Australia's CityAlight.   If you've joined us at previous TGC conferences, or if this will be your first time, I look forward to seeing you very soon!    Sandy Willson Interim President The Gospel Coalition, P.O. Box 170346, Austin, TX, 78717 Unsubscribe

Jesus Gives Grace, Not Pep-Talks

August 30, 2023 Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Jesus Gives Grace, Not Pep-Talks SCOTTY SMITH “I will refresh the weary and replenish the weak” (Jer.31:25)   Lord Jesus, this one little verse is the Grand Canyon of grace, the Niagara Falls of mercy, the Swiss Alps of encouragement. Come, nourish our hearts with the wonders of your love and the hope of the Gospel. What’s the story behind our weariness and weakness, and people all around us? Where do we start? Most people we encounter are struggling with more than we realize, juggling more than is sustainable, and carrying more heartache than the chambers of one heart can contain. Underneath a calm surface might be a riptide of shame, fear, and self-contempt. Behind much hair-trigger anger is dammed-up sadness—years of unvoiced hurt, disregarded pain, and unwept tears. Those we haven’t seen in a while may not be on vacation, but in self-chosen isolation. Hallelujah, masks of self-protection and pretended okay-ness begin to fall off in your kind presence, Jesus. The Gospel puts an end to posing and pretending, minimizing our need and medicating foolishly. Help us see and tap into the much-more-ness of your grace. Jesus, free us to get the help we need, the counsel we lack, and the replenishment you promise. Also, give us your compassion for fellow strugglers. Like us, they may have no clue what’s really going on inside them. Turn our hasty reactions into slow listening and non-judgmental presence. Settle and center our hearts today with the good news—the fresh news of the Gospel. Jesus, your love for us isn’t just better than life (Psalm 63:3), it’s the only love that can heal, refresh, and satisfy us. So Very Amen Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! About Us    |     Council    |     Donate ©2023 The Gospel Coalition, All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 170346 — Austin, TX 78717 Update Email  |  Unsubscribe

First, will you join the movement?

Your role allows us to continue sharing resources that help Christians see the world through a gospel lens. Will you join us?

Hey First,   Everything we produce at The Gospel Coalition has the same aim. We create content and resources that bring gospel light to the internet and help people think wisely and biblically about the complexities and challenges of our rapidly changing culture.    First, as I'm sure you know, there's much confusion and many false narratives swirling around in our culture right now, and it's leading people astray. Perhaps this has happened to someone you know and love.    Ordinary Christians, ministry leaders, and pastors need urgent help to navigate complex issues with biblical wisdom and gospel-centered perspectives. That's what we try to do at TGC in all the content we're producing for you—through articles, videos, podcasts, and more.   The Gospel Coalition—which was formed in 2005 by Tim Keller and Don Carson—has grown into a global movement of like-minded Christians and churches seeking to renew our faith in the gospel of Christ and apply that gospel to all of life. If you believe in the importance of this mission, please consider joining us by becoming a monthly supporter. Just head to https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/donate-monthly/ to set up a regular gift of just $10 a month and be a part of the movement.    We want to continue sharing resources that help Christians like you see the world through a gospel lens.    Gratefully in Christ,   Brett McCracken Senior Editor and Director of Communications   P.S. To do this vital work we need your support. Will you join us? https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/donate-monthly/ The Gospel Coalition P.O. Box 170346, Austin, TX Unsubscribe