TGCW24 Easter Weekend Flash Sale

Get $40 Off Your Ticket Until Midnight Monday

The flash sale* offering you $40 off the regular rate runs until the end of Easter weekend. Use code 'EASTER' at checkout.   We hope you'll invite your friends, family, and church to join thousands of women for a three-day conference full of Bible teaching, breakouts, workshops, and worship from Shane & Shane.     Find out more about our theme, Behold & Believe: Encountering Jesus as the Great I AM.  The next and final price increase is May 8.    *Sale does not apply for already discounted International/Gen Z registration rate (16-26 years old)   The Gospel Coalition, P.O. Box 170346, Austin, TX 78717

Good Friday Was Pregnant with Great Joy

Heavenward. Read the latest from Scotty Smith's blog.

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Good Friday Was Pregnant with Great Joy SCOTTY SMITH   "We keep our eyes fixed on Jesus—the founder and perfecter of our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, Jesus endured the cross, despising and disregarding its shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2   Lord Jesus, that you had to die for us isn't at all "good." But that you were glad to do so is "goodness" without parallel, generosity beyond measure, and love above all loves. No one could take your life from you—not an angry mob, legion of demons, or conspiracy of mere men. You freely gave your life for us—not as a brave martyr to be remembered, but as God's Lamb to be worshipped. Everything you endured, you endured for God's glory and for our salvation. You disregarded the shame of the cross because you regarded us above yourself (Phil. 2:1-11). Oh Jesus, maybe we apprehend about 3% of what this actually means. You took the judgment we deserved, and gave us the righteousness we could never earn. This is the Gospel—make it more real to us than ever. By the cross you crushed the devil once and for all (1Jn.3:8); and by the cross we are cherished now and forever. Hallelujah, and thank you. So what joy awaited you on the other side of the cross, Lord Jesus? Most definitely, you looked forward to the joy of reuniting with your Father (John 17:5). And in time, the joy of ushering in the new heaven and new earth (Rev.21:1-22:6). But—wonder of wonders, having us as your beloved Bride is a great delight of yours we can barely imagine (Rev.19:6-9). We believe, help our unbelief. We love you, Jesus, but intensify our love more and more. So Very Amen.   Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition  P.O. Box 170346    Austin  TX  78717    You received this email because you are subscribed to Scotty Smith's Blog: Heavenward from The Gospel Coalition. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive. Unsubscribe from all future emails.

The Only Thing That Counts – “Love as I Love You”

Heavenward. Read the latest from Scotty Smith's blog.

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH The Only Thing That Counts – "Love as I Love You" SCOTTY SMITH Lord Jesus, as a kid, it was such an odd word to me—Maundy, as in "Maundy Thursday." But now it's one of the most revolutionary, precious, humbling, and focusing of words. Because it summarizes the measure and "mandate" of your love for us. "As I have loved you, so you must love one another" Jn.13:34. We earn nothing by loving each other. We've been given everything because you love us. Having shared eternal glory with the Father, you now showed measureless grace to your disciples—"the full extent of your love" (Jn.13:1 NIV 84). The humility you showed in washing their feet (Jn.13:2-17) was a preview of the glory of you washing their hearts. Stripped naked, publicly shamed, and nailed to the cross—what wondrous love is this, indeed. "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends" (Jn. 15:13)—that's what you did for us, Jesus. "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"—that's who you are, the One who took their sin, our sin, my sin. How then shall we respond? We don't have to guess, and we can't hear it too often: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must"—(not might or may), "you must love one another" (Jn.13:34). The most important expression of our "getting" the Gospel is for us to love others as you have loved us. Have mercy on us, Jesus. Forgive us for not believing you love us as much as you actually do. Forgive us for making the most important expression of our discipleship optionable, debatable, negligible. Free us and change us. So Very Amen, we pray with awe and fresh humility. Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition  P.O. Box 170346    Austin  TX  78717    You received this email because you are subscribed to Scotty Smith's Blog: Heavenward from The Gospel Coalition. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive. Unsubscribe from all future emails.

Are you longing for a more fruitful Christian life?

Cultivating a spiritual harvest that won't leave you empty

Dear First,   As Christians, we long for spiritually fruitful lives. However, our attempts to work more and hustle harder only leave us feeling weary and worn. Thankfully, God's Word supplies the nourishment we so desperately need.    Using excerpts from Fruitful: Cultivating a Spiritual Harvest That Won't Leave You Empty, a forthcoming devotional published in partnership with Crossway (May 7), this new seven-day sample by TGC staff and friends explores the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 and is filled with substantial biblical counsel for harvesting God-given spiritual fruit. Great for Individuals and Groups: Devotions are perfect for personal reading or as a tool to encourage a group of friends  Easy to Use: Each of the seven readings includes reflections, responses, and prayers From TGC Women: Contributions from Lydia Brownback, Courtney Doctor, Melissa Kruger, Trillia Newbell, Blair Linne, me, and others Recipe: Make my favorite fruit dish as a way to enjoy God's goodness and share it with others. We are delighted to offer seven days of this devotional FREE to you today. Click on this link to get instant access to this resource—it'll help you cultivate a spiritual harvest that won't leave you empty.  Click to Access Free 7 Day Devotional I pray this sample helps you abide in Jesus as he fills our emptiness with an abundant crop of spiritual fruit.   Every blessing,   Megan Hill Managing Editor The Gospel Coalition P.O. Box 170346, Austin, TX Unsubscribe

Deep Lament and Defiant Hope

Heavenward. Read the latest from Scotty Smith's blog.

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Deep Lament and Defiant Hope SCOTTY SMITH "Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, and shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross" (Col.2:15). We grieve, but "not like the rest of mankind who have no hope" (1Thess.4:13) "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain..." (Rev.21:4)   Lord Jesus, some anniversaries we dare not forget, some we wish we could. One year ago today, evil's hatred of beauty was on full display in Nashville. Shots were fired, shalom was shattered, sensibilities were desecrated, and little children and dear friends died. The terror and trauma still reverberate—sending different-sized and unpredictably-timed shock waves of grief, fear, and vulnerability. Healing is underway, but until the Day of wiped tears and all things new, it will hurt. It's supposed to hurt. Grieving is better than numbing, and deep lament honors you more than calloused hearts. Jesus, thank for the gift of mourning, even as we long for the morning of eternal dancing and garments of joy (Psalm 30:11-12). Today we pray for those most deeply impacted—for children, families, the faculty, and our friends. There's no scorecard or timetable for measuring "doing better." There's you, Jesus, a calendar of grace, and our calling to bear one another's burdens. Grant all of us heaven-crafted grace for a day like this. It's not lost on us that this "anniversary" falls right in the middle of "Easter Week." So along with our deep lament, ignite and fuel defiant hope, Jesus. Evil doesn't get the last word, you do. Evil doesn't win, you did. You have publicly shamed evil, and you will totally eradicate it. And on the Day you wipe our anguished tears, you will redeem the pain behind each tear. Thank you, Jesus, thank you… So Very Amen.     Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition  P.O. Box 170346    Austin  TX  78717    You received this email because you are subscribed to Scotty Smith's Blog: Heavenward from The Gospel Coalition. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive. Unsubscribe from all future emails.

The “Redemptive-Anti-Brag” of Boasting in Jesus’ Cross

Heavenward. Read the latest from Scotty Smith's blog.

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH The "Redemptive-Anti-Brag" of Boasting in Jesus' Cross SCOTTY SMITH "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Gal.6:14   Dear Lord Jesus, may your Spirit work powerfully in our hearts this week, as we survey afresh the wonders of your cross and fullness of your grace. Surveying takes unrushed time, gives attention to details, and depending on where we are standing—often leads to breathtaking awe. So may it be with us, Jesus. We are grateful to be standing in grace (Rom.5:1-2) as we ponder the unparalleled sacrifice you made for us. To see and savor your cross simultaneously positions us in front of the Swiss Alps of your love, and the Grand Canyon of our need. There is no greater love than the love you demonstrated in dying for us, Jesus (Jn.15:13). Neither is there any more humbling diagnosis of our condition. That you had to die for us, Jesus, sobers and silences us. We didn't need a second chance, but a second birth. We weren't in dire straits, but in death's grip—"dead in our sins and trespasses." Boasting in our good works, obedience, religious zeal, and tears is empty puffery, groundless hope, salvation-less spirituality. Our condition was grave, but your grace is great. That you were glad to die for us, Jesus, generates with in us a peace, freedom, and joy that cannot be found anywhere else. Our only boast, trust, and hope—our "redemptive-anti-brag" is the fullness and finality of your cross, Jesus. "It is finished!" was your last cry, and our first cry of true freedom. Jesus, in the coming days, free us more fully to boast in your cross—not just as our way into heaven, but as our way of life. So Very Amen.     Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition  P.O. Box 170346    Austin  TX  78717    You received this email because you are subscribed to Scotty Smith's Blog: Heavenward from The Gospel Coalition. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive. Unsubscribe from all future emails.

No Other King, No Greater Hope

Heavenward. Read the latest from Scotty Smith's blog.

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH No Other King, No Greater Hope SCOTTY SMITH   "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey… He eliminates chariots, warhorses, and battle bows, and will extend peace to the nations and rule from sea to sea… Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double." Zech. 9:9-12   Dear Jesus … step-stopping, heart-pumping, hope-igniting … that's how Zechariah's vision of Palm Sunday impacts us. This isn't the first promise of your coming in the Old Testament, but it's a unique and treasured one. For it envisions the last days of your incarnate life, and the "double-restoration" your sacrifice would secure. As "holy week" began, shouts of "Hosanna!" filled the streets of Jerusalem. Within days, the angry cry, "Crucify him!" reverberated in the courtyard. But the final declaration, "He is risen!", terrified terror, robbed the grave, and changed everything. Jesus, as we set aside the next several days to "survey the cross" and savor the unparalleled hope of Easter, grant us freedom to lament and uncontainable joy to celebrate. There is no other king like you. *  No other king could vanquish warhorses, warriors, and war by mounting the foal of a donkey and choosing death on a cross. *  No other king could replace the dominion of darkness and the tyranny of evil, with an eternal reign righteousness, peace, and joy. *  No other king would live and give his perfect life on behalf of rebels, fools, and idolaters like us. *  No other king has the power and grace to transform slaves of sin and death into prisoners of hope. None but you, King Jesus—only you. So Very Amen.   Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition  P.O. Box 170346    Austin  TX  78717    You received this email because you are subscribed to Scotty Smith's Blog: Heavenward from The Gospel Coalition. Update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive. Unsubscribe from all future emails.