Having Jesus Order Our “Firsts”

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

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Having Jesus Order Our "Firsts" SCOTTY SMITH "The Macedonian believers gave themselves first to the Lord" (2Cor.8:5). "Diotrephes loves to be first… (3Jn.9). "Of first importance—Christ died for our sins, was buried and raised on the third day… according to the Scriptures (1Cor.15:3-4). "We love because Jesus first loved us" (1Jn.4:19). "You have abandoned your first love" (Rev.2:4). "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and great commandment" (Matt.22:37-38). "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness…" (Matt.6:33).   Lord Jesus, these seven uses of "first" tell quite a story—beginning with a striking contrast between a man named Diotrephes who "loved to be first," and a group of poor-yet-generous Macedonian believers who first gave themselves to you, and then to the things you care about. Jesus, in what ways and in what relationships do we seek "firstness" above servanthood? And how can we be set free from our "me-first-ness"? Thankfully, that takes us to the next two "firsts" in our Scripture tapestry on this November Saturday. Hallelujah, the Gospel is of "first importance" because it meets our first and deepest need for salvation and change. We love you Jesus because you first loved us—by your life, death, and resurrection. There was a time loving you, abiding in your love, and sharing your love meant more to us than anything else in our lives. Restore us to our first love, Jesus, and our first-loving. As we head into both Thanksgiving and Christmas, please re-order our affections and our "firsts." Free us again for loving you with everything we have and are, Jesus—with all our heart, soul, and mind—with our time, talents, and treasure. And in all of our "seeking," Jesus, may we seek your Kingdom first: That is, free us to treasure your will above our dreams and druthers—for ourselves, our kids, or anyone. Free us to live for your glory and honor, above us being adored, vindicated, or even noticed. Grant it Jesus. So Very Amen.     Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition  PO Box #1637    Columbia  MO  65205    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.

Early Black Friday Sale—Our No. 1 Recommended Read This Christmas

Tether Your Heart to Christ This Advent

View in browser 10 MINUTES. ONCE A DAY. EVERY DAY.  Tether your heart to Christ this Advent Christmas is coming—and with it a season that quickly becomes busy, even exhausting. Before we know it, our diaries are full, our minds are crowded, and our joy is empty.    Yet Advent should be a time when we center ourselves on Jesus and seek the true rest we can only have in him. Advent reminds us we're a people who wait with hope, not for one special day each year but for the day of Jesus's coming and an eternal life of rest, peace, and calm.   Based on the Scripture texts of the Christmas section of Handel's Messiah, TGC's new Advent devotional, Unto Us, invites you to refresh your heart every day in the run-up to Christmas. If you're feeling the frantic pace of this time of year, Unto Us will help you slow down and fix your eyes on Christ. It's available at 50 percent off in our early Black Friday sale.    Read by yourself or grab a stack and follow along with a group from church.  EARLY BLACK FRIDAY SALE Get Unto Us for HALF PRICE Now until midnight November 29 The early Black Friday sale in the TGC store is now on. Buy any book and add Unto Us to your cart for half price. Browse our curated range of new and popular titles for gift inspiration and simply add the Advent devotional to your order at checkout. GET THE DEAL BULK DISCOUNTS FOR CHURCHES Why not grab some copies for yourself and your church? Bulk deals (up to 65 percent off) are available in the TGC Store, so you could even read along with your small group or church congregation.   You won't get these prices on Amazon.  Buy 5 for $10.49 each (saving 19 percent) Buy 10 for $9.99 each (saving 23 percent) Buy 50 for $8.99 each (saving 31 percent) Buy 92 for $4.55 each (saving 65 percent) RRP $12.99 FIND OUT MORE The Gospel Coalition PO Box #1637, Columbia, MO, 65205 Unsubscribe

Gentle Us, Jesus

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

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Gentle Us, Jesus SCOTTY SMITH "Your gentleness made me great" (Ps.18:35). "A gentle and quiet spirit is very precious in God's sight, and has imperishable beauty." (1Pet. 3:4) "We (the Apostle Paul and his companions) were gentle among you, like a nursing mother…" (1Thess. 2:7). "Learn from me, for I (Jesus) am gentle and humble in heart. I will give you rest." (Matt.11:29).   Lord Jesus, as with all the Scriptures, these passages immediately make us think of you. And every time we orient our hearts towards you, you greet us, grace us, and grant us the perspective we need. Thank you. Here's what we crave. As we begin this weekend, gentle us and give us the rest you promise, Jesus. At a time when many are fear-full, thinned-skinned, and easily triggered, grant us the calming power of a non-anxious, fresh-hope Spirit. If we could hear you praying for us (John 17), see you joyfully ruling from heaven's throne (Rev.4), and know for certain how you are working in all things for our good (Rom.8:28) … we would sleep better and longer, and love more boldly and tenderly. Jesus, as you spoke this world into existence, so speak quietness, peace, and caring deep into our hearts. Liberate us for your glory and our tongues for your praise. We know we're not as free as you intend, joyful as you pray, or trusting as you deserve. So, by the power of your Spirit and the riches of your grace, do a fresh work in our hearts. May "your gentleness make us great" (Ps.18:35)—not great as in impressive to people, but great as in impactful for your glory. So Very Amen   Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition  PO Box #1637    Columbia  MO  65205    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.

First, your support is needed now

Your gift isn't just a contribution—it's the brick-and-mortar of the future church

View in browser Dear First,   Right now, you have the power to make a difference—reaching those desperately searching for biblical truth in a world full of uncertainty.   Bob, a long-time partner with The Gospel Coalition and a seasoned business leader, knows all too well the challenges believers face in today's world. Over the years, he's seen a shift in society's stance on faith—from respect and encouragement to, at times, outright resistance. Reflecting on his experience of being asked to leave a job simply because of his faith, Bob understands how critical it is for Christians to have resources that strengthen and embolden them in every part of life.   "I look to TGC as a crucial partner," Bob shared. "In a culture that often sidelines or even dismisses faith, TGC provides the resources we need to live out the gospel—faithfully and boldly."   Bob's experience highlights a vital reality: the need for trustworthy, gospel-centered resources like those TGC produces is more pressing than ever. Will you join us today in equipping Christians like Bob to live out their faith with confidence and grace?   We cannot afford to wait. Give Now Here's what your immediate gift will do: Deliver the gospel message to those crying out for truth—right now, when they need it most Strengthen the church by equipping pastors, leaders, and believers with the tools to stand firm and lead confidently Transform lives in communities across the United States and worldwide by sharing the hope of Christ Prepare believers to face the overwhelming challenges of today's world, helping them stand strong in their faith and boldly proclaim the good news Your gift isn't just a contribution—it's the brick-and-mortar of the future church. Pastors, ministry leaders, and Christians are ready to take up their hammers and build an outpost of heaven on earth, but they need gospel-centered resources, wisdom, and training. You're giving makes creating those resources possible.   Together, we're engaged in a great work that cannot pause—because the gospel cannot wait.   Blessings in Christ Jesus,   Anthony Alphin Vice President  The Gospel Coalition Give Now The Gospel Coalition, PO Box #1637, Columbia, MO 65205 Unsubscribe

At the Speed of Jesus’ Mercy and Kindness

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

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH At the Speed of Jesus' Mercy and Kindness SCOTTY SMITH  "After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" (1Pet.5:10).   Lord Jesus, thank you for speaking to us so directly and personally through the Scriptures. I'm especially grateful for this "word" from Peter about suffering. Many of my friends are experiencing challenges and "crosses"—bodily ailments, family stress, and heavy hearts. Among the many things this verse makes clear, none is more precious than knowing you are sovereign, and suffering isn't. Our calling to "eternal glory in Christ" does pass along the path of temporary pain in our stories. Just as you told us—in this world we will have trouble, but in you we will have peace—peace before the storm passes, comfort before the heartache is over, hope right in the middle of the darkest clouds (Jn.16:33). In the matrix of mercy, all suffering is just for a "little while," but you are now and forever "the God of all grace." Hallelujah, and thank you. The Day of no more "death, mourning, crying, or pain" is barreling towards us at the speed of your mercy and kindness (Rev.21:4). Until then, Jesus, free us to ache to your glory, carry each other's burdens, and encourage one another daily—as in every single day (Heb.3:13). Shared weaknesses release the aroma of grace like the perfume with which Mary anointed your feet (John 12:3-8). We rest in your promise to "restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish" us. May your daily mercies and sufficient grace define us 7 times more than out fleeting misery. That you see us … know us … care for us … and are in control of our suffering … is sweetness beyond measure and peace beyond all understanding. Thank you, Jesus. So Very Amen.   Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition  PO Box #1637    Columbia  MO  65205    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.

Not a Something But a Someone

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

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Not a Something But a Someone SCOTTY SMITH "God gives us more grace ..." James 4:6. "Out of Jesus' fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given" (John 1:16). "The manifold—multi-colored, variegated (Gk. ποικίλος) grace of God…" (1Pet. 4:10). "There is no more disgrace for you" (Isa. 54:4).   Lord Jesus, it seems too good to be true, too lofty to be ours, too far above our "pay grade"—too beyond our deserving, getting, and keeping. And to a certain extent, all that is true … if it weren't for you. Because of you, Jesus, and what you have done for us, we are no longer subject to no-grace, disgrace, faux-grace, semi-grace, insufficient-grace, or disappearing-grace. There's just grace for us—which is shorthand for, there's "just" you, Jesus. Because grace isn't primarily a "something" but a "Someone." Hallelujah, on Gospel-steroids! You are the incarnation of "the God of all grace" (1Pet.5:10)—the meaning, full measure, and means by which we are given all the riches of heaven. When you were born, as Paul stated, "the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people" (Titus 2:11). Not abstract grace, but the God of all grace lay in a manger and died on a cross. Indeed, Jesus, you are the Gospel. "You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ—though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich" (2Cor.8:9). Hallelujah, you exhausted our unpayable debt to God, and gave us the incalculable riches of your righteousness. Grace is sufficient because you are sufficient, Jesus. So much so you get the very last verse in the entire Bible. "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen" (Rev. 22:21). To which we offer our, So VERY Amen. Wish you had a roundup of our best content? Subscribe to our weekly Update. SIGN ME UP! The Gospel Coalition  PO Box #1637    Columbia  MO  65205    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.