Why Spend the Rest of Your Life Loving Jesus on MIssion?

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

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Why Spend the Rest of Your Life Loving Jesus on MIssion? SCOTTY SMITH  "This is the plan: At the right time, he (God) will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth" will be summed up, made new and beautiful. (Eph.1:10; Rev.21:5)   Abba, Father, sometimes we get so busy with our plans, we forget you have plans made before the world began. Plans—not hunches or hopes, "might's" or "maybe's." Unlike us, you never have to say or pray, "Lord willing"; for you are the Lord who only plans things that you will make happen. Thank you for being this frank and clear with us, saying: "Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish" (Isa.46:10). You've set a Day when everything will be united, peaceful, and complete in Jesus. Abba, thank you for making promises only you can and will keep—such as:   We will finally see Jesus and become fully like him (1Jn.3:1-3). Our tears will be wiped, bodies healed, pain redeemed (Rev.21:1-5). We'll never sin again, love poorly, or hurt others (1Jn.4:17-18, Jer.32:40) The Great Commission will be the Great Accomplishment, for Jesus' every-nation, impossible to count Bride will populate the new heaven and new earth (Rev.7) The Creation Mandate will forever be the New Creation Party; for the earth will be filled with your glory, your glorified family, and all things new (Hab.2:14, Isa.11:9).   Hallelujah, Abba, this isn't fatalism; it's "fantastic-ism"! It doesn't create a passive life but a passionate life—a life of investing in the eternal rather than being tossed about by whims, whines, and the every-changing wind. 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.

Having and Being Friends “Whose Presence Is a Joy”

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

Heavenward SCOTTY SMITH Having and Being Friends "Whose Presence Is a Joy" SCOTTY SMITH   When we arrived in Macedonia, we were "toast"—worn-out and weary. Conflicts on the outside and fears on the inside—we needed encouragement, and Abba gave it. Titus came as a conduit of grace. His very presence was a joy (Paraphrase of 2Cor.7:5-7).   Lord Jesus, I'm feeling my "unglorified humanity" this morning, so reading of the Apostle Paul's vulnerability is both freeing and refreshing. If Paul felt frazzled and frayed at times, why wouldn't we? Thank you for the encouragement you send us at just the right time—in different ways through a diversity of messengers. You're quite capable of sending ravens and rainbows, manna and miracles, a fish with a coin in its mouth (Matt17:24-27) or 153 net-ripping fish to discouraged disciples (Jn.21:4-12). But most often you come to us through our friends. I love how Paul referred to Titus: "His presence was a joy." Titus didn't put pressure on Paul to be happy, get over it, or change. He wasn't the kind of "friend" who walks into the room and we feel the need to sit up, be spiritual, or fake "okay-ness." In Winnie the Pooh-speak, when we're feeling Eeyore-ish, we don't need Tiggers showing up—whose "tops are made out of rubber and bottoms made out of springs." Jesus, thank you for our Titus-like friends—please make us the same. It's your kind, non-anxious, judgment-void, encouraging presence they bring us. Indeed Jesus, when you are near, "bruised reeds and smoldering wicks" feel zero pressure to stand tall or "be a sunbeam" for you (Matt.12:15-21). Thank you for being gentle and lowly, not condescending and irritated. Thank you for being a friend of sinners, familiar with grief, and always emitting the aroma of grace. Even as you live in us, so love through us, 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.

First, Make the Gospel Go Further in the Spanish-Speaking World

Right now, countless pastors and believers lack the resources they need

SUPPORT THE SPANISH-SPEAKING CHURCH Hi First,   What started as a "what if" idea of The Gospel Coalition more than ten years ago has now turned into the largest Spanish-speaking Christian site in the world, with over 8 million yearly users in 100-plus countries. The Lord has grown Coalición por el evangelio in ways we could never have fathomed. With your help, we can reach more of the Spanish-speaking world.    At TGC25 this week, we're raising much-needed funds to equip the Spanish-speaking church to share the truth and beauty of the gospel. And thanks to a generous donor, all gifts to Coalición over the next two days will be matched up to $25,000. Double your gift today! Make a Gift Today Every day, thousands of Spanish speakers - pastors, church leaders, and everyday believers - turn to Coalición for biblically sound articles, books, podcasts, and videos that help them grow in their knowledge of God's word and apply it to their daily lives. Through the site, we can break down barriers of distance and access, making quality, theologically sound resources available to people from Argentina to Spain, from Mexico to the United States, and beyond. Coalición truly is a global presence, not confined by country, continent, or hemisphere.    What makes Coalición unique is that most of the resources are developed by a Spanish believer. Spanish speakers host every podcast. Coalición is not merely a translation site where users can read what is trending on TGC's U.S. site.    Rather, it is by Spanish speakers, for Spanish speakers.   Today, you can become a part of the growth and edification of the Spanish-speaking church. Support the Spanish-Speaking Church Gratefully,   Mark Vroegop President The Gospel Coalition, PO Box #1637, Columbia, MO, 65205, Unsubscribe

Pick Up a Great Deal in Our Online TGC25 Bookstore

Browse Our Curated Store For Prices You Won't Find Anywhere Else

View in browser Hi First!   Day 2 of TGC25 is just getting started. Jump on the live stream to watch along.   It's a shame you can't be there in person, but you can still take advantage of the same amazing prices available in the online version of our conference bookstore. GRAB A GREAT DEAL IN OUR ONLINE BOOKSTORE Our team has curated a list of excellent resources from the TGC25 bookstore. These discounted conference prices won't last long, so pick up your next great read today! Deals end April 24.   Why not grab some copies for yourself and your church? Bulk deals (up to 65 percent off) are available, so you could even read along with your small group or church congregation.   BROWSE THE STORE FEATURING: KEYNOTE SPEAKER TITLES TGC PUBLICATIONS TGC KIDS TGC BOOK AWARD WINNERS And many more! Find a great read today before offers end on April 24.  BROWSE THE STORE The Gospel Coalition, PO Box #1637, Columbia, MO, 65205, Unsubscribe