Unveiled By Grace: Odd Thomas

Showing posts with label Odd Thomas. Show all posts

Thursday, December 29, 2011

The Incarnation (spoken word)

Created by artist Odd Thomas for Trinity Church in Portland, Oregon.

About Unveiled By Grace

The Gospel:
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14: 6
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. - Colossians 2: 13-14
God, our Father, desires to restore the relationship with Himself that has been fractured by sin. For this reason, He initiated the pursuit of us as sinners, by sending His son Jesus. Jesus lived the perfect life that we could not live and yet was crucified in our place. He died and was resurrected and is sinners' only way to be reconciled to God. Once we believe and put our trust in Jesus, we are redeemed and complete in Him.
Therefore, our faith is not about striving and focusing on ourselves to grow spiritually. Rather, we have freedom to pursue an intimate relationship with the Lord. In and through us, Jesus now lives the life which was impossible for us. Our Father first initiated and continues to initiate the pursuit of believers. As a result, we pursue Him out of a pure desire and motivation to know and delight in Him.
Purpose:

To understand completely:

1) The Gospel: The Gospel of Jesus is not only the starting point of our faith, but it is what empowers us each and every day of our lives.

2) Our Identity: As believers, our identity is firmly planted in Jesus. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. - Colossians 3:3

Vital Verses:

Colossians 1:27 - To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved and gave himself for me.

Romans 5:2 - Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Blog Authors:

Derek: A forecasting and demand planning manager who has three kids under seven and over 10 years of marriage.

Joanie: An exchange life counselor (masters in pastoral counseling from Luther Rice Univ.) who has three adult boys and has been married for over 40 years.