If the church is the body of Christ [who was disguised in servant form], why would we think the world would be able to pick us out of a crowd of other well-meaning organizations?
Mark GalliFor his own unfathomable reasons, God chooses to disguise himself when he comes to this planet, and there have been few disguises better than the church.
Mark GalliTags: church witness evangelism
I sometimes wonder if God calls us into the church because it represents not the people of God at their best but us at our worst. I wonder if he calls us to become embedded in this wretched institution precisely because it is wretched. And calls us to be a part of it not to reform it or save it or control it in any way, but to simply love it.
Mark GalliWhere the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom," says Paul. And we are most in line with the Spirit, most faithfully obedient, when instead of trying to manipulate people into faith, we simply live in that freedom and let the Spirit do the work of transformation.
Mark GalliTags: freedom faithfulness evangelism holy-spirit
To live [in the church] at the beck and call of marketing logic is to live in slavery.
Mark GalliThe Christian life does not just evolve. It also requires specific decisions and public commitments to deepen our faith and obedience.
Mark GalliTags: discipleship
To paraphrase Paul, God often uses the cheesy to confound the sophisticated. He regularly honors those who are confused about his leading as if they have nailed it.
Mark GalliOnly unconditional grace can transform a hardened heart into a grateful heart. Only a free gift can demolish any notion of quid pro quo. Only an utterly merciful act of love can fashion a new creation capable of love. As theologian Karl Barth puts it, 'As the beloved of God, we have no alternative but to love him in return.
Mark GalliTags: love grace gratitude barth
To love with expectations is, in the end, an oppressive, driven thing, and people know it when they receive it.
Mark GalliTags: love discipleship
To love with expectations is, in the end, an oppressive, driven thing, and people know it when they receive it. To love as God loves us--in freedom and with no strings attached--is a way to grant others a liberating gift.
Mark GalliTags: love
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