I spend a lot of time talking about, teaching, and explaining Christian Theology, especially how it is derived from the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament.  Why?  Because everything in church derives from theology, good or bad.  Good theology is the basis for healthy churches and communities. 

Christianity is unique in its understanding of God and forgiveness as the means of receiving eternal life.  We know that Salvation from sin and death comes not from our actions but from our faith in Christ Jesus to have atoned for our sins upon the cross of Calvary.  This means that we need not be good enough to come to Christ, but Christ both died for us and calls to us while we are yet in our sin.  And like the thief upon the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23:33–43), Jesus claims us and saves us the moment we claim Him.

This begins a process we call sanctification, in which we are remade into those who are free from the bondage of sin and able to resist sin and live in the perfection of love for God and our neighbor.  It is to this journey that the Holy Spirit calls us and guides us so that Christ’s righteousness is made manifest in our lives. 

Faith being counted as righteousness will be the theme for the Sermon Series starting this Sunday.  Dead Faith Reckoning will explore the faith of those mentioned in Hebrews 11.  The primary guiding verse is from Romans 4:3. “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.”

I invite you on this journey with Christ and His church.

Peace, 

Burt