FYI - Jan 31, One Worship Service

By: Johnny Coggin

In case you don't get GraceOnline emails or check the Grace Evan website when inclement weather threatens our Sunday worship plans:

There will be ONE Morning Worship Service at 10:55 AM on Sunday, Jan. 31st.
[No classes. No childcare.]
[Music/Tech teams will rehearse at 9:30 AM.]

The sanctuary has power & heat, but parts of the other buildings do not, which is why classes/childcare are canceled. Also, the parking lot is pretty clear.

Come worship Jesus with the whole family all together at 10:55!

New Book: Dug Down Deep

By: Johnny Coggin

With the our new online Bookstore up and running, we'll be using the Blog occasionally to let you know about great books that we think would help you grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.

One such book has just released today, and I can't wait to get my hands on it. Although I haven't read it yet, I trust and respect the author as a pastor, and have also read some great reviews of the books already.

The book is called Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters by Josh Harris. It's supposed to be a very personal story of discovering the importance of theology - knowing God deeply and truly from his Word. And I hear that it's very accessible, enjoyable, and deeply rooted both in real life and the Bible.

Here's a blurb about it:

For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris's humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn't just for scholars—it is for anyone who longs to know the living Jesus Christ. As Harris writes, "I've come to learn that theology matters. It matters not because we want to impress people, but because what we know about God shapes the way we think and live. Theology matters because if we get it wrong, then our whole life will be wrong."

Whether you are just exploring Christianity or you are a veteran believer finding yourself overly familiar and cold-hearted, Dug Down Deep will help you rediscover the timeless truths of Scripture.

Need to go deeper into the truth of God without drowning in the deep waters? Or maybe you've forgotten how truth and doctrine matter and apply in your everyday life? This sounds like a book for you.

If you want a preview, you can look at the Table of Contents and read the entire first chapter here. You can buy the book here, or go to our Bookstore to browse more great books that we love at Grace Evan. Here's a brief video promo for Dug Down Deep below as well (click here if you don't see it below).

Piper on Our Boredom with the Bible

By: Johnny Coggin

"The Bible can't be boring!... God can't be boring! Avatar is boring!"

(watch the video below or by clicking the link above)

Freedom in Restraint

By: Dr. Jimmy Young

Psalm 119 has always been a favorite of mine, although it makes for a long read. So much of what is said in it goes contrary to a 21st century mindset.

For example, verses 43-45 talk of the psalmist’s love for and commitment to God’s “rules." People today hate rules. They see rules as the things that reign them in, limit their freedom, etc. For as everyone knows, if I am to be free, I must be free from all restraint.

Not according to the psalmist. In verse 45 he uses a Hebrew idiom speaking of his “walk(ing) in a wide place." What he has in mind is a place where he is free to move about, move side to side, as opposed to a narrow place where he has no options but the straight and narrow. And do you see what set him free? Rules! God’s rules!

The freest life is one lived according to rules God has given. In fact, one of the surest evidences that I belong to this God is that I have come to see the wisdom and kindness of God’s rules; that they are not given to restrict me. Just the opposite: They set me free.

Anyone knows that if I eat as much as I want of anything I want, I will soon pay a price physically. To have the joy and freedom of health, I must impose some rules on myself. For us Christians, God has done that with our great interest at heart. The freest life is the one lived saying with the psalmist, “my hope is in your rules.”