Today's Homework Assignment...

Having been a teacher for all those many years makes me
yearn for just one more chance to give a homework assignment.
Are you ready?
 
In one paragraph, explain the Gospel to me. Now this gospel
is not the type of music that sings 'Oh Happy Day,' that would
be gospel music! It is not the first four books of the New
Testament, co-authored by Mark, Luke, etc.
 
No. This gospel is the Good News wrapped around the success
of Christ Jesus, the one envisioned and agreed upon before
time began. That Gospel!
 
It is a concept vital to the souls of us all; yet, I went sixty years
upon this earth ignorant of its purpose and meaning. That,
my readers, is really frightening.
 
So....
Get out the pen and paper or fire up the tablet and write
that paragraph. Then send it to me at thomaskearms8@gmail.com
or share it with a Christian friend, your pastor, anyone who
can give you some feedback.
 
If you don't complete this assignment, I will keep you
in during lunch recess OR... you may be like I was
and continue dangerously lacking the single most important
concept in this universe..Don't go there!
 
Praise God!

Glancing back after 67 years of life.....

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.  Romans 1: 16
 
Luckily there was no attempt to place 67 candles on a birthday cake.
In fact circumstances put me alone on this birthday; except of
course the company of my precious Lord Jesus.
 
It did give rise to some introspection; looking back over so many
many years gives rise to a myriad of memories and thoughts. Is
it just me or do we all feel, on the inside, that we are that same
person we have always been, in many ways?
 
There are regrets, glorious moments of blessing, times of sorrow,
loss and trouble...the same stuff we all must experience in this
brief, first course, if you will. Yet, I am very very different, now,
and that difference wraps itself in God's allowing me understanding
of His Gospel. Sixty years went by with my eyes, my heart and
my understanding blocked by an inability to comprehend
the good news of Jesus at the cross.
 
That understanding has become, slowly and progressively,
at the center of my life, not by my own worthiness or my
own volition, but by Grace. I, like many others who are
lost, had heard of the Gospel... we just hadn't comprehended
its glory.
 
If I could share this birthday wish... that you go onto your
knees and plead with God to open your heart, mind and
soul to an understanding of that Gospel message of
reconciliation, forgiveness and rebirth. Even one enlightenment
would make this a birthday to remember!
Praise our God!