PTM WEEKLY UPDATE -- MARCH 8, 2010

In the Spring 2010 issue of the award-winning Plain Truth magazine

Getting a Grip on Grace
Plain Truth contributing writers share their insights about God’s amazing grace in these four articles: “Catch 22 Salvation” by Glen Moyer, “Saved by Grace…” by Carol Harper, “G.R.A.C.E. for Everyone,” by Richard Kidd and “Grace on a Sugar Cone” by Susan Reedy.

Good Little Christian Girl -- but Never Good Enough
"Growing up, I somehow got it in my head that God was happy when the church was happy. And in my mind, the church was happy when I put on a good, little Christian girl face. I smiled no matter what was going on and worked really hard to keep everybody around me happy. I got really good at acting perfect. I caught the attention of lots of people in the church, but inside I was filled with a lot of resentment and a whole lot of anger. "

If You Had Only Known What Would Bring You Peace
An excerpt from Greg Albrecht's book Spiritual Soup for the Hungry Soul. Passion Week is a study in contrasts. It begins with Jesus’ “Triumphal Entry”—when he is welcomed by the crowds somewhat like a conquering military leader—and ends with Good Friday—the day of his crucifixion.

Feeling Forsaken 
For those Christians who are presently experiencing sorrow, doubt and despair, the agony of “Good Friday” may be a more fitting symbol of this season than the flowers and fanfare of Easter Sunday.

Beyond Sunday Church
Many genuine, committed Christians are saying "No" to Sunday church. They are expressing a preference for something other than getting up early on Sunday, driving across town, sitting in a pew for 60 to 120 minutes, making small talk with people they don’t see elsewhere and driving home again. Why?

Saved From a "Come-to Jesus" Gala
Something about this entire process turned me off. It didn’t seem real or sincere. It didn’t seem like Jesus was calling us to come home, but rather some show-off minister.

Kite-String Christian
Mrs. McAllister, our first grade teacher, called us to our seats and explained the purpose of the colorful kites she had hung around the room. She told us that each kite had a long tail that would be filled with little bows for each book that we read. Many years later, how often do I find myself striving to put just one more “bow” on my kite-string in the hopes that God will possibly like me better?

Does the Bible Really Say That?
Just because God seems to promise a blessing, does that mean we can “claim” that biblical promise for ourselves willy-nilly? Context matters to faithful interpretation.

Forget About Getting Saved
“Getting saved” is an appeal to individuals so that they can “get” something for their benefit. “Getting saved” does not compare favorably with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just what did Jesus teach?

"If You Can't Do It Right . . . "
Let's toss out the lie that says we should do things only if we can do them right.

God's Baby Talk
God isn't nearly as angry as some of his people are when we get it wrong. How can a loving father be angry at his child for having a childlike mind, making childlike efforts or having childlike thoughts?

Hats, Handouts and Humor
Tender mercies come not only in hats and handouts, but also in good-hearted humor.

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