to all the wonderful Wed Night folks

The blog is working, apparently. Thanks to Will H. for technical help. And thanks to all for the postings.

here is the homily I did on Wed night:

I thought I'd write you from time to time and share some observations and insights.
Our International Director, Mike Treener, wrote in his letterrecently,"God does His transforming work on our character as weunderstand and believe the great truths of the Gospel, and allow them toshape our understanding of ourselves and our view of life. Every part ofbecoming Christlike is a fruit of understanding and believing the Gospel( Gal.3:1-5). This is also the basis for our transformed and growingrelationship with God, who lives in us by His Spirit, supernaturallytransforming us from within".
I read that and said, "Wow". My character development is connected to mygrowth and understanding of the Gospel. It would appear that I haveworked at living the Christian life with a very limited view of theGospel- often thinking of it as simply a formula for heaven, when it is,in fact the beauty and nature of God Himself. It is the understanding oflife with Him, It is the way of living, not only in eternity to come,but right now, and right where we are.
Last night I asked our small group what they thought about the Gospel(as an intro into our study of Hebrews 2). In as sense its like askingthe fish about water. Nonetheless, it is the beauty and wonder of theGospel that "shape(s) our understanding of ourselves and our view oflife". Because of the Gospel, everything is different- just read Jesusview of the culture of His Kingdom in Matt 5-7. It changes everythingabout our life as humans.
How is the reality of the Gospel affecting me in my everyday life? Myhope is that my reflection of Christ is becoming truer and moreautomatic. Automatic? Well, rather than think about the right thing, theresponse that flows out of me in life situations is becoming more trulythe mind of Christ.
Guess what, I'm not there yet. In fact, there are times that I feel socaught up in the old nature. Yet, the beauty and reality of the Gospelis always there. As Martha answered my question last night (what is theGospel?)- "its the Good News!" Good news, indeed. The old nature nolonger defines me, nor controls or rules me. No, my identity flows outof what the Father says is true about me. That is such good news.
You are mighty men (People)- that is who God has called each of you to be. That is the Gospel.

LUVUALL phil