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Most of what I write here falls into the category of devotional. These posts flow from my own time of study and reflection, written with the hope that they will encourage and exhort you as they have first stirred my own heart. This post, however, will serve as the doorway into something a little different. Over the next several weeks, we will post a series of pieces that are more instructional in nature, dealing with the subject of gospel presentation.

What a paradox! The world despises personal weakness and glories in human strength, but the Christian glories in their weakness and boasts in the strength of Christ. It is the great Gospel mystery: that our limitations are not chains, but channels; not hindrances, but holy opportunities for enjoying Divine power.

I’ve been reminding myself of the mystery of Gospel-centered life for the last couple weeks. The words of Jesus here fall on the ears like a paradox, but they strike the heart with truth. The wisdom of the world declares, “Preserve yourself, fulfill yourself, exalt yourself.”

I’ve been studying the “seven deadly sins” that have been passed down through Church history, as well as the virtues that should replace them. Looking at greed, one of the words often used to describe a greedy person is “miserly.” A miser, for a variety of potential underlying reasons, hordes more money than they need. Not surprisingly, as the name implies, misers are miserable (same root word).

Just before the risen Christ ascended into heaven, He gave His followers a promise—power. The Greek word is dynamis, from which we draw our word “dynamite.” It is strength, ability, force beyond human capacity. Timid disciples, scattered and afraid, were to be transformed into powerful witnesses for Jesus. What would bring the change? The Holy Spirit!