mr. saturday morning special: bob thune

This morning at Cornerstone, a connection/small group leader equipping conference was held with pastor Bob Thune (click or follow the link in my "axe sharpeners" section to the bottom right) presenting material on Gospel-centered change/santification.

It was awesome!

One over-arching, profound principle upon which Bob built was the idea from 2 Cor. 3:18 that we are changed by worship in beholding God, not in will power in fleshly religion.

2 Corinthians 3:18

 

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

 

 

As we change and grow in maturity in Christ we become aware of two conflicting realizations: 

 

(1) God is holier than we first thought

(2) We are more deeply depraved and in need than we first thought

 

This increasing chasm is breached sufficiently at every step of realization, but the produndity of Jesus' work becomes more pronounced and appreciated as we mature in godliness.

 

The Cross reconciles us to God completely.

 

The whole impetus of our growth in godliness produces more and more gratitude and worship in response to what God has already done for us in Christ prior to realizing how greatly we required it.