Our family is currently training for Cross-Cultural Ministry. The seven weeks are devoted to addressing issues such as transitions into unfamiliar surroundings, adapting to cultural differences (i.e. removing the word "weird" from our vocabulary), raising children in a culture different from our own, conflict resolution and many others issues that tend to be unique to those involved in mission work.

One thing that we have been challenged with is this question of how is the gospel affecting our everyday lives? Is the gospel merely the way by which we enter the kingdom of Heaven, or is it an ongoing resource for life change and growth? YES! The gospel message is both. As we continue on this journey that Christ has mapped out for us, we are becoming more aware of the depth of our sinfulness. Simultaneously we are being made aware of the depth of God's holiness, thus gaining a better understanding of the grace we have received; this unearned, undeserved forgiveness, favor and adoption into God's own family!

All praise be to HIM who (Ephesians 2:5) has made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.

So, let me ask you the question, "How is the gospel affecting your everyday life?" Are you living in the knowledge that there is nothing you could do to make God love you more and there is absolutely nothing you could do to make him love you less? He just plain loves you! Let the message of the cross of Christ speak volumes to your heart. God has definitely turned up the volume of that message in our ears and hearts.