For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.--- Romans 5:17 –18 (ESV)

Personal responsibility is a cornerstone of most of our thinking. 'I am responsible for me. I determine my success or failure. I am the captain of my own ship.' We might even be frustrated with those that blame a system for their failure.

I'm not an overly political person. And we have purposely not made Hope a political organization. We want the gospel to be the resounding message not any political side. Ultimately, we are not looking to make a voting block but people that bow first and foremost to a king.

The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies! --- Psalm 110:1 –2 (ESV)

Our culture has a very limited picture of Jesus, doesn't it? He's the guy in a stain glass window. He's the one with a lamb around his shoulders. He's the kind teacher with a child sitting on his lap. He's the wandering peasant telling interesting moral stories to those around him. How well do these cultural versions explain the Christ of the scriptures?

In the Christian world we tend to have two opposite reactions to our own sin and guilt. Sometimes we try to hide, cover, and dismiss it. We might just treat it as difficulties, mistakes, or personality quirks. We choose to cover it with politeness thinking that we shouldn't discuss such things. Ignore it and it will go away. Right?

Do you ever feel like you can't come and worship God? Maybe you had a bad week. Maybe a specific sin seems to be undefeatable this week. Maybe life seems so tiring and suffocating that worship feels like one more thing.

Have you ever felt like God was distant or unavailable to you? Like he forgot who you were or what you needed? Maybe it was in a moment that you needed his help the most. What did you do? What did you pray?