Whispers of Grace - Gospel

We’re journeying through our series, “Whispers of Grace,” exploring 15 pivotal New Testament words. Our guide is a fantastic, accessible little New Testament theology book by Dr. Nijay Gupta titled “15 New Testament Words.” If you want to read ahead, I highly recommend grabbing a copy – it’s an encouraging and insightful read. As I explored it a few months ago, I knew this was material we had to delve into, especially for the summer, to grasp these significant concepts within the New Testament and their Old Testament roots. We’re discovering these aren’t just New Testament ideas, but Bible-wide, people-of-God themes.

Last week, we discussed righteousness. This week, we turn to another profound word: gospel.

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One of the greatest joys of my life has been watching my favorite baseball player chase his dream.

He took off his cleats for the last time yesterday.

A boy wearing a blue jersey with the number 30 watches multiple groups of baseball players gathered on a grassy field.A baseball player in a black jersey and gray pants is crouched and ready on a red dirt field, with other players and cars visible in the background.Papa is praying for a young Ethan sitting on a sofa with a baseball bat.Two young baseball players in uniforms are standing face to face on a field, with a third player in the background.A young baseball player, in a pitching stance on a dirt field, is observed by a group of people sitting on the grass in the background.A young baseball player wearing a blue and white uniform stands on the field, smiling, with advertisements visible on the fence in the background.A group of six people, including a person wearing a baseball uniform, is gathered together and smiling in a stadium setting.A baseball player in uniform poses with Mimi in a pink coat, smiling together outdoors.A baseball player in a white uniform is smiling with Grandpa in a cap and jacket in front of a brick wall.Two people pose with a baseball player holding a team blanket and standing beside a framed jersey and flowers on a field.

Good morning! May your adventure today include some loving community! #MorningMug

A person holds a coffee mug with a quote about adventure in a cozy living room setting.

#Wordle 1,422 4/6*

⬛⬛⬛⬛🟨 ⬛🟩⬛🟩🟨 ⬛🟩🟨🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

The #OldGal posts a 4 today as well.

I suppose it’s OK to give her the tie on Mother’s Day.

#Wordle 1,421 4/6*

⬛🟨⬛🟩🟨 ⬛🟩🟩🟩🟩 ⬛🟩🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

The #OldGal also posted a 4 today. I have a feeling it won’t hold up. But, the word hole today is real.

Good morning! May you experience rest today. #MorningMug

A person holds a "PANAMA CITY BEACH" mug filled with a beverage in a cozy living room with a fireplace in the background.

The pitching match up tonight in Detroit is insane. Patrick Corbin for the Rangers against the best pitcher on the planet, Tarik Skubal.

I hear Comerica is going to be packed. It’s going to have a postseason feel tonight, in May!

This is so much fun. #RepDetroit

#Wordle 1,420 4/6*

🟨⬛🟩⬛🟩 ⬛🟩🟩⬛🟩 ⬛🟩🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

It’s a dogpile day as the #OldGal simply keeps her streak alive with a 6!

Good morning! My hope for you today is that you will persevere through whatever circumstance you find yourself in. #MorningMug

A cozy living room features a lit fireplace, a large TV above the mantel, a patterned armchair, and a person holding a coffee mug in the foreground.

We spent the afternoon watching some SVSU tournament baseball. The game didn’t go as planned. But hanging out with the Michigan Capitol building in the background is pretty fun.

Amy and I on a sunny street with the Michigan Capitol building in the background.

I need the Tigers to get back to the Eastern timezone. This west coast stuff is dumb.

Good morning! May you notice something that is good in this world and share it. #MorningMug

A cozy living room features a lit fireplace and a person holding a speckled mug filled with a warm beverage.

#Wordle 1,419 3/6*

⬛🟩⬛⬛⬛ ⬛🟩🟩⬛⬛ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

Big victory for the team today as the #OldGal posts a 5! I feel a dog pile coming on, #YoungPups!

Our Tender Nerves - The Power of Care and Harm in Moral Judgment

Why do we respond to things the way we do? How do we experience the world? Jonathan Haidt, a moral psychologist, argues that we possess six “taste receptors” that shape how we perceive the world around us1. These six foundations, and the varying degrees to which we experience each, influence our understanding.

Our moral taste receptors include: Care/Harm, Fairness/Cheating, Loyalty/Betrayal, Authority/Subversion, Sanctity/Degradation, and Liberty/Oppression. Haidt posits that all of these operate within our minds, driving our emotional intuitions as we process the world. They function similarly to taste buds, but for our emotions.

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