Amazing Grace

Scripture, Doctrine, and the Church Family

📖 Scripture

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
— Romans 8:1

Living Free in Christ: Baptist Doctrine

Bernie and I recently joined First Baptist Lubbock, and in this season, we have been intentionally studying Baptist doctrine together. As I’ve leaned into that—especially as a doctoral student in Biblical Studies at a Baptist university—I’ve found something that has deeply encouraged my heart… something I am truly thankful for.

As I studied the doctrine, this is what I found:

At its core, Baptist theology carries a beautiful truth for struggling Christians: receiving new mercies is part of the Christian life —the steady rhythm of God’s grace.

This truth is deeply reflected in Baptist doctrine.

Salvation by grace reminds us that we are not defined by our past, but justified through Christ.
The priesthood of all believers tells us we can come directly to God—boldly and immediately
Soul competency reminds us that we stand personally before God, responsible to Him above all.
Sanctification reminds us that growth is ongoing… and stumbling is not the end

And I found myself thinking:

This is amazing grace.

📖 What Does Scripture Say?

As a Bible student, I had to ask:

What does Scripture actually say about living in ongoing renewal without shame through the steady rhythm of God’s grace?

From the very beginning, we see that shame entered through sin.

In the Garden, Adam and Eve didn’t just feel guilty—they hid. Shame whispered, “This is who you are now.” It shifted identity.

But the Gospel tells a different story.

Jesus meets people in their shame—and He restores them.

He does not define them by their failure.
He redefines them through His grace.

In John 8, when the woman was brought before Him, Jesus had every right to condemn her… but instead, He extended mercy, called her out of sin, and lifted her from the shame that once held her. And, He told her to go and sin no more.

What We Are Reminded of in Scripture

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” (1 John 1:9)
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has God removed our transgressions from us.”(Psalm 103:12)
^““Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Here is the truth:

Shame may enter through sin, but it is broken through the finished work of Christ.

When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He wasn’t just paying for sin—He was breaking the power of sin and removing the guilt that once defined us, restoring our identity in Him.

Doctrine and Scripture Together

When I compare what I found in Baptist doctrine with what I found in Scripture, they align so beautifully:

Doctrine says we can come boldly → Scripture says there is no condemnation for those in Christ.
Doctrine says we have access to God → Scripture says we are cleansed and made new for those in Christ.
Doctrine says growth is ongoing → Scripture says grace is sufficient for those in Christ.

And this is what I am most thankful for:

Being made new is a natural part of the Christian life—the steady, faithful rhythm of God’s grace.

🤍 Why the Church Family Matters

From my heart, I want to say this:

This is why being part of a church family matters so much.

Yes, we can come to God individually—and that is a beautiful truth.
But we were never meant to walk this out alone.

We need a place where:

grace is spoken out loud
Truth is lived in community
restoration is seen
And people remind us who we are when we forget

The church becomes living proof that starting again is possible… not just once, but daily.

🌸 Living This Out

In our home, in our church, and through The House of Prayer, this is what Bernie and I are learning to live: Daily priesthood means daily renewal
Daily renewal means we keep walking forward—restored, renewed, and covered in grace.

🙏 Prayer

Father,
Thank You for the gift of grace that continually renews us in Christ.
Thank You that in Christ, we are not defined by our past or our sin, but made new in Christ.

Teach us to come boldly to You—not hiding, not hesitating, but trusting in Your mercy.
Help us receive Your forgiveness fully and walk in the new identity You have given us.

Strengthen us to keep growing, keep turning, and keep trusting You.
And thank You for the gift of the church—for people who speak truth, extend grace, and walk alongside us.

Let our lives reflect the rhythm of Your grace—again and again.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.