Seeking Mercy
Seeking Mercy
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christβby grace you have been saved
Β Ephesians 2:4-5
Rightly Dividing is an in-depth look at a particular topic. All essays will be biblically based; but may includeΒ discussions of cultural issues and other topics from a Christian point of view. Comments or questions may be sent to cuddysark@gmail.com. Emails containing vulgar and obscene language willΒ deleted and not answered . Essays will not always be written by me; in that instance credit will be given at the bottom of the article.Β
Instead of specifying one main purpose for Paulβs letter, it is better to recognize several purposes that arise from Paulβs missionary situation. He wrote the letter to: (1) apply lessons from his recent conflicts in Galatia and Corinth; (2) prepare for the looming crisis in Jerusalem; (3) secure a missionary base for his work in Spain; (4) unify the church in Rome around the gospel; and (5) defend his theology against accusations that he is anti-law and even anti-Jewish (see Rom. 3:8). 1
Each of my essays will be built around the chiastic structure of the letter.Β
Cf. Will N. Timmins, βWhy Paul Wrote Romans: Putting the Pieces Together,β Themelios 43 (2018): 387β404.
"The epistle to the Galatians is my epistle. To it I am as it were in wedlock. It is my Katherine." Thus spoke Martine Luther, who considered Galatians the best of all the books in the Bible. It has been called "the battle cry of the Reformation," "the great charter of religious freedom," "the Christian declaration of independence."Β
It is important because in any age it answers the basic question asked by the human heart, "How can I find true happiness?" "How can I obtain peace, tranquility, freedom from fear?" William Hendriksen, commentary on Galatians.
Introduction
Welcome to a collection where timeless tales meet thrilling adventures. Within these pages, you'll encounter narratives ranging from gripping spy thrillers to profound stories inspired by biblical characters. Each story is crafted to engage and entertain without the use of coarse language or explicit content, ensuring a reading experience that's both captivating and respectful.
The plots are designed to move swiftly, drawing you into the action and keeping you hooked until the last word. Dialogue is presented in everyday language, making characters relatable and their experiences resonate with authenticity. Whether you're delving into the clandestine world of espionage or exploring the moral complexities of ancient times, these stories aim to provide both excitement and reflection.
This collection is for readers who appreciate fast-paced storytelling that doesn't compromise on depth or integrity. So, turn the page and embark on journeys that promise intrigue, inspiration, and insight.
Anatomy Of A Crisis
The 21st century has been called the age of innovation, yet beneath the marvel of technological progress lies an uncomfortable reality: humanity stands on the brink of multiple crises, each capable of reshaping civilization. This book, Anatomy of a Crisis, is not a work of fearmongering but a sober examination of eight emerging stormsβcultural decline, technological control, artificial intelligence, AI mis-alignment, global conflict, natural disasters, pandemics, and the culture of meliorism. Each chapter will not only analyze the causes and consequences of these crises but will also present a biblical framework for understanding and responding to them.
About Seeking Mercy
Seeking Mercy is a Monday through Friday Christian devotional designed to address the daily struggles people face. Each devotion begins with a short paragraph describing a real-life situation, often drawn from my past experiences. The following two sections explore a relevant Bible verse, emphasizing its original meaning to the people of that time. The devotion concludes with practical application and encouragement for the modern believer, followed by an introspective question intended to bring conviction to the hearts of the faithful. In addition to the daily devotions, this past year I have included short stories, theological papers, and research on current events that can impact your everyday life. For 2026, I am beginning a series of short story novels based on biblical characters.
About the Author
With 45 years of experience as a Bible teacher and a missionary pastor of a small country church. I hold a Master's of Theology degree with an emphasis on Apologetics. My wife and I have been married for 61 years, and we have a daughter and her family living in the Denver area. In my spare time, I enjoy photography and woodworking. You can find my me on YouTube @ Avid Amateur.
My sincere prayer is that you will find these humble writings to be inspiring and helpful as you navigate the trials and everyday troubles of life.
Gregg
We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God, the final authority for faith and life.
The Bible is sufficient and complete, revealing all that is necessary for salvation and godliness.
No human opinion, tradition, or revelation is equal in authority to the written Word of God.
π 2 Timothy 3:16β17; 2 Peter 1:20β21; Psalm 19:7β11
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three distinct persons β Father, Son, and Holy Spirit β who are equal in power, glory, and essence, yet distinct in their roles within the work of redemption.Β God is infinite in holiness, wisdom, justice, and love, and all things exist for His glory.
π Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14
We believe the Father is the sovereignΒ Creator and Sustainer of all things. He upholds and governs all creation by His providence and ordains all things according to His perfect will for His glory and the good of His elect.
π Genesis 1:1; Ephesians 1:11; Psalm 115:3
We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, fulfilled the law perfectly, died a substitutionary death on the cross, rose bodily from the grave, and ascended into heaven where He reigns as our Prophet, Priest, and King. Salvation is found in Christ alone β He is the only mediator between God and man.
π John 1:1, 14; 1 Timothy 2:5β6; Hebrews 1:1β3
We believe that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son and is equal with them in essence and glory. He convicts the world of sin, regenerates the elect, indwells believers, sanctifies the redeemed, and preserves them to final glory. The Spirit illuminates Scripture, produces spiritual fruit, and empowers believers for holy living and service.
π John 14:16β17; Titus 3:5; Galatians 5:22β25
We believe that all humanity fell in Adam and became guilty, corrupted in nature, and spiritually dead. Apart from the regenerating grace of God, man is incapable of pleasing God, choosing righteousness, or coming to faith. Every part of human nature β mind, will, and affections β is tainted by sin.
π Romans 3:10β18; Ephesians 2:1β3; Psalm 51:5
We believe that salvation is wholly of Godβs grace β unearned, undeserved, and sovereignly applied by His mercy. From beginning to end, salvation is the work of God alone, not a cooperation between divine grace and human effort.
π Ephesians 2:8β9; Titus 2:11β14
We believe that sinners are justified before God by faith alone in Christ alone.Β Faith is the instrument by which the righteousness of Christ is imputed to believers, not because of any works or merit in them.
π Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:9
We believe that before the foundation of the world, God chose in Christ a people unto salvation according to the good pleasure of His will. This election was not based on foreseen faith, merit, or works, but entirely upon His sovereign grace and purpose.
π Ephesians 1:4β5; Romans 9:10β16; John 6:37β39
We believe that Christβs atoning death was a definite and intentional act whereby He secured the redemption of those whom the Father had given Him. The atonement is sufficient for all but efficient only for the elect, guaranteeing their salvation.
π John 10:11, 14β15; Matthew 1:21; Acts 20:28
We believe that those whom God has chosen and redeemed will, by the power of the Holy Spirit, be effectually called to faith in Christ. This inward call cannot ultimately be resisted, for the Spirit overcomes the sinnerβs rebellion and brings him freely to Christ.
π John 6:44; Romans 8:29β30; Ezekiel 36:26β27
We believe that all who are truly regenerated, justified, and sanctified will persevere in faith to the end. Though they may stumble, God will preserve them by His power until they are brought safely into glory.
π John 10:27β29; Philippians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:3β5
We believe that the universal Church is the body of Christ, composed of all true believers across all ages. Local congregations are visible expressions of that body, governed by Scripture, led by qualified elders, and devoted to worship, discipleship, the sacraments, and the Great Commission.
π Matthew 28:19β20; Acts 2:42β47; Ephesians 4:11β16
We believe that Christ instituted two sacraments β Baptism and the Lordβs Supper β as visible signs and seals of His covenant grace. They do not confer saving grace in themselves but confirm the believerβs faith in Christβs finished work.
π Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23β26
We believe that Jesus Christ will return bodily and visibly to judge the living and the dead. The righteous will inherit eternal life in His presence, while the wicked will be condemned to eternal separation from God. This blessed hope inspires holiness, perseverance, and faithful service.
π John 14:1β3; Acts 1:11; Revelation 20:11β15
We believe that all of creation, redemption, and history exist for the glory of God alone. Every doctrine, act of worship, and moment of obedience flows from this ultimate purpose: that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.
π Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Revelation 4:11