Tim Merwin, Author at Gospel Connections

Gospel Friendships (Quick Post)

I am grateful for my brothers (Aron and Cristian) that I was able to travel with all over Columbia! I can’t even begin to guess how many miles we traveled! Making visits to churches in Barranquilla, Bogata, Riohacha, Medellín and Santa Marta. (Listed Below.) We logged around 30+ preaching/ teaching hours between us over a period of 12 days. It was an absolute joy to travel and minister together! My heart is full of gratitude for both of these brothers.

Grace Partnership Exists For…

Grace Partnership exists for mission, equipping, and care. I believe all three aspects took place many times on our trip. While I am unable to write about all the mission, equipping, and care that took place this week, I will attempt to cover a few of the stories that I hope might encourage you.

The Donkey Knew His Job (Columbia 2021)

It is difficult (impossible) to put into words my trip to Columbia. I will do my best but I already know these next few posts will fall woefully short in describing my time with my brothers and sisters in Bogata, Barranquilla, and Riohacha. Nonetheless, I will do my best.

Uncovering some tricky stumbling blocks along life’s path.

By Kim Merwin

I remember being so excited to gather with other women and discuss growing in godly womanhood. I was 29, with two children, had been a Christian for 14 years. We would meet tonight at 7pm! I had my Bible and notebook, I was filled to the brim with expectation. I would learn from these ladies and with them. New sisters in Christ! I couldn’t wait! Little did I know what lay ahead.

A Letter To Trinity

Dear Trinity,

While I don’t write a lot of church-wide letters, I felt the desire to do so today. It was so good to see many of you at our outdoor service this past Sunday. Maybe that is why I am writing to you today…. My heart is full, I LOVE the people of Trinity Community Church and what a joy it was to see you at our outdoor service this past Sunday!

Forgiveness in Marriage

Forgiveness in marriage by Elizabeth Johnson

Forgiveness in marriage. Where do I begin? The bible school answer is to say, “I should forgive my spouse because Christ has already forgiven him.”

That is easier said than done.

I Will Be Voting For…

Ok, so welcome to my shameless moment of click bait! You didn’t really think I would blog who I will be voting for, did you? Truly, I believe I have something more important to offer you today. As Election Day draws near, I want to blog a few thoughts to root you not in red or blue, not in a Donkey or Elephant, but in some bedrock truths that will serve you no matter what happens this November. (By the way, what is up with the history of the donkey and the elephant? Couldn’t they have come up with something a little more compelling than the donkey and the elephant? I can think of a few other animals that exude a bit more strength and nobility! But, a donkey, an elephant…? Really…?)

The Pandemic Of Separation

The pandemic of separation has been long and unfortunately things returning to normal does not seem to be right around the corner. This week kids returned to school in the county where I live. However, this will most certainly cause there to be a renewed outcry on social media due to the inevitable uptick of Covid-19 positives.

Pandemics, Racism, and The Fall of Man

If there is one thing that has been confirmed in our current culture it is this… humanity is fallen. It is quite hard to imagine that there are many who still hold to the idea that humanity is basically good. However, that continues to be the popular viewpoint in our day despite what we see daily before us and what we know to be true about us. It took no time at all this year, 2020, to expose the heart of humanity and its fallen state. We are not basically good!

The Attributes Of God While On Lockdown

Interesting, isn’t it? Just a few months ago if you asked someone how they are doing they likely responded with, “busy, I am crazy busy!” However, we are living in a lockdown where many have gained some unexpected spare time. Why not use the time wisely by studying the attributes of God?

The Gospel According To The Good Samaritan

What does the Gospel have to do with the Good Samaritan? Is this classic parable simply provided for our morality or is there more to the story? In this final post we will delve into the Gospel according to the good Samaritan.

Jesus And The Self Justifying Lawyer

When considering the good Samaritan most people think the parable is about being a good person to others. However, the context surrounding the parable reveals its purpose is often misunderstood. As we have seen, the immediate context of Luke 10 reveals two sets of questions between Jesus and the self justifying lawyer. What’s more, the questions exposed the lawyer’s motives, leading Jesus to tell perhaps the most well known parable of all time.

Loving Your Neighbor (Part 2)

Loving your neighbor by social distancing

If you haven’t had a chance yet, take a minute and read a short introduction to this series of posts here: Loving your neighbor in a day of viral madness (Part 1).

The good Samaritan is perhaps the most well known parable of all the parables of Jesus. Amazingly, Christians and non-Christians alike are acutely aware of the story. We have all heard news casters, actors, actresses, and preachers make their point by simply stating… “he was a good Samaritan.” The assumption is that a simple reference can be made about the Samaritan and we think we know the point Jesus was making. Many assume, “It’s about being a good person/Christian… right? It’s about how we are to be a good neighbor… isn’t it?”

While we are going through this current pandemic I hope to blog a series of posts about loving your neighbor. In an effort to do this we must dig deeper into the context and the point Jesus is making in this epic parable.

Psalm 62 Video

Yesterday, Aron Osborne and I were able to snag a brief bit of time together to record a joint Grace Partnership sermon from Psalm 62. I hope that if you take 30 minutes to watch the video your soul will be encouraged by this great Psalm.

Sunday Worship And Covid-19

Sunday Worship - what do we do when we can't gather together?

The Covid-19 pandemic presents the worshiper of Jesus Christ with a number of challenges and no shortage of questions about church life, Sunday worship, and the gathering of the people of God. How is the Christian to think and act during this current pandemic? How does one approach Sunday Worship in a world of social distancing? What do we make of the priority of the gathering of the church and the fellowship of believers? Since Sunday is a special day for the blood bought believer of Jesus Christ, let’s consider five strategies as to how we might approach Sunday worship and Covid-19.

Author: Tim Merwin