The fiction novel Finding Grace is a Christian Detective novel. It is the second book in my series that began with Soul Pursuit. The main character is Jack Sterling, a former Navy SEAL, who works as a private detective for Glenn Howard, a retired Brigadier General. The story takes place in Dayton, Ohio.
The fiction novel Finding Grace involves a plot to find a missing person
In Soul Pursuit, Jack confronts Christianity for the first time. He resists it at first, but eventually faces a spiritual crises and makes the decision to follow Jesus Christ. In Finding Grace, Jack begins to learn how to live out his new faith in daily life.
Jack is hired to find Grace Miller, a freshman at the University of Dayton who is missing. And judging by the leads he uncovers, her journey follows a degrading path of moral decline.
Can he find her? And if so, in what condition?
The fiction novel Finding Grace follows the theme of God’s grace
We all mess up. The Bible calls it sin. And clearly communicates God’s grace as the solution to sin. So talking about God’s grace offers people hope. But experiencing God’s grace is transformational.
And this theme of grace is explored throughout the novel through characters and dialogue.
It appears Grace is in trouble. Will she experience that transformational grace or is Jack too late?
The fiction novel Finding Grace involves a sub-plot about Paxco, LLC.
Soul Pursuit also introduces the mysterious Paxco, LLC. It is buying up all the property on his street and Jack wants to know why. But the novel ends with that mystery unsolved. However, in Finding Grace, Jack is determined to find out.
Because now, only two neighbors remain on his street. And one of them is receiving foreclosure notices from the bank.
But learning who the owners are turns out to be harder than expected. And a greater threat than to just his neighborhood.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and freelance copywriter. He publishes humorous Christian drama, books, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.
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God’s equipment for spiritual battle is described in the book of Ephesians 6:10-18. It’s commonly known among Christians as Putting On the Armor of God.
It represents God’s protection for Christ-followers when fighting spiritual battles. In part one, I covered the first three pieces of armor. Here are the other pieces.
God’s equipment for spiritual battle takes up the shield of faith
The Roman shield was large enough to cover the entire body. It was made of wood and bound together at the top and bottom with metal bands. And when dipped in water, could extinguish flaming arrows from the enemy.
What are those fiery darts Paul describes in v.16?
The possibilities are endless and different for all of us. But probably best represented by the areas where you are most vulnerable to attack.
Perhaps the doubt, fear, or discouragement the enemy jabs at you. A bad habit you can’t conquer. The lies he whispers in your ear about yourself. Or hurtful words hurled at you by someone else.
Faith is your vote of confidence in God. A reminder you are covered by God’s grace. Secure in God’s love and the assurance He has your back. And destined for His eternal presence.
God’s equipment for spiritual battle includes the helmet of salvation
Satan tries to get into your head. Mess with your mind. Psych you out. He knows if you are saved through Jesus Christ, he can’t pluck you out of God’s hand. Your eternal destiny is secure. So his strategy is to confuse you. Confound you. And drag you down through sin so you’re ineffective for God’s Kingdom.
But knowing your salvation is secure gives you confidence in your fight. Because even though you are still a sinner, and will continue to sin, God’s power helps you resist temptations. And win some of those sin battles too.
In other words, the helmet of salvation is eternal, but also saves you from the power of sin in this life. And encourages you to press on in the fight.
God’s equipment for spiritual battle wields the sword of the spirit
The Bible is God’s word. His truth. And final authority on all subject matter related to this life. God promises it won’t return to him void.
It is your one offensive weapon in spiritual battles. And it’s impossible for Satan to refute. But be warned. He also knows it well and will twist its meaning to serve his purpose. Satan’s allies will do the same.
But it was the authority Jesus turned to when he was tempted by Satan. And King David kept close for use in his own spiritual battles.
Because God’s word penetrates to the soul. Judges the heart. And reveals God’s love and purpose for mankind. Rather than fight in the power of human reasoning, it equips you with the truth and wisdom of God.
Study it. Seek to know it. And memorize it. Because it is THE ANSWER, when you don’t have an answer.
Prayer is not equipment but is critical in spiritual warfare
Prayer may not be equipment, but it is a valuable weapon in spiritual battles. Because it aligns you with the will of God. Activates His power. And keeps you in His safeguarding presence.
More than simply regular habit. It should be a constant conversation with your eternal, loving Father.
Your direct source to God for His strength in the fight.
You might be a binge Christian if you demonstrate certain behaviors. What do I mean by a binge Christian? I’m mean part-time Christian commitment. Like a short-term sugar high. Consume lots of sweets for a short time period, take a long break, and binge again. A binge Christian exercises faith the same way. God and church in snatches. On and off. Hot and cold. Drop in and drop out.
You might be a binge Christian if you accept Jesus as your Savior but not your Lord
You’re all about God’s grace and salvation. Securing a Get-Into-Heaven-free card. But consider ongoing righteous living optional because it cramps your style.
What the world offers is fun and exciting. Following Jesus is about obeying rules. And rule following is a drag.
To be fair, Jesus does demand discipleship. And warns it may involve a cost. But those who truly follow Jesus obey him because they want to, not have to. And strive for faithfulness, not perfection. It’s where you discover the fruits of God’s Spirit…the good life we all really seek.
Salvation without Lordship presents another risk. Did you make a real commitment to Jesus or simply repeat the sinner’s prayer like a religious formula?
Because Jesus warned that some who are expecting a heavenly reward, will instead, receive an unpleasant surprise.
You might be a binge Christian if you attend church mostly on special occasions
You attend church faithfully every…Christmas, Easter, and Mother’s Day. Perhaps even more…like once a month. And sacrificially give some of your spare change for extra credit. To punch your “good works” card. And keep your religious toe in the water. Just in case.
Although you might increase to a level of “regular church attendance” when something goes wrong in your life and you need divine intervention. So you binge on church for several weeks until things work themselves out. Like paying spiritual penitence to God or driving a spiritual bargain.
If you help me, God, I’ll serve you in return. But only until things are going smoothly again.
You might be a binging Christian if you act like a spiritual consumer
Sundays are more about your “worship experience” than reverence before an almighty God. And you evaluate the Sunday sermon with a one to ten rating for it’s spiritually uplifting value. Rather than consider with an open heart what God is saying to you.
Of course, there are bonus points for personal application that you insightfully see lacking in others. Evaluate church ministries based on their spiritual benefit. And participate based on what you get rather than what you give.
While serving is more of a feel good exercise rather than genuine concern for others.
You could be a binge Christian if you compartmentalize your identity
We all play different roles in life–work, family, church, and social. And balance different expectations in each one. Fulfill different responsibilities. Manage different spheres of influence.
However, a Christian identity is fixed. You are in Christ. A Child of God. A follower of Jesus. And no matter what role you play, the character of Christ should be visible. The desire to imitate him apparent. If not–and there is little resemblance in your various roles–you should ask yourself why?
Because Christian character and integrity should look the same regardless of your role. And behavior consistently demonstrate your core beliefs. When you compartmentalize to the point of compromise, your identity is fleeting and superficial. And presents a schizophrenic lifestyle that eventually bleeds over.
Of course, no Christian gets it right all the time. That is not the point. And the bottom line question is not about your behavior. But who has your heart.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and freelance copywriter. He publishes humorous Christian drama, books, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.
When it hurts so bad you can’t stand it, Jesus will ease your pain. He offers comfort, peace, and new purpose to those who take refuge in him. Here’s why.
When it hurts so bad you can’t stand it, know that Jesus shares your pain and offers comfort
Pain is an inescapable part of life. From scraped knees, to traumatic psychological wounds, and deep emotional loss. Jesus suffered all of this and more. He understands what you’re going through. And supports those who lean on him.
He also suffered pain and unjust condemnation. And quietly accepted it as part of his mission.
He was mocked by his accusers and executed in the most brutal manner of the day. The one reserved for the most vile criminals.
And yet, he did so willingly. To take your place and mine. Because we are guilty of sin before God.
He suffered humiliation. Agonizing torture. Excruciating pain. And finally, death. At the hands of people who hated him. But he loved in return. People that wanted to kill him. But he wanted to save.
He died so we can live. And comforts those who turn to him.
When it hurts so bad you can’t stand it, know that Jesus mends broken hearts and offers peace
It’s a natural question when we suffer unjustly: Why, God, did you let that happen? Sometimes it takes years to receive an answer. Sometimes you never do.
The death Jesus suffered doesn’t make sense either. Why, God, did you let your own son die? He never wronged anyone. But compassionately healed. And taught people how to live relationally with one another. How to know and find peace with God.
It’s much more than inner peace. Or lack of conflict. But an incomprehensible peace. Where you are reconciled to God.
And that is the only answer for the death of Jesus. It is our emancipation from sin.
Therefore, Jesus knows the depth of your pain. And heals the brokenhearted.
When it hurts so bad you can’t stand it, know that Jesus offers joy and new purpose
The joy of the Lord strengthens you. It doesn’t replace sorrow or eliminate hurt. But you can experience joy in spite of them.
Because joy is not dependent on circumstances. It sees beyond them and is based on God’s promise of an eternal future. Where there is no more sorrow and no more pain.
However, God’s grace is present in this life too. Because He promises to make things work out for good. When you love and trust Him. And submit to His will.
Of course, none of this is easy. Or comes naturally.
You must act by faith. Believing that Jesus is God. And God is sovereign with an eternal plan that has your best interest in mind.
He is your source of strength. Provides reason for living. And hope for the future. Where all questions are answered. And healing is complete.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and freelance copywriter. He publishes humorous Christian drama, books, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.
God’s equipment for spiritual battle is described in the Bible book of Ephesians 6:10-18. It reminds Christ-followers of a real, spiritual enemy. And describes the spiritual armor God provides for battle when he attacks.
Paul begins in V.10 by urging Christ-followers to Be Strong in the Lord. Although, a more literal translation is Be strengthened in the Lord.
In other words, you don’t fight alone! God’s Spirit is with you, empowering you in the fight.
God’s Equipment For Spiritual Battle Fastens On The Belt Of Truth…
Scholars say Paul wrote Ephesians while imprisoned in Rome and likely chained to a Roman soldier, which explains where the analogy comes from. And the first piece of God’s equipment for spiritual battle he describes is the belt of truth.
The RSV Bible translates it having girded your loins with truth gives a better picture of Paul’s meaning. Because common clothing of the day featured flowing robes that had to be gathered up to engage in physical activity. In essence, Paul tells Christ-followers to prepare yourself. Gather up your clothes and tighten on the belt of truth to hold them in place so you’re ready to fight.
But what kind of truth?
The Greek word aletheia, means a reality that is firm, solid, and true. And in this context suggests individual character and integrity.
It represents your core. And where you find balance. Although it’s not your own truth, but is based on God’s truth. Trusting His absolute integrity. And a willingness to stand firm and fight for it.
God’s Equipment For Spiritual Battle Wears A Breast Plate Of Righteousness
Imputed righteousness is an important Christian doctrine. That we’re all sinners, but the perfect righteousness of Jesus is imputed to you when you accept him as Savior and Lord.
And yet, you’re called to strive for righteousness. Imitate the life of Jesus. And demonstrate upright character by living according to God’s law.
However, the emphasis is not on how well you attain personal righteousness, but your devotion to God’s law. And this involves balance. By accepting God’s grace of salvation, knowing you can’t achieve perfect righteousness, but still striving for a life that honors God.
This means guarding your heart by diligently controlling what you let enter and stay. And exercising healthy, spiritual practices that include regularly consuming the Word of God.
God’s Equipment For Spiritual Battle Wears Shoes Given By The Gospel Of Peace
It seems strange that in the middle of a fight, Paul talks about peace. We’re supposed to witness in the middle of combat? And yet, it’s clearly an important part of our mission. After all, sharing the gospel message was in Jesus’ last instructions before ascending to heaven.
Because Jesus is the only path to peace with God. And the hope Peter encourages Christ-followers to readily share.
However, the Greek noun hetoimasia, also means preparation in the sense of a prepared foundation. In other words, the gospel provides a sense of peace that presents firm footing in the battle.
In either case, the gospel of peace is part of God’s protective equipment when the enemy attacks.
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