“Repentance is not an emotion. It is not feeling sorry for your sins. It is a decision. It is deciding that you have been wrong in supposing that you could manage your own life and be your own god; it is deciding that you were wrong in thinking that you had, or could get, the strength, education and training to make it on your own; it is deciding that you have been told a pack of lies about yourself and your neighbors and your world. And it is deciding that God in Jesus Christ is telling you the truth. Repentance is the realization that what God wants from you and what you want from God are not going to be achieved by doing the same old things, thinking the same old thoughts. Repentance is a decision to follow Jesus Christ and become his pilgrim in the path of peace.”
- A Long Obedience In The Same Direction, Eugene H. Peterson

I’ve been going to Grace Free Evangelical with Stone and Shan and Mel for about a month now. It’s refreshing to be in a real church environment. Something about the way church is conducted at Grace is very different but very genuine. We like to joke that it is the “hippy” church because of it’s almost gaelic music and just different approach to church. The music has different melodies, ones that you aren’t used to and the accompanient often includes a flute, picolo, harp, violin, etc. The words to the songs are also different…they are very accurate. They quote scripture directly and use phrases that are unexpected (eg, “we are the sheep of your pasture”). The result is what it is: genuine, different, theological…and very much a “roots” Christianity, free from trendiness or distraction.

And that’s exactly what I like about Grace. It doesn’t try to impress. It’s music is very good. It’s audio/video adds very nicely to the service, but you never feel like you are being entertained. And it also isn’t a church that targets college students, most of the members are middle aged or older.

I like it. I wish more churches were as Christ centered as they seem to be.

In addition to everything else, the teaching is expository and fresh. Which brings me to the quote above. The “teaching” pastor as they call him read this before we took communion. As soon as he mentioned the title (A Long Obedience In The Same Direction) I was immediately captivated. That title has a whole sermon with its seven words. And beyond its own implications, it’s definition of repentance was equally fresh.

And so I share it with you.

I hope you enjoyed its perspective as much as I did.
Clifton