Have you ever read John Piper’s description of a sermon: “Expository exultation”? (I think it’s in here http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/conference-messages/why-expositional-preaching-is-particularly-glorifying-to-god). I think this description is good, and I really lack this kind of food on Sundays.

But it is difficult to change the Sunday messages until the messengers change themselves. And they are taught and live in a way they won’t change soon.

In UBF, isn’t competition among UBF people and UBF chapters fueled by the competing glories of human honor (status, position, seniority, shame), human success and the size of numbers?

I guess Lorie’s comment is about how NOT to compete when our sinful default is to spontaneously and inwardly exalt ourselves and our tribe above and over others?

I also agree that being “right vertically” is the solution to all “horizontal relationships.” (Rick Warren says, “Ventillate vertically.”) Yet, our sinful default is to ALWAYS become anthorpocentric, rather than theocentric.

Only being overwhelmed by the glory of God in Christ by the help of the Spirit and through the Word enables any Christian to overcome “competing glories.” Each Christian needs God’s mercy to work out the practical details as to how that will look like in real time.

Yet, I agree that it is paramount that we “come back to the gospel,” as THE way to get “back to the Bible.”

Anyway, competition began at the beginning with Cain and Abel, which resulted in murder. Talk about competing glories, eh! Paul talked about winning the race: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:14 I think having our competition horizontally can be dangerous. Our competition should be vertical, spiritually fighting the good fight of faith. How many times did I overcome temptation today? How many times did I glorify God through my circumstances? That’s victory we can celebrate. I think these are practical steps we can do personally.

But in all honesty, if people are using their gifts then they won’t feel the need to be competitive because they will have some satisfaction. And especially, if their relationship is right vertically, then their relationships horizontally will come easier.

The gospel is about Jesus, but Scripture mentions at least five specific messages: gospel of peace, gospel of salvation, gospel of grace, gospel of God’s kingdom and gospel of Christ’s glory.

I believe it would be a healthy first step for UBF people to discuss and consider these gospel statements, starting with the message of the gospel of Christ’s glory.