Gospel doctrine creates a gospel culture. The doctrines of grace create a culture of grace, as Jesus Himself touches us through His truths. Without the doctrines, the culture alone is fragile. Without the culture, the doctrines alone appear pointless. For example: The doctrine of regeneration creates a culture of humility (Ephesians 2:1-9). The doctrine of justification creates a culture of inclusion (Galatians 2:11-16). The doctrine of reconciliation creates a culture of peace (Ephesians 2:14-16). The doctrine of sanctification creates a culture of life (Romans 6:20-23). The doctrine of glorification creates a culture of hope (Romans 5:2). The doctrine of God creates a culture of honesty (1 John 1:5-10). And what could be more basic than that? If we want this culture to thrive, we can’t take doctrinal short cuts. If we want this doctrine to be credible, we can’t disregard the culture. But churches where the doctrine and culture converge bear living witness to the power of Jesus.

Ray Ortlund

CATEGORY	CUISINE	TAG	YIELD
Fruits, Dairy		Fruits, Soups & ste	1	Servings

INGREDIENTS

1	cn	Purple plums; 1-lb. 13-oz.
1	c	Water
2/3	c	Sugar
1		Cinnamon stick
1/4	ts	White pepper
1	pn	Salt
1	c	Sour cream
1/2	c	Heavy cream
1/2	c	Dry red wine
1	tb	Cornstarch
2	tb	Lemon juice
1	ts	Grated lemon rind
3	tb	Brandy

INSTRUCTIONS

Pit and chop plums, combine with syrup in a saucepan. Add water, sugar,
cinnamon, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer 5 minutes
stirring occasionally. Mix wine and heavy cream with cornstarch, add to
mixture and cook until thickened. Stir in lemon juice, rind and wine,
remove from heat. Place 1/2 cup soup in small bowl, whisk in sour cream.
Add brandy and stir mix back into the soup pan until smooth. Chill at least
4 hours. Serve in cups, garnish with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle
with cinnamon.
NOTES : Note:  The recipe calls for a can of purple plums weighing 1-lb.
13-oz.  You may have to experiment a little to see how this translates to
plums-not-in-the-can.
Recipe by: Devin Croft, Denver, Colorado Posted to MC-Recipe Digest V1 #739
by LBotsko@aol.com on Aug 12, 1997

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“The biblical concept of love says no to acts of selfishness within marital and other human relationships. #R. C. Sproul”