Tribbett

Be Thou My Vision

“…Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.”

Gabriel Tribbett

Hello, my name is Gabe Tribbett!!

There’s not much to say about myself except that Jesus Christ has completely changed my life. The summary of my life could be the same as that of John Owen, “I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.” That’s all that really matters. And my prayer is that “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30), so that my life clearly reveals the truth that I am nothing apart from God’s grace. And my life’s purpose, by God’s design, is to reflect the beauty and glory of God through increasing conformity to Jesus Christ.

Since I always enjoy reading about the authors who stand behind the written page or the blogosphere, I will provide a birds-eye introduction about myself. After all, if you’re reading my blog posts then you’re going to see my heart spilling over onto the written page–a glimpse of my imperfect heart as it grasps for a greater knowledge and love of Christ and a lesser love for sin and self. So, it’s only fair that you understand a little about the man behind the pen (or more precisely, the keyboard) who occasionally spills the ink of his heart all over this particular corner of the internet.

In God’s mercy, He gave me the privilege of studying history and secondary education at Manchester College (2006) and pastoral studies at Grace Theological Seminary (2010). An even greater privilege has been the opportunity to serve, love, and lead the people of Christ’s Covenant Church (Winona Lake, IN) as a ministry director and aspiring elder. I really have nothing to offer except that which has been given to me, and in many ways our beloved congregation serves me far better than I have ever served them. In case you’re interested, I consider myself to be a conservative evangelical who embraces the doctrines of God’s sovereign grace, who desires to learn the functional centrality of the gospel while walking by the Spirit and demonstrating the life-giving power symbolized in my believer’s baptism. While I do not know much, I desire to know Christ and to share in the fellowship of His sufferings–and while I still draw breath, I hope to keep learning and growing while pursuing Christ and serving His Beloved Bride.

Aside from experiencing new birth in Christ, my family has been the greatest blessing that I have ever been given. My mother and father are two of the most humble, gracious, generous, servant-hearted people that I have ever known. While I often fall short, I aspire to be like them as they are incredible examples of Christ’s self-giving love. They shared the gospel with me early into my childhood, and by God’s grace He saved me and encouraged me through their example of living for the glory of God by honoring Jesus Christ. I am indebted to them more than I shall ever be able to repay. I also have the privilege of having four wonderful brothers, each of whom I consider a beloved friend.

Lastly, I should remind you that I don’t deserve God’s grace. I never have. And, neither do you. I cannot get over the fact that Christ has paid my debt–every filthy thought, every careless word, every unloving deed, every calloused attitude, every selfish motive–He paid it all. Read that sentence again and let it sink in for a moment. He gave of Himself so that I would never experience God’s wrath. He was separated from His beloved Father and life-giving Spirit so that I could be become righteous before God. Oh, the mercy that set my wretched heart free, and the selfless love that purchased me from sin and selfishness… It’s mind-blowing to consider the eternal, unrelenting, patient, selfless love that God displays toward His people. I count it an unbelievable privilege to be one of them. I hope that you might be able to experience the same, wonderful salvation!! If you’d like to hear more about the glory of Christ, then check out this sermon that I preached about the One that I love and endeavor to serve: The Glory of Christ (Philippians 2:5-11).

“Apply yourself wholly to the text; apply the text wholly to yourself.” -Johann Albrecht Bengel

We read not merely to be informed, but in the hope that we might be transformed.

Paul’s instruction: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds…” (Romans 12:2).

“Reading without reflecting is like eating without digesting.” Edmund Burke

“A man who is not consumed by the things of God, will be a man consumed by himself.” Paul Washer

Colossians 3:1-5 “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.  Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:”

Samuel Brengle:

“[Spiritual leadership] is not won by promotion, but by many prayers and tears. It is attained by confession of sin, and much heart-searching and humbling before God; by self-surrender, a courageous sacrifice of every idol, a bold uncomplaining embrace of the cross, and by an eternal, unfaltering looking unto Jesus crucified. It is not gained by seeking great things for ourselves, but like Paul, by counting those things that are gain to us as loss for Christ. This is a great price, but it must be paid by the leader who would not be merely a nominal but a real spiritual leader of men, a leader whose power is recognized and felt in heaven, on earth, and in hell.”

Contact Information:

gabetribbett (at) gmail.com