Grace

Today I spoke on the subject of Grace at NLT.  Very often this topic needs be rehearsed in all our minds.  The reason?  We all sin!  Scripture says so.  We should not placate ourselves with such knowledge, for grace is not a license to sin.  Rather, it is our salvation from it and the ability to rise above it.

We find in Ephesians chapter two an entire study on Grace.  Grace causes us to be all we can be.  In fact, if Grace was removed from the equation of our lives we may be surprised at how low we can stoop.  Except for the grace of God....there I go....an alcoholic, a drug addict, a thief, a low-life bum.  

Let me tell you something else the lack of Grace produces.  Unforgiveness.  Although the scripture says it is more blessed to give than to receive, I have found it is a lot easier to receive Grace than to bestow it.  I have known people who were all too ready to hand out judgment and require humility in others, but when it came to their own mistakes, their own lies, their own problematic area's, they weren't quite as ready to require the same of themselves.

I pray that the Christian community will return to pouring out grace, forgiveness and help to those in need, and those who fall short of God's glory.  Remember, we all need it!  It is Grace, the unmerited favor of God, that will save us in the end.  It will not be by works.  Our best works is like filthy rags before God.  He is unimpressed with works that attempt to garner ones salvation.  On the other hand, God loves it when we do things for Him 'because' of what He has done in our lives.  Don't get the cart before the horse...or the works before Grace.

Think about Grace this week.  Dispense it with the same vigor with which you are more than happy to enjoy it.  

Blessings,

Pastor Tim