Sat, Sep 30th - 4:09PM
What's so amazing about grace?
Grace in Real Time Have you ever felt like one of the “least” as a follower of Christ? The apostle Paul did. In his letter to the Corinthian church he says, “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” (1 Corinthians 15:9, NIV) His next statement, though, gives hope to all of us: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect.” (1 Corinthians 15:10) Regardless of what he deserved, Paul knew that God’s love was larger than his sin. He received God’s grace, and it compelled him to live sacrificially and powerfully for Him. While most of us haven't shared Paul’s history of torturing and persecuting Christians, we all share the human experience of majorly sinning at times. We all need grace.
Thankfully, God isn't one to withhold what we need. He's a father who loves us more deeply than any parent loves a child. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11)
When our need goes far deeper than physical sustenance, He's here to provide for us. He offers full forgiveness and pardon for every wrong we commit in life: How amazing is that?? I don't know about you, but it’s a huge weight off of my shoulders. I don't have to walk around wondering if I'm good enough, or, in the end, if the good I do will outweigh the bad. That's already been settled - his standard is absolute perfection, and I clearly don't meet it. But, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
You see, the hope he offers is full, not partial, and permanent, not temporary. He's not just willing to forgive the small stuff, but even the really destructive decisions that leave broken lives in our wake. He forgives it all, and gives us a fresh start. “Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) This is what's so amazing about grace: It is “undeserved favor” that we all definitely and desperately need. No matter how many times we blow it, he remains the God of a million chances. Let's recognize the magnitude of this gift, and live our lives in a way worthy of the God we serve.
For more encouragement, click here! www.kristinspann02.wix.com/spring1
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Sat, Sep 9th - 3:42PM
Universal Love
Take Hold of It...
God's love is universal, freely available to all.
Likewise, God’s salvation is available to all, and it’s his desire that everyone receive it. Many in 1st century society mocked the idea of salvation in Christ and his promised return to rule the world - putting a final end to sin, suffering, and death. The apostle Peter encouraged early Christians to stand firm in the face of persecution. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV) God waits to end this world with all its pain so more people can be saved. It’s his desire that every person he created would turn from sin and receive his rescue to life in Christ.
The apostle Paul also affirmed this truth in his letter to Timothy, a young church leader tasked with overseeing numerous congregations in Asia. He urged Timothy to lead the early believers in a lifestyle of prayer, not only for people in general, but also for the governmental leaders of the area, so the believers could “...live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” He goes on to say, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men….” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
This universally available salvation, exclusively found in Christ, is seen again in Revelation 5. Here, the apostle John has a vision of the risen Christ in heaven, opening a scroll with predictions of future catastrophes for the end of time. Since Jesus defeated sin and death through his death and resurrection, he was the only one qualified to open the scroll. The elders and heavenly creatures surrounding God's throne sang this song to him: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9) Today, take hold of what God has freely offered to all of us.
For more encouragement, visit my blog "The Word Works," at www.kristinspann02.wix.com/spring1
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Name: Kristin Spann
