Date:
July 8, 2020Under Grace
Being under grace beings being free in Christ and no longer a slave to sin. However, this doesn’t mean you’re free to do whatever you please. It means you do what pleases Christ.
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Grace
The word grace is a short, simple word. But understanding the biblical depth and meaning of grace can take a lifetime of study and application. It's almost a shame that a word describing suppleness of movement or a short, quick prayer before a meal is the same word we use to describe God's unfathomable love for sinners. Nevertheless, it is grace that moves Him to offer us the free gift of salvation and forgiveness.
Grace is what compelled the Apostle Paul to write of a mystery never understood before (1 Corinthians 2:7-13). Grace is also what allows us to relax into another's accepting embrace as he or she gives us the freedom to discover our unique journey laid out by God. So relax as we journey together down the path toward freedom and the wonderment of the surpassing riches of God's grace!
Humpty Dumpty and Mr. Hyde
Just like you can’t unscramble an egg that’s been broken, we all have a dark side we can’t quite shake. We have a root problem with sin, which sounds pretty hopeless until we remember God, in His mercy, doesn’t leave us there. Through His Son He provided a way out of our brokenness and despair.
Freedom and Slavery
“Whose slave are you?” It’s a great question. Are you a slave to work? Possessions? People’s opinions? Bad habits? The good news is you don’t have to be chained to any of these. As a child of God, you’re free.
Excessive Works
Despite the hymns we sing, many people think they can earn their way into heaven if their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds. Replace your good deeds with the Good News—your salvation was accomplished on the cross. It’s simply a gift. All you have to do is accept it.
Depravity and More Bad News
Depravity is never pretty. More often than not it’s ugly and dark, marked by scandal. We’ve all experienced depravity. But the Good News is we can come to Christ just as we are. Our depravity does not disqualify us from salvation.
The Important Unknowns
We meet the same people every day but we often don’t even know their names. Today, take time to greet the grocery store cashier or bank teller by name. A few words of kindness go a long way.
Relax
If you want to relax and get rid of anxiety, you need to lighten up. Are you typically harsh or critical? Try cultivating a more gentle and understanding approach to life. “Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.”
Lacking the Big Picture
No one is qualified to judge another. We don’t have all the facts, we don’t know motives, and because we have our own prejudices and worldviews, it’s impossible to be objective. The only one who has all the information is God. He alone is qualified to judge.
Resolving Those Parent-Child Conflicts
Unless dealt with appropriately, conflicts lead to permanent breakdowns in our relationships that time alone cannot heal. If we wish to cultivate healthy relationships, especially with our children, reconciliation is essential. But…how?
Cutting Each Other Some Slack
Comparison can be lethal. What others drive, or wear, or how others look is no one’s business but theirs. Living in harmony means letting others be—and cutting each other some slack.
