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!
What is it about human nature that just has to disobey the signs? We see the words “Do Not Touch” and we have this unexplainable urge to do the opposite. Obedience is not something that comes naturally to us—that’s human nature. The good news is God gives us the power to overcome our sinful inclinations.
With all we have on the go, it’s easy to get tunnel vision and only focus on our own lives. But God desires us to be winsome people who model grace and godliness to a lost and hurting world.
We seem to accept cynicism and doubt in all professions except preaching. There seems to be an unwritten law that says, “Thou shalt not doubt, struggle, or rebel.” But the truth is, pastors are human too. They need the same grace as everyone else who has questions.
Those who God saves by His grace need to look out for those who haven’t yet come to the Saviour. Don’t make it hard for others by insulting those who aren’t living the life you would like them to live.
When the Bible paints a portrait it doesn’t remove the imperfections. It’s reassuring to know the men and women God used to accomplish His will were real people.
Coming to grips with God’s grace will loosen your inclination for sin. Once your faith is placed in Jesus and you’ve experienced His forgiveness, sin’s dominance will be loosed from your life.
Where there is great freedom there is also the potential to abuse it. God’s grace, once embraced, should keep us from returning to our old ways and abusing His gift to us.
Instead of enjoying God’s ocean of grace, many Christians are still trapped—not by sin but legalism. Legalism with its layers of restrictions cuts them off from freedom and smothers them with shame.
The bold proclamation of God's Word has been replaced with shallow substitutes designed to entertain rather than convict. It's time to “restore the years” that the locusts have eaten.
Can you minister grace to people who don’t inspire you to acts of kindness? Let me suggest a good beginning. Stoop down and embrace them. Love that reaches up is adoration. Love that reaches out is compassion. But love that stoops is grace.
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Insight for Living is committed to excellence in communicating the truths of Scripture and the Person of Jesus Christ in an accurate, clear, and practical manner so that people will come to an understanding of God’s plan for their lives, as well as their significant role as authentic Christians in a needy, hostile, and desperate world.
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