November 27, 2015

“But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.”  Romans 5:15 – 17

“Paul wrote extensively about grace —God’s favor given to the undeserving. And wherever the apostle traveled, he spoke about the gospel of grace (Acts 20:24). He knew firsthand sin’s controlling power and the freedom that comes through faith in Christ. He described himself as the worst of sinners because he persecuted and imprisoned many believers prior to his conversion (1 Tim. 1:15). Once we accept Christ’s death on our behalf, the penalty for our sin is considered to be paid in full, and the power of sin over us is broken. When the Holy Spirit (dwells within) us, we become spiritually alive. What’s more, we are then given a new family and purpose for living. Scripture compares our conversion experience to receiving a heart transplant (Ezek. 36:26; 2 Cor. 5:17), changing citizenship (Phil. 3:20), and moving to a new country.  Grace is the most powerful, life-changing force in the world. God freely offers His unconditional love to whoever receives His Son. What’s your response to this miracle of grace?”
(In Touch website, The Miracle of Grace, October 22, 2015)

“What is your response to this miracle of Grace?” We need to contemplate more fully the reality of Grace – the Grace we receive through the cross of Jesus, and the Grace we are to show others in our relationships. Grace is a gift to the undeserving. Grace is being justified, being made right with G*d, and the only requirement to receive this gift is faith. Now here is the amazing part – faith too is a gift. We can not earn faith – we cannot purchase faith – we can only receive faith as a gift through the Holy Spirit. Martin Luther’s explanation to the third article of the Apostle’sCreed states: “I cannot come to faith in Jesus by my own reason or strength, but it is through the Holy Spirit that calls me through the Gospel, enlightens me with His gifts, sanctifies and keeps me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church…”

When the Holy Spirit dwells in us, we not only grow in faith understanding, but we also find that our faith lives come alive – we find that we become empowered with the gifts of the Spirit. My friends, remain open to the spirit – open to the Word – open to the presence of Christ. The love of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit will give you a new purpose in life, and in your faith understanding and faith living.

Pastor Dave