Monday, December 14, 2020

The Gospel Paul preached: Radical Grace


 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now to Him who has power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past, Romans 16:24-25 MEV

 We've been in an extended study examining the Gospel Paul preached. We've stated with all the voices in the wind speaking of the Gospel, claiming to know what it is and what it isn't, wouldn't it be great if we could find an Mp3 or CD of one of the original Apostles sermons? The good news is we don't have to wonder what Paul preached, God's Word records one of Paul's messages, and we can see clearly what the Gospel message is.

 Acts 13 details the Gospel Paul preached. We've seen that Paul proclaimed the faithfulness of God, that Jesus is alive and salvation is found in Him alone. Paul proclaimed Good News. He declared the forgiveness of all our sins in Christ. In our last study, we saw that Paul revealed only Grace redeems and makes us Righteous not the Law, or human efforts, performance, or good deeds. 

 Today, we want to conclude the series with the final word Paul gave his listeners. 

42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. Acts 13:42-44 NKJV

 Paul proclaimed the Good News. He proclaimed Newness of life can be found in Christ apart from works. Conspicuously absent are any words of condemnation. Condemnation kills. Condemnation doesn't draw the masses. It turns away the masses. Preaching the Goodness of God is what draws men toward God. Proclaiming His great Love and Grace is what changes men's minds and hearts.

 Take note of the reaction to Paul's words. The people begged to hear this message. People's hearts were hungry to hear more of God's Word. The people's hearts were glad. Their thinking was changed. They heard the Good News. They wanted to hear more of this Loving Savior. 

 As for the final word Paul proclaimed let's look again at the passage.

Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. Acts 13:43 NKJV

 Paul told the people to continue in the Grace of God. Not that Grace was for the entryway into salvation and the rest of the Christian walk is about earning and striving and achievement. He proclaimed the Radical Grace of God and urged them to continue in Grace, not Law. To continue in Grace, not human works, efforts, or performance. 

 Paul told the people to continue in Grace. If we are to continue in Grace then that means Grace is the Gospel and the center of the Christian life. This means our attempts to merit God's Goodness and favor and acceptance is not continuing in the Grace of God. Paul is essentially proclaiming that we can't earn what is only freely given.

 People have tried to use Paul to declare that works and performance and behavior are the only means by which we obtain the promises of God. They will take his words out of context along with Peter to rearrange the Gospel message. Traditional religion proclaims a gospel of works that is no gospel at all.

 Certainly, our behavior matters, don't misunderstand me. Paul simply showed the way we grow up into good works and good behavior. We continue in the Grace of God. We know because of Grace and the gift of Righteousness we are forever accepted and approved. This removes the shame of our misdeeds and failures and sins. We can get back up when we fall. We can freely admit our flaws without shame or fear of punishment from God. We can freely make amends to those we may have hurt. Why? because shame and fear have been done away with in Christ.

 In closing allow me to address one point Paul made. Paul did declare a warning to these listeners. But this warning was not condemning nor was it spoken in anger. Paul was pleading with the people. Don't reject this Grace in favor of your works and performance. And that has been the case throughout the early days of the birth of the Church. People wanting to mix Law and Grace. To get people to keep striving and attempting to earn God's Love. 

 In summation, Paul preached the Gospel of Grace. He proclaimed the forgiveness of all our sins. That the Law can't redeem or make Righteous. Only His Grace makes us accepted and approved with the Father. Embrace Grace and continue in Grace and don't try to earn or achieve what is only freely given by Grace through Faith, purchased by His precious Blood. 


Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay 

Monday, December 7, 2020

The Gospel Paul preached: Grace vs Law

24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now to Him who has power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past, Romans 16:24-25 MEV

We've been in an ongoing series studying the Gospel that Paul preached. We've said with so many denominations and voices out there proclaiming Christ, many of which seem to contradict one another wouldn't it be nice if we had one of the Apostles sermons recorded? Wouldn't it be nice if we had a Mp3 or CD of Paul or Peter preaching to set the record straight?

 The good news is that we actually do have a recording of what Paul preached. In Acts 13 we see a full message Paul actually preached. In examining this Gospel that Paul preached we have seen what Paul believed and spoke. He spoke of Jesus. He spoke of God's Faithfulness. He spoke of the greatness of Jesus and the glorious Good News that complete forgiveness is found in Christ alone. 

 Today, I want to further examine what Paul proclaimed. Did Paul actually preach the Law for the New Covenant believer? Did Paul preach the Law is how we find justification or acceptance with the Father? Let's consult Paul himself for the answer.

38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. Acts 13:38-39 NKJV

Paul's words are quite alarming and astounding to this audience of Jews. In the Synagogue, Paul is dare declaring the Law is not what saves you or makes you accepted and approved with God. He states it's through Jesus alone that you find divine acceptance and approval.

 In this one statement, Paul declared the entirety of the New Covenant. That because of Jesus, not works, performance, adherence to rules or regulations will you find perfect redemption. Through Jesus alone you find complete victory. That your efforts and works of the Law are meaningless compared to what Jesus has done.

 Paul is declaring the finality of the work of the Cross. That Christ work alone is all sufficient to meet every need. That the Finished Work satisfied every claim of divine justice to cover, cleanse and remove all sins, shortcomings, faults, flaws, and wicked deeds. That even the unforgivable and unthinkable and unmentionable thoughts, words or deeds find their forgiveness and redemption in Christ's perfect work.

 Paul proclaimed New Covenant Grace and rejected Old Covenant Law living. That is he rejected the ideas, concepts, doctrines, that lead one to think their performance, their adherence to certain rules and regulations, their own doings, will cause God to love them, bless them, and favor them more than another. That God accepts and approves them on a scale weighing all their deeds against someone else's. 

 In this proclamation, Paul is putting Christ alone in the center of it all. That is all because of Jesus we find perfect redemption. Think of it, what action taken, what act of good will, what work achieved, what words spoken would cause your unrighteousness to be cleansed, removed and grant you a full pardon, and a brand new heart?

 These words astonished and stunned his listeners. He was saying all your doings, all your Law observance doesn't make you accepted or approved with God. The Law cannot redeem you. There is nothing you can do to warrant God's Goodness, kindness and favor. 

 Much of modern Christianity presents a message of steps and formulas and duties and works to achieve in order to find perfect acceptance or I should say more acceptance with God. That the more you do for Him, the more favorable and accepted and approved you are. It's as if a parent had two children and made it clear because Jill does the dishes and finishes her schoolwork and performs extra chores that she is more loved, accepted, approved than her brother Jack. 

 Sadly, that is the mindset many see God having with His own kids. This is the message presented by so many churches and ministries. Now they won't state this as bluntly as I just did but they hint at it with their messages and books. 

 In summation, we see the Gospel Paul is preaching. He is preaching the Radical Grace of Almighty God. He is preaching divine acceptance and approval by Grace alone, through Faith alone, in Christ alone. This is the Good News Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Image by Prawny from Pixabay 

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

The Gospel that Paul preached: Forgiveness of sins

24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now to Him who has power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past, Romans 16:24-25 MEV

 We've been in a study of the Gospel that Paul preached. In the beginning, we said wouldn't it be great to have an actual recording of one of the Apostles actually preaching? Wouldn't it make it clear for us what the Gospel actually is? The good news is we have a recording of the Gospel Paul preached, it's found in God's Word.

 In Acts 13 we see the full message Paul proclaimed. So far we've seen that the Gospel Paul preached was nothing but Good News. That is the faithfulness of God, Jesus is alive, and that salvation is found in Him. 

 Today let's continue examining this beautiful message Paul preached;

Jesus is greater

As we stated from the beginning of this series, the audience Paul is preaching to is Jews in the Synagogue and based upon the passage apparently Gentiles could somehow hear the words Paul is preaching as well. 
 
It is possible there was a special section that Gentiles were allowed to enter to hear the words of one speaking. I don't want to speculate further as the passage doesn't tell us how they heard, but it does say they did hear.
 
So Paul had a diverse audience but he directed his words to the Jews. He pointed out one of the greatest saints in the Old Testament. He points to David. 

36 “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption; 37 but He whom God raised up saw no corruption. Acts 13:36-37 NKJV
 
 Paul masterfully points out that Jesus is greater. The point Paul makes is Jesus is greater than any natural man. He is greater than any Old Testament hero. He is greater than any of your traditions.

 Jesus is greater. Greater than any achievements of man. Greater than any esteemed man on Earth, be it, king or priest. Jesus is greater and worthy of all our praise.

The Forgiveness of Sins

The most important thing Paul preaches in His Gospel is the main theme. That our sins are forgiven once for all time because of Jesus. Paul proclaimed the forgiveness of sins.

38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; Acts 13:38 NKJV

The Gospel Paul preached wasn't a message preaching about sin and darkness. He didn't preach about how sinful and unworthy the masses are. He didn't preach how God is so angry at your sins and sinfulness and shortcomings. No, Paul proclaimed the Good News. He proclaimed the forgiveness of your sins, not the remembrance of your sins.

 I wonder how often the audience Paul is addressing had heard message after message about how often they fell short and messed up? I wonder how often they heard messages designed to remind them of their sin but not giving them hope for their condition? I wonder their hearts reaction upon hearing that there is forgiveness for their sins?

 Paul proclaimed a message of hope and healing. He preached the Good News Gospel of Jesus. He pointed these people to Jesus. He pointed the people to the greater One, not to their sins and failures, and their traditions that kept them where they were without hope. 

 It would do us good if preachers today would preach the message Paul preached. Instead of railing about sin and darkness why not preach the solution? Instead of preaching about how far people have fallen short, why not remind them no matter how far they've fallen, and yes there are real and lasting consequences for sin, but no matter how far they've fallen and what consequence they're experiencing there is still forgiveness in Christ? 

 In summation, let's preach the Gospel that Paul preached. Jesus is greater than all, all positions or riches of men. Greater than any tradition of men. That there is total and complete forgiveness in Jesus. There all your sins are forgiven in Christ. Truly Paul proclaimed glad tidings for all, for whosoever would receive. 


Image by BenteBoe from Pixabay 

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

The Gospel that Paul preached: Good News

24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now to Him who has power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past, Romans 16:24-25 MEV

 We've begun a new study examining the Gospel that Paul preached. With the various voices speaking about the Lord and what the Gospel is, it would be nice to actually hear one of the Apostles actually preach the Gospel. The good news is that the book of Acts records a sermon, a message Paul proclaimed. In this passage, we can see what Paul really preached. 

 So far, we've seen the first two things Paul proclaimed. The Faithfulness of God and Jesus Himself. He proclaimed Jesus, the most important aspect of the Gospel. Let's continue this journey and see more of what Paul preached.

The word of Salvation, Good News

“Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those of you who fear God, the word of this salvation has been sent to us. Acts 13:26 MEV

Paul goes on to proclaim this word of salvation. That is Good News. Salvation is Good News not bad news! Think about it. Paul right here is letting the people know that salvation has come. Paul is heralding glad tidings.

 Salvation gives the invitation to partake of a new life in Christ. To receive a new heart. To have all your past wiped away and to begin again. To have your present and future forever secured in Him. To be made alive in Him. Salvation is Good News.

Jesus is alive

 30 But God raised Him from the dead, 31 and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people. Acts 13:30-31 MEV

Paul then proclaims Jesus is alive! Again this is good news. We aren't speaking of a dead figure. We aren't speaking of a good man who taught to be kind to one another but is rotting in a grave somewhere just as other poets, philosophers, and purported prophets and messiahs are. 

 Jesus is alive! Jesus is the risen victorious King of kings! Jesus is the only One who wrote a will, sealed it with His own blood, and rose again to ensure that all that is written in the will is carried out exactly as He proclaimed. We serve a risen Savior, not a dead poet or philosopher or pretend prophet. 

Good News

“We preach to you good news: The promise which was made to the fathers, Acts 13:32 MEV

 Now we come full circle to the main point of this study. Paul preached the good news, not bad news. This proves beyond doubt, as Paul himself confirms it, the Gospel is Good News! 

 In the Gospel, there is no place for any bad news. There is no place for mad news or sad news. That is, the Gospel isn't a message proclaiming God loves you if, or God loves you but, that is bad news. The Gospel isn't sad news, that is, God loves you now you must live in misery and subjection to all this world and the enemy brings your way. That you are powerless to overcome in this life. The Gospel isn't mad news, that is God loves you but doesn't like you. That He is angry at you when you miss it or blow it. 

 The Gospel is Good News! The Gospel is the hope for this world. It is the light for a darkened world. It water to the thirsty soul. 

 In summation, Paul proclaimed the Good News Gospel of Jesus Christ. He proclaimed Christ Jesus is alive. He proclaimed the glad tidings of salvation in Christ. He heralded good news. That is what we should be proclaiming today, good news! God's not mad at anyone. He isn't sending the earthquake but He heals the heartbreaks! Good news.

Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay 

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

The Gospel Paul preached


24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now to Him who has power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past, Romans 16:24-25 MEV

 In the modern church age, there are many voices speaking. Many proclaim a message of God's Goodness and Love. Many proclaim His mercy and great Grace. Still, others, proclaim messages leaving people with the impression God is angry with them. That God is disappointed in them. That they've let God down.

 When these differences in tone and messaging arise, wouldn't it be great if we could just have one of the Apostles come back to Earth and proclaim the Gospel and settle the "debate" so to speak? Wouldn't it be great if we could just interview Paul or Peter? Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have a CD or Mp3 of a message Paul proclaimed?

 I have some good news. We actually have recorded for us a message Paul proclaimed. If we would just hear what Paul is saying, we'd see what the Good News Gospel really is. We would see what God's heart is. 

 In Acts 13, we have recorded for us the Gospel Paul preached. In this message, we see a full picture of what the Gospel is. Of what Paul went around proclaiming. See the full passage here.

 Over the next few posts, we are going to look at what Paul preached. We are going to see the Good News Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let's begin this journey.

The Faithfulness of God

The very first thing Paul proclaimed was the Faithfulness of God. Paul reminded the listeners how God raised up and protected the Nation of Israel. He recounted the origins of Israel and God's protection and provision.

 We must be continually reminded of His all the time Goodness and continued Faithfulness. The Lord is Faithful and His mercies are new every single day. God has never left us or forsaken us. He is faithful, even when we are faithless. This is a truth we must always be mindful of.

Jesus

 Immediately after reminding the hearers of God's Faithfulness to Israel Paul proclaimed the Lord Jesus Christ. What else is more important to preach than Jesus Himself? Jesus is the message.
23 “From this man’s descendants God has raised a Savior for Israel, Jesus, according to His promise. Acts 13:23 MEV

 Jesus is the message. Jesus is the Savior! Jesus is our all in all. Jesus is our only hope. Jesus became something He never was, sin-separated spiritually, so we could become something we've never been, Righteous-accepted-approved-forgiven. 

 In summation, these are the first two things Paul proclaimed. Knowing and understanding what Paul preached, gives us better insight into what we should be proclaiming to a lost and fallen world. This is the Gospel Paul preached. 

Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay 

Monday, October 26, 2020

Abounding Grace: Abounding in Love

But as you abound in everything—in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to us—see that you abound in this grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:7 MEV

You do well and excel in every respect—in unstoppable faith, in powerful preaching, in revelation knowledge, in your passionate devotion, and in sharing the love we have shown to you. So make sure that you also excel in grace-filled generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:7 TPT

  We've been in an extended study of the Amazing Grace of God. We are examining how this Grace abounds in all areas of our new life in Christ. We've seen how this Grace abounds to our Faith, our knowledge of God, and our devotion to the Father. 

 Today, I want to continue this study examining how this Grace abounds in our love walk. Often we hear messages about walking in love. We hear a sermon or read an article about forgiving others. The concern is these messages and articles don't always tell you how.

 How do you love fellow believers? How do you love the leadership in your local church? How do you love members of your family? How do we love those outside of Christ?

 The Word shows us how, and it is all by His Grace;

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11 NKJV

Remember Grace supplies. God doesn't demand of us anything and gives us no power or ability to do what He asks. Grace supplies all we need to live victorious and fruitful lives.

 Because God loves us first, through this supply we can love our fellow believers in Christ. Even when they don't see things the same as we. We have the Love of the Father within. We can find common ground, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

 I have friends from differing denominations. When we don't focus on our differences in theology, but on Jesus, there is a sweet fellowship. When we come in agreement to see lives changed and turned toward Christ we both rejoice.

 How do we love leadership? We pray for them. We pray for our children's ministers. We pray for the pastoral team. We pray that they speak the truth in love. If you can't find any agreement, find a church where you can find more agreement than less. For instance, if you believe in the Gifts of the Spirit for today and the church you attend doesn't, you might find it more agreeable to find a church that believes this. 

 Pray for leadership, don't tear them down with words and gossip. It's the same with your family. Pray for them. Pray for your family. If they are making poor choices, you don't have to fellowship in that setting but you can send love and kindness.

 For those outside the Church, you won't have the same worldview. That is if you have made Christ Jesus the focus of your life, your worldview is different than those who aren't focused on Jesus but on self. How then do you love them?

 Love doesn't mean you celebrate and promote other's way of living. Love means exactly what it means. Sharing goodness and kindness even with those with you disagree. Love doesn't mean you need to be a doormat for abuse. Love means you share God's Love with all. 

 Sometimes that simply means walking away from conflict. Sometimes that means not responding the same way they speak to you. Sometimes love challenges people to come up to a higher level. 

 We can love others because Christ so loved us. We can forgive others because Christ forever forgave us. We don't have to hold people's wrongs against them because Christ doesn't count our sin against us. Because we are Loved we can love.

 In summation, this Grace abounds to our love walk. Christ's perfect Love and mercy and goodness compels us to share love. This is abounding Grace, it abounds to all areas of life. 


Image by Ylanite www.pexels.com/@nietjuh from Pixabay 

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Abounding Grace: Passionate devotion


But as you abound in everything—in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to us—see that you abound in this grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:7 MEV

You do well and excel in every respect—in unstoppable faith, in powerful preaching, in revelation knowledge, in your passionate devotion, and in sharing the love we have shown to you. So make sure that you also excel in grace-filled generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:7 TPT


  We've been in an extended study examining the amazing Grace of God. Specifically, we're looking at how His Grace abounds to all areas of our Christian life bringing fullness, fulfillment, and empowerment. So far we've seen how this Grace abounds to our Faith, our words, and our knowledge of who God is. 

 Today, it seems good to continue this study, looking at how this Grace abounds to our personal devotion to God. So often different ministries and churches declare that Radical Grace, eternal security, leads to a license to sin, a motivation to do wrong. I strongly disagree. God's Grace is the motivation for devotion to God. 

 Understand what Grace is. Grace is the unearned, undeserved, and unmerited favor of God. When received it produces and empowerment in our life. Grace isn't empowerment. Grace is unearned favor. Don't get confused as to what Grace is versus what it does. 

 When we define Grace as empowerment, we shift back into a works mindset. We still have demands, pressure, and obligations placed on our lives but Grace gives us the strength to fulfill these obligations. That is not Grace. 

 Think of this. Are your children your obligation? The word obligation is defined as duty, chore, a burden. There isn't necessarily a joy in being indebted to someone. So again is your children or your spouse an obligation? 

 I hope you don't see them as a chore. I hope you don't see family as a burden. Certainly, as adults, there is a level of responsibility we commit to. Yet, that is not at the forefront of our thinking when we love, truly love our family. Why do you find children caring for aging and sickly parents? Is it an obligation? In dysfunctional homes perhaps, but in healthy homes, I've seen the compassion from each of its members spring forth. 

 My point is, the compassion each family member brings forth isn't obligatory. It isn't trying to earn acceptance and more favor. It's rooted in a place of love and kindness shared among each member. 

 When we receive the Love of the Father, knowing how He sees us, how He's made us accepted and approved, devotion, passionate devotion is the natural response. Grace abounds toward us and our devotion to Him grows more and more.

 When we think of His unfailing Love toward us, when we reflect on His all the time Goodness to us, when we see His great Grace overshadow all of our flaws, failures, and foul-ups, What else can we do but devote ourselves more and more to such a loving Father. His Goodness, His Grace, His Love, is the motivation for devotion. He is so so Good!

 God's unwavering faithfulness toward us reminds us of how much we need Him. His faithfulness abounding to us brings to our remembrance that if it had not been for the Lord where would we be? He is even faithful when we are faithless. This faithfulness produces such a thankful heart, a joyous heart, and a heart of gladness because God is our everlasting Father who is well pleased with us.

 This abounding Grace empowers our devotion. We are eager to become a blessing to those around us. We are enthusiastic to help advance Jesus' name and His kingdom all throughout this Earth. All because we've seen and known His goodness, faithfulness, and Love abounding toward us.

 In summation, this Grace is so great. It abounds in all areas of our life. It empowers our Faith, our words, and knowledge of God. It produces an enthusiastic, energetic, empowered connection with our Daddy God. He is so Good!


Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Abounding Grace: Knowing God

But as you abound in everything—in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to us—see that you abound in this grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:7 MEV

You do well and excel in every respect—in unstoppable faith, in powerful preaching, in revelation knowledge, in your passionate devotion, and in sharing the love we have shown to you. So make sure that you also excel in grace-filled generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:7 TPT

  We've been in a study examining the great Grace of God. We are looking at how this Grace abounds in all areas of our lives. So far we've seen how this Grace abounds towards our Faith, strengthening and empowering it. We've seen how this Grace makes our speech more effectual and dynamic in blessing and loving others.

 Today, we want to see how this Grace abounds to our knowledge. That is, Grace abounding to our knowledge of God. Knowing God is something the Father longs for. God our Good Father desires for His children to know Him more and more. 

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 MEV

 God wants us to know Him. Religion and traditions of men make that rather difficult. The enemy looks for ways to prevent the people of God from becoming more intimate with their Father in Heaven. That's why this Grace abounds more and more so we can know Him.

 Just look back at Genesis. When Adam and Eve fell, they hid from God. Why? Fear, worry, shame, and condemnation from the enemy were working overtime to keep them away from God's presence. The enemy wanted them to be disconnected from God. Yet God sought them out, that's Grace!

 When the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they refused to go up to the mountain. They wanted Moses to go but they were afraid to go. They drew back. They didn't press in. Why? Again, fear. Fear that they would be wiped out, killed by God's wrath. They didn't know God. 

 God wants us to know Him. Look in the Old Testament, we see the various names of God recorded. Names such as Jehovah Jireh. The Lord who sees or provides. Jehovah Nissi, the Lord our banner or victory, His banner over us is Love. Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals you. 

 There are many other names. Why did God do this? He wanted the people to know who He is. 

 God is a Good Father. He longs for and strongly desires for His people to know Him in all His goodness. To see Him in His great Love. To know and experience His mercy, Grace, goodness, and unconditional Love. 

 The Father wants an intimate relationship with His people. This begins by knowing who He is. It begins when we see Him in all His goodness. It begins when we know and understand how He sees us. When we know how much He loves us and how flawless He sees us in Christ, our intimacy with the Father grows, and our relationship with God grows sweeter and sweeter as the days go on.

 God wants us to know He is a Good Father. He is not the author of our tragedy. He isn't the one orchestrating our losses or hardships. He is not the designer of our detriment or any earthly disaster. Knowing God isn't the creator of our difficulty or the one ordaining death, disease, or destruction, we won't run from Him, but rather we run to Him to find refuge, help, and hope in times of trial or temptation. 

 God wants us to know He isn't holding our sins and shortcomings against us. He is the One who bore the full penalty of our sins on the Cross. When we trusted in Christ, He forgave us of all our sins. He made us perfectly Righteous, accepted, and approved of our Good Father. We can come to Him even when we fail because we know He has hope and restoration for us. We can rest in Him, knowing He has forgiven us once for all time and isn't holding anything to our account.

 God wants us to know He is our healer. He wants us to know He isn't the author of any sickness or disease. God is the One who heals you. It's His perfect will that you be healed and made whole. We can come to Him and receive without doubt or unbelief. He is Good!

 God wants us to know who He is. We get to know this Good Father by studying His Word. We study the Word in context. We study the Word by rightly dividing between the Old Covenant and the New. 

 We get to know this Good God by spending time in prayer. Think about it. God the Creator wants to spend time with you. He desires intimate fellowship with you. We can spend time with Him in prayer any time throughout the day. 

 In summation, this Grace abounds to our knowledge. Grace reveals the true nature and character of our Good Daddy God. Return to Him in intimacy. He longs to fellowship with you. Turn off the media, tune out the social media, put the electronic device down. Spend a few minutes with the Father. Your life will be incredibly blessed more and more as you do this consistently. You will find your joy increasing and worry and stress and anxiety decreasing. God is a Good God!


Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Monday, September 21, 2020

Abounding Grace: Graceful speech


 

But as you abound in everything—in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to us—see that you abound in this grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:7 MEV

You do well and excel in every respect—in unstoppable faith, in powerful preaching, in revelation knowledge, in your passionate devotion, and in sharing the love we have shown to you. So make sure that you also excel in grace-filled generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:7 TPT

 We've begun a series focusing on the Grace of God. Specifically, we're examing how this Grace is abounding towards us. How this Grace enables and empowers all aspects of Christian life. 

 So Far we've seen how this Grace produces empowerment when received. We've seen how this Grace impacts our Faith. Today, let's go further and see how Grace abounds to our words. 
 
  Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth, but only that which is good for building up, that it may give grace to the listeners. Ephesians 4:29 MEV

 His Grace abounds to our utterance, that is our speech, our words. We should speak words that reflect what's happened inwardly. That is, His unearned, undeserved favor has overtaken and blessed us with new life. Our words and messages to others should convey the good news.

 There are three areas of our words where Grace abounding brings change for the better. Let's briefly examine them. First, we see it from Paul here in Ephesians. 

 Our words should build others up. Instead of constantly criticizing, belittling, cursing others we can build them up. We can speak words of encouragement. We can speak words of hope. We can speak words of life, not death.

 Proverbs tells us a soft answer turns away wrath. Harsh and unkind words just stir up anger. Words of Grace defuse and deescalate tension and anger. I've seen how an angry person has relaxed when soft words were spoken. This is not a weakness but a strength.

 The next two areas often work in tandem. The area of judgment and condemnation. Words should not be used to sit in judgment of others. Our words should minister Grace never condemnation.

 Speaking of utterance, some like to claim their words are inspired of God. They then begin to proclaim doom and gloom. That judgment is coming upon this city or this nation or that region. These claims dismiss the Grace of God. Jesus paid the price for all sin and the Father accepted the Finished Work. Jesus took the full judgment and bore the wrath of God. There is no judgment on nations or cities for their sin. Jesus' blood was enough.

 Words that are spoken or ministered should never be seasoned with condemnation. Condemnation doesn't produce change. Condemnation just forces people to conceal their habits, their addictions, their sins deeper, and more cleverly. Only Grace being spoken and received will produce a change of mind.

 Some ministers like to minister with a mixture of Law and Grace. With a little condemnation and then a little Grace. They enjoy the large altar calls in their gatherings. 

 Want a large altar call? Here is how to have a large altar call in two easy steps. Step one, strip away the full assurance of eternal life in your hearers. Step two, preach about how sinful your hearers are. The altar will be flooded with those awaiting to get saved over again. Repeat weekly.

 Now it will appear that your church or gathering is in revival. In reality, all you're doing is telling the children of God, those who've accepted Christ by Faith, that they really aren't God's children. All you've done is become an echo and mouthpiece of the enemy bringing accusation to God's beloved. Instead of the enemy whispering his lies in their ears, he has preachers proclaiming them loudly through a microphone. 

 God's Grace abounds to the believer. His Grace abounds to our speech and utterance. We can speak words of life. We can speak words of hope. We can speak in agreement with God and the Finished Work. We don't have to allow our words to become the echo chamber of the enemy and his lies.

 In summation, His Grace abounds to all areas of life. Our words under the influence of Grace will speak life, love, and liberty to the captive, to the downtrodden, to the lost. Our words can minister to others. Our words can pick people up when they're down. Our words of Grace can rebuke shame and guilt and fear off of God's people. The enemy likes to say shame on you, Grace speaks shame off of you. Our words influenced by Grace bless others and reminds us of who we are and whose we are.


Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay 

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Abounding Grace: Abounding in Faith

   

 









You do well and excel in every respect—in unstoppable faith, in powerful preaching, in revelation knowledge, in your passionate devotion, and in sharing the love we have shown to you. So make sure that you also excel in grace-filled generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:7 TPT

But as you abound in everything—in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to us—see that you abound in this grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:7 MEV 


  We've begun a new study looking at the abounding Grace of Almighty God. We saw that Grace is not just an entry-level truth of the Christian life. We saw that Grace is not just an excuse to never mature and never interact with other believers. God's Grace received produces empowerment and triumphant living.

 Today, let's look at how this Grace abounding toward us empowers our Faith. Let's examine how Grace makes walking by Faith fruitfully joyful and not frustrating. Grace and Faith were designed to function in unison. 

 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8 NKJV

 Paul by the Spirit reveals so clearly the role of Grace and Faith. It is God's Grace, His Goodness, not our doing which purchased the blessing. His Grace provided all salvation and the Finished Work procured on our behalf. Life eternal, Righteousness, forgiveness, health, prosperity, provision, deliverance, protection, and wholeness were provided by Grace, but they are received by Faith. 

 Faith reaches out and takes what Grace makes. Faith doesn't sit around waiting just hoping that the provision comes. No Faith reaches out and takes what Grace purchased and provided. Faith isn't working or striving or attempting to earn anything. Faith receives what Grace provides, not by working but by believing and speaking and receiving it. 

 Too often Faith is presented as something that we must muster up in our own power and strength. That if we just get our Faith up to a certain level we will finally achieve the blessing. We can work our way to deserving God's Goodness. This is a mistaken idea. 

 Faith is in our hearts, our spirit man, and released out of our mouth. In other words, we believe what Grace provided is in fact ours now. We speak in agreement with Grace. We say yes to Grace and lay claim to what is ours because of Grace. 

22 Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says. Mark 11:22-23 WEB

 Mark 11 in the WEB translation here is amazing. We must believe what we are saying is actually happening. Who makes it happen? Ourselves? 

 Is it our own goodness causing it to happen? Is it our personal holiness, that is abstinence from sin? Is it our ability to be nice and polite to people, to show love? Is it our ability to give and keep giving? Is it our church attendance? How many messages we listen to? 

 Certainly, it is good and right to walk out this holiness, to abstain from sin. It is good and right to walk in love and be the light and be kind to people. It is good and right to be a generous giver, to support the kingdom financially. It is good and right to go to church regularly and to feed on the Word taught. Yet these things aren't the source of the blessing and benefit and Goodness of God on our behalf.

 We believe what we are saying is happening because Grace made it. Grace has provided all things that pertain to life and godliness. We see what the Finished Work accomplished and we agree with that readily.

 So often we make the assumption that Grace only means Christ died for our sins and gives us the New Birth, eternal life. That Grace is only about forgiving our sins. That Grace is only about giving us new life when we were undeserving. Of course, Grace did that but there is so much more. His Grace provided for total redemption.

 Total redemption is ours through Grace. By Grace we who believe are a New Creation in Christ, forever forgiven and made the Righteousness of God in Him. Grace doesn't just save us, Grace also heals us, prospers us, protects us, and delivers us. This Grace makes us whole, spirit, soul and body. Total redemption through Grace and received by Faith.

 In summation, this Grace is abounding to us. This abounding Grace empowers our Faith. We can trust Christ to provide for all our needs because of His Goodness not our own. Victory is ours by Grace through Faith.


Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Abounding Grace

 


 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to us—see that you abound in this grace also. 2 Corinthians 8:7 MEV

You do well and excel in every respect—in unstoppable faith, in powerful preaching, in revelation knowledge, in your passionate devotion, and in sharing the love we have shown to you. So make sure that you also excel in grace-filled generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:7 TPT


 We who believed have received such abounding Grace. We who received this wonderful free gift of eternal life have experienced His over the top Grace. For those who have yet to receive,  God's Grace is abounding toward them searching for them, inviting them, finding ways to show them God's goodness and love.

 Grace is abounding on the Earth. Grace is constantly revealing itself. God and His Love is pouring out to the multitudes. Many churches and ministries are proclaiming God's Love and goodness and Grace more and more for all to hear. This is a move, this is God reaping the harvest of souls and lives.

 This is good news. Grace is being made known. We who have received Jesus, His free gift of eternal life, we who put our trust in Him, have experienced Grace. It compels us to share it with others. We receive Grace upon Grace and we want others to partake.

 That said what about after we've received this abounding Grace? Is that the end? We receive His Grace, we are then made a new creation, made eternally secure, made perfectly righteous, completely forgiven, and approved of God. Is this it? Is this all Grace does for us? 

 Sometimes it seems that is it. That is we get saved and afterward, it's all up to us to grow up. We are now to rely on our own efforts and doings to grow up. Grace is just the beginning, from here out its work and work and more work. 

Still, to others, it seems that Grace means we receive new life and that's it. There is no maturity. There is no renewing the mind. No growth. Just do whatever you will. Read the Bible? Give? Be a part of a local church? Build relationships? What? I have received Grace, that's all there is. 

 Both ideas are wrong. It's not Grace is the beginning and the rest is performance and hard work. It's not I received Grace, now it's just me and Jesus, I don't need to grow up. Grace is the beginning, the middle, and the end. That is the whole Christian life is about Grace.

 What the Lord is sharing is that Grace is received and afterward it continues working in you and through you. It matures you. It strengthens you. It increases you, the real you, the new creation you, the Righteous you, the forgiven you, the secure you. 

What is Grace? Grace is the unearned undeserved unmerited favor of Almighty God. You can't earn or achieve anything with God. You can't work enough for God to merit anything. When this Grace is received though, it produces an empowerment. Grace empowers you to serve others, to be generous, to believe God, to speak His words and truth. It transforms your desires into passionate devotion. It's His doing not your own that causes this to come to pass. It's abounding Grace.

 In the next few posts, we are going to be looking at how this Grace empowers our Faith. How it empowers our knowledge of Him, our words, and love to others. How it empowers passionate devotion in our lives and motivates us to be a generous blessing to the kingdom of God.

 In summation, Grace is abounding on Earth. Grace is being made known more and more. God is looking for His people to grow up in Grace. To receive it and allow it to empower all areas of our life. Receive His abounding Grace, your life will never be the same.


Image by Treharris from Pixabay 

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Receiving and experiencing the Extravagant, irresistible Love of Father God


Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us... 1 John 3:1a NKJV

 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11 NKJV 

 In our last study, we began looking at the great Love of Father God. We saw what makes this Love so irresistible. We saw His great Love brings forgiveness. No matter how far we've fallen or bad we've messed things up His forgiveness is already there. 

 We saw that His Love brings transformation. That without any accusations and browbeating this extravagant Love alone when received brings about real transformation. We saw this Love gives the gift of no condemnation. This is what makes this Love so irresistible.

 Continuing in examining this Love, let's see the other two areas that make this Love of God so irresistible. Let's examine what makes this Love so extravagant.

The irresistible Love of God empowers

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to theend of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NKJV

 The Lord is telling us when we receive His Spirit we receive the Power of God. God in His great Love grants unto us His Spirit. Think of this. God in His great Goodness and Love bestows His Spirit within us and upon us. 

 Look at the life at the Apostle Peter. He was always eager with his words. He told Jesus he would never leave Him. Yet Peter's actions didn't match his words. Look at this account in Matthew's Gospel

 Peter didn't have the strength inwardly to stand for Jesus and declare he knew Him. Peter felt like a failure. He felt like he didn't belong. He had denied and forsook Christ. Let me tell you though about another aspect that makes this Love that empowers so irresistible, it also brings restoration.

 Look what happens when Jesus arose and the angel gave a message to the disciples seeking for Jesus. Take note the angel gave a specific word to Peter. God had Peter on His mind. His Love was thinking of Peter. 

 God's Love has specific words for you. Words that bring hope. Words that bring comfort. Words that bring life and wholeness. Words that bring restoration. Words that bring healing and empowers you to overcome. 

 Jesus brought about restoration to Peter. When Peter received this empowerment from on High, the Baptism in the Spirit, there was no denying Christ. He boldly proclaimed the risen Christ to a multitude

 This Love empowers us. It emboldens us to walk victoriously. It makes us overcomers. It turns victim mentalities to victor mentalities. We see triumph not defeat. This Love of the Father is so extravagant and irresistible. 

 The irresistible Love of God heals and makes whole

Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Matthew 4:24 NKJV

 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. Matthew 12:15 NKJV

And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. Matthew 14:14 NKJV

 This irresistible Love of the Father heals and makes whole. God and His Love is the reason why He heals. So often traditional religion only attributes miracles and healing to Jesus simply so He would prove His deity.

 They proclaim Jesus only healed when He walked the sandy shores of Galilee because He needed to prove He was God. He needed to prove He was the Messiah. Is this true? 

Yet He warned them not to make Him known, Matthew 12:16 NKJV

 Jesus has just healed the multitude. What a great chance to prove to all He was the Messiah. To prove He was God. Yet Jesus tells them don't say a word. 

 Jesus right here tells us the reason for His actions on Earth. He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons, wrought miracles, and brought supernatural provision not to prove anything. He did these great works because He is love. Because the Spirit was upon Him to do good and free those under the oppression of the enemy. He did all these things because He was representing a Good Father who so loves us all. Love, the irresistible and extravagant Love of God is why Jesus heals.

 God loves you and desires your wholeness too. God is a Good God. He longs to bring life and peace. He longs to bring healing to you. He purchased our healing in the Finished Work. Why? Because God so loves you too.

 In summation, this Love of the Father is so Good. Receive this great Love. It is truly immeasurable. It is irresistible and extravagant. This Love is for you!

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay