June 1st, 2019

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” Titus 2:11
 
Lately God is showing me how grate- ful I need to be for all the blessings we receive. It is the grace of God. We often talk about the topic of grace but it seems so elusive to describe it. Grace simply stated, is the unmerited favor of God. Our salvation is through grace Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Faith does not only believe that God can save the world, it believes that God, based upon His promise in HIS word, applies that for- giveness to our lives. Titus 2:11 says, “the grace of God that brings salvation…” Grace of God is not something that is hidden or something that is obscure… that we need to search for and hope we might discover it. It has been revealed. In 2 Timothy 1:9 it says, “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” God saved us, called us because of grace.
God’s grace is extended to every one of us. We need to reach out to receive the gift. It can never be achieved–it can only be received. One does not earn it or qualify for it. IT IS A FREE GIFT. Let us read some points of what grace is… + Grace acknowledges the full implication of sin and yet does not condemn. + Grace is never just enough, grace is always far more than enough. + God’s expressions of grace are innumerable, His requirements are minimal. + From the very beginning God has responded to the sin of humanity with amazing grace. + God chose to extend grace to a graceless world because of His love. “And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness, ”and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” James 2:23-24 + The right standing with God comes through faith in the promises of God. + The presence of grace means that sometimes we don’t get the consequences we deserve

+ Grace is not reserved for good people–grace underscores the goodness of God. + God initiated a relationship with His people before He even told them what the rules were–Grace. + The law of God is an expression of his grace. + Discipline is often an expression of grace. + God’s discipline is not a payback but to bring us back. + Receiving grace is often easier than giving grace. + Grace is inviting to the unrighteous and threatening to the self-righteous. + Grace fills the gaps created by our sin or others. Grace allows us to honestly face our past without being controlled by it. The topic of grace of God is inexhaustible. Let us continue to explore it and be blessed by it. Hope you will have a blessed summer–be safe and enjoy the family. God bless, Pastor Shaker 

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