How hard is life? I know that for me, it seems like I try so hard and do so much only to come up empty. I can remember back when I was in 9th grade, I had to move. The cool thing about this move is that I was actually moving back to the town in which I had spent all of my elementary days. I just knew I would pick right back up with my old friends and that it would be like I never left. I was dead wrong!! For some reason, things were not the same and I tried so hard to make new friends and to fit in to this new surrounding. I discovered that life was tough and, not to bust your bubbles, but it doesn’t get much easier. Life is hard. Life takes guts and courage and no one gives you anything for nothing. However, God, in his splendor and glory, through Christ stands ready to offer that which we cannot buy and that which we cannot afford. He stands to offer us life. He tells us, “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden’s light.”[1]
God, by His grace, offers to us life and purpose that is centered on the greatness of God himself. This life, though foolish to the world, is abundant and joyful. It overflows with the mercy of God. It overwhelms the guilty and wondering heart with love that is freeing and pursuing. It is a life that chooses us and not us choosing it. The basis of grace is God himself who simply draws us with His Spirit. Grace. Never has a word spoken such truth.
1.) What is Grace?
A.) It is God’s goodness to those who deserve only punishment.
B.) It is an unmerited, unique gift that God gives to us in Christ that both forgives us and teaches us how to live.
2.) What do we do with Grace?
A.) We Rejoice in Grace – 1 Peter 1:8,9
B.) We Live in Grace – 1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 1:12; Hebrews 13:9
C.) We Grow in Grace – 2 Peter 3:18
D.) We Speak with Grace – Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6
E.) We are Strengthened by Grace – 2 Timothy 2:1; Hebrews 13:9
3.) Why Grace?
A.) Only God knows.
B.) Without it we are hopeless and unable to escape from this prison of wrath.
4.) How do we experience Grace?
A.) Only through Faith – Ephesians 2:8,9
B.) Faith is putting your complete trust in someone other than yourself.
C.) Grace and Faith mirror each other because they are actions that happen to us and not something we cause ourselves.
[1] Matthew 11:29,30
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