Grace

Church today was amazing.

The topic was the Gospel of grace… and how most of us never grasp the true meaning.

How we know the facts of Christian theology or principles, but fail to live with a revived heart.

How we claim to know God, but are falling apart because we do not recognize that the Gospel is more than just knowing the plan of salvation.

How we speak of grace, but live devoid of it.

How we replace true grace with rules and steps and principles and methods.

How the dichotomy that reigns in churches and homes and individuals is nothing like what God intended.

And how God does not ask us to do or to work or to strive. Because our striving can never get us close. Because our righteousness is like filthy rags. Because on our most glorious, righteous day and on our worst, most scarred and sin-filled day, it is only the blood of Christ that covers us. Because in God’s sight, one day is no better nor worse than the next.

Rather, Christ’s blood alone allows us to approach the throne of grace. Reconciliation has already occurred. Total acceptance is ours this very moment. There is no part that He looks at and merely ‘tolerates.’ Rather, every part of our being is fully accepted by Him, through the blood of Jesus. As the visiting pastor said this morning, “God not only loves you. He likes you.”

And recognizing that it is only, only, ONLY grace can allow us to live every day and every moment with revival in our hearts and grace on our lips.

Prayer

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed is Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." ~Matthew 6:9-13

"Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain." ~1 Chronicles 4:10

"I am praying, not only for these disciples, but also for all who will ever believe in Me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one… and may they be in Us so the world will believe You sent Me. I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one... May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me. Father, I want these whom You have given Me to be with Me where I am. Then they can see all the glory You gave Me because You loved Me even before the world began… then Your love for Me will be in them and I will be in them." ~John 17:20-25

One minute...

This is an amazing and powerful message. Sometimes the best things are the most simple... this message is only one minute long.

http://www.francisanfuso.com/wp-content/uploads/14-Francis-Being-A-Doctor1.mp3

I am convicted. Do I live my life focused on intentional healing, or do I relive the pain and hurt that has been caused? God is for me... who can be against me? I need to start living that.