July 6, 2014
Pastor Eric Wooten
Bible references: Ephesians 2:8-9; Ephesians 1:4; Romans 3:23, Romans 5:6-8, Romans 5:20, Romans 6:1-2; John 3:16; Galatians 1:25; Hebrews 10:29
How are we to live a life that is extraordinary? By tapping into the power that God has given us. Grace is free, it’s a gift that we receive through our faith. Grace is the key concept to understand how God relates to us. It is up to us to receive it. It’s a somewhat scandalous idea – grace. God’s nature has never changed. Jesus was not plan B. God’s nature has always been grace. No matter how often we turn away, God’s grace is there for us. The good news is, since we did not have to do anything to receive grace, there is no way we can lose it.
There are three approaches to grace:
1. Selectively religious – Some trample the spirit of grace when they pick and choose what aspects they like and will follow. They dismiss the ones that do not make sense or may be viewed as inconvenient.
2. Religious way – Some believe we get closer to grace through our actions. The idea of God helps them who help themselves. They create stepping stones to get from where they are to God by works. These people begin to rank sin from absolutely wrong to borderline wrong. With God, sin is sin.
3. Gospel way – (the God-honoring approach) This is done the Gospel way by grace. Under grace God came to us (He took the initiative). God carries us (He took our burdens), and God controls (took the lead).
When we truly come under God’s grace, we can’t help but to transform into his image.