30 May 2023-
In a world burdened by religious legalism, where guilt, condemnation, and shame suffocate the joy of believers, it is time to embrace a transformative message. We, as the people of God, are called to be the bearers of a powerful truth—the Gospel of Grace. Like gasoline to a smoldering wick, Grace has the potential to reignite our lives, bringing back the vibrant light of life, freedom, and joy. As we move forward, uncertain of what lies ahead, we can find solace in the secure embrace of Grace, which promises to hold us firm. Let us embark on a journey together, building a church that thrives under the construction of Grace.
Embracing Freedom:
The prevailing mindset of religious legalism has inflicted immense harm on countless lives. It has imposed heavy burdens, fostered fear, and created a spiritual environment that stifles growth and authenticity. But now, the time has come to break free from these shackles. Grace offers a way out, a liberating path that leads us toward a deeper relationship with our Creator. It reminds us that we are not defined by our mistakes, but rather by the unmerited favor and love bestowed upon us.Rekindling Joy:
The wet blanket of guilt, condemnation, and shame has dampened the joy of many believers. However, Grace has the power to revive our spirits, rekindling the flames of joy within us. When we truly grasp the profound nature of God’s grace, we can let go of our self-imposed burdens and embrace a life filled with laughter, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. In this new paradigm, we find that joy becomes an integral part of our daily lives and serves as a testimony to the transformative power of Grace.An Uncertain Future Anchored in Grace: As we navigate the uncertainties of the future, we can take solace in the assurance that Grace will hold us secure. Unlike the suffocating grip of religious legalism, Grace is a constant companion that guides us through life’s challenges, failures, and successes. It reminds us that our worth is not based on our performance, but rather on the immeasurable love of our Heavenly Father. In the face of adversity, Grace empowers us to persevere, knowing that we are not alone but accompanied by a God who is faithful and ever-present.
Conclusion:
The construction of a church under the banner of Grace is an ongoing process—a journey we embark on together. By embracing the liberating message of Grace, we can let go of the chains that hinder our growth and truly experience the abundant life that God has intended for us. Let us fan aflame the flames of joy and freedom, sharing the glorious message of Grace with a world in desperate need of its transformative power. Together, we can build a church that embodies the true essence of the Gospel—love, acceptance, and unending grace.
25 May 2023-
The message of Grace is powerful and transformative, but it doesn’t always receive the unanimous applause we might expect. As I embarked on sharing this Good News, I quickly realized that people’s responses varied widely. Some embraced it with open arms, while others struggled to grasp its depth. In this blog post, we will explore the joys, challenges, and frequently asked questions that arise when encountering the liberating message of Grace.
Mixed Reactions: Embracing Grace with Open Arms
When I first shared the message of Grace, I had envisioned everyone rejoicing and celebrating its liberating power. However, reality proved more nuanced. Some individuals readily embraced Grace, experiencing a newfound sense of freedom and joy. They discovered that God’s love was not contingent on their performance or adherence to rules. Grace transformed their relationship with the Heavenly Father, enabling them to approach Him with renewed confidence and trust.
The Excesses: Navigating Freedom with Wisdom
In the midst of embracing Grace, there were those who misinterpreted its message as a license for indulgence and self-centeredness. Some used the freedom offered by Grace as an excuse to pursue their own desires without regard for others. It became evident that while Grace provides freedom, it also demands responsibility. We had to exercise patience, allowing individuals time to detox from legalism and understand the true essence of Grace. For those making unwise choices, a gentle rebuke was necessary to guide them towards a path of wisdom.
The Varying Spiritual Journey: Supporting Each Other in Faith
Within any church community, there is a spectrum of spiritual growth. Some individuals flourish in their faith, while others face challenges and struggles. It is important to recognize that as messengers of Grace, our primary role is to preach the Gospel, offering freedom and hope to all. We are not expected to be financial advisors, marriage counselors, or psychotherapists. Rather, our focus is on unveiling the transformative power of Grace and its ability to address the heart of every situation.
The Heart Transformation: Living and Praying Differently
When Grace truly impacts our lives, we undergo a profound heart transformation. We begin to see our Heavenly Father in a completely new light, understanding His unconditional love and acceptance. This revelation influences the way we approach Him in prayer, with boldness and assurance. Grace empowers us to live differently, embracing a life of righteousness and authenticity. It opens doors to victorious faith, enabling us to overcome challenges and walk in the fullness of God’s grace.
Conclusion:
Navigating the joys, challenges, and frequently asked questions surrounding the message of Grace is an integral part of our journey as believers. While some may readily embrace this Good News, others require time and guidance to fully comprehend its depth and implications. As we walk alongside one another, let us extend patience and understanding, rebuking when necessary, and always pointing back to the transformative power of Grace. Through this message, we discover a new way of living, praying, and approaching our Heavenly Father. May our lives reflect the victorious faith that Grace brings, and may we continually experience the unmerited favor and love of our gracious God.
16 May 2023-
When we first discover God’s amazing grace, it fills us with overwhelming joy and excitement. It’s like finding something incredibly special that words can’t fully describe. At first, we may not worry about all the complicated teachings and ideas. That comes later. Many others who have experienced this same grace have reacted with the same kind of enthusiasm. Sometimes, in our excitement, we use simple phrases and sayings that might confuse people who don’t understand what we’re talking about. But what we’re saying is firmly based on what the Bible teaches. In fact, it’s the most important message in the whole Bible!
Finding the Right Words
To help others understand this incredible message of God’s grace, we need to find the right words to explain it. It might sound like a difficult task, but we don’t need to make it too complicated. Even children can understand the good news of the Gospel.
The Bible’s Main Message
The message of God’s grace isn’t something hidden or small in the Bible. It’s the main theme that runs throughout the entire book. Sometimes, when we share this life-changing truth, we might use common sayings or general statements that confuse people who haven’t heard it before. But what we’re really saying is firmly rooted in what God says in the Bible.
Teaching How to Study the Bible
It’s important to teach believers how to study the Bible correctly. This doesn’t have to be hard. We can approach it like children, with simplicity and curiosity. We need to understand the context, history, and different types of writing in the Bible. By learning these things, we can read the Bible with clarity and understanding.
The Simple Message
Although the Bible is deep and meaningful, we can take comfort in knowing that its central message is simple. The Gospel reveals God’s unconditional love, His plan to save us through Jesus Christ, and the offer of eternal life for everyone who believes. By focusing on these basic truths, we can share the amazing message of God’s grace with others.
Conclusion
As believers, we have encountered something truly incredible—the message of God’s grace. Sometimes, in our excitement, we might use phrases that sound too simple or cliché. But we need to remember that the main theme of the Bible is based on this message. By finding the right words to explain God’s grace, we can help others understand it easily.
It’s also important to teach believers how to study the Bible correctly. We don’t need to make it complicated. By approaching it with childlike curiosity, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
Ultimately, the message of God’s grace is profound yet simple. It’s the good news of God’s love, salvation through Jesus, and the offer of eternal life. Let’s continue to explore the Bible’s treasures and share the transformative power of God’s grace with a world that needs hope and redemption. May we be messengers of His love, sharing His Word in a way that touches hearts longing for a fresh start.
09 May 2023-
The question “What happened to you?” can be a powerful one, especially when asked by someone close to you, like your spouse. It can spark introspection and lead to profound revelations. For me, it led to a revelation of the Good News of Grace.
As a Christian, I have always believed in the importance of grace. It is, after all, at the heart of the Gospel message. But like many others, I had unknowingly allowed legalism to creep into my faith. It happened gradually, without me even realizing it. And before I knew it, I had lost my joy.
I remember the moment when my wife asked me what had happened to me. At first, I didn’t know how to answer. But as I thought about it, I realized that I had been overwhelmed by God’s grace. I had rediscovered the power of the Gospel message and the unchangeable approval of God over my life.
This wasn’t the first time I had experienced such a transformation. When I was first Born Again, the message of God’s grace had spoken to me in a powerful way. But over time, I had let legalism and performance-based thinking take over.
I realized that grace is not just an important aspect of the Gospel message, it is the essence of it. Without grace, Christianity can become just another legalistic religion. And when we lose sight of grace, we lose our joy.
But rediscovering grace is a game-changer. It has brought back the joy and freedom that I had been missing. It has allowed me to experience God’s love in a whole new way. And it has reminded me that God’s grace is not something we earn or deserve, but something freely given to us.
If you’re feeling like you’ve lost your joy or your first love, take a moment to reflect on the message of grace. Let it sink in and transform you from the inside out. Remember that God’s grace is unchangeable and that it is the heart of the Gospel message. And may you too experience the joy of rediscovering grace.
Practical Guide to read your Bible
– 01 April 2022
I am sure that you would agree with me that it is very important to get God’s Word into our hearts and lives. Even if you read the whole Bible cover to cover, you can feel very puzzled or completely miss what it is saying to you.
Often it is because you need to slow down, take time with the Holy Spirit and ask a few questions to help you on your journey.
I have put together a very practical, simple and beneficial exercise to help you with your journey with the Holy Spirit – Remember, the Holy Spirit is our teacher and He loves his job.
So when you are ready, get your Bible, a notepad and pen, and a cup of coffee, make sure you block off some time for just you and the Holy Spirit. (You can do this exercise with your family as.)
Open up the Bible to any scripture that you feel is pressing down in your heart.
Here is an Example…
John 1:10-13 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
In order to receive maximum benefit from the scripture, we should ask ourselves:-
1 After reading this passage, and then, without looking at it, put it in your own words. (writing it out is even better!)
2 Then re-read the passage and see if you left anything important out.
3 What does this passage tell you about God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)?
4 What does this passage tell you about people (yourself)?
5 If this passage is a message from God to you, what, in your life would (or would need to) change?
6 Do you know someone who would benefit from hearing this message?
7 When are you going to tell them?
My challenge to you this month is to do this exercise with either your family or with yourself and enjoy your journey as you put the Word into practice in your life.
May God’s Word GROW and produce a HARVEST in your life as you PLANT IT in fertile soil!
Lots of love