Monday, June 1, 2015

Baggage Claim – June 1, 2015









Galatians 6:1-2     Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.…

Matthew 18:15     "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.

1 Corinthians 4:21     What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?

1 Thessalonians 4:1     As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

It's time for grace to be enjoyed and freely given, not denied or debated.  —Chuck Swindoll 

Today, this very second—there are millions of people, maybe even you reading this message, are living  lives in shame, fear, and intimidation;  you should be free, productive individuals. The tragedy is that people have come to believe that they are meant to live their lives under duress. Some people have never known that the truth can offer a liberation that is in conflict with their understanding. They are victimized,  living on a personal and mental death row instead of enjoying the abundant life Christ. It’s sad that most of us don't have a clue as to what we are missing because we have never taken the time to fully embrace God.

It all adds up to grace. Good, bad, otherwise, the package in its entirety is grace, graciousness and grace filled.  Our grace is being  is under a constant violent barrage. People and theologians alike have gotten comfortable in debating grace; using it as a vague term or principle to garner favor with a crowd rather than acknowledging it as a provision from God. Grace is a gift that is meant to be received, embraced and lived out in its richness, fullness and boldness to show God acting at His best on our behalf. Grace is not meant to be dissected and analyzed; God loves us all equally grace is NOT a bargaining chip for favor and no one group has a patent on it!

Receiving grace and not extending it in return is a dead gesture. To spend  time debating how grace is received or how it is a necessity for salvation, without ever understanding what it means to live by grace and learning to live in and enjoy the freedoms it brings leads to unnecessary quarrel and divisiveness in the kingdom.  


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