During COVID, people were desperate for oxygen. We receive free oxygen every day and take it for granted. In the same way, we take grace for granted.
THE PERIOD OF GRACE: WHAT IS IT?
It is a time when God pursues people; grace pursues people. It began on the day of Pentecost. It is general grace for all, like rain that falls on the just and the unjust.
God has mercy on whomever He chooses (Romans 9:15). He planned grace before the beginning of time (2 Timothy 1:9). We are bound by grace.
MANY KINDS OF HEART-STATES
There are many kinds of heart-states, yet grace continues to persist:
Some OPPOSE the truth, and we must instruct them gently (2 Timothy 2:26).
Many have a STONY heart (Ezekiel).
The BLIND cannot see the truth (Acts 27:20).
Some are in DARKNESS, but God has delivered us from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13).
Some are IGNORANT of Satan's devices (2 Corinthians 2:11).
We were BESIDE OURSELVES (Luke 15:17).
Some are in a DEEP SLEEP (Ephesians 5:14).
Some are DEAD in sins (Ephesians 2:5).
...and so on.
Grace overtakes us and brings us into the presence of God. By grace we are saved through faith, and this is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).
FORGIVENESS OF SIN
God forgives sins without bias. Grace leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). Grace offers salvation, the forgiveness of sin, and this is a wonderful way God has prepared (Isaiah 45:22). Call upon Him (Joel 2:32). He forgives our sins because:
of His own praise and glory;
for His own sake and for mine (Isaiah 43:25);
He is our only Redeemer (Isaiah 44:22);
He is full of mercy (Isaiah 55:7).
SPIRITUAL FOOD
Every morning, Israel gathered manna (Numbers 7:8). In the same way, the Word comes according to our need; it is food for the soul. We live by every word of God (Matthew 4:4), as He had already commanded Israel (Deuteronomy 8:3). When we wait with desire, we receive the appropriate food. Even the ravens receive their food. God knows which bird needs which food (Psalm 147:9).
Dear child of God, God has been gracious to us. How is the grace of God working in your life today? What a blessed life we have in Christ, who upholds us in His grace. Grace builds us into maturity as we submit to God's Word. May grace multiply in your life!
Maranatha. Praise God, and Amen.
(Sermon excerpts)
