Title: Grace and Gratitude
Contents
These days, I am studying 1 Corinthians early in the morning, and as I have already said, the apostle Paul became an apostle of Christ Jesus entirely by the will of God. Paul was a man who killed and persecuted all who believed in Jesus. But now, Paul has become a faithful apostle by giving his life for Jesus.
This is a surprising and moving event the more you think about it. Paul's tearful confession is found in Timothy 1:12-15. “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he has regarded me as faithful and has entrusted me with the ministry. I was once a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a rapist, but on the contrary, I found mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord is in Christ Jesus. They abounded exceedingly with the faith and love that were within. These words are acceptable to all, saying that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Among sinners I am chief.”
We can't expect anything in this world without God's grace. Also, what are the needs of believers who want to live faithfully before God and men? That is peace. How can we live without this kind of peace in the hearts of believers who want to live sincerely? So, I would like to experience the power of the gospel through these words with the hope that grace and peace will overflow to us as well.
1. The Apostle Paul's Emotion
Dear all! Please believe that God, who chose Paul by grace from his mother's womb, has called each and every one of you from eternity in God's will. Knowing this is grace. That is why Paul said, “It is the grace of God that I have become who I am.” That's right. If you know that ‘what I am is God’s grace’, I hope that you will continue to believe that ‘what I become is also God’s grace’. I bless you in the name of the Lord to live by this faith.
2. On the overflowing grace
The word grace has several meanings. The first is the word ‘attraction’. Grace is an attraction. As the episcopalist Barclay said, “Christianity without charm is not true Christianity.” A person who has received grace and a church overflowing with grace must be attractive. Even if the church or the saints are not noisy, even if they do not have a great academic background or knowledge, people are attracted to those saints and churches, that is the charm of grace. Just as the scent spreads silently but attracts bees and butterflies from afar, a gracious church must have the charm to attract souls.
According to the story of Maxwell, a missionary in India, he had to learn the local language wherever he went to do missionary work. On one occasion, Maxwell seized the Hindus in a province and asked them to teach them to speak. And he promised to give him whatever he wanted. But the Hindu refused the request. There was only one reason. “There has not been a single person with you who has not been a Christian by this time. That's why I don't like it." Everyone! How charming is that?
Second, the word grace also has the meaning of 'joy'. The saints who have received grace, the church overflowing with grace will overflow with joy. And above all, grace is a free gift of God. God's overflowing love and blessing is grace. The grace of salvation, the grace of eternal life, and the grace of life are all the grace of God. Hallelujah! I pray that you will be filled with this kind of grace as you live in this tired and difficult world.
3. Peace set apart from the world
So, what does the word “peace” mean? This word refers to reconciliation enjoyed in war. It also speaks of the calmness enjoyed in the midst of storms. And it means harmony and harmony in the midst of chaos.
Disputes between companies and employees these days mean that peace is broken. Wars between countries also mean that peace has been broken.
For us saints to truly live in this world is like going through a war in this world. It's like going through a stormy sea. It's like walking through chaos. However, even under such circumstances, believe that believers should and will enjoy the peace that the world cannot give them. That is the peace that God gives.
Dear all! What do we really need, living as saints in a reality like Ephesus, living in Jesus Christ, and experiencing the pain of living faithfully in this world? That is God's grace and we need God's peace.
We may all be too tired right now. Somehow, I feel empty and anxious. This is a sign that we need grace and peace. We cannot live for a moment without God's grace. And the most necessary thing to live is peace. Nothing in the world can give us true grace and peace.
Only the grace and peace of Jesus Christ can bring us true joy and peace. John 1:16 says, “And from his fulness we all received, grace upon grace.” And in John 14:27 it says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”
What did the angels proclaim when Jesus came into the world? It says, “Peace on earth among those with whom he is pleased.” That's right. “Those with whom he is pleased”, it refers to those who have received favor. It was he who cried out to them, "Peace be with you."
When grace comes, there is peace. So, pray for God's grace. Also, I hope that you will become believers who enjoy the peace that Jesus gives. I hope that you will enjoy grace and peace abundantly even in heaven, not just a one-time event.
In the name of the Lord, I pray in the name of the Lord that you will become saints who live in praise and enjoy God's abundant grace and peace in this harsh and evil age like Ephesus.