Let's receive the grace given to us
Content Subject: Let's receive the grace given to us
Bible: Philippians 1:29-30, Acts 10: 24-38
The word "graceful" here implies the connotation of giving privileges. In essence, <grace> is a glorious gift that is freely given regardless of human effort or value. Unlike other religions, our Christianity is a religion of grace, a religion of grace. God bestows a variety of His gifts to our believers.
First, the grace of faith
Verse 29 says, “For it has been granted to you for the sake of Christ, not only to believe in him, but…” It is true that man is not destined to undergo any moral change without his own efforts. Therefore, we must strive for moral change. But what we need to know here is that no human action can be the cause of salvation. Our salvation is a gift received only through faith. Therefore, faith is essentially an action independent of human merit. Faith and salvation are gifts from God and cannot be bought by human works, knowledge, or money. The only basis for salvation is God's free grace and love. Absolute grace and absolute love. I realize that the grace of believing that the Lord Jesus is my Savior is the most precious and noble grace. If there is a subject for our prayer here today, Mark 9:24 "Lord, I believe. Help me in my unbelief.
Second, the grace of suffering
Verse 29 says, "He also caused me to suffer." Not everyone wants suffering and everyone hates it. Nevertheless, suffering is unavoidable and cannot be resisted. It is true that pain and misery come from one person to another and remain with the individual. Here you can see that the eyes of suffering are also different in various ways. We see suffering as a method of refinement. It is God's way to develop a person of faith like pure gold by refining it through fiery trials.
But the text says, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. In other words, the suffering that comes to our members is the grace that God bestows.
Third, the grace of patience and peace
Verse 30, “You also have the same battle, which I have seen in me, and I have heard it in me now.” Here, “I have seen in me” refers to the fact that the early Philippians saw the sufferings of the Apostle Paul. Patience and peace are gifts of Christ and expressions of faith. We cannot stand the wrath of those who persecute us without patience and the shield of peace. It gives off a strong scent. The decisive force that moves faith is the grace of God.
Starting tonight, the Gwangju branch of the Korean evangelization movement will hold the torch. Let's think about how we can receive special grace ahead of this crusade. Considering the case of Cornelius-
1) Those who gather receive grace.
Verse 24: “Cornelius gathered his family and close friends and waited.”
Are you sure that Peter, the man of God, will come and anticipate the arrival time?" He was waiting. While listening to the Word, he was filled with the Holy Spirit. The place where the name of the Lord is gathered is the church. It is the work of Satan to abolish gatherings. We will receive grace when we diligently participate in large and small gatherings.
2) Those who wait will receive grace.
Today, Cornelius, in verse 24, "gathered his family and close friends and waited for them." Psalm 107:9 "He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good things."
3) When we gather and listen to the Word, we receive grace. The church is a place where we gather to hear the word of God.
Healthy people enjoy all food. All food is tasteless to the sick. We pray for grace by attending the crusade time
Let's gather diligently and receive great grace while listening to the Word. Amen.