Grace
Ruby Kratzer Holman, Chino Hills, CA
Catagory: Volume 2, Issue 3 and 4 March/April 2000
There are a lot of definitions one might give for grace. Most recently in a Bible class we were ask in what ways can we identify grace in our lives?
Grace means different things to different people. The definition of grace in each of our lives is a reflection of our relationship we have with God. Grace identifies our stand with God. Rev. Cris Weinard our pastor defines grace as going down into a wine cellar, with a glass to be filled, and finding oneself instead surrounded by great vats of wine (God's grace) in overwhelming abundance.
I relate grace as a warm Spring rain that comes down from nowhere, that refreshes and embraces life in the abundance and changes everything it touches.
Rob Rufus book, "Living In the Grace of God" lists ten definitions of grace, all of which relates to our relationship with God. Each characteristic definition of grace equips and inspires us to a supernatural dimension of spiritual maturity.
Grace prepares us for things that God has already prepared for us. Grace in a simple context is: "GOD'S UNLIMITED FAVOR". Grace is not what we do for God, but what God does for us.
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, Romans 8:3-4. Since righteousness of the law must be fulfilled in us we cannot abolish the law although we are now living under grace.
The law (The Ten Commandments) was given by God to call man to repentance. Without repentance, grace cannot abound. When we see judgement and punishment through breaking the law, grace is of major importance.
Hebrews the eleventh chapter is known as the faith chapter, which speaks of the faith of Abraham, Issac, Joseph, Moses and of the Harlot Rahab. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect, Hebrews 11:39-40.
To be receivers and partakers of Grace we must break down old mind sets. Cynicism and skepticism are curses on our lives. They are devices of the enemy used to deceive and blind us from the truth. Scripture tells us we are to renew our minds daily, freeing our minds of all negative thoughts of God.
Time spent through PRAYER brings intimacy with Christ. We are then able to obtain wisdom and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When we seek God, more grace flows in our lives.
But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5
Grace brings power into our lives. When we understand "UNMERITED FAVOR" of boundless grace and the blessings that ate showered upon us because of grace, we can raise our expectations in our lives to be blessed and to be prosperous.
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, Acts 4:33-34. When grace comes upon a church, all needs are met: physical, financial, relational, and spiritual.
Grace came upon Peter in the form of a mighty rushing wind and blew him into the next phase of purpose, God had for his life. Grace had increase so in Peter's life that his shadow was enough to bring about healing to the sick.
The ANOINTING which is so essential in our Christian walk is God bringing grace into our lives. The ANOINTING is a tangible substance and the essence of God's presence. The greater the ANOINTING, the greater the abundance of grace.
God's GRACE is not only UNMERITED, but UNLIMITED, to ALL those who seek him with their WHOLE HEART.
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Reply #1 on : Mon January 10, 2011, 21:03:43