GRACE FOR GRANTED

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

^1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

“Don’t let your conscience become calloused” was the quote I believe.  I also seem to recall that “ignoring conviction can lead to compromise” being part of the little talk. Good words from a good man.  All shared and somewhat referencing a passage that sits as the fundamental core of our work in FREEDOM Church here in Xenia.

Galatians 5:13-15

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom…

“don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom”

I repeated that piece of the passage on purpose.

Often we take “grace for granted”.  GOD has indeed “destined” each of us for a life of FREEDOM.  Eternal FREEDOM was sealed for us at the Cross and with an empty tomb.  That is without question.  This grace is sufficient it covers all sin and opens the door to a life eternal.  We have received it in abundance.

John 1:16

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

Yet we need to be “careful”. What does Paul say in this passage.  In essence he is saying our FREEDOM isn’t for “folly” our FREEDOM is a gift, grace is a gift. 

Ephesians 2:8

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God...

Therefore we should always be grateful for this gift; never allowing ourselves to take it for granted. 

Romans 6:1-2

Well then, shall we keep on sinning so that God can keep on showing us more and more kindness and forgiveness? (GRACE) Of course not!

Instead because of GRACE we should be motivated to “use our FREEDOM” to serve! Serve GOD! Serve one another.  And why? Because when we USE our FREEDOM appropriately, when we honor grace, GOD just wants to give us MORE and MORE FREEDOM!

Galatians 5:15

…use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.

This is why the counsel of my good friend is wise.

Walk in grace and gratitude, find more and more FREEDOM.

Use FREEDOM unwisely and run the risk of losing it; of facing consequences.

“We bear the consequences for what we have done to ourselves, and for the sin that rules this world. Jesus forgave the thief, but he didn't take him down off the cross.”  ― Francine Rivers

Really let that quote sink in the next time you are feeling the conviction of a pending choice or decision and are leaning toward compromise and “misplacing your grace”. Remember that quote when you are feeling calloused or exercising disobedience.

Grace will cover the sin.  Forgiveness WILL follow.  However the consequence of the choice will still remain. 

So instead of compromise, heed the conviction. GOD loves you so much and He is in the business of protecting you.  Instead of becoming calloused to your surroundings or worse yet going with the flow, keep your heart supple and grateful for the grace that allows you to “experience the FREE LIFE!”

Romans 8:2

… the Spirit of life breathes into you and liberates you...

I love you all!

HAVE A BLESSED Day!

Freedom Church

 

Pastor GDelaney