Grace

Grace is a gift we receive in coming to faith in Christ.  The apostle Paul speaks of grace as a gift of God in Ephesians 2:8. We are unworthy of such grace, yet God offers it freely in love. But is grace simply something we embrace and claim for ourselves, or is there another application of this wondrous gift?  J. Brent Bill, in his book "Life Lessons From a Bad Quaker: A Humble Stumble Toward Simplicity and Grace," says that grace isn't just a gift we receive, but also one we share. In other words, touched by the grace of God that transforms my life, I am then to reach out to others, extending that same grace that can transform existing relationships, build bridges to new relationships, and help redeem and bring healing to broken hearts and lives. 

The Third verse of Ira Wilson's great hymn text, "Make Me a Blessing,"  conveys this truth. "He writes, "Give as 'twas given to you in your need, love as the Master loved you; Be to the helpless a helper indeed, unto your mission be true."  Perhaps you have not thought of extending grace as a mission. Look around you...perhaps it is time for you and me to truly embrace this mission; blessed to be a blessing.

We got off to a great start with our August Sundays last week. This Sunday, Jeff Brown will bring special music and we will also have a quartet. Sofia Bryant will be baptized, we will share in a conversation about the power of perseverance, and I will bring a message from Hebrews 12:1-3 entitled, "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize."  Join us at 9:30 a.m. for worship and then stay for fellowship time in Whitten Hall immediately after. Invite someone to join you.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Jim Abernathy