Grace In Times Of Trouble (Part VI)

The High Cost of God’s Grace – Read: Luke 7:36-39 “And one of the Pharisees desired Him that He would eat with him. And He went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. 37) And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38) And stood at His feet behind Him weeping, and began to wash His feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed His feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39)Now when the Pharisee which had bidden Him saw it, He spoke within Himself, saying, This man, if He were a Prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is who touches Him: for she is a sinner.”

     The evening was cool – the Capernaum sky clear and alive with the brilliance of thousands of twinkling stars. Mary knew where she could find Jesus. That night He was at the home of Simon the Pharisee.

     Clutching the bottle of expensive perfume, she moved through the doorway to where Jesus and the others were seated. She realized her actions would draw their scorn. Only Jesus would understand the motive of her heart.

     As she knelt and broke the seal to the fragrant oil, her eyes met His and something passed between them feelings of love, yes, but not human or emotional love. It was something that was holy and pure. No matter what her past contained, the moment she bowed her heart in repentance, God’s forgiveness was hers.

     Mary responded in humility and repentance. His grace sufficiently covered and cleansed her sin. Many think the idea of unconditional love cheapens God’s grace. But nothing can devalue such an expensive gift.

     The high cost of God’s grace meant Jesus had to die so we, like this woman, could experience forgiveness and eternal life. Only Christ can save us from our sins, and only He can offer the grace we need to live confident and secure. And all this is because of what Jesus did at the cross.

     I love the Song: “Oh The Blood Of Jesus…Oh The Blood Of Jesus…Oh The Blood of Jesus – It Washes White As Snow.” The High Cost of God’s Grace was paid just for you. Do you know Jesus? You can right now! Ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your heart.

Series: Grace In Times Of Trouble (Part V)

The Throne of Grace – Read: Hebrews 7:22-28  22) “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. 23) And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24) But this man, because he continue ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that comes unto God by him, seeing he ever live to make intercession for them. 26) For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27) Who needs not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28) For the law makes men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, make the Son, who is consecrated for evermore”.

     Moments after Jesus died on the cross, the earth shook mightily, and the heavy veil in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:51)

     For hundreds of years, this veil had separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. No one except the high priest could enter this sanctified place where God manifested His presence. The High Priest himself; ventured in only once a year for a special sacrifice.

     By shedding His holy blood for sinners, Jesus tore away the barrier between man and God. You don’t have to depend on an earthly priest to pray for you. You don’t have to fear or wonder if God loves you or listens to you. When you accept His payment for your sin, He is your eternal Lord and Savior. “[Jesus] is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (v. 25)

     You have the guarantee of a never-ending relationship with the God who never deserts you, who is always near. His grace and mercy are available in unlimited supply. You can approach Him with any request, with every concern and question. Call on Jesus any time; His once-for-all sacrifice lets you enjoy everlasting fellowship with your heavenly Father.  

Series: Grace In Times Of Trouble (Part IV)

The Transforming Grace of God – Read: Ephesians 4:17-24   17) This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18) Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20) But ye have not so learned Christ; 21) If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22) That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

     Have you ever been misunderstood by friends or family members who haven’t accepted Jesus as their Savior? They may have accosted you with a statement such as: “You’re different somehow. You don’t think like everyone else.” 

     That is absolutely true. The moment Jesus enters your life, you are never the same. “You were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord . . .” (Ephesians 5:8). He changes your outlook, your actions, and even your thought patterns as you study His Word and absorb His truth. (Romans 12:2).

     As you become more like Jesus, you develop attitudes and characteristics that mark you as His.

·        Humility – You recognize that God alone forgives your sin and makes you a new person (Ephesians 2:8-9). You know you don’t deserve His mercy, and nothing you do can earn His love, a free gift of grace.

·        Dependence – You don’t rely solely on your own capabilities or intelligence but desire to do God’s Will and serve others.

·        Confidence – You don’t fear failure or the unknown. God has a plan for your life, and He works all things together for your good. (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28)