Thought provoking thoughts #1
It always bothers me when people put random scriptures, from “Modern” translations about grace as their status without the entire scripture or thought of what should be said. Most of the time, it’s a subliminal message to someone else.
Someone once said, “never use the pulpit (or in this case the internet) as a cowards fortress.” Please, say what you mean and mean what you say. Scriptures on grace should be used to declare our POSITION IN CHRIST not to defend our CONDITION IN LIFE.
I didn’t do anything to deserve the salvation God provided. But once provided, I had to do something to receive it. By grace I am saved and by grace I can live like it.
Grace is not the level of tolerance God has for my lifestyle, but rather the ability He gives me to conform to His.
I agree. Should we continue in sin so grace can be poured out….NO!!!!
However, I think we as the church have been so quick to condemn non-christians and we need to more than ever talk about grace. Give the message of hope to those that are dying. What would the average christian today say to the woman brought to Jesus… who was caught in the act of adultery? I can tell you by the way many christians, pastors, leaders talk that they would be just like the scribes and Pharisees…ready to stone. The message of hope is receive Christ and be forgiven…and go and sin no more!
Because we have received the grace that was so generously given to us….shouldn’t we then make room for those around us to receive the GIFT of Jesus?
If our only influence Christians and thats the only people who read our facebook..twitter..than we need to get some new influence and win the lost!!!
Great post Pastor Matt!!!