Posts Tagged ‘ Grace ’
Who is a God like you, forgiving iniquity and passing over rebellion for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not hold on to his anger forever because he delights in faithful love.
Micah 7:18, CSB
Our God let us make choices that often are not good and cause problems, to rebel against Him. But Jesus came to live, die, and rise again to life for our forgiveness and hope, if we believe.
Then he said, “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.”
Mark 4:9, CSB
Jesus said some things that can be hard to understand or to love out. Let us pray for understanding and the courage to obey.
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 7:1-2, ESV
Life can be hard, so let’s not make it harder on each other with unrighteous, hypocritical judging. Instead, let’s give the same forgiveness our Lord gives us, helping each other be better and grow in Christ.
I preached again!
I was honored to once again be with the brethren in Paulden Christian Fellowship.
As usual, these are my rough notes, so not necessarily everything I said while preaching.
Growing up: Shy kid, but antagonized religious people due to family’s history (hurt), until it clicked. Challenged teachings. Challenging things to hear got to me.
As a Christian: Frequently challenged with tough questions. Had to learn some grace and to develop a squishy-tough skin. (Huggable and patient while shrugging off attacks.)
In Acts 5, we see the early church in a similar situation:
Apostles trying to deal with new people with a need to show grace.
They also keep getting arrested, as seen here. Sometimes freed, as Pastor Paul talked about last week and will be seen again.
Last time, they were freed to go back and preach, which brings us back to being arrested again, picking up in verse 28.
[Read vv. 28-32]
We know we should obey God rather than man, but it can be hard.
“… you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us!”
Yes! We are all guilty of Jesus’ death!
[Read Romans 3:22-25, 6:23; Colossians 2:13-14]
It is our sins that put Jesus on the cross, but it’s also the cross that forgives us, if we have faith in this truth.
Other truths hurt, too, especially when God’s Word intersects with our lives. This is why we need the “squishy-tough skin.”
Our society today says:
“Live your truth.” (John 14:6)
“Love is love.” Or “Just let people do what they want! They’re not hurting anyone.” (1 John 4:16)
“Don’t judge!” (Matthew 7:1-6)
“That’s just your interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)
When we disagree with people, basing it on God’s Word, they will feel attacked and hurt.
We see it with the priests here, who are angry enough to kill.
[Read vv. 33]
When we share God’s truth, it offends our natural senses. “Why can’t I do whatever I want?!”
We’ve each felt it. We may disagree with the Bible, but I guarantee all of our disagreements come from misunderstanding or selfish pride.
The alternative is our next point:
[Read vv. 33-39a – “found opposing God!”]
The Apostles said hurtful things, and many will feel hurt by the truth, but we can learn from Gamaliel.
“Hey, if this isn’t of God, it will blow over.”
Yes, we still defend biblical truth, but who would claim to know as much as Jesus’ Apostles?
Remember, too, that the Apostle Paul had been a student of Gamaliel, but how well did he listen? [Acts 87:58-8:3]
Even as a Pharisee, he followed the leadership of the Sadducees in this area.
But look at Paul’s letters later: he defended truth, called out false teachers, and treated straying believers with grace.
Even in grace, people will react strongly and (sometimes trying to be reasonable) negatively. (Remember, the religious leaders think they’re defending good beliefs!)
[Read vv. 39-42]
The leadership felt like they were letting the Apostles off easy with “merely” a beating.
Think of what’s happening in our society today:
If you’ve ever said anything bad (by current standards), you should be cancelled.
If you disagree with the current standards, you’re a [insert religious/sexual identity]-phobe.
If you think there really is an absolute truth, you’re stupid and wrong.
And they think they’re being kind to everyone else, and even to Christians by trying to help them get over their stuffy old ways.
Yet, our society will vilify and mock us, and we’re even seeing increased reports of attacks on churches, Christians, and ministries and Christian-owned businesses. (Nov. 15, 2023, a pastor was shot in the head while street preaching just 100 miles south of here in Glendale.)
But how can we stay joyful in our faithfulness?
Jesus told us in the Beatitudes that we who are merciful and peacemakers are blessed, and in Matthew 5:10-12 that when we are persecuted, reviled, and mocked that we should rejoice!
Why?
Look at their words: they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. They were considered worthy of the same treatment as our God.
Not for being a jerk.
Not for putting people in their place.
Not for strict adherence to a set of rules (though many will claim that’s all it is.)
They rejoiced knowing they are counted faithful like our Lord.
And we do that when we join them in going house to house teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Remember they met in houses and at the Temple.)
Stay faithful, with grace, patience, and squishy-tough skin.
What does it look like for us?
We keep calm when situations aren’t going the way we would like, remembering everyone is trying to get through this life. [And God is in control!]
We teach others God’s truth, even when it hurts, but with gentleness and respect.
[Read 1 Peter 3:13-17]
We’re in an election year: Stick to biblical truth, but don’t get angry with those who disagree!
We expect that people will disagree with us, but we show grace.
And if someone reviles, mocks, or attacks us:
-We develop that squishy-tough skin. Yes, being vulnerable, but we let their attacks slide off of us.
-We remember that this is how they treated our Lord.
-We rejoice that Christ’s faithfulness has moved through us.
[#1: Truth hurts, but we are faithful to God’s truth.]
[#2: Don’t try to hurt, but be honest and reasonable.]
[#3: Expect to hurt, but stay faithful and joyful.]
Our worthiness is found in Christ alone, and His faithfulness. We are counted worthy when we are found in Him and His truth.
It’s easy to feel like we’re right and deserve better, but the only things Christ promised us are that we will have troubles in this world (John 16:33) and that He is always with us (Matthew 28:20), especially in our troubles.
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Isaiah 60:1, ESV
The Light of the world has come to us, and when we believe in His grace and salvation, His light grows in and through us.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!
Psalm 143:10, ESV
God wants what is best for us, being good and love. He gives us His Word and Holy Spirit to help us do what is good and loving.
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:10, ESV
God became one of us to redeem people from sin and death, known as His Church. Let us likewise live sacrificially in love for others, especially to each other in the Church.
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
Proverbs 19:17, ESV
Just as our Lord became a poor human to save humanity from sin with His generous love and grace, we show His love and grace to others when we help those in need. We are serving Him as He serves through us, and we will draw others to join us as co-heirs of eternal life with Christ.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6, ESV
Our God became a baby. He came out of His love for us and His righteousness, showing His power and grace in restoring us to relationship with Himself.
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
1 Chronicles 16:10, ESV
Because we know that God became one of us to save us from sin and wrath, we can come together as believers and joyfully praise His Name, now and forever!
a simple man of God 