Scripture for Today, 11-18-20: Grace, Reason

  Grace to Keep Going
Regarding circumcision:  "Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension ... the apostles & elders came together to consider this matter & when there had been much disputing. Peter rose up saying unto them, 'Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel & believe. God Who knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us; And put no difference between us & them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore, why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they."

Acts 15:2, 6-11

11-18-20, Pastor Charles Stanley -- As believers, we readily attribute our salvation to God’s grace, but what does “this grace in which we stand” mean to us now (Romans 5:2)? How does it work out in everyday life, especially when we’re going through periods of trial or suffering?

The Lord’s grace releases His supernatural power within us so we can endure life’s hardships with a godly attitude. In fact, we’ll even be able to rejoice in what He is doing in us through the adversity. Nothing looks hopeless when we focus on Him instead of on our problems. We discover the assurance of God’s sustaining presence as He walks with us every step of the way; Jews and Gentiles alike. [Matthew 28:20

Because we’ve experienced His care for us, we are able to show empathy and love to =>

<= others facing hard times even when they've been unkind to us; turn the other cheek so to speak [Luke 6:29]. During fiery trials, grace works to transform our character so that others can see Jesus reflected in us. [Galatians 2:20]

Difficulties in life are unavoidable. So we need a daily dose of God’s grace if we are to walk through trials with confidence that there is great reward on the other side. If we rely on our own strength, however, obstacles will appear insurmountable, leaving us discouraged and ready to give up.

Too often believers rely on Christ for their salvation but then try to go solo. If God’s grace was needed to save us, then logic says we would also need it for the rest of our days; to 'KEEP US.' Only through a continuous infusion of His sustaining power can we live a victorious Christian life.   Psalm 52:8; Romans 11:17, 24
* Source

Hymn: God's Grace here