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Christianity was supposed to be about becoming like Jesus. | |
We went in the wrong direction. |
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Living by Grace
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| “Grace” is one of
those words that can seem to mean something good but sill be not
specifically understood. It is used to translate the Greek word
“Charis” which means graciousness, giving, good will, or gift. When
used of God it represents what is offered to all men because of the
faith of Christ. We have to opportunity to be placed into what is
called the “body of Christ” by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9, 1Cor
12:27). This condition gives one eternal life and spiritual
regeneration as a new creature (2Cor 5:17). Often Christians are unaware that we are also expected to live by grace as well as be saved by it (Col 2:6). The ability to receive grace appears to be contingent upon humility (James 4:6). What many fail to appreciate it that this grace can involve instruction. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; - Titus 2:11-12 God’s grace is multifacted and operates in various ways for various people at various times. For Christians today we have already received the grace to become Christians. However, to receive the instruction that continuing grace would provide us depends on choices we make. If we continue to live in the flesh (selfishness) we will not be able to profit much from this grace (Gal 5:17). This is called “quenching” the Spirit (1Thess 5:19). One way to appropriate daily grace to have a “renewed” mind (Rom 12:2). This might be seen in appropriating the mind of Christ (Phil 2:5). If our thinking becomes like that of Christ, our actions and words will follow. We can be aided in this by knowing Christ, his character, and his words through the bible. Paul speaks to this knowledge of Christ (1Cor 2:2). Paul writes the Romans about the transformation a renewed mind can bring. The first thing he cites is the elimination of pride (Rom 12:2-.3). To make use of the grace God provides, one has to make choices. These are not so much accomplishments, but rather changes in configuration. It is sort of like changing an antenna so that the correct signal can be received. There are fleshly enticements such as sensual indulgence, indulging wrath, and delusional thinking. There are worldly enticements like wealth, fame, and power that appeal to the ego. However, the Christian needs to see these in truth such that not only do they lose any appeal, they are seen as shameful passions. When the Christian can walk by the Spirit and see an opportunity to help another, forebear a wrong, or show kindness as an enticement, he has come far in his Christian walk. It is the daily grace available from God that assists one in following this path. Grace is something that we can access (Rom 5:2). Grace is something that we can abound in (2Cor 8:7). One might consider that grace is like a river current that one can diverge from (Gal 5:4). One might think of grace as the light that comes from God through Christ. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: - Ephesians 5:8 |
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Information about Christianity and the Christian life. |
Pictures and views of our farm | Some of our animals | See some of the old-fashioned crafts we are trying to relearn | ||