Tag: grace
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Does Doing Good Make You Good?

I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly. Galatians 2: 21 This passage always makes me pause. Why? It’s because of how little Peter did to bring it about. I know, as a leader he should have considered the consequences of his choice. However,…
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Faith Through Disappointment (part 2)

Then the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by her husband, yet an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the sons of Israel though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes.” (emphasis mine) Hosea 3:1 Remember what we learned a couple of weeks ago: God knows disappointment.…
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Faith, Grace, and Real Life – Forgiveness

“My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:35 Words have power. They do not have the power of magic, but the meanings of words can change our lives. We see this any time we talk to someone and they…
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The Transforming Power of Grace
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Today we think of the power of God’s grace. To me the power of grace is both extremely encouraging and seriously convicting. The encouragement of grace is that God promises…
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Our Redeeming God
Today I want to think a little deeper about our struggle with grace. In fact, I think that this part of grace is something with which we all struggle. I know that some people struggle with the fact that God’s grace is for them. However, that isn’t the root of our struggle. I know that…
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Grace, Meant to Be Lived Out
Grace. We hear the word in church. Hopefully, we understand that the grace of God is what has saved us. God’s forgiveness offered to us through Jesus is glorious! Have we thought about what that word is supposed to mean to us every day? Is it a religious term that stays in our Bibles and…
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The Mystery of Knowing God
Mysteries. They catch my fascination. I love a good who-done-it. They stretch my mind. They capture my imagination. They make me want to solve the puzzle before it is revealed. Have you ever thought of the wonderful mystery of knowing God? I mean, He is there – the King of the universe – and He…
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The Power We Have (encouragement)
This week I am thinking about God’s uncommon faithfulness. He was faithful to Paul when he was heading to Rome. Paul’s relationship with God tells us much about God’s relationship with all of His people. God is faithful. He encourages. He works when we cannot see Him. He cannot be stopped! (See Acts 27-28) This…
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The Confidence of Knowing God’s Love
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, 2 Corinthians 4:1 Did you have a grandmother like mine? In my grandmother’s house there were smells and expressions that told me I was loved and safe. Smiles, fresh-baked chocolate chip (or oatmeal) cookies, and hugs were common. So, there…
