God’s Grace is available to everyone, and at all times. So here is the way I see it: first, there is Common Grace, the Grace of God over every human to do the good we ought to, even before we are moved to know Him. Apart from that, we immoral, fallen human could do no good at all. Then there is this Prevenient Grace, that we talked about yesterday, which moves us to seek something beyond just MMI, which hopefully, leads us to seek our Creator God. If we seriously respond to this Grace, God continues leading us towards Justifying Grace, where we admit we are a sinner in desperate need of a Savior because we realize we cannot do anything to be rid of this sinfulness. Where we repent of our sinfulness and humbly come to Jesus and receive His Saving work on the Cross. If we sincerely repent, this quickly fills us with Saving Grace, where the Holy Spirit enters into our dead spirits and grants us Eternal Life. Then we begin to live by God’s Sustaining Grace, where He works with us to grow in His Love and Grace, to be transformed into His likeness. Notice that wherever you are in this process, and even if you are not yet in this process, God’s Grace is available to everyone. This is clear evidence that God indeed loves everyone. The issue is: are we loving Him in return? And even for this, we all need God’s Grace!
Listen, I get it if you are not a Bible nerd like me, yet this is still important to know because we each must assess where we are in our walk with Christ, so we can keep growing. Are you still living life as if God is not real? Then you can still experience God’s Common Grace, but will not be saved for all Eternity. Have you been stirred to search for a “higher power” as many call it, but have still not sought the God of the Bible? Then you are sensing God’s Prevenient Grace. Let Him continue to work in your heart and lead you to Him. Do you see your need for The Savior, but have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus? Then won’t you do that right now? A simple and sincere prayer acknowledging your sinfulness and gratitude towards the Father for sending His Son, the Son for paying your sin debt and the Holy Spirit for entering your heart, is all you have to humbly say to receive God’s Justifying and then, Saving Grace. Then continue to draw close to God and allow Him to mature you by His Sustaining Grace. This is when the Abundant Life becomes increasingly real, and progressively fulfilling for us. It is here where God can use us to be a part of His Prevenient Grace towards those around us. How lovely is it that God’s Grace is always available to us, and in addition, His Grace towards us can be a door of Grace towards others?! Grace, Grace, and more Grace! What a Gracious God!
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
December: Emmanuel: “The Pursuit of God- The Human Thirst for the Divine” by AW Tozer
<>< Peace, Diane
