WORD OF THE WEEK - GRACE - 2/23/25

Definition: Grace is the simple elegance or refinement of movement; courteous goodwill;Grace in Christian belief is the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.
Scriptures:Isaiah 40:31- “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Titus 2:11-14 -“For the free gift of eternal salvation is now being offered to everyone;  and along with this gift comes the realization that God wants us to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures and to live good, God-fearing lives day after day,…Jesus died under God’s judgment against our sins so that he could rescue us from constant falling into sin and make us his very own people, with cleansed hearts and real enthusiasm for doing kind things for others.”
1 Peter 5:10 - “After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you his eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever.”

Website:  www.wow-newton.com

Website: www.wow-newton.com
Email:  osnewton@wow-newton.com

Transcript

Definition: Grace is the simple elegance or refinement of movement; courteous goodwill;Grace in Christian belief is the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.
Scriptures: 

Isaiah 40:31- “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Titus 2:11-14 -“For the free gift of eternal salvation is now being offered to everyone;  and along with this gift comes the realization that God wants us to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures and to live good, God-fearing lives day after day,…Jesus died under God’s judgment against our sins so that he could rescue us from constant falling into sin and make us his very own people, with cleansed hearts and real enthusiasm for doing kind things for others.”
1 Peter 5:10 - “After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you his eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever.”
THOUGHT
The audience of the Word of the Week is diverse. The ministry has attracted people of various denominations, cultures, and ages who all believe in the power and blessings of God. Although we may worship differently, we all believe that we are children of God who are beneficiaries of His grace.
We are truly blessed to have lives that exemplify the beauty of God’s love and care. We can testify to God's grace that has covered us in times of loss, sickness, the curse of sin, the waywardness of children, the insecurity of economic conditions, and the impact of change.
Many of us abide in the safety and security of our relationship with God, a relationship that has been ours since childhood. As a result, some of us justify not reading the Bible, because we do not think that our experience with God has been hindered by our “lack of knowledge”. Believers are selectively choosing how they will follow the Word of God.
There are those who feel it necessary to attend church, while others willingly challenge whether the need to assemble is required to honor God. Some of us lovingly tithe, while others find the tithe of little importance in the exercise of their faith. Some speak in tongues as God gives utterance, while others see the practice as barbaric and without merit. We are becoming less “doers” of the Word and more hearers only.
Many of us complain about the lawlessness that has infiltrated our society and are disgusted by the liars and deceivers who are mocking and destroying institutions that are a blessing to the people of God. The changes are causing such impact to society that we will need the grace of God to endure.
When God gave me the word “Grace”, I first questioned whether I am living for God in a way that would entitle me to receive His grace to endure whatever lies ahead. So, before you make another complaint, ask yourself the following questions:
Does your life show your·        Faith and trust in God?
·        Repentance of sin and the continual renewing of your mind?
·        Obedience to God’s commandments as you life a life of love, compassion and integrity in your service to others.
·        Spiritual growth as you read the Bible
·        Endurance and perseverance against the presence of evil?

If your answers are yes, you have evidence of a life dedicated to God that makes you worthy of God’s grace. Grace is the freely given gift that will help you endure whatever may be your test.  Although all humanity is eligible to receive the gift, not all are worthy.
Now ask yourself:Do I have a zeal for God and for God’s people?Do I willing share the Gospel of Jesus Christ?Am I content with the impact that I have made on the world of hate, confusion and self-love that surrounds me?Is my level of commitment as a child of God contributing to the attack that threatens the security and stability of the United States of America?If I am not willing to run my life’s race as a representative for God, should I expect to receive God’s grace to endure the race?
Only you have the answers…
HOW WILL YOU ENDURE?