End Time Rain Article

Sufficient Grace

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8

The story is told of a man who went on a day trip without his wife. On his return home, he gave her a gift of a miniature vase in the shape of a ballerina shoe. She told him “thank you,” but in her heart she felt that if he truly knew her, he would not have bought her such a gift. She put it aside and did not appreciate it. The Bible speaks of a gift which is given to all humanity, it’s a precious gift, a life-saving gift, Grace. “For by grace are you saved;” salvation is by grace alone and can only be received “through faith” alone. It is a free gift given by Him who knows you, perfectly well, who knows what your needs are. For some, grace is given in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1, “We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” Grace is so important; the apostle Paul pleads with the believers not to ignore this unearned favour from God.

The grace of God is given in abundance. 1 Corinthians 15:10, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” It teaches you that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we, (you) should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; This source of power changes behaviourso that the old man of self, becomes a new man in Christ. The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy in his first epistle says the following: “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 1:13-14. God’s grace enables Christian growth. Luke 2:40, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” Christ grew under the grace of God, so too you must grow. The Christian’s life is one of simplicity and service. Submission to the will of God is given through the grace of Christ which is available to everyone. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9. You are bought with a price of unmeasurable value, loved and highly favoured, “ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

As Christ came to serve so too you should serve, minister to others. Ephesians 3:7, “Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.” God’s grace is powerful, it is abundant, brings salvation, a free gift and is sufficient for all your needs, regardless of your weaknesses. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. Your part is only small, compared to the magnitude of what is on offer. Your part is to be humble, James 4:6, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” 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; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:11-14. Amen.

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