March 4, 2020
Dear Friends,
Thanks for joining us in prayer each Wednesday for our prodigals and for revival. Thankfully, our God is full of grace and longs to change hearts by drawing people to Himself.
This is what we learn in Ephesians two. His grace found us when we were hopeless sinners. It miraculously saved us, changed us, gave us a new identity, brought us near to the heart of God, and gave us access to His presence. His grace is amazing, abundant, and absolutely astounding. There is no way to adequately explain it.
Just allow these selected Scripture texts from Ephesians two, to fill your mind with worship:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8).
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10).
“But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:13).
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father (Eph. 2:18).
Salvation! We have been saved by grace. This is the great wonder of the gospel. We were dead in our sins, deceived, disobedient, defiled, and doomed to destruction. (Eph. 2:1-3). But God in grace saved us. We didn’t deserve it, we couldn’t work for it, but God saved us.
Transformation! God’s grace has made us new. Physically we are the creation of His handiwork, and spiritually we are His masterpiece. We are the product of His work upon the cross. Daily, He is transforming us more and more into the likeness of His Son. God’s life within gives us the desire to touch the lives of others with His grace. He wants our entire lives to be a demonstration of His grace to everyone around us.
Identity! Grace has given us a true identity in Christ. Now, as children of God, as sons and daughters of the King, we are “in” Christ. He has called us loved, righteous, and holy. Along with our identity, He has given us new desires to reflect His love for others and to live for His glory.
Nearness! Grace has brought us close to God. Once we were distant, but now by the blood of Christ, we are able to experience nearness with God. We will never have to go through any of the dark valleys of life alone. He has promised never to abandon us (Heb. 13:5).
Access! We have full access to the Father by His eternal grace. Wherever we are, in whatever situation we are found, we always have full, immediate access to our heavenly Father. His ear is always open, and He never delays (1 Pet. 3:12). We can talk to Him and be assured that He is listening and cares.
News commentator, Nick Pitts once said,
I do not understand the mystery of grace; only that it meets us where we are and does not leave us where it found us.
May His grace be evident in your life today and lead you onward in the fullness of divine life.
Love in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel
