By The Amazing Grace Of God Series

I asked Bob C to share some of his testimony – especially as it relates to the grace of God in relationship. Before he came to the grace of God, Bob says, “I knew there was a God - however; I did not know that I had to have a personal relationship with CHRIST. It was only after I found Jesus Christ that I found new purpose and meaning in life. I went to church as a boy once in a while at my mothers request but, it wasn’t until I met (my wife) that I started to go to church. After a time of hearing the word of God I realized my life was misdirected. I accepted Jesus at the age of 25. It was my pastor of the (Christian Missionary Alliance) church of Grove City, PA who led me to Christ. I have never been the same since that time. My purpose in life now is to embrace my salvation and serve him the best I can. Jesus gives me new hope. He has guided me through my work life and my church life. I believe the thing that helped me most was being involved in the church. I started teaching a teenage boys class shortly after I was saved. I’m still teaching in a great Sunday school class, with God’s help. Before teaching I couldn’t get up and speak in front of anyone. However, If we are willing he is able to help us do what we think is impossible. GOD IS GREAT - SERVE HIM - HE WILL REWARD YOU WITH SUCCESS.”

Isn’t that great? By the grace of God, Bob is who he is today.

I’ll have to be honest – I have actually asked the question – this week and other times in my life, “What’s so amazing about grace?” And what I’ve come to discover is that the “A” (amazing) factor in grace is the resurrection. It is the reason grace is so amazing. It is the power behind God’s grace. It is what makes Paul’s urging to Timothy so hard to ignore as he commands in 2 Timothy 2:1, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” How can you be strong without the power of the resurrection? How could John conclude the Revelation of Jesus Christ with the words, “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all” except for the resurrection? How is it even possible for that grace to be with us all without the power of the resurrection?

Susan B. has been working on a project recently at my urging – the project of writing down her testimony. She gave me permission to share some of her testimony about that amazing power of the resurrection in the grace of God. Susan writes, “ _______________

_______________________________”

Isn’t that great? By the grace of God, Susan is who she is today.

You know, I am somewhat haunted by the words Paul used in 1 Corinthians 15:10 where he said, “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain…” because I understand that all it would take for that great and free gift of grace to be in vain, to become of no effect in my life, is for me to chose to ignore it, and live outside of it. Has the grace of God been given to you in vain?

Oh, but I don’t think I’ve been given what you’ve been given, pastor! Well – I was afraid you’d say that! But seriously, according to Ephesians 4:7, we have all been given the same grace. Listen, “Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift of grace.” And yes, we could chose to live outside that grace, and chose to not have a relationship with Jesus, and chose to ignore the gift. In fact, I think some of you are doing that very thing. You need to know you are in a dangerous place if you are living outside the saving grace of God. God’s grace has not been given so that it would be of no effect in our life.