Can't Earn It

Romans 4:4-5 NLT When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.

There's something rewarding about working hard; a sense of accomplishment, usefulness, contribution and value. There are people who are filled with so much pride or 'self respect', that any sort of assistance or hand up is viewed as an insult to ones ability to provide. No matter how hard I work to do good and not sin, I could never pay the debt that Jesus paid for my life. To reject His gift because I'm determined to 'do it' myself, is prideful and a mockery to His generosity.

I'm finding myself seeing God's GRACE clearer now than ever before, and yet it's still beyond my ability to comprehend. His amazing love and unconditional acceptance is coming more alive and giving me a joy and peace that is hard to describe. It's compelling... like discovering for the first time that someone 'likes' you; and they're someone you considered out of your league. Suddenly your flattered and feel wanted, desirable and worth something. Maybe that's why the Bible calls it "your first love".

God, I'm blown-away by the enormous GRACE you have for me. Although there are times when I feel broken or discouraged, You have already made me whole. I boldly and gladly accept your GRACE... there's nothing more I can say, but thank you.

Grace Revolution

Luke 7:50 And He [Jesus] said to the woman [a prostitute], "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

The message of Jesus Christ was revolutionary, and anything revolutionary is controversial in nature... that's the nature of change. This message of GRACE was such a paradigm shift, that it got Him crucified. Here's a question for us to ponder: Who had the most difficultly embracing this message of grace? Answer: those who were fully devoted to a system of religion.

Today, this same message of GRACE is still a difficult thing for may people... including me! If we stop and really think about how most Christians live out their faith and measure their 'success', it's usually based on what good things they do and what bad things they have the ability to abstain from. This is a deep rooted issue that goes beyond faith or religion. Think about how we find value in ourselves, or where we get our sense of identity. Our world functions and measures things based on achievements and a system of rewards.

GRACE addresses something deeper than what you believe about spiritual things; although it heavily impacts this perception, it really comes down to discovering the real me. If I as a person find my sense of value, worth or identity as one who can pastor a growing, successful church, what is my identity if my church doesn't grow or even declines? This can be used in any profession or area of gifted ability (athletics, arts, business, etc.), as well as ones understanding of faith and their personal relationship with God.

If I read my bible, or read my bible more, God is more pleased with me. If I pray, show kindness to others, don't do what other bad people do... then I'll be making God happy or happier. In reality what we are saying is that I'll feel better about myself! GRACE single handily removes this performance factor mentality from God's standpoint. Jesus told the woman to "Go in peace" because of her faith that saved her. When we find true GRACE, we can walk in true peace!

Wayne Jacobsen ~ Religion offers us the illusion of earning acceptance, but is only a cheap substitute for the reality of life in Him.

The apostle Paul says: For He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJ)

GRACE says: You did nothing to become righteous, just as Jesus did nothing to become sin. All our efforts to achieve God's approval in what we do or don't do doesn't lead to peace, only more religion and anxiety. Religion is anything but peacefully! Walk in the peace that is found in God's GRACE.

Blessed is the Nation Whose God it the Lord - Psalm 33:12

This past Sunday evening, I felt impressed for us as a church to pray for our nation and for our new President. Before doing so, I took the time to look at the Bible and see what God gives for us as instruction on this. i would like to encourage you to go to our church website http://www.ffconthehill.com/ and listen to the podcast entitled Pray for our Nation.

Many people believe that 'separation of church and state' means to outlaw the two from mixing. I believe God intended, as America did with its early forefathers, that God be the foundation of our Nation's government.

Regardless of how you filled out your ballot, we must understand that this is not our only voice, if any thing it's our most limited voice. The greatest voice is the voice lifted in prayer and supplication. The apostle Paul, who was mistreated and falsely accused by the government of his time and thrown in prison more than any other follower of Christ tells us in 1 Timothy 2:1-4: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth."

If we truly desire to live our lives in accordance to God's Word, and believe that God's Word our all sufficent rule of faith and conduct, then this is to be our posture and position as followers of Christ. This does please the Lord... and that's how I want to live my life!