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Author
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Topic: Grace
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Carol Swenson
Admin
Member # 6929
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posted
Hi jimbarn,
I'm not a professional writer like those I quote from, but I have plenty of interest in the scriptures. I wonder why everyone isn't as curious as we are at the BBS. There is so much to learn, and it' so rewarding to discover new things in the Bible.
By the way, are you a Poirot fan?
Posts: 6787 | From: Colorado | Registered: Dec 2007
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jimbarn
Advanced Member
Member # 7053
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posted
Very well stated.I admire the thought you give the scriptures.
One of my pet peeves is Christians who do not think for themselves.Seems most check their brains in the parking lot before enturing the church building.
God gave us those little gray cells to use.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Barney
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Posts: 43 | From: Unicoi,Tn. | Registered: Feb 2008
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Carol Swenson
Admin
Member # 6929
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posted
The Handbook of Bible Application
GRACE (Forgiveness, Love, Mercy)
What are some aspects of God’s grace?
BIBLE READING: Nehemiah 9:1-38
KEY BIBLE VERSE: But in your great mercy you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are! (Nehemiah 9:31, TLB)
God’s grace is our only hope! Israel was devastated by times of intense rebellion and sin. Yet when the people repented and returned to God, he delivered them. God puts no limit on the number of times we can come to him to obtain mercy, but we must come in order to obtain it, recognizing our need and asking him for help. This miracle of grace should inspire us to say, “What a gracious and merciful God you are!” If there is a recurring problem or difficulty in your life, continue to ask God for help, and be willing and ready to make changes in your attitude and behavior that will correct that situation.
BIBLE READING: Ephesians 1:3-2:10
KEY BIBLE VERSE: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:7-8, NIV)
God’s grace makes our salvation possible. Grace is God’s voluntary and loving favor given to those he saves. We can’t earn salvation, nor do we deserve it. No religious, intellectual, or moral effort can gain it, because it comes only from God’s mercy and love. Without God’s grace, no person can be saved. To receive it, we must acknowledge that we cannot save ourself, that only God can save us, and that our only way to receive this loving favor is by faith in Christ.
God’s grace should lead us to serve others with love. We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, charity, and goodness, and not merely to please ourself. While no action or work we do can help us obtain salvation, God’s intention is that our salvation will result in works of service. We are saved, not merely for our own benefit, but to serve him and build up the church (Ephesians 4:12).
BIBLE READING: Romans 2:1-16
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Don’t you realize how patient he is being with you? Or don’t you care? Can’t you see that he has been waiting all this time without punishing you, to give you time to turn from your sin? His kindness is meant to lead you to repentance. (Romans 2:4, TLB)
God’s grace leaves no room for self-righteousness. When Paul’s letter was read in the Roman church, no doubt many heads nodded as he condemned idol worshipers, homosexual practices, and violent people. But what surprise his listeners must have felt when he turned on them and said, “You are just as bad!” Paul was emphatically stressing that nobody is good enough to save himself or herself. If we want to avoid punishment and live eternally with Christ, all of us, whether we have been murderers and molesters or whether we have been honest, hardworking, solid citizens, must depend totally on God’s grace. Paul is not discussing whether some sins are worse than others. Any sin is enough to cause us to depend on Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life. We have all sinned repeatedly, and there is no way apart from Christ to be saved from sin’s consequences.
Posts: 6787 | From: Colorado | Registered: Dec 2007
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