152: Much More Grace

What You'll Discover in this Episode:

152: Much More Grace

*This episode was taken fromPastor Jeff's sermon for Calvary Chapel Glenwood Springs

Why is it important to share the gospel? Who is a real disciple? And as a real disciple, who are you discipling now? How important is it to understand the privilege and the power of God’s grace?

John 8:31-32

Real disciples live in the Word of God. Those people find the truth. As we know, the truth will make us free. If have a challenge in life, the Word of God is the remedy.

The Bible teaches that a real disciples make disciples. This is our Great Commission. It is to make followers of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is the overarching issue that the entire church is to be engaged in each of us for all of our lifetime. Real disciples live in the word. It’s their fellowship and communion with the Lord.

So, who are you discipling now?

Do you meet with somebody regularly and go through the Bible together? Discipling does not have to be formal or complicated. It can be as simple as reading the Bible to your children, or spouse, or coworker, or someone online. There are so many ways to make disciples and it can be anybody

Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

You may feel inadequate or doubt yourself and ask yourself, “Who am I to make disciples? Who am I to share my faith?” But know that the Holy Spirit will cross your path with somebody. Col 1:28

This is our aim and target. Yes, we are not perfect but rest assured that God will use you.

The liberating power of the Word of God

When we get into the Word, that’s the answer. Abraham Maslow and his hierarchy of needs which culminates in self-actualization has no liberating power in his speculations and they totally contradict the scripture.   

There is no power in the wisdom of the world. That just keeps feeding that corrupt tendency in our flesh to make us the focal point, the hope and the help for all of life. The privilege to minister the word of God to people, that’s where the liberating power is.

Be yourself but rely upon the truth of the Word of God.

How many ways and times has the Lord liberated you and me from things that bound us? The gospel came to us and we called upon the name of the Lord in that great truth and we were set free from a life of condemnation and alienation from God.

Sin is the Core Issue. Romans 5:12

What a mistake in the seeker sensitive fellowships to back off of terminology like sin and condemnation in the teaching and preaching of the church. What a serious mistake that is. God wants mankind to understand that sin is the core issue.

Sometimes we struggle because others have sinned around us or against us. But any way you come at it, you eventually get to the difficulties, heartaches, heartbreaks, problems of households, lives, and nations is sin.

The Remedy. Romans 5:17

How is it that lives get so devastated and shredded and messed up? Death has been reigning over them. And it happens not only to individuals but families, nations, and alliances among nations.

The remedy is God’s grace. The remedy is much more than the problem. Lives devastated by the reign of sin can be delivered, transformed, equipped, and made fruitful by the much more grace of God.

Romans 5 talks about being in Adam or in Christ. It’s foundational. When we help people see their connection to Adam, rebelling against God, sinning, falling short under the judgment of God, by their own choices and behavior, oh their heart is stirred, convicted to find a remedy.

In Adam or in Christ.

Everyone on earth is one or the other places. One is trouble in judgment. The other is life and glory. 

• Are you His disciple?
• Are you FREE in Christ today?
• Are you in the place that you need to be in as a follower of Jesus Christ? 
• Do you need to repent - make a u-turn in life? 
• Are you on the wrong path in life? 
• Do you need revival?

Conclusion

It is hard sometimes to admit we need God.  We think we are so smart. We are so clever. We are so resourceful.

You have to humble yourself. You have to say, “I am a sinner and I know it.” You need to turn from your wicked ways. And you need to pray. That is what God says.

I want to give you an opportunity to get right with Jesus Christ and be forgiven of all of your sin so you can know with certainty that you when you die you will go to heaven. Act on it!  

The Bible says, “That as many as received Him, He gave them the power to become sons of God.’ And I would like to be the first person to say, “Welcome to the family of God.”   

Listen to the full episode and learn more about God’s grace. Join the conversation and leave a comment below.

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