Get Close To The Lord

SO SPEAK THE GOSPEL #2

Acts 14:1-3
“And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.”

Make sure what kind of church you are a member of. Make sure it is a church that preaches “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. They preached the “Word of His Grace...” vs. 3 Salvation from beginning to end is all of grace. Effective service from start to finish is all of grace. Our hope of an abundant entrance into glory is all of grace. No wonder Paul preached the gospel of God’s grace. The nature of grace. Grace is an attribute of God. “I am gracious,” saith the Lord. (Exodus 22:27) I “will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.” (Exodus 33:19) “Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.” (Nehemiah 9:17) Grace is the “unmerited favor” which God shows towards sinful man. Justice demands the sinners’ death. Romans 6:23a - “The wages of sin is death....” Grace intervenes to place the penalty upon Christ to meet the demands of justice. Man does not deserve pardon or forgiveness. But the “graciousness” of God extends grace and pardon and forgiveness toward an ill-deserving race.

The channel of Grace.
Since the time of Adam God has been dealing graciously with His people. But His grace was revealed supremely in the incarnation, ministry and saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ instituted a new economy, a new era of grace.

John 1:17
“For the law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

The Old Testament looked forward to this manifestation of grace in Christ.

I Peter 1:10
“Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:”

And so I say again that Christ has been, is, and always shall be the channel of grace.

Romans 5:15
“But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.”

The character of Christ was a revelation of the grace of God.

John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

The grace of God was upon Him even in His childhood.

Luke 2:40
“And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.”

However, His saving death was the most amazing exhibition of divine grace.

Hebrews 2:9
“But we see Jesus ... that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”

No wonder Paul and Barnabas met with opposition when they proclaimed this news and gave testimony unto the word of His grace.

Russell Stolp
Chaplain, CFO

Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy
ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.