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1 Corinthians 13:12-13, 1 Corinthians 1:3-5, 2 Peter 3:17-18, A channel of blessing?, Colossians 12-14, Ephesians 4:15, God's Love in me, Grace, HIS Peace IS Real Peace, John 13:35, John 14:15, Love, Peace and Love, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Romans 1:7-8
Bible Ballistics: BBs #786 Who’s Grace, Peace And Love???
I was thinking this morning about the profound theology that we often miss from the Apostle’s letters, and I’d like us to just consider the simple truth that we may often miss.
“To all that be in Rome,
beloved of God,
called to be saints:
Grace to you
and peace
from God our Father,
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ
for you all,
that your faith is spoken of
throughout the whole world.” Romans 1:7-8
What is grace? Grace is often defined as “unmerited favor” and while that is true, it is so much more in our biblical understanding of the favor of God to extend to us the act of forgiveness of our SIN through the blood of Jesus.
“Giving thanks unto the Father,
which hath made us meet to be partakers
of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us
from the power of darkness,
and hath translated us
into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption
through his blood,
even the forgiveness of sins:” Colossians 1:12-14
So, Paul was praying God’s continued grace upon the Romans not just for saving grace but grace to daily live for Jesus! We need the same today! Even as Paul prayed for the Corinthian believers as well.
“Grace be unto you,
and peace,
from God our Father,
and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God always on your behalf,
for the grace of God
which is given you by Jesus Christ;
5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him,
in all utterance,
and in all knowledge;” 1 Corinthians 1:3-5
Our life should reflect the grace that we have received from our Lord Jesus—saving grace—but also the “living” grace which we are to grow in daily—in fact moment by moment. Peter also mentions this grace.
“Ye therefore, beloved,
seeing ye know these things before,
beware lest ye also, being led away
with the error of the wicked,
fall from your own
stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace,
and in the knowledge
of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ.
To him be glory
both now and for ever.
Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17-18
We are to be aware of those who are deceivers, liars, and false teacher/preachers, knowing The Word of God for ourselves; growing in this grace that God imparts to those who come to Him through Jesus! And Jesus Himself told us the import of love!
“By this shall all men know
that ye are my disciples,
if ye have love
one to another.” John 13:35
“If ye love me,
keep my commandments.” John 14:15
As we pray for one another may we spread the faith, love, hope and encouragement of God’s Word one with another. It was important for the Apostles, and it should be important to us. Remember ‘love’ here is “agapao” or agape love—the heart that does that which is best for the recipient—be it Jesus or those around us! Lord help me see through the eyes of your “love”?
“But speaking the truth in love,
may grow up into him
in all things,
which is the head,
even Christ:” Ephesians 4:15
And one of scripture’s greatest reminders:
“For now we see through a glass, darkly;
but then face to face:
now I know in part;
but then shall I know
even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity,
these three;
but the greatest of these is charity.” 1 Corinthians 13:12-13
Amen and Amen!!!
‘Nuff said…….!
Bible Ballistics 