Tag Archives: Grace

Luke 23- Amazing Grace

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And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. Luke 23:39-42

Jesus was crucified between two criminals, this was another fulfillment of prophecy as it stated the Messiah would be “Numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12) Jesus the sinless Lamb of God was killed as a common criminal, yet Christ is God in the flesh, how can our minds comprehend this? Yet while dying on that cross, the two criminals had conversations with him, one mocked and blasphemed Christ , while the other asked for forgiveness. The question is , which one are you? Have you asked Jesus for mercy for your sins? Or are you still cursing God and headed to Hell?

Notice what the remorseful sinner said “We are punished justly” (v41) The thief on the cross , recognized his sin, secondly he called Jesus Lord (v42) The thief recognized that Jesus Christ is Lord. What must you do to be saved? The same as the thief on the cross, repent of your sins and have faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43

The repentant thief on the cross became saved! Now when you talk about this  it makes some Christians angry , here is a sinner who never went to Church, was never baptized, never read the Bible, yet Jesus said “Today you will be with me in paradise” This is the amazing grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ! 

Notice also Jesus said “Today You will be with me in Paradise” Jesus didn’t say at the resurrection you will be with me or someday, he said today. I think this is clear evidence of the soul, as Paul said “To depart from the body is to be with The Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8) When we die we will immediately be with Jesus, what a glorious thought and promise to hold on to

The story of the thief on the cross is a great reminder of the amazing grace God has given us through the Lord Jesus Christ! Turn away from your sins, and put your faith in Jesus for eternal life, Amen!

Luke 18- Saved By Grace

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And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. he Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. Luke 8:9-12

Are you going to Heaven? Most people would answer Yes, and if you ask why, then would say because they are a “good person”. This is the same mentality in the parable Jesus is teaching here, the Pharisee went on about how righteous he was and even thanked God that he was not a sinner like this tax collector. The fact is God says “All our righteous deeds or good works are filthy rags “ (Isaiah 64:6)

The only reason anyone is saved or can get to Heaven is because of the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. This Pharisee did some noble things, but he was a sinner just like everyone else (Romans 3:23) Instead of thanking God that he was not like the other sinners, we should thank God that we are saved at all! It’s only by the blood of Jesus Christ that we can be declared righteous before God

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:13-14

Notice the difference with the prayer from the Tax Collector, he asked for God’s mercy on him because he admitted he was a sinner. This is true repentance, you can’t earn or work your way into Heaven. You can only be saved through Jesus Christ, why? Because he paid the penalty for our sins on the cross. All your good deeds are filthy rags when it comes to salvation.

Now does that mean we shouldn’t do any good deeds? Of course not, Jesus said “They will be known by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16) Meaning if we are Born Again in Christ, then there should be results to prove that. Somebody who says they are a Christian yet still behave like their old self, didn’t truly become Born Again

Jesus ends this parable by saying “The sinner was justified by repentance, but the Pharisee needs to be humbled” I know I’m paraphrasing here, but it’s simple, good works doesn’t make you righteous or saved. It’s only by the blood of Jesus Christ you can be saved, repent to The Lord Amen!

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8

Grace of God

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And it came to pass on the day when the LORD spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt, That the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, I am the LORD: speak thou unto Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I say unto thee. Exodus 6:28-29

Now God , who has been telling Moses that same thing over and over again, is making it simple for him. Basically he’s saying “I AM God, which he already revealed to Moses, and I want you to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites Go” Simple as that, not complicated instructions, however how does Moses respond?

Moses is afraid, Moses feels inadequate to fulfill his calling by God. I think most of us can relate to Moses. When we usually think of Moses, we think of him as a hero in the Bible, which he is. But he’s only a hero because God made him a hero. It wasn’t because Moses was fearless or Moses had a special gift. By faith God delivered Moses and the Israelites

And Moses said before the LORD, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me? Exodus 6:30

But notice how Moses responded to God, instead of him saying “Amen” he’s saying why me? Even though he’s already told God these excuses multiple times, and God has already reassured him, Moses continually doubts himself.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Reminds me of when Paul kept praying to God to remove his “thorn from his side” what was Gods answer? “My Grace Is Enough”! Boom, Bingo. Its not about whether Moses is a great speaker or leader, its not about whether Paul is a strong warrior, its about the Grace of God through Jesus Christ

Moses is going to deliver the Israelites, why? Because of Grace! Paul is going to deliver to the gospel to the Gentiles, why? Because of Grace! In our weakness God is strong! Amen!