Grace is Sufficient

I last posted about doubts which can truly be a thorn in a believer’s side and we examined where to turn which brought to mind Paul’s encouragement from 2 Corinthians 12:9;

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Paul shares that no matter our “thorns”, the grace of God will get us through all things. That is truly a powerful and loving statement; yet how can we be sure of this, how do we find this grace? I truly believe that one way to find this grace and to get through whatever is ailing us is to turn to God’s Word!

Jerry Bridges is so helpful in his book Transforming Grace. He points out that Romans 15:4-5 show the connection between Scripture, God and his grace;

4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus

Bridges points out that verse 4 shows us that we receive endurance and encouragement from scripture and verse 5 shows us that God gives endurance and encouragement. Can you see the vital link of scripture as a means of finding and receiving the grace of God for whatever our need?

Bridges also reminds that Scripture is often called Word of His grace and that God uses Scripture to mediate His grace to each on of us. Bridges quotes R. C. H. Lenski who said; “God and the Word of His grace always go together; God lets His grace flow out through that Word.”

Bridges says; “If we are to appropriate the grace of God, then, we must regularly expose ourselves directly to the Word of God…as the regular eating of proper food is necessary to sustain a healthy physical life, so the regular intake of God’s Word is necessary to sustain a healthy spiritual life and to regularly appropriate His grace.”

So amazing is God’s Word! As Bridges points out it is food for our soul. Bridges also quotes Charles Hodge on the importance of God’s Word. Hodges says; “In opposition…to all the suggestions of the devil, the safe, simple, and sufficient answer is the Word of God. This put to flight all the powers of darkness. The Christian finds this to be true in his individual experience. It dissipates his doubts; it drives away his fears; it delivers him from the power of Satan.”

God’s grace is sufficient for all things; may we all turn to his Word; seeking; yearning; finding His grace.

Grace and Peace!

Doubts?

Would you believe that some with great faith have doubts? Would you believe that some struggle to the point that they ask can I be Christian if I have doubts. I believe we can answer both with a resounding, of course! You know this is a tough subject for me and who among us doesn’t have doubts. That being said, we should deal with our doubts and not let them fester. We must recognize that it is ok to ask tough questions. We must also recognize that there is a difference between doubt and unbelief.

I read somewhere that doubts are ok, doubts are saying something is hard to believe, but unbelief says something totally different, unbelief says I won’t believe. I also read somewhere that doubt is looking for light while unbelief is being content in darkness. To me that is the key; with our doubts we can never become content in the darkness; we must strive to find the answers.

There is a great passage in the bible that shows someone with great faith having doubts during a trying time. From Matthew 11 we see:

1After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. 2When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples 3to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" 4Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[b]are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. 6Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." 7As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written: " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'[c] 11I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15He who has ears, let him hear.

This is an amazing and encouraging passage; it is amazing that even John the Baptist had doubts and such an encouraging example of what to do with our doubts. John the Baptist, the one who pointed the way now imprisoned facing certain death begins to have doubts and these doubts could be intellectual or emotional or both. He pointed the way for a savior, a king and now finds himself in peril; who wouldn’t have doubts and then notice what he does. He asks the tough question. Can you imagine asking Christ; “are you the One?” And then; oh my, how does Christ respond? Does he ignore, does he shy away from the tough question, does he belittle? No, he embraces the doubter, He answers the tough question, he points to the evidence. You know that is a beautiful thing about our Lord, he embraces the doubters; John the Baptist, Thomas, the man who cried out; "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

You know there are more important lessons from this passage. Have you noticed that it seems like there are CSI shows on every night of the week now? And the premise of these shows is that there are factual, scientific forensic links to every question. That with the proper investigation things can be proven beyond a doubt. Well is that how life really works? I think it is great to look for the answers; to search for answers, but there are a couple things to note in that search.

First, we must challenge ourselves to find proper sources for the answers. In other words, where do we turn for our answers? Where did John the Baptist turn for his answer? John the Baptist was facing a life shaking doubt and where did he turn for his answer? To Christ! Can you go to other sources? Can you turn to sources like the discovery channel or the media? Certainly, but as a seeker of truth shouldn’t you also turn to Christ; to God’s word for the answers? Shouldn’t we ask the tough questions directly through prayer and seek answers in the written Word? For questions of faith there are many other good sources and a few that come to mind are Lee Strobel’s; The Case for Faith and The Case for Christ and F. F. Bruce’s book; The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable?

Second, we must really check our hearts in our search and be really, really sure that we want an answer. Have you ever seen someone so biased that they ask questions, but are so hardened there is really no search, no desire for truth. Perhaps they are content in the dark. Unlike CSI, with questions of faith our answers may not come in solid, scientific, forensic evidence, but they will come with enough evidence to believe. Hebrews 11 reminds us that “1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” With hearts open there will always be enough evidence to make informed decisions.

You know the Bible also has some advice about how to find answers for our doubts. During my times of doubt (and yes they are numerous) I try to remind myself to look at Jeremiah 29:13; “13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” I ask myself am I truly seeking and am I truly seeking with all my heart?

Is it normal to have doubts? Absolutely! A wise person once told me to take comfort in my questions and doubts that unbelief would have no questions or doubts. Take heart my friends. We have a great God. A God that is loving, merciful and faithful. He is not afraid of our doubts, our tough questions. But, we must truly seek the answer, we must prepare our hearts for the answer and we must turn to the proper source for the answer. Turn to Christ my friends!

Grace and Peace!

Prayer of Grace

Heavenly Father, God of Grace,

We humbly come before you today; praising you for all things; praising you that you are a loving God, a God full of grace. Grace that each of us needs as we are so inadequate and unworthy. Father, forgive us our shortcomings and transgressions!

The Psalmist tells us; Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Father, this picture of your grace is truly marvelous in our eyes; that you have opened the gates of righteousness, you have sent our capstone, our very salvation in our Lord and Savior; Jesus Christ and we cry out with thanks. This is the day the Lord made and we will rejoice and be glad in it.

And, we do rejoice. We rejoice and thank you for the work of Christ that we might rest in a restored relationship with you; we thank you for your church and the fellowship of believers. We thank you for this great nation where we are free to worship and we thank you for families, for our youth, for smiles, for joy and for the eternal hope that only you can provide.

Father, we are a blessed people, yet there are still needs and this day we lift up all those facing crisis, illness, and trials; praying for your grace, your healing touch, your comfort and your strength. We lift up those awaiting medical results praying for wisdom for the doctors and positive outcomes and those recovering from surgery praying for encouragement and continual progress.

Lord this day we lift up our nation with seemingly more issues everyday; this nation facing economic trials, security issues, unemployment, healthcare, immigration and now oil leaking in the gulf. Father, we pray that you will hear our cries and grant us your favor as we trust in your sovereignty. We pray for our church leaders, our pastors, our elders, deacons, ministry leaders and their families praying for comfort, encouragement, strength and wisdom.

And Father at this special time of graduation for many of our youth, we pray for our youth. Father, that you will make their paths clear, that you will lead, guide and direct, that you would protect and Father that by your spirit you will use their gifts in amazing ways; ways that honor and glorify you.

Abba Father, we love you, pray your will be done and pray all these many things in the most holy name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

Grace and Peace!