Pastor Martin Carl Jarvis mcjarvissr@yahoo.com #5 "Embrace Grace"

LIBERTY WORSHIP CENTER www.lwcenter.org The Twelve Point Focus of the 21st Century Church (return)

     Through Jesus we've received grace, which is undeserved mercy.  How else could he have forgiven those who set him up and crucified him?  Not only in his life teachings, but also in his death Jesus demonstrated true grace.  And Stephen a true disciple demonstrated the same grace as he intercedes for those (in his dying breath) who killed him.

     In our perversion of grace we excuse ourselves, while condemning others.  It is an understandable human weakness to hold others to a greater accountability or standard than we place on ourselves.  But, we must strive to hold ourselves to a greater standard while interceding for, rather than condemning the failings of others.   Too often in our humanity we try to be the "righteous indignation" of God.  When, in fact His love for human beings surpasses our understanding.

     We are to recognize from scripture that through Jesus we are already forgiven and that we are to exercise that same forgiveness toward each other, while at the same time striving to do better ourselves.  God has seen it all.   Nothing that any of us say or do surprises or phases Him.  Our focus is to strive for perfection and through love, to help our fellow brothers and sisters get there too.

     There is a Biblical proverb regarding how we "reap what we sow." Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7  If we give grace, we will receive grace.  If we give love, we will receive love.   When your brother senses your love, he will trust you to help him... and he, in turn , will help you.

       We are all the children of God... even those that are still Lost Sheep, are His children as well.... just lost.   As we begin to manifest the love of Jesus, the sheep will be attracted. Amen.