Hello Baysiders, Hope all is well in your souls!
Let’s talk about grace. What can I say about grace? Lots of stuff to discuss on grace but keeping it short the first thought that comes to mind is grace is the reason why you and I are here; it is unmerited favor. Grace is not just for salvation, but also for sanctification. Grace not only gets us saved but keeps us saved and keeps on saving us! You can’t walk, talk, and live with God apart from His grace. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:8, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” The good works and allowance that you have is God, not of our own will power.
Grace is more than a free undeserved gift: grace is the capacity to do anything spiritually profitable. You can’t pray without grace, can’t understand the Bible without grace, you can’t choose right over wrong without grace, and you can’t have faith without grace. This is why dependence on God is so important. If you depend on your own strength and will, you will always be frustrated and disappointed. Grace is everything in the life of a believer and is the reason we praise! When we realize everything is from God’s grace we respond with gratitude and praise. God’s grace is so eternally grand that it extends to non-Christians and blesses those who don’t follow God! How is that fair? Its not, but thats why its called grace! Grace isn’t fair; if it was fair, none of us will be deserving of it and we would all be doomed. Yet God loved you and I when we were far away from him and didn’t trust him. God is so awesome, loving, and GRACIOUS that He expands His goodness and favor on ALL people! God’s loving kindness and grace is so powerful that it extends not only in my own life but to the lives of others. May we share this grace of God to each one we encounter in our daily lives.
Congratulations Jessica! Our sister was baptized last Sunday and it was glorious to witness. Please keep her in your prayers and she walks in her new journey with Jesus. Here is a link to the baptism if anyone wants to check it out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHK9y1tcFBA&t=43s. This Sunday we are starting our new sermon series in the book of Galatians! I am excited on what God will do with us as a church through the words of the Apostle Paul.
Let’s not forget to keep our regular tithing and giving going. Thank you to all those who have been tithing in this pandemic adjustment! Your offerings and financial gifts are beneficial and impactful to Bayside Church. In times of distress and scarcity, generosity is most felt and powerful. Please don’t grow tired of giving as God will provide for our every need. You can always tithe three ways by mail, Venmo, or Pastor pick up. Proverbs 11:25, “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”
Grace and peace ?:^)
Pastor Aaron