WEDNESDAY January 18, 2023

Great Grace

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
Acts 4:32-33

When the early Church experienced persecution, it seemed as if their hearts were even more knit together in unity. Christians were very open to sharing with one another. There was not one person who lacked. The Church came together in love and unity to help each other in the Lord.

Notice that great grace was upon all the believers. God’s grace is something we do not deserve. Grace is getting God’s riches at Christ’s expense. It is His unmerited favor. God’s grace is freely given to undeserving sinners who repent of their sin: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

The Bible tells us we are saved by God’s grace: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Like those in the early Church, God’s grace also helps us to endure persecution, trials and suffering.

It is believed, Paul the Apostle had a physical infirmity. He prayed to God three times for it to be removed, but it was the grace of God that would carry him through this difficult trial. God answered Paul’s request: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul was at peace knowing that the power of Christ was resting upon him (2 Corinthians 12:9).

As a Christian, you can come to God’s throne of grace: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Are you in need of God’s great grace today? God is there to help you.

True grace always produces vigilance rather than complacency; it always produces perseverance rather than indolence.
~Jerry Bridges~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!