Re: POWER of PRAYER- No Matter Which Faith You Follow=GOD is With You
Amazing Grace
The grace that Jesus says he pours out upon us is unparalleled in the history of all mankind. The word "grace" has become almost as common as the word "prayer" in the Bible. We all go, "Oh, yes, I believe in grace. Sure, of course." We sing the hymn "Amazing Grace" and emphasize the second word, agreeing that grace is wonderful, a thing we all enjoy.
But wait, that's not all that grace is! It is so much more than we could ever imagine. Why are our hearts not exuberant with worship or enamored with grace? Because, to us, grace has become minimized and acceptable. It has become normal, average, something we are content with.
As I talk about this revolutionary, unmerited grace, this gift from God that changes your heart and produces fruit in you, many of you say, "Grace...yes, but..." If you are one of these, you are dangling in the realm of legalism. You are escaping the realm of grace and becoming trapped in trying to do it yourself.
See what Paul says about this to the Galatian church: "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?... Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:1-3, ESV).
Sadly, many of us say, "Thank you, Jesus, for your grace on the cross. That grace has cleansed me and given me a clean slate. Thank you for my fresh start, but now I can do it myself." The problem is that you cannot do it yourself. Many are offended by grace because grace says we can't do it on our own; every time we try, we fail miserably.
Friend, do you want to be free today? Then say, "I'm a failure on my own; I cannot keep the law of God by myself." After that, thank God for his amazing grace.
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I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
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