Hi there!
So I was blown away by this message from Joseph Prince (exact sermon unknown, but I can find it if you want it); with one statement, he made it crystal clear what it is that is meant by "the Law and Grace". I was really impacted and had to tell you! The comparison is so simple, but so profound
What Jesus gives us, in the Holy Spirit, is the ability to fulfil the letter of the Law, by abounding in the Grace of God. We cannot do these things, but the Spirit of God in us can. We still steal, but the spirit of God in us says 'no, give!' We should be grateful for this, we are meaningfully being translated into the kingdom of God - where we will do good forever! They say 'whatever you do, don't leave a vacuum', well! Here is proof that God does not leave a vacuum! God is interested in Creating life through us, in doing good with us.
Now, to get to Grace, we need to repent, that's true - the point I am making here, is that we can pray with anticipation: Father, forgive us for stealing, but help us to give, in Jesus' Name Amen. Father, forgive us for murdering, but help us be a friend, especially to those in need, in Jesus' Name Amen. This is praying with purpose. This is not praying that we may spend on our pleasures (as the letters warn against, exact reference unknown), this is praying for Christ's Righteousness to grow out of our circumstances, to be delivered.
None of this, do we give the world, until it is ready. They may murder, turn the other cheek; they may steal, give them without asking back. When they say you conduct, then you can tell them 'I've been saved by Grace, I no longer live the way the world lives?" Let's rejoice in this! Let's rejoice that our brothers and sisters have given up lying and coveting. God will love this!
I hope this has been of some encouragement (God bless Joseph Prince).
God bless.
So I was blown away by this message from Joseph Prince (exact sermon unknown, but I can find it if you want it); with one statement, he made it crystal clear what it is that is meant by "the Law and Grace". I was really impacted and had to tell you! The comparison is so simple, but so profound
How great! You can imagine this applies to all the commandments. The Law says 'do not murder', Grace says 'be a friend, especially to those in need'; the Law says 'do not bear false witness', Grace says 'pray always'. Can you see the connections?Joseph Prince said:The Law says 'do not steal', Grace says 'find opportunities to give'
What Jesus gives us, in the Holy Spirit, is the ability to fulfil the letter of the Law, by abounding in the Grace of God. We cannot do these things, but the Spirit of God in us can. We still steal, but the spirit of God in us says 'no, give!' We should be grateful for this, we are meaningfully being translated into the kingdom of God - where we will do good forever! They say 'whatever you do, don't leave a vacuum', well! Here is proof that God does not leave a vacuum! God is interested in Creating life through us, in doing good with us.
Now, to get to Grace, we need to repent, that's true - the point I am making here, is that we can pray with anticipation: Father, forgive us for stealing, but help us to give, in Jesus' Name Amen. Father, forgive us for murdering, but help us be a friend, especially to those in need, in Jesus' Name Amen. This is praying with purpose. This is not praying that we may spend on our pleasures (as the letters warn against, exact reference unknown), this is praying for Christ's Righteousness to grow out of our circumstances, to be delivered.
None of this, do we give the world, until it is ready. They may murder, turn the other cheek; they may steal, give them without asking back. When they say you conduct, then you can tell them 'I've been saved by Grace, I no longer live the way the world lives?" Let's rejoice in this! Let's rejoice that our brothers and sisters have given up lying and coveting. God will love this!
I hope this has been of some encouragement (God bless Joseph Prince).
God bless.