Midweek Message from the Archive
Means of Grace- The Word of God
Even though there are differences in our Christian denominations regarding what should be included in the means of grace (the ways that God blesses the church), there are several that have always taken precedence. The preaching and teaching of God’s Word is paramount. As the Church has spread across the globe throughout the last 2,000 years the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the teaching of the Bible, and the reading aloud of scripture has not changed. It’s the life-breathing gift of the Spirit of God to the Body of Christ and it keeps us alive in Him.
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63
And now I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32
The scriptures give us life and hope as we listen or read them for ourselves. They remind us of promises and truths that we tend to forget. This means of grace gives us the blessed assurance of His unfailing, covenantal love freely and undeservedly given to us. Even as we ponder on gifts for our loved ones, we do not, I hope, make our decisions based on their worthiness. If God responded to us with that kind of justice there would be no grace or mercy since we deserve His wrath. Thankfully God had a better plan:
For if, because of one man’s trespass (Adam), death reigned, through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Rom. 5:17
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Sometimes the preaching of God’s Word brings us to repentance, at other times it makes us feel confident and confirmed about our direction in life. Whatever place you find yourself today, remember that the Word of God keeps you. It keeps you hopeful, keeps you assured, keeps you humble, and keeps you in peace.
The teaching of His Word has also maintained it’s historical, elevated place in the Church because it’s indispensable. If you can’t understand what the scriptures mean and how to apply them they will do you little, practical good. You’ll not experience the fullness of God, eternally ruling and reigning with Him (Gen. 1:28; Eph. 2:6-7; Rev. 5:9-10) if you don’t know how to walk in His ways.
Meditate on the means of grace this week, specifically, the peaching and teaching of the Word of God; go to church or watch a podcast allowing the Word and Spirit to permeate your soul and lead you into a victorious life.
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