“So little do they understand that great foundation of the whole Christian building, “By grace are ye saved” Ye are saved from your sins, from the guilt and power thereof, ye are restored to the favour and image of God, not for any works, merits, or deservings of yours, but by the free grace, the mere mercy of God, through the merits of his well-beloved Son: Ye are thus saved, not by any power, wisdom, or strength, which is in you, or in any other creature; but merely through the grace or power of the Holy Ghost, which worketh all in all.”
John Wesley Sermon 16
Grace is the basis and foundation for our Christian belief. Without God’s grace we do not have Christianity. Without God’s grace we have no personal salvation. Grace comes in the form of a gift from Christ alone, neither earned nor procured.
As Christians we understand this grace to be the free and unmerited favor from God for undeserving and ungodly people. We experience it initially in hearing the good news and then accepting personal salvation by way of forgiveness of our sins. As Methodists we have traditionally believed the “availability of God’s grace for all.”
Hear the good news. We have six young confirmands and their sponsors who have been diligently finishing up the confirmation class via Zoom. Despite all the challenges and one young AUMCer being miles away, we are drawing near to the end of the class. The class has grown immensely both in knowledge and in spirit by learning what it means to make a commitment to Christ and what it takes to be a Methodist. Ask them about the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. They have learned that God gives us this “free grace.” It is up to us what we do with it. Rest assured despite what the world says or denies, the future of Christianity is alive with the next generations. Do not discount them – in fact I believe their faith will be more authentic. Thank their parents, grandparents, family, teachers, and others. More importantly, thank each of them for making their personal commitment to accept God’s grace.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”
Ephesians 2: (4-5) NRSV
I love the way John Wesley shared it in his Sermon 16, “Means of Grace.” He was speaking about how we can experience grace through the mere mercy of God, certainly not by any of our own works. These means for experiencing grace were through the scriptures, prayers, and sacraments. While most religions in this world are based on earning your way to the next level or place in life, this is not so with Christianity.
We live in a world driven by merit, earning, ranking, listing and place in line. We earned it therefore we deserve it. In a world that celebrates works, grace has no place. To the world grace might be luck or happenstance or coincidence.
Hard work alone might get us a glimpse of the doors to the kingdom of God. Grace is the life-transforming invitation from God that allows us to cross the threshold of the door to forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life.
In John 3, we read that God sent his only son Jesus not to condemn but to save the world through His gift of grace. This gift of grace is now available to all. Those who accept this grace can be the light that illuminates through the darkness of the world. Sadly though, not all believe in this grace and choose to continue to live in a world of darkness.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly.”
Titus 2: 11-12 (NRSV)
Grace is the catalyst that ignites the Holy Spirit in our life. It is up to God who He chooses to share His grace. Sometimes we struggle with that concept since it is supposed to be for all. The giver in kindness always decides who is to receive. The receiver must decide how to use this gift.
This week the AUMC boy’s bible study group discussed the prophet Jonah’s failure to comply with God’s demands to warn Nineveh, for Jonah believed they were too corrupt to deserve even a warning. We read that despite Jonah’s belief that he deserved his demise at sea, the Lord’s act of grace provided a great fish to swallow him rather than to allow him to drown. Later Jonah went back to Nineveh to preach. This time the people of Nineveh listened and repented of their evil ways. All the while hoping for this treasured gift of grace.
“Who knows, God may yet relent with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”
Jonah 3:9 (NRSV)
As we look back upon the rest of the story of Jonah, what did God do? He showed compassion and did not bring upon them destruction. What did Jonah do? He became angry at God’s compassion for the people of Nineveh.
Even the prophets did not grasp the concept of God’s ultimate choice to give His grace how he pleased, regardless if they believed it was deserving. Paul shares in Romans 11 that we who were grafted as wild shoots to the olive tree should count our blessings for many a people have perished without ever experiencing this illusive grace.
The trap we must watch out for in our outreach efforts is the belief that folks we are helping are not deserving enough or perhaps these people just do not have enough faith. Instead take on the attitude “there but for the grace of God go I.” That could be me, for I once was blind and now I see.
As a disciple we model Christ by our acts of grace towards others. When we extend acts of grace, we are blessing one another with the gift of time, resources, love, care, experiences, etc. These gifts are given unconditionally with nothing expected in return.
AUMC continues to share acts of grace with our community. This past week 30 AUMCers showed acts of grace to over 172 families via the “drive thru” food drive. Jesus’ grace manifested in the hands and feet of fellow workers in Christ. Perhaps this slice of grace helped these families catch a glimpse of light in the dark tunnel of life. Only God knows.
How do you feel when you are given something completely unearned? Do you cherish it or take it for granted? Do you look upon others with jealousy or anger when God’s grace goes to those that you believe do not deserve it?
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind but now I see
Was Grace that taught my heart to fear
And Grace, my fears relieved
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed
John Newton
Peace be with you,
Kenny Shortsleeve, Lay Leader