(This is an excerpt from a message I shared at Christ for the Nations graduation Banquet)
- C.S. Lewis was fond of saying that, “…people need more to be reminded than to be instructed.”
If we would be honest, we must admit that we are a bundle of paradoxes….
- we believe and we doubt
- we hope and we get discouraged
- we love and we hate
- we feel bad about feeling good
- and feel guilty about not feeling guilty.
Here we are…a multitude who so wants to be faithful, who at times get defeated, soiled by life, and bested by trials, wearing bloodied garments of life’s tribulations, but through it all we cling to the constancy and steadfastness of our faith
Our steadfast faith is firmly established in these timeless truths…
#1. His grace redeems…
God’s grace empowers us to forgive the unforgivable, love the unlovable and face the unthinkable. Oh the wonder of His grace divine…that’s why John Newton, in his hymn, called it… Amazing grace….
- Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient, (or enough) for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
- Don’t fear your weaknesses…He said His grace is enough and His power is made perfect (or works best) when we are weak in our own strength…
It has been said that, “The one thing we owe absolutely to God is never to be afraid of anything.”
#2. His power resurrects…
God reveals Who He is by what He creates….His resurrection power is seen in His creation.
- The Psalmist announces… “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
- Hebrews says, “He sustains the universe by the mighty power of his command.”
God’s power is the ‘how’ of creation whereas His love is the ‘why.’
The 3rd truth that needs to be firmly established in us is:
#3. His love never relents…
Paul’s cry in Romans… “Who can separate us from the love of God?”
He answers himself…(this encouraged me, now I know even the Apostle Paul talked to himself)
…I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow–not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:38)
- A distinguished theologian was asked what the greatest theological truth was he had realized…His reply…Jesus loves me this I know for the bible tells me so…
Over 100 years ago in the Deep South, a phrase so common in our Christian culture today, ‘born again’ was seldom or never used. Rather the phrase used to describe the breakthrough into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ was……..“I was seized by the power of a great affection.”
The words of this grand old hymn express God’s love so clearly:
- “O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free! Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!”
His grace redeems…His power resurrects…His love is relentless
What the world is looking for is someone daring enough to be different, humble enough to make mistakes, wild enough to be burned in a fire of love, and real enough to make others realize their phoniness.
- The legacy has been given to us…the task is yet unfinished.
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
Thanks Susan. I needed this, this morning! Alice McCarthy