Tag Archives: ILMA BARAYUGA-DOHERTY

2 CORINTHIANS 6 DON’T RECEIVE GOD’S GRACE IN VAIN

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February 20

2 CORINTHIANS 6

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4 but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5 beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6 by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; 7 by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8 through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. – 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

2 CORINTHIANS 6 DON’T RECEIVE GOD’S GRACE IN VAIN

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Grace was given to you so you will use it to honor God

It is not to be applied for your own gains in this world

The favor you received is for the purpose of growing your faith

It is the gift of sanctification so you can be right with the Lord

Grace was given to you so you can repent and overcome sin

It gives you freedom from God’s wrath and be reconciled with him

So, today, do not receive God’s grace in vain instead, praise the Lord

Renew your mind and seek him first so you can overcome this world.

In this letter, Paul addresses the importance of taking action as a response to the grace that the believers have received when God sent his only Begotten Son to free mankind from God’s wrath. Our heavenly Father loved us so much that he gave us a way out from total damnation. There is urgency in this letter to the Corinthian church as he urges them to take action in reply to the grace we received when God redeemed us through the work of his Son.

Here are the following points he presented so that we do not receive God’s grace in vain:

  • Do not delay for today is the time of salvation, the time of action to grow faith in the Lord
  • Get rid of any obstacle or hindrances that will interrupt our work to bring the kingdom to come
  • To commend ourselves as we face suffering and trials in order to grow endurance
  • To stay undefiled and pure in the midst of this corrupt world
  • To walk in the Spirit with patience and love and kindness
  • To have a warrior mentality to fight the spiritual battles that we face daily
  • To press on as we face persecution and rejection just as our Savior endured

REFLECTION

  • What are some ways that a Christian may disgrace the favor that comes from God?

ROMANS 6 GRACE MAKES US NEW

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February 19

ROMANS 6

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

                                                                                 – Romans 6:1-10

ROMANS 6 GRACE MAKES US NEW

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When Jesus died for us, we have been given new life

We can no longer continue in sin because of grace

His death gave us access to be united with God

It gave us freedom to choose His word and not the world

We no longer are slaves to our old life which chooses sin

Our sins are now crucified with Christ and no longer slaves to it

Death has no power over all those who received God’s grace

We are now slaves of righteousness and alive through Christ.

In this letter to the Romans, Paul emphasizes the aftermath of grace in the life of a Christian. He clarifies to them that grace isn’t a license to keep on sinning. Instead, he explains the process of salvation as it happened when Jesus Christ died for us on the cross. Even though we now have access to God, there is an expectation on our part to be cleansed from all sins. It was Jesus’ death that did the cleaning, but the maintenance of this cleansed spirit is also our responsibility as per our covenant agreement with God. He is our God and we are his people. Because we serve a holy and righteous God, doesn’t he expect the same holiness on our part since he provided the one who made us right with him? I was wondering why Paul explained this in this manner. Could there be some believers who thought that now they are saved, they have the license to continue with sin. They could have thought that grace will constantly clean them automatically from what they did. That would be dishonoring the gift of grace of redemption. If Jesus paid for our debts, would he expect us to save ourselves from repeated sins and ransom us again? It is foolish to even think that we can abuse the grace that was granted to us. Instead, we need to approach grace with much gratitude and awe for God who saved us from ourselves.

REFLECTION

  • What are some ways some Christians can take for granted the grace of salvation from Christ?

1 PETER 1 SET YOUR HOPE FULLY ON GRACE

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February 18

1 PETER 1

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for actionand being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

                                                                                              – 1 Peter 1:13-21

1 PETER 1 SET YOUR HOPE FULLY ON GRACE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

God’s grace is sufficient for you to live a pure and holy life

So, be watchful and always set your hope on grace

Renew your mind and ensure you are in sync with God’s will

Obey the laws of the Lord and you will overcome sin

Call on your Father in heaven for he hears his children

Do not allow the world to lure and trap you in temptations

Set your hope fully only on the favor you were given when you believed

Rely not on anyone but on God alone for all good gifts come from Him.

In this account Peter exhorts the Christians to be calm and self-controlled focusing on the hope that is promised to them through grace. Peter reminds them of God’s holiness which requires all believers to be undefiled and pure before the Lord. He explains the grace they have received when they believed.

They are now able to come in the presence of God through Jesus Christ, but there are responsibilities on their part to follow in order that God’s plan may be fulfilled. Because God claimed us as his people in his covenant with Abraham, we ought to follow him every step of the way. Peter reminds them of the price that God had to pay for us to be reconciled with him, the blood of his only begotten Son. This gift of grace is precious because we received it when we didn’t deserve it. We were all sinners when Jesus sacrificed his life for all of humankind. This blood of the Lord Jesus Christ is more precious than silver or gold because it allowed us to have another chance to go back to the Lord and turn away from the sinful life we led while we were still sinners and unworthy of it.

Peter calls us all to focus on the hope that Jesus is coming back again so that he can grant us a new heaven and a new earth where we will all be free from suffering, pain and corruption of this world. We only need to have the expectancy that the promise of grace is going to be fulfilled in Christ’s coming.

REFLECTION

  • How can we have the right mindset as we expect Jesus’ second coming?

ACTS 20 THE WORD OF GOD’S GRACE

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February 17

ACTS 20

28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 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 20:28-32

ACTS 20 THE WORD OF GOD’S GRACE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

As overseers of the flock of God, you are to use the word of his grace

Because God’s word is alive and is the weapon against the evil one

Be alert always; God’s grace will equip you with discernment

His word is your weapon and protection from deception

The sword of the Spirit will build you up and keep you pure

Therefore, never fail to dwell on the grace that comes from his word.

In this account, Luke speaks to the elders of the church and reminds them to never forget that Jesus paid a high price for their redemption. He warns them of the wolves that may be in sheep’s clothing that will come into the church and devour their faith. It is wise for the elders to be watchful over the flock that was assigned to them. Since, they have been given authority over the sheepfold assigned to them, they are to be responsible that not one of their members are going to be victims of the evil one’s tactics. It is easy to take for granted responsibilities given to leadership as we navigate this corrupt world. That is why much is required from those given such office in the church. Here are some verses that spells out the requirements for the overseers: Titus 1:7 says that “For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.” Titus 1:9 states that “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” 1 Peter 5:2-3 charges them to “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” 

Luke reminds the overseers in the church to not look at their office as something to abuse control and authority by ensuring that they use the word of grace in caring for the flock that they are charged with. By keeping their eyes on the word of grace, they will discern evil and not be puffed up with the position.

REFLECTION

  • How can some spiritual leaders miss their calling as overseers of God’s people?

HEBREWS 13 GRACE STRENGTHENS THE SPIRIT & THE HEART

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February 16

HEBREWS 13

7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. – Hebrews 13:7-16

HEBREWS 13 GRACE STRENGTHENS THE SPIRIT & THE HEART

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you were saved by the blood of Jesus on the cross

He changed your life and made your heart strong

The grace you received will make you overcome the world

You will gain wisdom and strength through the gift of his word

If you eat his word constantly, you will also have much courage

The grace given to you will stir your heart to praise and glorify God

God’s grace will enable us to do good deeds to share with others

It will make us endure suffering, love and care for one another.

In this account, the writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us of the importance of strengthening the hearts of believers. He urges them to follow the teachings they have received from their spiritual leaders and cautions them on strange teachings that may be presented to them. They were advised to strengthen their hearts with the grace they have received from the Lord. As we have discussed earlier, there are many benefits of grace that we need to pursue in order that we can remain undefiled to live as servants of righteousness.  In Ephesians 1:6 and Hebrews 4:16, Exodus 33:17, we are provided access to union and intimacy with God. Titus 2:11-15 and Corinthians 8:7 disciplines and trains us to live in a way that honors God. In 2 Corinthians 13:14 and 2 Timothy 2:1, grace preserves, comforts us, encourages and strengthens us.

What would our lives look like without grace? It will be a defeated life, a life of fear and curses. We will not be able to endure and have courage to face every trial that will come our way. Without grace, we will not have strength to face the enemy that is always plotting against us. We will have no ability to acknowledge God and thank him as the source of all our blessings and favors.

REFLECTION

  • Share how grace has changed your outlook in life from your old to your new life.

HEBREWS 12 OBTAIN THE GRACE OF GOD

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February 15

HEBREWS 12

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. – Hebrews 12:12-17

HEBREWS 12 OBTAIN THE GRACE OF GOD

In this account, the writer encourages and urges the believers to pursue peace with everyone and to obtain the grace of God. But wait, isn’t grace given to all those who believe in Jesus? Let us once again define grace. According to got questions.org “grace” is an essential part of God’s character. It is closely related to God’s benevolence, love and mercy. We heard from the bible that it is God’s favor towards those who do not deserve it. I’d like to quote the same website as to the benefits of grace to every believer. For us to be able to comprehend the true meaning of grace, we need to consider who we were without Christ and who we become after Christ died for us. This grace doesn’t stop once we are saved. We have it for the rest of our lives, working within and upon us. Here are some of the many additional benefits that grace secures for every believer:
• Grace justifies us before a holy God (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:6; Titus 3:7).
• Grace provides us access to God to communicate with Him (Ephesians 1:6; Hebrews 4:16).
• Grace wins for us a new relationship of intimacy with God (Exodus 33:17).
• Grace disciplines and trains us to live in a way that honors God (Titus 2:11–14; 2 Corinthians 8:7).
• Grace grants us immeasurable spiritual riches (Proverbs 10:22; Ephesians 2:7).
• Grace helps us in our every need (Hebrews 4:16).
• Grace is the reason behind our every deliverance (Psalm 44:3–8; Hebrews 4:16).
• Grace preserves us and comforts, encourages, and strengthens us (2 Corinthians 13:14;  2 Timothy 2:1).

After hearing the benefits of grace, no wonder the author of the book of Hebrews in verse 15 instructs the believers that they need to ensure they obtain the grace of God. Since sanctification is an ongoing process, we need to continually work at keeping ourselves pure and undefiled until the coming of the Lord. How can we diligently live a life full of the grace that was given to us while we didn’t deserve it? We need to depend on our God and never count any of our work as something we have done. We need to praise the Lord who is the source of all things so we can stay humble and grounded on truth. Self-sufficiency is a killer of grace. Love for the things of this world and the pleasure seekers may find it difficult to obtain this ongoing grace. Because of this undeserved favor, we all need to be thankful and praise our generous and loving God. In other words, we have to count our blessings so that we will never fail to reap the rewards that God has promised to all those who love him.

REFLECTION

  • How does understanding grace keep us in check from falling from grace and growing our faith?

2 PETER 3 GROW IN THE GRACE YOU RECEIVED

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February 14

2 PETER 3

14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. – 2 Peter 3:14-18

2 PETER 3 GROW IN THE GRACE YOU RECEIVED

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

Beloved, live in the grace that you have received in Christ

Don’t allow the world to corrupt your heart and mind

Be patient and steadfast as you wait for Jesus’ coming

You were given assurance when he defeated Satan

By his cross, you received undeserved favor from him

Grow in the grace you got and turn away from all sins.

Peter exhorts the believers to be diligent in their sanctification as they wait for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He stresses on ensuring that they are living according to the wisdom that only comes from the word of God. This is the only way that they can stay without blemish and at peace.

In verse 16, Peter points out that those who do not belong to the Lord will most likely twist Scriptures to their own destruction. The word of God is actually Jesus himself. John 1:1 is the verse that says that Jesus is the Word when John reveals to us that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”. This shows us that Jesus is infinite and is the one who communicates God’s will to us humans. John 1:14 and Revelation 19:13 are verses that reiterates also that Jesus is the “Word” who became flesh. Paul cautions the believers to watch out for those who will defile the word of God and take care that they are not pulled away from truth by the errors of lawless people. If believers are not watchful, they can lose their stability and fall away since we still struggle with our flesh on a daily basis.

Peter urges the church to grow in the grace that they have received from Christ. By Jesus’ death on the cross, we were given much favor even while we were sinners. He enabled us to be cleansed by his blood and he gave us the Holy Spirit to dwell in every believer so that they will have the ability to walk in the Spirit and live a life for the service of the Lord. With all these blessings and favors given to every true Christian, we are able to defeat the enemy in our daily lives and serve the Lord our God by living under his grace and never on our own strength, understanding or abilities.

REFLECTION

  • How is diligence in studying the word a way of growing in the grace that God has given us?

JUDE 1 THE COST OF PERVERTING GOD’S GRACE

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February 13

JUDE 1

3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.5 Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day— 7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.8 Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. – Jude 1:3-8

JUDE 1 THE COST OF PERVERTING GOD’S GRACE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When God saved the people he chose, he granted them grace

This grace is to be used to give him all the glory and praise

When God’s grace is perverted and used for man’s own pleasure

It will cost him his life and it will lead to chaos & failure

Be wary of these ungodly people who have crept in unseen

They will mislead you to go against God and being freed from sin

Instead, they’ll entice you to continue to indulge in your desires

Which will lead to spiritual death and eventually to eternal fire.

Jude, the brother of Jesus himself cautions the believers on the false teachers and ungodly people who have crept in stealthily in the church. These people are used by the devil to pervert the grace from the salvation plan of God. The way they twisted the teachings of the church is by introducing sensuality and denying the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 5 is an outright warning and reminder of the cost of those who stayed in unbelief even after they were saved from the Egyptians. They were destroyed. Doesn’t it send chills to all of us knowing that we are not truly saved unless we totally and wholeheartedly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. We cannot just partially believe because it will open doors for our sinful tendencies to blow up and totally keep us in the loop of sin. We cannot twist and change the gospel according to our comfort and convenience. That would constitute idolatry if we do so. God will never share his glory with any human being. Satan would want you to believe that you can. The Lord God designed all humans into his own likeness. He wants a relationship with his people who will praise and glorify him, not themselves.

So, what happens when someone perverts God’s grace? This account spells it out clearly for them. They will be destroyed, kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness, they will indulge in sexual immorality and pursue unnatural desires which would lead to the punishment of eternal fire.

REFLECTION

  • Share insights as to how these ungodly people pervert God’s grace.

JAMES 4 GRACE TO THE HUMBLE

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February 12

JAMES 4

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passionsare at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore, it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

                                                                                 – James 4:1-10

JAMES 4 GRACE TO THE HUMBLE

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

The desires of the eyes and of the flesh and the pride of life

They all belong to the world and are the sources of all fights

They cause us to covet and long for something we don’t have

When we indulge on these things, we are feeding our lusts

But all those who do not conform with the systems of the world

They resist all evil and live under the grace coming from God’s word

Therefore, the God of mercy will grant favor to all those who are humble

But the Lord opposes the proud and all who resist him to become rebels.

In this account, James explains in great detail the grace that believers will receive if they live in humility. He brings into light what causes fights and quarrels among us. It is the passions at war inside each of every human heart that is the source of all sins. What are these passions? He pinpoints desires as the culprit of these obsessions which stirs us to covet, long, crave and even murder for what one does not possess.  James also pinpoints why we lack something. It is because we do not ask for our needs. Because God gives what his children ask for, the act of asking is humility. Even though we know God already knows what we need, he still expects us to run to him for the fulfillment of those needs. This is an act of humility and acknowledgement of their need for God’s provision and grace. But James also gives us a guideline on what to ask for. The reason for asking must be in line with God’s purpose for each one of us. It cannot be to fulfill our desires and passions that we will likely use to focus on the self rather than on glorifying God. James explains that God’s enemies are those who want to be friends of the world. In other words, when we have so many earthly desires, we follow the systems of “selfishness and pleasures.” This doesn’t belong to God’s purpose but it is the devil’s tactic to destroy our relationship with God.

REFLECTION

·       Why do you think God restricts giving grace only to the humble and not to the proud?

ACTS 15 GRACE CONQUERS THE LAW

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February 11

ACTS 15

5 But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses.”6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.”12 And all the assembly fell silent, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.  – Acts 15:5-12

ACTS 15 GRACE CONQUERS THE LAW

A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses

When you were chosen by God, you were filled with grace

You need not follow rules, instead, you obey the law of love

You have been saved by Jesus’ finished work on the cross

Live your life so that you will constantly serve and follow Christ

By God’s grace, you have died to the law through Jesus’ body

There is no reason to live as rule keepers but to be God lovers.

In this account, Luke tackles the subject of law and grace. When the Pharisees insisted that the believers needed to follow Moses’ law of circumcision. Luke presents them a brilliant narrative of the inability of the Pharisees to recognize the gift of grace when Jesus died on the cross. He narrates how the apostles and the elders addressed this issue that the Jewish leaders were presenting. Peter reminds them of the presence of the Holy Spirit in every heart of each believer. This is what these so-called teachers of the law missed out. They have no understanding of the finished work of Christ. How could they? They opposed Christ and actually killed him. This is a good exposition of the difference between religion and relationship. Religion encourages rule-keeping while relationships are about love and sacrifice. Jesus did not die for us to follow rules but to love one another as we are loved by God himself. Pure religion according to James 1:27 says the undefiled religion according to God is to care for the widows and orphans. In other words, it involves being immersed in relating and caring for the needs of the vulnerable, weak and poor.

John 1:17 says that “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” This reiterates what Peter is saying in this narrative. Galatians 5:18 reiterates this too when it says “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

REFLECTION

  • How can some Christians miss the grace when they are strict rule-keepers?