THE CHRISTMAS STORY

Frank Paterson

In the country of Judea
In the town of Bethlehem
The Roman censes called them,
Weary pilgrims from near and far.
And three wise men followed the star
And only a few knew the meaning of that day.

Joseph and Mary came also,
And she was big with child.
In a crowded inn’s back stable,
Jesus was born as a child.
And only a few knew the meaning of that birth.
And only a few knew the meaning of that birth.

As shepherds watched their flocks,
An angel chorus sang:
Glory to God in the highest,
Peace and good will to men.
For born unto you a Savior in Bethlehem.
And only a few knew the meaning of His birth.

In the country of Judea
In the town of Bethlehem
Incarnate in flesh, the Savior of men.
His palace a stable, His throne the manger straw.
But Jesus was King, Almighty King of kings.
But only knew the meaning of His birth.

The Christmas Story

ANGELS SANG

Angels sang at that first Christmas dawning
When Jesus our Savior was born.
In a manger they laid Him.
Rejected by mankind and scorned

Fear not. Great tidings of joy I bring.
A babe is born Who is your King.
Deity coming to earth as man.
Revealing redemption’s plan.

The night was filled with wonder,
As angels praised the Lord.
Proclaiming to shepherds watching,
Fulfillment of God’s holy Word.

Fear not. Great tidings of joy I bring.
A babe is born Who is your King.
Deity coming to earth as man.
Revealing redemption’s plan.

Frank Patterson

Angels Sang

What does it mean that God’s energy works in you?

“For this I toil, struggling with all HIS energy that HE powerfully works within me (Colossians 1:29).”

Isn’t it interesting that you struggle with all God’s energy that He powerfully works within you!

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14).”

When you renounce all ungodliness and worldly passions, you turn your back on thinking and acting without God. You now know how God works in you to say His words and do His works by His power. The alternative is worldly passions, which are all the driving forces other than God. If it isn’t God working in you, even your religious efforts are just worldly passions. Worldly passions work against God in subtle ways. They present themselves as good and right, but they aren’t good. God intends to transform us into a purity of His nature that we can’t imagine.

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2:17).”

If we short-circuit faith, we know what God has told us to do, but we stop the process.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:10-11).”

There are natural gifts. Spiritual gifts are received through prophecy and the laying on of hands of a gathering of elders who have been called by God for the purpose of imparting gifts. God can use both kinds of gifts.

Ask God to answer these questions:

What does it mean that God’s energy works in you?
Why does God’s grace bring salvation for everyone?
What does it mean to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions?
How does God train you to live self-controlled and godly lives?
What is your blessed hope that you’re waiting for?

Bonus questions:

Why did Jesus give Himself to redeem you from lawlessness?
What does it mean to be zealous for good works?
Why is faith without works dead?
What is a gift, and how would you use it to serve others?
What is the difference between natural gifts and spiritual gifts?

Free Book: “Your Metamorphosis”
https://realreality.org/your-metamorphosis_-_Scientia.pdf

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

God’s Energy Works in You

“For this I toil, struggling with all HIS energy that HE powerfully works within me (Colossians 1:29).”

Isn’t it interesting that you struggle with all God’s energy that He powerfully works within you!

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14).”

When you renounce all ungodliness and worldly passions, you turn your back on thinking and acting without God. You now know how God works in you to say His words and do His works by His power. The alternative is worldly passions, which are all the driving forces other than God. If it isn’t God working in you, even your religious efforts are just worldly passions. Worldly passions work against God in subtle ways. They present themselves as good and right, but they aren’t good. God intends to transform us into a purity of His nature that we can’t imagine.

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2:17).”

If we short-circuit faith, we know what God has told us to do, but we stop the process.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:10-11).”

There are natural gifts. Spiritual gifts are received through prophecy and the laying on of hands of a gathering of elders who have been called by God for the purpose of imparting gifts. God can use both kinds of gifts.

Ask God to answer these questions:

What does it mean that God’s energy works in you?
Why does God’s grace bring salvation for everyone?
What does it mean to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions?
How does God train you to live self-controlled and godly lives?
What is your blessed hope that you’re waiting for?

Bonus questions:

Why did Jesus give Himself to redeem you from lawlessness?
What does it mean to be zealous for good works?
Why is faith without works dead?
What is a gift, and how would you use it to serve others?
What is the difference between natural gifts and spiritual gifts?

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

CHRISTMAS IN THE HERE AND NOW

The holidays are frantic in our rush to get things done.
It’s a wonder we survive them with our fervor to have fun.
And we make so many plans that keep us busy all day long.
So there is no time for Jesus, and it seems there’s something wrong.

For the Baby in the manger, long ago and far away
Doesn’t seem to be important as we live from day to day.
There’s a Baby in the manger, far away and long ago,
But we’ve things that we must do, and we’ve places we must go.

And yet, Jesus is the focus if we only understand.
He’s the most important Factor–for the Kingdom is at hand.
Jesus makes the difference for us as our Savior only can.
He agreed to be a servant, to become a lowly man.

He, the Son, obeyed the Father on that day that He was born.
Not as man who chose the evil, so the human race was torn,
Torn away from God the Father and were made as slaves to sin,
But the Christ obeyed the Father to reverse the mess we’re in.

He obeyed Him in each act and word and thought throughout His life.
He obeyed Him in His death and then removed all earthly strife.
He arose the overcomer–over sin, death and the grave,
And ascended into heaven–and then many gifts He gave.

Now He opens up the door for any who will enter there
To be joined with God the Father–for He freed us from the snare.
So there’s much more to the story than a Baby long ago,
For He’s born within the heart, and this is by the Spirit’s flow.

When He’s born within our hearts, He gives us power then to be
Full-grown, manifested sons of God to live eternally,
We look back unto the manger and the cross of long ago,
And now we have Christ within us; God has planned that seed will grow

To the measure of the stature of the fullness. It’s God’s plan
To conform us to His image. It’s the work that God began.
He has set us in His Body to be coworkers today
To be coworkers with God, just as the Master forms the clay.

And the gifts He puts within us are the gifts from up above,
As they tear down mighty strongholds, and they build the Church in love.
And from glory unto glory they are building it today
In the here and in the now, not long ago and far away.

Bob and Kathy Stenson, Freeware. Use it freely.

https://freegospelmusic.org/poems/christmas-in-the-here-and-now/

COME LORD JESUS

God so loved the world
That He gave His Son, the Babe of Bethlehem,
That anyone who trusts Him
Is forgiven and no longer is condemned,
And any who believes in Him,
As a babe in Christ, is born again,
With pow’r to grow to fullness, Yes!
To die to self and fully live in Him.

CHORUS:
Come Lord Jesus.
Abide within my lonely heart, I pray.
Come Lord Jesus.
Fulfill and satisfy. Lord, come and stay.
Come Lord Jesus.
Make me complete in You in every way.
Come Lord Jesus.
Bring love and hope and joy and peace today.

All the world is grasping after
Pleasures that could never satisfy.
They grope in the darkness,
Not knowing what is happening or why.
They don’t know they’re groaning
For sons of God to manifest the Christ.
They don’t know they need Him; Yes!
They need the Son of God to give them life.

The clatter of this earthly realm,
Rushing here and there to meet it’s goals,
There is no rest or comfort
For those who let the world take control,
But there is just one Person,
One Lord and Savior Who can make them whole.
And all who choose to seek Him know
That He gives peace and rest to weary souls.

Bob and Kathy Stenson, Freeware. Use it freely.

Come Lord Jesus

What do you mean God works His good works through you?

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9).”

God’s grace is sufficient. Even in infirmity, God’s grace is His power for righteousness.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:8-10).”

Once again, we look at the way grace is through faith. Grace saves us from sin to righteousness, but we need faith to access grace. We are God’s workmanship. He works His good works through us by grace through faith.

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).”

You know that grace is through faith and faith comes by hearing God. This is how God is able to make all grace abound to you. And God’s grace is why you abound in every good work. All other work independent of God is sin.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).”

Work out your own salvation for it is God Who works in you to do His will. You work by listening and yielding to the Holy Spirit.

Ask God to answer these questions:

What does “grace is sufficient” mean?
Why is God’s strength made perfect (complete) in your weakness?
How does grace save you?
How does faith work?
What does it mean to be God’s workmanship?

Bonus questions:

What does it mean that God works His good works through you?
All work that’s independent of God is sin. Why?
What does it mean to “work out your own salvation”?
What’s your experience listening and yielding to the Holy Spirit?

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What does it mean that God works His good works through you?

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9).”

God’s grace is sufficient. Even in infirmity, God’s grace is His power for righteousness.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:8-10).”

Once again, we look at the way grace is through faith. Grace saves us from sin to righteousness, but we need faith to access grace. We are God’s workmanship. He works His good works through us by grace through faith.

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).”

You know that grace is through faith and faith comes by hearing God. This is how God is able to make all grace abound to you. And God’s grace is why you abound in every good work. All other work independent of God is sin.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13).”

Work out your own salvation for it is God Who works in you to do His will. You work by listening and yielding to the Holy Spirit.

Ask God to answer these questions:

What does “grace is sufficient” mean?
Why is God’s strength made perfect (complete) in your weakness?
How does grace save you?
How does faith work?
What does it mean to be God’s workmanship?

Bonus questions:

What does it mean that God works His good works through you?
All work that’s independent of God is sin. Why?
What does it mean to “work out your own salvation”?
What’s your experience listening and yielding to the Holy Spirit?

Free Book, Video, and Audiobook: How God Will Transform You
https://realreality.org/downloads/how-god-will-transform-you/

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

Go, Tell It On The Mountain

Go, Tell It On The Mountain

Words: John W. Work, Jr., 1907
Music: African-American spiritual (in the public domain)

CHORUS

Go, tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching
Over silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light.

The shepherds feared and trembled,
When lo! above the earth,
Rang out the angels chorus
That hailed the Savior’s birth.

Down in a lowly manger
The humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn.

Many have added verses over the years. Here are three more new verses:

Oh Once I was a sinner,
In bondage day and night.
I asked the Lord to save me,
And He showed me the light.

The mind is a deceiver,
And many are deceived,
But Jesus came to lead us,
And all who have believed.

More holiness and power
than anyone has dreamed,
This holiness and power
belongs to the redeemed.

Bob and Kathy Stenson, Freeware. Use it freely.

Go, Tell it on the Mountain

What Is It About Christmas?

What is it about Christmas that brings such joy and peace?
To those who understand it, it brings sweet release.
What is it about Christmas that brings such peace and joy?
And what are people finding beyond the food and toys?

It is the news of Jesus, Who gave Himself in love,
So we may be united, at last, to God above.
It is the joy that, freely, we may partake of Him
His glory, ever brighter, will never become dim.

And, though we cannot see it with earthly eyes so blind,
We see it in the Spirit. We serve Him with our mind.
The old man is now fading. The New Man, now, may grow.
And Christmas tells this story that started long ago.

So, now, we see, in Christmas, the hope of lives made new,
Of standing in God’s presence, and walking with Him, too.
And every time we touch Him, He touches us as well,
And we are changed forever. This is what Christmas tells.

This living, flowing, Spirit of Him Who came that day
Is ever more abounding if we but give Him sway.
If we will yield our members to Him while here below,
His Spirit, yes, His Glory, will from within us flow.

And that is why sweet Christmas, now, offers joy and peace,
The Savior has the power to cause despair to cease.
For He obeyed the Father and our salvation won,
That those who don’t reject Him can grow mature as sons.

If we receive the Savior and with Him e’er abide,
We turn toward heav’nly blessing, from vanity and pride.
And, standing in His presence, He changes us each day,
To, one day, grow to fullness, mature in every way.

We look for the completion. And Christmas gives us cheer.
We know the Christ of Christmas, Whose Presence we have here.
And, daily, as we seek Him and find Him ever more,
From glory to new glory, as eagles, we now soar.

Bob and Kathy Stenson, Freeware. Use it freely.

What Is It About Christmas?

How does grace operate in you?

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14) What is your salvation? Your salvation is being set free from sin.

You are saved from sin’s slavery. Some people say they have faith and don’t need works, but James 2:17 says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Real living faith unlocks grace, so grace says God’s words and does God’s acts through you by God’s authority and power. For this reason, you should never leave God’s presence. God created you to be connected to Him and His authority and power. The words you speak should all be anointed with the Holy Spirit. For example, 1 Peter 4:10-11 tells you, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” If you speak as the oracle of God, God is speaking through you. If you act, allow God to move through you by His love.

“through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)

Through Jesus we have gained access into God’s grace by faith. By faith we have access to grace. Jesus Christ, the Word of the Father, authored that faith.

Ask God to answer these questions.
Salvation includes being born again and growing to completeness. What does salvation really mean?
We’re saved from sin, death, sickness, and the power of the devil. How will you see that salvation?
What is grace according to the Bible?
Why do you need works if you have faith?
What does it mean if your faith can be dead?
Bonus questions:

How does grace operate in you?
What will it be like for you when you never leave God’s presence?
What does it mean for you to speak as the oracle of God?
How does God work through you when you serve others?
What is the glory of God?

Free Videobook: How God Will Transform You
https://realreality.org/how-god-will-transform-you/

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GRACE TRAINS US TO LIVE GODLY LIVES

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14) What is your salvation? Your salvation is being set free from sin.

You are saved from sin’s slavery. Some people say they have faith and don’t need works, but James 2:17 says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Real living faith unlocks grace, so grace says God’s words and does God’s acts through you by God’s authority and power. For this reason, you should never leave God’s presence. God created you to be connected to Him and His authority and power. The words you speak should all be anointed with the Holy Spirit. For example, 1 Peter 4:10-11 tells you, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” If you speak as the oracle of God, God is speaking through you. If you act, allow God to move through you by His love.

“through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2)

Through Jesus we have gained access into God’s grace by faith. By faith we have access to grace. Jesus Christ, the Word of the Father, authored that faith.

Ask God to answer these questions.
Salvation includes being born again and growing to completeness. What does salvation really mean?
We’re saved from sin, death, sickness, and the power of the devil. How will you see that salvation?
What is grace according to the Bible?
Why do you need works if you have faith?
What does it mean if your faith can be dead?
Bonus questions:

How does grace operate in you?
What will it be like for you when you never leave God’s presence?
What does it mean for you to speak as the oracle of God?
How does God work through you when you serve others?
What is the glory of God?

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

A GREAT JOY, THAT’S WHAT NOEL MEANS

Let Christmas be the time to celebrate,
The time to lay down anger, strife, and hate.
For Jesus came to bring His peace to earth.
A peace within the hearts who know His birth.

A great Joy,
That’s what Noel means.
A great Joy,
That’s what Christmas brings.
For Jesus Christ was born, a gift for you and me.
And by walking in His Spirit we’re set free.

If we admit our need, He gently comes,
And we are joined to God’s own perfect Son,
And we are born into God’s family,
So from our awful sin we can be free.

Now, everyone who comes to Him, receives,
Salvation to each sinner who believes,
With Him, we sit in places heavenly,
So step by step His Spirit sets us free.

All those who seek to know Him find Him still,
And He reveals the wisdom of His will,
And gives us of His power to obey,
For He is holy and He is the Way.

Bob and Kathy Stenson, Freeware. Use it freely

A Great Joy, That’s What Noel Means

What are good works?

 

Salvation is by grace. Good works are part of each believer’s new identity in Christ, as God prepares those works in advance.  Most Christians here part of this statement quoted repeatedly, leaving off the rest of the story. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Here’s the rest of the story that makes it all make sense. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) Grace is the power for good works. “And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

That’s really different from the theology that says “You are saved from hell, and now you should try to live a good life” or “Now that you’re born again, you need to get other people born again.” There’s nothing wrong with living a good life or bringing people to Christ. Understand the difference between self-effort and yielding to the Holy Spirit working in you to do the work. The reality is that grace is God working in you to do His good works. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13)

While believers are called to work out their salvation, God’s grace is the power to do so. In Colossians 1:29 Paul said, “For this I toil, struggling with all His (God’s) energy that He (God) powerfully works within me.” Paul acknowledges that any effort he makes in serving and good works comes from God’s grace and strength working in him. And yet, Christians try in vain to bring their own works to God. Some say they aren’t earning their salvation, but they’re just trying to show their thankfulness to God. Good works have to come from God or they aren’t good works.

Ask God to answer these questions:

What does salvation mean?
How are you saved?
What is grace?
What are good works?
Why are good works part of your new identity in Christ?

Bonus questions:

How do you allow grace to do good works through you?
Does grace mean you don’t have to do anything?
Why does God prepare good works for you in advance?
What does it mean to work out your salvation?
Why can’t your works earn salvation?

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https://freegospelmusic.org/by-grace-through-faith-devotional/

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

Grace is the power for good works.

Salvation is by grace. Good works are part of each believer’s new identity in Christ, as God prepares those works in advance.  Most Christians here part of this statement quoted repeatedly, leaving off the rest of the story. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Here’s the rest of the story that makes it all make sense. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8-10) Grace is the power for good works. “And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

That’s really different from the theology that says “You are saved from hell, and now you should try to live a good life” or “Now that you’re born again, you need to get other people born again.” There’s nothing wrong with living a good life or bringing people to Christ. Understand the difference between self-effort and yielding to the Holy Spirit working in you to do the work. The reality is that grace is God working in you to do His good works. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13)

While believers are called to work out their salvation, God’s grace is the power to do so. In Colossians 1:29 Paul said, “For this I toil, struggling with all His (God’s) energy that He (God) powerfully works within me.” Paul acknowledges that any effort he makes in serving and good works comes from God’s grace and strength working in him. And yet, Christians try in vain to bring their own works to God. Some say they aren’t earning their salvation, but they’re just trying to show their thankfulness to God. Good works have to come from God or they aren’t good works.

Ask God to answer these questions:

What does salvation mean?
How are you saved?
What is grace?
What are good works?
Why are good works part of your new identity in Christ?

Bonus questions:

How do you allow grace to do good works through you?
Does grace mean you don’t have to do anything?
Why does God prepare good works for you in advance?
What does it mean to work out your salvation?
Why can’t your works earn salvation?

May your Christmas be aglow with Jesus.

May your Christmas be aglow with Jesus.

May His Light shine bright,
Leading you to everything that’s good and right.
May your Christmas be aglow with Jesus,
Showing you the way.
Ever brighter walking toward the perfect Day.
We are filled with His holy love,
Flowing from above with peace.
And the joy as we gather there,
Causes every care to cease.
Ever upward traveling on together,
As the Lord allows.
As He opens doors and shows us where and how,
So may your Christmas be aglow with Jesus now.
 

To the tune of Have Yourself and Merry Little Christmas
Melody by Percy Faith
Words by Bob Stenson

What is God’s grace?

In the New Testament, grace is χάρις (cháris) favor, goodwill, kindness freely given. In the context of how the word is used in the New Testament, grace is the power of God for righteousness that comes through faith.

Here is where modern theology often drifts. Modern definitions often say: “Grace is God’s unmerited favor whereby He declares the sinner righteous.” That reduces grace to something less than it is. In Scripture, charis is dynamic, and it acts, trains, teaches, and empowers. Charis is not permission to remain unchanged. Modern shorthand sometimes implies: “Grace means God overlooks sin.” That is foreign to the word itself. Charis liberates. Charis transforms. Charis produces a new manner of life. Charis is not opposed to obedience. Modern theology often frames grace vs. obedience. Charis is opposed to earning. It is not opposed to action or faithfulness. Obedience is the effect, not the cause, of charis.

When you have faith, you can use God’s power to do what’s right and to love everyone. Romans 5:2 says that faith gives you God’s grace. Faith gives you access to grace. That means it unlocks grace in you. God’s grace is His power to live right, to do what’s good, and to stop doing what’s wrong. You could never be good in your own strength. If you listen to God, Jesus will create faith in you. That faith will unlock God’s grace in you. God’s grace in you will say the right words and do the right acts.

Faith unlocks God’s grace, giving you the power to live according to God’s will. Romans 5:2 states, “Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” God’s grace not only saves you but also equips you to live righteously. It enables you to speak His words and perform His acts as you rely on His strength rather than your own. (2 Corinthians 12:9) You cannot achieve righteousness on your own; God is your strength.

Many Christians don’t understand what grace is. Grace isn’t mercy. It’s not soft and fluffy. It’s power to do the work of God. It’s power to say the words of God. It’s how God does His righteousness through you. You listen to His leading and yield to His Spirit. Faith comes when you listen. Grace does God’s works through you and says God’s words through you when you yield to God’s Spirit. You need to yield. You need to allow God to work through you.

Ask God to answer these questions:

What do you now know about grace?
Why do some people think grace is the same as forgiveness or kindness?
How does faith give you access to grace?
How does faith unlock grace for you?
What prevents you from being good in your own strength?

Bonus questions:

What part does faith have in you doing what’s right?
What does it mean for God’s grace to help you live according to God’s will?
How does God’s grace give you power?
Why is grace not the same as mercy?
What does it mean to yield to God’s Spirit?

FREE Book: “How God Will Transform You”
https://realreality.org/how-god-will-transform-you/

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

What do you know about God’s grace?

In the New Testament, grace is χάρις (cháris) favor, goodwill, kindness freely given. In the context of how the word is used in the New Testament, grace is the power of God for righteousness that comes through faith.

Here is where modern theology often drifts. Modern definitions often say: “Grace is God’s unmerited favor whereby He declares the sinner righteous.” That reduces grace to something less than it is. In Scripture, charis is dynamic, and it acts, trains, teaches, and empowers. Charis is not permission to remain unchanged. Modern shorthand sometimes implies: “Grace means God overlooks sin.” That is foreign to the word itself. Charis liberates. Charis transforms. Charis produces a new manner of life. Charis is not opposed to obedience. Modern theology often frames grace vs. obedience. Charis is opposed to earning. It is not opposed to action or faithfulness. Obedience is the effect, not the cause, of charis.

When you have faith, you can use God’s power to do what’s right and to love everyone. Romans 5:2 says that faith gives you God’s grace. Faith gives you access to grace. That means it unlocks grace in you. God’s grace is His power to live right, to do what’s good, and to stop doing what’s wrong. You could never be good in your own strength. If you listen to God, Jesus will create faith in you. That faith will unlock God’s grace in you. God’s grace in you will say the right words and do the right acts.

Faith unlocks God’s grace, giving you the power to live according to God’s will. Romans 5:2 states, “Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” God’s grace not only saves you but also equips you to live righteously. It enables you to speak His words and perform His acts as you rely on His strength rather than your own. (2 Corinthians 12:9) You cannot achieve righteousness on your own; God is your strength.

Many Christians don’t understand what grace is. Grace isn’t mercy. It’s not soft and fluffy. It’s power to do the work of God. It’s power to say the words of God. It’s how God does His righteousness through you. You listen to His leading and yield to His Spirit. Faith comes when you listen. Grace does God’s works through you and says God’s words through you when you yield to God’s Spirit. You need to yield. You need to allow God to work through you.

Ask God to answer these questions:

What do you now know about grace?
Why do some people think grace is the same as forgiveness or kindness?
How does faith give you access to grace?
How does faith unlock grace for you?
What prevents you from being good in your own strength?

Bonus questions:

What part does faith have in you doing what’s right?
What does it mean for God’s grace to help you live according to God’s will?
How does God’s grace give you power?
Why is grace not the same as mercy?
What does it mean to yield to God’s Spirit?

#SonsOfGod #SpiritualTransformation #HearingGodsVoice #Manifestation #KnowingJesus

SEEK HIM AND FIND HIM

Walk in the Spirit, Who blesses and fills.
All who love Jesus, submit to His will.
Seek Him and find Him
For He’s very near unto you.
And if you seek Him you’ll find Him and know Him, the Way and Truth.

Follow the Spirit, and not your own mind.
Leave all your theories, and anger behind.
Seek Him and find Him
For He’s very near unto you.
And if you seek Him you’ll find Him and know Him, the Way and Truth.

Take hold of Jesus. He’s better than gold,
Better than rubies, and diamonds to hold.
Seek Him and find Him
For He’s very near unto you.
And if you seek Him you’ll find Him and know Him, the Way and Truth.

When He is leading and speaking to you.
Let Him keep leading in all that you do.
Seek Him and find Him
For He’s very near unto you.
And if you seek Him you’ll find Him and know Him, the Way and Truth.

Bob and Kathy Stenson, Freeware. Use it freely.

https://freegospelmusic.org/songs/seek-him-and-find-him/

Why is the body of Christ important?

“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12)”

This is not an individual effort. The spirit of independence works against the Holy Spirit. God is calling a body. That body has a specific order defined in Scripture. God will speak to you through Scripture from time to time about this order. When you hear His voice in this way, you must follow through with Him to see what you must do to correct disorders.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others (Philippians 2:3-4).”

This is an important part of the functioning of the body of Christ.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).”

As a member of Christ’s body, you go out in the authority and power of Christ the body and Christ the Head of the body.

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).”

We must see Christ in each other rather than looking at the fleshly nature. Ask God to give you spiritual eyes to see and discern the body of Christ. God will answer that prayer, but you will find it’s a journey. You must allow Christ to continually guide and correct you.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love (Galatians 5:13).”

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11).”

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32).”

Ask God to answer these questions:

What does the Bible mean when it says the body is one but has many parts?
What is the spirit of independence?
Why is the body of Christ important?
How can you follow God’s order?
What does it mean for you to be humble and value others above yourself?

Bonus questions:

Why do you need to honor God with your body?
What does it mean to serve others humbly in love?
Why should you encourage others?
What does it mean to forgive others like God forgave you?
How can you see Christ in other Christians?