Tuesday, 26 August 2008 1:54 PM
Sowing seeds of Grace & Mercy.
You can listen to Erik's message on Grace & Mercy
here
Many people through history have demonstrated acts of Grace & Mercy - such as Nelson Mandela. Nelson epitomised grace as he demonstrated forgiveness towards the people who imprisoned and mistreated him and then went on to lead his people through social reform.
Jesus' sacrifice was the ultimate demonstration of Grace. Jesus' grace is often not understood by people, as they are so used to getting what they deserve (good things - leading to pride and self sufficiency, bad things as a result of punishment). God's Grace & Mercy are not like that.
Grace is when you get what you don't deserve.
Mercy is when you don't get what you do deserve.
Romans 3:21-26. Jesus is God's demonstration of Grace towards us. We are not perfect and never will be until Christ returns. Yet when we believe in Jesus - God justifies us.
Many people are very sceptical about accepting God's freely given Grace, thinking that 'Nothing is more costly than something given free of charge'
Likewise we can often forget about God's grace applying to us. We must remind ourselves that we are under Grace: Romans 6:14.
We are ministers of God's grace and mercy. Our speech should be seasoned with grace. Don't hold onto bitterness, but scatter words filled with the goodness of God's gospel. Somewhere a root of love will then grow.
If you would like to browse other talks delivered at Chandler St Church, or order copies on CD, please click here.
Filed Under: Chandler St Talks
Tuesday, 26 August 2008 1:17 PM
Faith, Hope, Love - The greatest of these is Love.
Pastor David delivered a message about Love.
You may download the message here.
Because of faith:
v We believe God exists,
v God does things for us & through us,
v We believe things even if we can't see them,
v We are God's agents for change,
v We wait on God for solutions.
Because of Hope:
v We have a future to this life,
v We maintain an Eternal perspective on everything we do,
v Our perspective changes things, causing us to make wise choices.
And finally, because of Love:
v We are motivated by love to actively love God and others.
There are three types of Love:
1. Eros: Lust,
2. Phillio: Like, Companionship, brotherhood
3. Agape: Sacrificial love.
The love referred to in scriptures in most cases is Agape, and refers to the love that God demonstrates for his people.
'God is Love' - To know God is to experience love like you haven't before.
4 Characteristics of Agape:
- Sacrificial
- Service
- Charity
- Consuming
Love is often referred to as 'Charity'. Charity represents an important characteristic of what love is as it goes out to people who need it, and it is giving without expecting to receive anything back.
If you would like to browse other talks delivered at Chandler St Church, or order copies on CD, please click here.
Filed Under: Chandler St Talks
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