Growing in Grace

The gospel. We hear the word a lot—probably without thinking much about what it specifically means. Meanings in the Greek describe *gospel* as to proclaim or declare good news. And while it is literally defined as good news—and we can relate the good news to Jesus—what exactly IS that good news?

There are many Bible-related nuggets and concepts that may be assumed or considered as the gospel of Jesus Christ but might often be quite different from the way the Apostle Paul described it ... and may not be the gospel at all.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

Stop and think about who Jesus was speaking to when He said the following: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Of course, it was directed specifically at those (Jewish people) who had been held under an unprofitable law which required them to work at hearing and *doing* all of it in order to *try* to attain to right standing with God. There was no rest for them to enter into within that system of the stone-tablet ministry. Unfortunately, some of that obsolete arrangement has trickled down similar concepts to corporate Christianity today.

God has not placed you *under arrest* only to be released on parole based upon rehabilitation and good behavior. Through Christ, He has placed you under *a rest.* He is the One who sets captives free. This is the reality and truth for you right now, even if you don't always feel as though you are experiencing such perfect peace and rest at all times. While the religious world loves to strike a "balance" ... and will try to regulate your rest based on regulations and law-like lifelessness planted in decrees and ordinances, we have been given something much better in the New Covenant of Jesus Christ. It's God's grace—and it will bring internal and eternal peace when we embrace it. He died so we could live in it.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

What comes to mind when you hear the word "saint"? Most will picture what tradition and perhaps even our dictionary has told us ... such as these examples:

A) An extremely virtuous person. B) A person of exceptional holiness or goodness. C) Someone regarded with deep respect or reverence. D) A person who has died and gone to heaven. E) The process of canonization from earthly humans, making the appointed saint capable of interceding for people on earth.

Some church building managers even like to flaunt the title of "reverend," which seems to be reserved for a certain few.

The Greek word appears about 235 times in the New Testament pages. Most of the time it is translated as HOLY. But at least 25% of the time the same word is translated as SAINTS. Paul opens many of his letters to the "saints" and makes other references in various parts of his letters. He wasn't narrowing his remarks to "super spiritual" people who lived exemplary lifestyles of holiness. He wasn't making a correlation between being a saint combined with one's works and actions. He certainly wasn't writing to people who passed after their body died. He was simply addressing or making references to believers in Christ.

Being a saint is part of your identity as a new creation in Christ and it has nothing to do with your behavior. You *are* righteous, sanctified and holy. It is not something you are striving to attain so that you may boast in your accomplishments. It is because God has *gifted* us with His holiness. The sooner we can latch onto this, the more easily we'll begin to understand the gospel.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

Happy New Year all! We'll be back in 2026 with plenty of brand new grace-filled episodes. This week we're going back into the archives for an encouraging episode that focuses on our identity in Christ apart from what we do, and the freedom we have in Him.

The church system in Christianity is largely based on following formulas and three-point sermons to help people work at how to become something they think they are not. The message of the gospel of grace is based on a very different and more solid foundation. Instead of working through steps and principles on how to become a better Christian ... more holy, more sanctified, forgiven, etc. we come to realize God has gifted us as heirs with these qualities as His child.

His divine power in us has given everything we need that pertains to life and godliness—apart from works. It's not about trying harder or a "how-to" but it's about "a Him" ... where our life and identity is found in a place of peace and perfection.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7

One of the greatest announcements in the history of the world happened on a night when a heavenly visitation was on display before a group of shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks. A heavenly host appeared with the angel and proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Most of the world has taken this statement to mean the proclamation of peace and goodwill is something that should be extended from one person to another. Certainly, this is a good thing when there is peace in the world and kindness and honesty between people. But the context here is God making a declaration of peace between the Creator and His creation as He extended goodwill towards us through the Price of peace. It coincides with the Savior of the world, born that night, taking on human form, and eight days later being named the name above all names ... Jesus. It's a mysterious occurrence that can be challenging to wrap our minds around. But the story unfolds and becomes alive within our hearts as God reveals it to us by His Spirit who bears witness to of the Word who became flesh.

--Available on Amazon - "Clash of The Covenants: Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713ZSKY7