Just a thought by coppi

Tom and I were having breakfast with dear friends when the subject of religion came up. Religion and politics I usually stay away from because I have found they are usually a  conundrum, a confusing and difficult problem to discuss.  But he said something about the guilt he carried due to man’s teaching.  I related because I too grew up under a “do and don’t” religion.  I carried a lot of guilt because I did not know what sin was.  I carried it to the extent that if I went to a movie and choked on a piece of popcorn and died, I would burn in hell.  Later in my life, I had to find truth.  My question was to find that Jesus loved me and His grace would cover my weakness.  Yes, truthful repentance had to be in my heart.   I started a journey reading the Bible and asking Jesus to reveal His truth to me.  Following are some scripture’s I gleaned on grace:

2 Corinthians 12:9–10

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  

(My grace is sufficient for you)

4. Hebrews 4:15–16

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Draw near to the throne of grace)

5. John 1:16–17

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.  (Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ)

6. Acts 15:10–11

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? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.   (Saved through the grace of Jesus Christ)

1. Colossians 1:5-6 
2. “the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.” (Truly understood God’s Grace)

God’s Word says that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and not by our own efforts or works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Grace Alone. Faith Alone. Grace alone means that God loves, forgives, and saves us not because of who we are or what we do, but because of the work of Christ.  (We are saved through by grace – not our works).

There are more scriptures on Grace in the Bible.  The above ones are my lights into the Grace and Love of Jesus Christ.  The Bible is our source of truth – it’s our guidance map.  I trust the Bible as my source of truth, and I have found it can be trusted.

Just a thought by coppi