Sunday's Message, May 16, 2021 - Grace: More than God's Unmerited Favor

 Hello Family of God,  

Grace, God's unmerited favor, was given to advance the Kingdom of Heaven.  It is God's power made available to us - so let's lean in to GRACE!

God Bless!

Scripture References & Highlights

Prayer for 2021:  This year will be a year of Light; that Light will shine and darkness will not dispel it. 

In Jesus' Name

Message Scriptures

• Romans 8:4
• Holy Spirit is power
• Romans 8:9-11
• Spirit of Christ empowers
• Romans 8:14
• mature children are moved by the impulses of Holy Spirit
• Acts 1:8
• Jesus said - But I promise you this - the Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will be seized with power
• Ephesians 1:3-8
• grace is a love gift from God
• grace is working in us, releasing wisdom and practical understanding
• Romans 8:5, 14
• living by the leading of the Holy Spirit
• Matthew 5:16
• Light and works are intertwined.  We need the light of Christ in order to do good works.  Our good works are like light shining upon their hearts.  (TPT)
• Luke 2:52
• Jesus grew in wisdom and maturity
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
• God's grace (power) is sufficient
• John 15:5
• without union with Jesus, grace or power is not available to me
• Matthew 13:31-32
• the Kingdom of Heaven provides a place for others to safely grow
• Mark 4:32
• Ephesians 2:7-10

 Nuggets for the Week

• Grace - simple elegance or refinement of movement; courteous goodwill
• According to Merriam - Webster, grace is defined as...
1. unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification
2. a virtue coming fromGod
• Grace has nothing to do with us, it is entirely God's power that was given to us;  and is cotinuously available to us
• Maturity has nothing to do with age, logevity, or how often you pray; or how many scriptures I can quote but how responsive I am to the impulses of the Holy Spirit, power or grace of God

Reflections

• What divine assistance or grace do we have except Romans 8:4 says we have Holy Spirit which is power?
• CHALLENGE:  Find a scripture with grace in it.  Substitute the word "power" when you read it.  Then ask Holy Spirit to help you live it out this week.

 Key Takeaway for the Body

• When Holy Spirit comes He comes with power or grace
• Grace is not passive.  It is God's enabling power and God's power is not weak!!
• Grace in our lives empowers others to see Light
• We should be able to track growing in wisdom, maturity, and favor
• Grace or God's power is in existence to enable His Kingdom to expand
• We have to tap into grace or God's power to expand His Kingdom in the realm of influence we have been given

Prayer Time

In your times of prayer this week (9am,12noon, and 6pm) we encourage you to include the following scriptures located below and in the article 7 Verses and 7 Prayers for your Pastor/

Ephesians 1:17-19, 3:16-17

Philippians 1:9-11

Colossians 1:10-12

Worship Highlight