ReviveUSA

“And the gift is not like that which comes through the one who sinned.  For the judgement which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.  For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.  Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgement came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life” (Romans 5:16-18, NKJV).

When I spend time reading Romans I get a small glimpse of the true grace of God.  Adam sinned, because of his sin every human being after him committed sin.  Reflect on this for a minute, how much sin has been committed in this world to this point in time?  Now because of the death of one man (Jesus), we have received abundant grace.  Now reflect on this for a minute, because of the gift that we have received through the death of Jesus, ALL sin has been wiped away.  What kind of grace is that?

There is so much information and many different topics that could be discussed out of this verse but I want to focus on a reoccurring thought that I have and had again last night as my wife was telling me a story.  Let me start by saying that I am a sinner and without God’s grace I would go to hell, pretty plain and simple.  I often try to extend the same grace that God has extended to me but I fail miserably and often judge and condemn others in my mind and speech.  Do I intentionally try to hurt people?  No, but I do sometimes.  I know that I have this weakness and I am super conscious of it because, by no means do I want to hurt the cause of Christ. 

As the title of this topic suggests we as Christians can be the worst examples of Christians and we must work together to change that stigma.  Our judgements, our comments, our ability to openly condemn the leaders of this country and others, our ability to portray ourselves as better and holier than thou, has caused serious damage to the people that do not have a personal relationship with Christ.  How many of you have had a conversation with somebody and they bring up an example of something that a Christian has done to them and that is the reason that they will not go to church?  Now is that a excuse, maybe.  But it doesn’t matter!  We must be humble enough to say; you know what you are right, we have a screwed up, and I am sorry.  The amount of mercy and grace that flowed out of the cross in incomprehensible.  Billions of people, including ourselves, have lived on this planet and their is enough mercy and grace for each of them if they are willing to accept it.  We must exude that same grace and mercy in our personal lives.

My challenge to myself and you is to share that same mercy and grace.  We must be careful with the words that come out of our mouth because the world hears them and it does have an effect.  We, as Christians, have one purpose on this earth and that is to spread the same gospel that we accepted as the Truth.  This is a tough purpose as has been demonstrated by many Christians throughout the centuries.  Let’s work together on trying to make this purpose a little easier by choosing our words and our actions carefully.  Be careful with how you throw your “Christian” perspective around in conversation because it can come across as being awfully condemning.  Share the same awesome mercy and grace that Jesus has extended to you.  Meditate on that mercy and grace daily and let it fill your mind and body.  Read Romans often to understand what you have been dragged out of and saved from.  The world is in bad shape; it needs to be thrown a life line instead of being condemned.  We are the hands and the fingers of a most Holy God and we need to make sure that we act accordingly.  Share the love that Christ shared with you!