“Not with our fathers did the LORD make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today.” Deuteronomy 5:3
As a new generation stood on the verge of crossing the river Jordan, which way would they go? Would they follow what was in them by nature, or would they receive what was theirs by grace?
You need to know that your life is being shaped by two great events that happened before you were even born. What’s in you by nature goes all the way back to the garden of Eden. What can be in you by grace goes all the way back to the cross of Christ.
Owning what is ours by nature is what the Bible calls repentance. We need to own what is in us by nature. We need to be clear about what we are up against in living the Christian life. “Lord, by nature I am a rebel who treats your kindness with contempt, blames others, resists your Word, refuses to believe, and deserves Your righteous judgment.” Owning what is in you by nature is where repentance begins, and that is how it continues.
Owning what is ours by grace is what the Bible calls faith. You need to own what is yours by grace. You need to know who you are in Christ. You need to be clear about what this Savior has done for you. By grace, God has made a covenant for you. He has sent His Son to redeem you. He gives His Spirit to empower you. Faith says, “This is mine.”
Repentance begins when you own what is yours by nature. Faith begins when you own what is yours by grace.
Are you following what is in you by nature? Or are you receiving what is yours by grace? Which way will you go?
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Do You Need Hope This Easter Season?
Watch the powerful story of the thief on the cross today
The thief’s story of salvation is one that begins, literally, on the brink of hell. The pain this man had experienced throughout his life fueled his hate for God, so much so that he detested the man hanging there on the cross beside him. But then, for the first time, he began to fear God.
If you’ve found yourself in a similar place, there is hope. Hope because heaven is real, hope because we have a Savior, and hope because all you have to do is accept Jesus’ invitation.
Join Pastor Colin In-Person!
Do you want to understand the Bible story? 📖
Pastor Colin Smith’s upcoming event FLY THROUGH THE BIBLE, is a high-altitude exploration of the entire Bible story. This brief introduction to the Bible will help you grasp who God is, who you are, who Jesus is, and what He offers to you!
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- St. Louis, Missouri
- Twin Cities, Minnesota
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Indianapolis, Indiana
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