From:
Date: February 23, 2021
Subject: It's February 23; Good Morning Union


“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith…”      Ephesians 2:8,9

 

Grace is an amazing thing. Some describe it as “undeserved favor.” I’m ok with that. For me to grasp what it is, I function better sometimes by trying to understand what it is NOT. Two things Paul expresses that helps me know what it is not:

 

  1. “it is NOT of yourself”
  2. “it is NOT of works”

 

And one thing that it IS:

  1. “it is a GIFT OF GOD”

 

And as I reflected on these verses this morning I saw the word “For” at the beginning, which sort of implies to me that my verses are a conclusion, or summation, of some kind. The verses before today’s words include a list of things that have one thing in common—it’s all about what Jesus did for me.

 

  1. “because of HIS great love for us
  2. God, who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ (even when we were dead in transgressions
  3. He raised us up with Christ
  4. And He seated us with Himself in the heavenly realms
  5. SO THAT He could show the incomparable riches of His grace
  6. Expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

 

“FOR it is by grace you have been saved through faith- and this is not of yourselves, it is a gift of God- not by works, so that NO ONE can boast.” (except in the goodness and grace of God!) He did it all; He does it all; and He will continue to do it all. Grace is freely mine because He was willing to pay everything to provide it for me. THAT’S what’s so Amazing about Grace! And all I will be able to do is say, “Thank you, Jesus.”

 

Have a great day gratefully grasping this grace,

Pastor Rich

 

Quote for the day:      “The goodness of the gospel is not getting what I deserve.”

 

PS        Christ on Demand 7:30 p.m. | Shawnee Porter Room and Zoom. Come and connect with new friends but most importantly with the best friend you can have, Jesus! This year’s theme is based on 1 Corinthians 13:13, and this week Lisa Forbes will be sharing.

PPS      The Garden | Bible study for women 8:00 p.m. Zoom (click the link to learn more)
Join Megan Fleming and Annabelle Harper for some time with Jesus.

PPPS    Ricky and Brooke in the Ortner Lobby. Check out their summer camp ministry opportunities.

 

PP…S    Pastor Gua is in Campus Ministries every Tuesday from 1-3pm to provide you the option of a female pastor perspective. You can make an appointment by contacting Pastor Gua at gmontour@collegeviewchurch.org, (978) 333-1209 Mobile, or just drop in and see if she is busy!

PPP…S              Well, if the weather man is right for today we will have experienced and 80+ degree temperature change in one week!! Nebraska- the good life!!