Resource Review - Why Grace Changes Everything

I think I need to read this book every year or every other year. Man, this was refreshing! I've forgotten so much about grace. I read this a few years ago as a requirement for the training for moving to Ottawa to plant a church. I didn't remember it being as good as it was this time through. 

I picked this up for 2 reasons. I have some new questions in the area of soteriology, which is the study of salvation, how people become Christians. And, I had just recommended it to the guys that are interning at Calvary. So, I wanted to read it. 

I used so much of what I read in the messages that I've given over the last couple of weeks, and the truths that I was reminded of came up in conversations almost every day. 

Why have I neglected these powerful truths? How could I have forgottten them? 

I don't know. But, I'm sure glad to be reminded. 

I'm accepted by God because of grace.

I'm growing as a Christian because of grace.

I'm able to grow quickly or gradually because of grace.

Praise the Lord for Pastor Chuck, his ability to make things simple and the reminders of God's grace.

Comments

[Renee]

Pastor Andy,

Colin shared this meaningful post of yours with me. Thanks for the "gracious" reminder. I remember being a fairly new Christian (in terms of being a serious Christian), reading Chuck Swindoll's The Grace Awakening. One particular quote, which I'll have to paraphrase, said that people who understood grace best seemed to be marked with gratitude. They were overall thankful, grateful people. But thankfully, as your last point makes, because of His incredible grace, we are able to grow quickly and gradually...and really, my growth is something God has in hand so I need not compare myself to anyone else. :) Thanks again!

[Andy Falleur]

Renee, it's a big point, that growth in grace is exactly that, growth... in grace... And, we need to have grace for ourselves when we don't think that we're growing as fast as we want to. And we need to have grace for each other, when someone isn't growing as fast as we think they should. It's a great reminder for me personally, and for me as a pastor...
It's true, it makes you grateful!