Message on Faith, Grace, and Mercy (04/13/'24) -Message

Message on Faith, Grace, and Mercy Dear Friends, I wanted to share some reflections on the profound interconnections between faith, grace, and mercy, which I believe are central to our understanding and practice of Christianity. Faith Without Grace Is Not Complete: It's important to recognize that faith, if not accompanied by grace, does not truly align with our faith in Christ. We must understand that our human struggles, like addiction, do not halt the flow of God's grace, which is given to us even when we are least deserving. Grace, A Divine Favor: Grace is the unmerited favor from God, granted not because we earned it but because of His boundless love and mercy. When we feel alone, and life feels like a race, remember, when God is with us, it transforms into grace—helping us overcome any obstacles, including personal battles like addiction. Abundant Grace: God’s grace is not just sufficient for ourselves but abundant enough to share with our neighbors. It transforms everything, turning what is broken into something amazing, as long as we maintain our faith. Mercy and Justice: In our pursuit of justice, we must not forget mercy. Without mercy, justice can become harsh and cruel. Faith that lacks mercy is incomplete, just as justice without mercy fails to be truly just. Call to Action: Let us be conduits of God's grace, sharing it generously and embracing the changes it brings into our lives and the lives of others around us. Let us also remember to forgive, as we are forgiven, recognizing the power of mercy to heal and restore. Encouraging Words: "God can restore what is broken and change it into something amazing. All you need is faith." (Joel 2:25) "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20) "Whenever you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father in heaven may also forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:25) In sharing these thoughts, I hope to inspire you to embrace faith, grace, and mercy in your daily lives, recognizing their transformative power and the comprehensive love of Christ that underpins them all. With warmth and blessings, Pastor Steven G. Lee (April 13, 2024)