Pastor Rick Warren: How to Receive the Grace of God

”For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17 NLT).

In yesterday’s devotional we looked at 10 great benefits of God’s grace in our lives. As you read those benefits, you may have wondered how you can receive that grace in your life. It would be tragic to discover all God wants to do in you through his grace yet never accept it in your life.So how do you receive the grace of God in your life?

There isn’t a 23-part answer to the question. You don’t need to go to seminary to discover it.

The Bible gives an easy, three-word answer for how you receive the grace of God: by trusting Christ.

The Bible says in John 1:17, “For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ” (NLT).

God’s grace is entirely wrapped up in a person: Jesus. You can’t get it through religion or ritual. You can’t get it by following the rules.

You get it through Jesus.

God’s grace is free. You simply need to accept it.

But let me be very clear: God’s grace is not cheap. It cost Jesus his life. Grace is the most expensive commodity there is. Jesus died on the cross to pay for it.

Jesus’ death on the cross accomplished three things in our lives:

  • It paid the penalty for sin. Someone had to pay for the penalty for our sin. If you have a relationship with Jesus, he has taken care of your penalty.
  • It broke the power of sin. Jesus’ death on the cross gives us the power to change the habits, hurts, and hang-ups that derail our lives.
  • The presence of sin will be obliterated. One day all who follow Jesus will go to heaven, where there won’t be any sin.

The costly grace God offers will change everything about your life.

You just have to accept it!

Talk It Over

  • How does your life demonstration thankfulness to God for his grace?
  • If the grace of God is relatively easy to understand and its benefits are so amazing, why do you think so many people never accept it?
  • How can you share the message of God’s grace with a friend or family member this week?

Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.

Newt Gingrich: Republicans’ new rallying cry is ‘Remember Kavanaugh’ and it may lead them to midterm victory

In airports, on airplanes, in hotels and in restaurants, I have been approached again and again by people who are glad Republicans stood up for now-Justice Brett Kavanaugh and took on the left. Not a single person has been hostile or negative in five days of travel (and Seattle is hardly lacking in liberals).

Here’s a link to the editorial at Fox News.

Report: Illinois last in fiscal solvency rankings

Illinois ranked dead last in terms of fiscal stability using the most recent data that marks the first year lawmakers and Gov. Bruce Rauner failed to agree on a budget. The author of the report notes that the state also had lower taxes at the time.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Budget groups: Pritzker’s plans would cost taxpayers billions more

While a couple of state budget analysis groups differ on how much more Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker could spend if he’s elected, they agree Pritzker will cost taxpayers more.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Illinois voters, business groups see high stakes in the midterm election

Depending on whom you ask, the fate of a growing economy or continued partisan division is what’s at stake in the midterm election.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

South Seven Conference champion Cahokia continues climb in Class 4A state football poll

Two weeks after clinching their first playoff bid since 2009 and a week removed from wrapping up an undefeated South Seven Conference championship, the Cahokia Comanches continue to move up in the Class 4A football poll.

Here’s a link to the story at the Belleville News-Democrat.

Rauner shows confidence, despite trailing in polls

The Republican incumbent governor seeking re-election is putting on a strong face and remaining publicly confident despite recent polls showing him trailing his Democratic opponent by double digits.

Here’s a link to the story at the Belleville News-Democrat.

October Surprise: Pritzker campaign workers file lawsuit alleging racial discrimination

J.B. Pritzker campaign workers file lawsuit alleging racial discrimination; group wanted $7.5 million to settle

Three weeks before Election Day, staffers who have worked for J.B. Pritzker’s campaign have filed a federal lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in their months on the job, accusations the Democratic governor candidate quickly called “just not true.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

James “Jim” A. Smith – Benton, IL

James “Jim” A. Smith, 70, of Benton, IL, passed away at 9:20 a.m., on Monday, October 15, 2018, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital, Evansville, IN.

He was born on September 25, 1948, to John and Wilma (Summers) Smith in Christopher, IL.

Jim was a United States Army Veteran serving in the Vietnam Conflict.

He was a member and supporter of the Disabled American Veterans. Jim enjoyed reading, traveling, and tinkering with his cars.

Jim is survived by his son, Jason Smith and wife Narissa; three grandchildren, Jacob Smith, Maddie Smith, and Jonah Smith; two brothers, John K. Smith and wife Kathy and Don Weston and wife Kathy; and one sister, Patricia Wheeler and husband Roger.

He was preceded in death by parents, John and Wilma Smith; and two brothers, David Weston and Bobby Smith.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 19, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

Funeral procession will leave Pate Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m., for a graveside service at Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery with Pastor Sammy Simmons, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News