In 1517 Martin Luther posted his 95 thesis declaring salvation by grace through faith. Today the church desperately needs a second reformation of sanctification by grace. Christians are chained to a treadmill of trying to please God by their behavior, of trying harder and sinning less. If they can just discipline themselves enough and be determined enough, they are deceived into thinking they can become righteous and holy and be close to God and He will be pleased. Grace tells us that our relationship and intimacy with our Father in heaven is no longer dependent upon our behavior...or lack there of. Grace tells us we no longer have to strive to become righteous, because He has given us a new nature that is righteous. Grace tells us that it is the only thing powerful enough to deal with our sin. Grace tells us that God is already head-over-heels in love with us and nothing we do can change that. Welcome to "Formed by Grace."

Monday, March 25, 2013

If God Had a Face... (55 sec.)

One of my favorite authors is Brennan Manning. One of the questions he asks is this, "If God had a face, what kind of face would He make at you right now?"

Would it be unemotional?  Stern?  Sad?  Frustrated?  Wondering?  Disappointed?  Impatient?  Based on our last two discussions about reconciliation and being bound back together with our best friend - there is only one answer.  He sees you and has a grin from ear to ear!  He is ecstatic about you. 

If God had something to say to you today--what might you imagine that to be?  "You need to work a little harder?"  "When are you going to get with it?"  "We need to have a talk?"  Will you hear some nagging feedback?  I don't think so. God does have something to say to you and me today, and this is what I hear; "Do you know what a joy and delight it is for me to live in you?  Do you know I have loved you from before you were created? I have always loved you and always will.  No matter what. Its a done deal.  Forever."
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