Lisa Notes: Grace-a-lot

It only took about a month.

They appreciated their freedom in Exodus 15. But by Exodus 16, despite being liberated from their bondage in Egypt, the Israelites wanted to go back.

A similar thing happened to the early believers in Jerusalem. They, too, had been delivered from slavery and were now free in Christ Jesus.

But some were too secure with their chains to completely drop them (see Acts 15).

In Grace, Max Lucado explains it this way:

It wasn’t that the people didn’t believe in grace at all. They did. They believed in grace a lot.

They just didn’t believe in grace alone. They wanted to add to the work of Christ.

Grace-a-lots believe in grace, a lot. Jesus almost finished the work of salvation, they argue. In the rowboat named Heaven Bound, Jesus paddles most of the time.

But every so often he needs our help. So we give it. We accumulate good works the way Boy Scouts accumulate merit badges on a sash.

Or so we think.
I don’t want to be a grace-a-lot.

I want to be a grace-in-full.

And from his fullness we have all received,
grace upon grace.
John 1:16

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Day 14 of . . .

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fsamons 60p · 648 weeks ago

I marvel at the people who believe so much in themselves. It is that very pride that blinds them from the complete truth and keeps them from the ultimate peace and joy available to those who truly comprehend His omnipotence and our ultimate weakness.

His hand provides the very cosmos that allows our breath and life on this planet and yet we think so much of ourselves to think we could do ANYTHING to be able to contribute through our works?
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1 reply · active 647 weeks ago

Lisa notes 103p · 647 weeks ago

Good words for me to hear, Floyd. My pride can still blind me too often from delighting in full dependence on the real source of Life...
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Denise · 647 weeks ago

Hey Lisa,
No intense debate here, but wondering if you have done a review of The Prodigal God. We watched the video tonight at house worship following last week's reading and discussion of Luke 15. I've known all along that I hang out on the porch with the older brother, but what Tim said about 'repenting of all the reasons I did the right thing' really convicted me. Bleh, for Tim Keller for being on point! Say hi to the family for me! Denise

I haven't read that one, Denise, but it sounds like one that would convict me as well. I'll add it to my bottomless pit list. ha.

Last week we got to hear you all singing via Ed's video from Ireland. He "introduced" us to everyone. Was such a treat!
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Pamela · 647 weeks ago

You got me thinking--what chains am I holding on to because I'm feeling secure. I'll need to pray over this question.

If we could see ourselves like God does, I'm sure we'd all have a few chains or two lingering around... I appreciate your humility, Pamela, to consider the question.
My recent post Grace-a-lot