What Is Grace?

Church of the Word Lancaster, Pennsylvania

(When you serve the Lord by serving others, expect to be watered back by the Lord and His people.) The word "grace" (favor, thanks) appears 156 times in the New Covenant. Do we understand it? What is grace? The dictionary says that it is unmerited favor. We incorrectly use grace and mercy interchangeably. Pastor demonstrated the grace of God using a bright flashlight. It enables you to see things, if you turn it on. You have to receive grace to use it. Shining the flashlight in your eyes is like misapplying grace. Grace makes things easier. Grace is available, even if you are not using it. Grace and favor are interchangeable. It is God's ability, support, wisdom, helping you, empowerment to you, presence, and it is God doing for you what you could not do for yourself or your own. The charisma gifts, the five-fold ministries, and serving are called graces. It is the New Testament word that describes the fullness of the New Covenant that dwells in Christ and is available for mankind. Grace never allows God to overlook or put up with our sin. Grace does not make a situation acceptable. Jesus grew in wisdom and grace (Luke 2:40, 52). He walked as a man. He did not need mercy. Grace is the ability to not sin, but to walk supernaturally. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Peter's walking on the water was God's grace. It brings you the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14). You can grow in grace. Jesus needed God to open His ear, and so do we (Isaiah 50:4-6). We have received grace from Jesus' fullness (John 1:14-17). The apostles witnessed with great power and great grace on them all (Acts 4:33). We have to step out to use His grace. Imagine you have great grace. Abide in grace in faith (Romans 5:1-2, 17). There is an overflow of grace. Grace with a right standing with God empowers you to reign in life. How do you receive more grace? God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). 1) Humble yourself before the Lord. 2) Ask Him for help. Approach the throne of grace, so you receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Pastor led us in a prayer to receive more grace. Tongues, be loosed. Increase our boldness, hearing, and seeing. Thank God for the increase of grace to all parts of the ministry. Release words of encouragement by giving grace to one another.