Grace Will Lead Me Home
The Power of Grace
Have you ever felt like you're not making progress in your faith journey? Like no matter how hard you try, you keep stumbling? You're not alone. God's transformative work in our lives isn't about instant perfection - it's abo
The way we truly change doesn't come from practical instruction, behavioral modification, moralistic teaching, or attempts at control. Those things don't really change us. The way we truly change comes from a deeper and deeper internalization of God's amazing grace.
Understanding God's Amazing Grace: Lessons from John Newton's Journey
John Newton, author of "Amazing Grace," has a story that's more complex than most people realize. While many believe he wrote the famous hymn immediately after his conversion during a storm at sea in 1748, the truth reveals a deeper message about God's grace and transformation.
The Surprising Truth About John Newton's Conversion
Newton didn't immediately leave the slave trade after his conversion to Christianity. In fact, he continued as a slave ship captain for over 20 years after becoming a Christian. It wasn't until the 1770s that he began to recognize and speak out against the evils of slavery.
What Does Living in the "Already But Not Yet" Mean?
Christians live in a tension called the "already but not yet." We are:
- Already new creations in Christ
- Already citizens of heaven
- Already forgiven of all sins
Yet we still:
- Live in a broken world
- Face temptations and struggles
- Deal with sin and failure
How Does True Assurance of Salvation Grow?
Real assurance comes through:
- Living in the tension between our new identity and current reality
- Experiencing repeated conflicts and God's faithfulness
- Recognizing our complete dependence on God
- Understanding that our only consistency is our inconsistency
What Really Changes People's Lives?
Transformation doesn't come through:
- Rules and instructions
- Behavioral modification
- Moralistic teaching
- Attempts at control
True change comes through:
- Deeper internalization of God's grace
- Resting completely in Christ
- Understanding our helplessness
- Experiencing God's faithfulness repeatedly
Life Application
This week, consider these questions:
- Where are you trying to earn God's approval through your own efforts?
- How might your life change if you truly rested in God's grace?
- In what areas do you need to acknowledge your complete dependence on God?
Challenge: Take time each day this week to sit quietly and reflect on God's grace in your life. Instead of focusing on what you need to do or change, focus on thanking God for His unconditional love and faithfulness. Write down specific moments where you've experienced His grace, especially in your failures and weaknesses.
Remember: The most spiritually mature Christians aren't those who appear to have it all together, but those who deeply understand their need for God's grace and rest fully in His love.