For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14

Today, I continue a pause of my study of Zechariah as I prepare for leading worship at The Gardens and The Lodge this upcoming Sunday as part of a ministry outreach of my church Bay Leaf Baptist. Since the start of the new year, worship for this ministry is based on Tony Evans' booklet The Grace of God, and for this week specifically, we are using chapter 4 Set Free by Grace.

1. Grace saves; it is embodied in Christ (John 1:1-18), and in Christ we are released from condemnation (Romans 10:4); grace is free (Romans 8:32)
   
2. Grace enables us to fulfill God's instructions and call for us (Titus 2:11-14)
3. Grace inspires a constant focus on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) where he gives us a "war footing" and assumes Jesus could return at any moment (Matthew 25:14-30); our worship and our lives must reflect this readiness (Psalm 34:1-2)
   
4. Grace protects We can be assured that Jesus has faced everything we might ever encounter (Hebrews 4:14-16) and that there is nothing we cannot do with Jesus (Philippians 4:13)
5. Grace brings freedom (John 8:36) that is defined by finding abundance (John 10:10) in His purpose, through a desire for obedience to Him (1 John 5:3)
6. Never forget that God's grace is inexhaustible (James 4:6, Romans 5:20)

Live in God's grace!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are amazing and Your grace is amazing - thank You Jesus for Your inexhaustible supply of grace.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.