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Understanding Grace: A Fundamental Concept in Christianity Part Two: The Biblical Basis of Grace

Last week, we looked at the key characteristics of grace. This week, we will consider its biblical basis. Grace is undeniably a recurring theme in the Bible, running like a thread throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Biblical examples and key verses tie together the overarching narrative of God's relationship with His people. 

Grace in the Old Testament

The presence of grace in the Old Testament is a precursor to Christ's ultimate act of grace in the New Testament; the offer of salvation and reconciliation to all who believe. 

Examples:

+God expressed grace by creating and gifting us everything (Genesis 1)
+God’s grace protected Noah and his family (Genesis 6)
+God showed grace to Abraham by making a covenant with him (Genesis 12)
+God graced Joseph with perseverance (Genesis 50)
+God delivered the Israelites to The Promised Land (Exodus 6)
+God graced Rahab with His mercy (Joshua 2)
+God utilized Ester as a tool to save the Jews. (Ester 4)
+God’s grace overlooked David’s multiple shortcomings (Psalm 51)
+God’s grace mirrors His character (Psalm 103)
+God’s grace saved Daniel (Daniel 6)
+God’s grace never gave up on Jonah (4)

Key Verses:

Grace in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the concept of grace is most prominently revealed through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. His interactions with sinners, outcasts, and those considered unworthy by societal standards demonstrate God's boundless love and forgiveness.

Examples:

+God shows us grace by providing us with His Word (Matthew 4)
+God’s grace healed a paralyzed man (Mark 2)
+God taught grace through parables (Luke 15- The Prodigal Son; Luke 10- The Good Samaritan)
+God expressed grace by sending His Son to save us from sin (John 3)
+God’s grace expressed unconditional love for Peter (John 21)
+God’s grace transformed Saul into the Apostle Paul (Acts 9)
+God’s grace is used to serve Him (Romans 1)
+God’s grace exemplifies Christian living (2 Corinthians 12)
+God’s grace denotes salvation (Ephesians 2)
+God’s grace provides for our needs (Philippians 4)
+God’s grace helps us through trials (James 1)

Key Verses:

As You Can See

Throughout the Bible, grace encapsulates the core message of God's love, forgiveness, and salvation offered to humanity. It is a unifying thread that runs through both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing God's unmerited favor and the redemptive work He offers to all who believe.

-Torrance Church of Christ

Understanding Grace: A Fundamental Concept in Christianity Part One: Key Characteristics of Grace

Grace is a recurring theme in the Bible, holding a foundational place within Christianity. However, do we genuinely comprehend the core of grace? Over the next seven weeks, we will explore various facets of grace to attain a more profound and comprehensive understanding of this divine gift bestowed upon us by God.

Starting With The Basics, What Is Grace?

Merriam-Webster defines grace as:

Grace can be understood as the unmerited favor, love, and mercy of God extended to us. It encompasses God’s benevolent disposition toward humanity, His boundless love and generosity. 

Key Characteristics of Grace

Aiming to unravel the complexities of grace, explore its significance, and shed light on its profound impact on our lives, today, we will focus on key characteristics that grace embodies.

Grace is Unearned Favor: Grace is often described as God's unearned and undeserved favor. It means that God's love and blessings are given freely, regardless of a person's actions or worthiness. It is a gift freely given by God.

Grace is Abundant with Love and Compassion: Grace reflects God's deep love and compassion for humanity. It shows that God cares for all of us deeply and is willing to extend His love and favor even when it is not deserved.

Grace Harbors Transformative Power: Grace has the power to transform lives. It inspires us to live a righteous and loving life. This encourages spiritual growth, supporting us to become more Christ-like in character.

Grace Highlights Redemption and Salvation: Grace is at the core of salvation. Through God's grace, we can receive forgiveness and reconciliation with Him. This means that, despite our human imperfections and sinful nature, we can be saved and have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Grace is a Bridge to God: Grace serves as a bridge between humanity and God. It's through God's grace that we can approach God with confidence, knowing that He is our Father who will help, guide, and support us, always wanting us to succeed.

Grace Promises Compassion and Mercy: It teaches that, no matter how far we may have strayed from God or committed sins, we can turn to God's grace for forgiveness and restoration. 

Grace Provides Hope and Comfort: In times of hardship and suffering, grace offers hope and comfort. We can find solace in the belief that God's grace sustains us through difficult circumstances and provides strength to persevere.

Grace Advocates Unity: Grace emphasizes the equality of all believers before God. It doesn't matter one's past or current circumstances; everyone has access to God's grace. 

Grace is Sufficiency: God's grace is seen as sufficient to meet all of humanity's needs, providing everything necessary for a meaningful relationship with God and a life of faith.

Grace Enhances the Ability to Love: Grace exemplifies God's boundless love for humanity. It is through experiencing and understanding this grace that we are inspired to love and serve others selflessly. Grace encourages us to show compassion, kindness, and forgiveness to others as a reflection of the love we have received from God.

Grace Promotes Humility and Gratitude: Understanding grace encourages humility among us, as we recognize our dependence on God's mercy. It also fosters gratitude for God's love and salvation, leading us to live a life of thankfulness and service to others.

Grace Offers Empowerment: Grace extends to daily living. It provides the strength and guidance for us to live a life that reflects God's love and character. This empowerment enables us to overcome challenges, grow spiritually, and extend grace to others in our interactions.

Winding Up

In essence, Grace is a connecting link between humanity and God that represents the profound manifestation of God’s love and mercy that enables us to establish a profound relationship with Him, find forgiveness for our sins, and attain salvation. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's love and favor are freely given, unearned, and available to all who seek Him. 

-Torrance Church of Christ

The Shapes and Sizes of Prayer: Multiple Forms of Communication with God: Part 3

Today, we will wrap up our three-part set by outlining 15 additional forms of prayer. 

The Morning Prayer

Purpose: Begin the day with a prayer, seeking God's guidance, strength, and wisdom for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Scripture References: Psalm 3:5, Psalm 121:5-6, Psalm 143:8

The Nighttime Reflection Prayer

Also Called: The Bedtime Prayer, Evening Prayer
Purpose: This prayer involves using the quiet moments before sleep to reflect on your day, express gratitude, and seek God's peace and protection.
Scripture References: Luke 6:12, Proverbs 3:24, Psalm 4:4, Psalm 4:8

The Seasonal Prayer

Purpose: Seasonal prayers are tailored to reflect the themes and significance associated with each season and can be used to connect with the rhythms of nature or seasonal religious holidays. 
Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Psalm 1:3, Genesis 8:22

The Prayer for an Adversary 

Also Called: Praying for your Enemies
Purpose: Extending prayers for those who have hurt or wronged you, asking for healing and reconciliation.
Scripture References: Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-28, Romans 12:20

The Private Prayer

Also Called: Silent Retreat Prayer, Praying in Solitude
Purpose: Find a quiet place of solitude and spend intentional time in communion with God, away from distractions.
Scripture References: Matthew 6:6, Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16

The Prayer of Preparation

Purpose: Praying before important events, meetings, or challenges, seeking God's guidance and empowerment.
Scripture References: Habakkuk 3:19, Psalm 27:1, Philippians 4: 6-7, Jeremiah 29:11

The Prayer of Casual Conversation

Purpose: Casual conversation prayer is a simple and informal way of communicating with God, resembling a friendly conversation. It involves speaking openly and honestly to God about thoughts, feelings, and everyday matters, fostering a personal and intimate connection.
Scripture References: James 2:23, in much of his writings in Psalms, David uses a personal and conversational communication style with God. 

The Memorized Prayer

Purpose: Commitment to specific prayers, like the Lord's Prayer or the Serenity Prayer, to memory and recite them as a foundation for your prayers.
Scripture References: Psalm 119:13, Isaiah 40:8

Fasting with Prayer

Purpose: Combine times of fasting with prayer, focusing your thoughts and intentions on God's guidance and presence.
Scripture References: Luke 2:37, Nehemiah 1:4

Prayer Walk

Purpose: Engage in prayer while taking a walk, allowing movement, sights, sounds, and fresh air to invite God’s presence. 
Scripture References: Philippians 4:8

The Prayer of Forgiveness

Also Called: Prayer for Tolerance, Prayer for Compassion, Prayer for Mercy
Purpose: This prayer involves seeking God's forgiveness and extending forgiveness to others, releasing feelings of resentment and bitterness.
Scripture References: Luke 15:18-24, Romans 3:23-24, Ephesians 4:31-32, Luke 6:37

The Prayer of Faith

Also Called: Trustful Prayer
Purpose: This type of prayer is characterized by praying with firm faith and confidence, believing that God will answer according to His will and timing.
Scripture References: Genesis 15:6, Matthew 8:5-13, Mark 5:25-34, 1 John 5:14-15

The Prayer of Release

Also Called: Prayer for Peace
Purpose: This prayer involves surrendering worries, anxieties, and burdens to God, finding peace and rest in His care.
Scripture References: 1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 6:33-34

The Hospitable Prayer

Purpose: Pray for others as you welcome them into your home, extending God's love and blessings to your guests.
Scripture References: Romans 15:2, 1 Peter 4:9, Titus 1:8

The Prayer of Adoration and Worship

Also Called: Prayer of Praise
Purpose: Adoration prayer is an act of worship, expressing love, reverence, and praise to God for His character and attributes.
Scripture References: Luke 2:14, Psalm 103, Psalm 150, Psalm 145

To Conclude

We hope that over these past three weeks, the fresh perspectives, techniques, and insights have encouraged you to not only enrich your spiritual practices but also embrace the opportunity to test out different forms of prayer for yourself. 

- Torrance Church of Christ