Accessing God's Grace Through Faith and Redemption
Summary
In the exploration of faith, healing, and prayer, a deep dive into the concept of grace as it relates to receiving God's blessings is presented. The discussion begins with an understanding of salvation, not merely as an escape from eternal damnation but as a comprehensive package that includes healing, preservation, soundness, safety, deliverance, and more. This multifaceted salvation is accessed through faith, a gift from God that enables believers to tap into His grace.
The teachings of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians are highlighted to illustrate the relationship between grace, faith, and works. It is emphasized that salvation is not a result of human effort but a gift from God to prevent boasting. Believers are described as God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which are not limited to acts of benevolence but encompass supernatural healings, provisions, breakthroughs, and favor. These works are preordained by God for believers to walk in, living the "good life" that He has prepared for them.
The discussion then shifts to the roles within the church, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These roles are gifts from Christ for the perfecting of the saints and the edification of the body of Christ. Each ministry is accompanied by a specific grace, which is God's ability working within it. The true nature of a church is not defined by its physical location but by its supernatural calling and the grace that manifests over time. For instance, the grace of a particular church might be faith, enabling its members to understand and apply faith in various aspects of their lives.
The language of redemption is introduced as a critical element for believers. It is a language that reflects the truths of the Bible, speaking life and health into existence. Believers are encouraged to reject negative confessions and instead declare their identity in Christ, such as being the righteousness of God and being healed. This practice of speaking the word of God is not just a defensive mechanism against negative thoughts but a proactive approach to shaping one's reality.
Personal testimonies are shared to illustrate the power of faith in action. For example, an unexpected financial blessing is recounted, demonstrating the principle of sowing and reaping and the importance of acknowledging God for His provision. The principle of calling upon the Lord for one's needs, as outlined in Romans, is also discussed, emphasizing that God's provision is based on need, not greed.
The metaphor of tapping into maple syrup from maple trees is used to explain how grace has always been available, but it requires faith to access it. Just as the sap has always been in the maple trees, grace has been present for all, but it was only through the redemption brought by Jesus Christ that believers gained the faith to tap into this grace.
In conclusion, the message encourages believers to live by faith, tapping into God's grace, and speaking the word of God into every situation. Whether in times of need or abundance, the consistent confession of God's word is vital for living the life that God has intended for His children.
Key Takeaways:
- Salvation encompasses much more than escaping hell; it includes a full spectrum of God's blessings such as healing, preservation, and deliverance. Believers are encouraged to understand and embrace the comprehensive nature of salvation, recognizing that it is a gift from God accessed through faith. [29:21]
- The good works that believers are created for in Christ Jesus go beyond acts of kindness to include supernatural manifestations of God's power. These works are not just for personal benefit but are meant to be a demonstration of God's glory on Earth. Believers are called to live in a way that allows God to work through them, fulfilling His preordained purposes. [30:54]
- Each ministry within the church is endowed with a specific grace, which is the divine enablement to carry out its function. Understanding and operating within this grace is crucial for the growth and edification of the church body. Believers are encouraged to connect with a church that aligns with their calling and to contribute to its grace. [41:54]
- The language of redemption is a key concept for believers, who must learn to speak in alignment with biblical truths rather than negative circumstances. This involves declaring one's identity in Christ and God's promises, which activates faith and brings transformation in various life areas. [47:26]
- Faith is likened to a tap that allows believers to access the grace of God, which has always been available. Just as tapping a maple tree releases its sap, faith releases the grace needed for salvation and other blessings. This analogy encourages believers to actively use their faith to receive from God's abundant provision. [37:49]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)
> "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
2. Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)
> "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."
3. Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV)
> "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:8-10, what is the relationship between grace, faith, and works?
2. In Romans 10:9-10, what are the two actions required for salvation?
3. What roles within the church are mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-12, and what is their purpose?
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "good works" that believers are created for in Christ Jesus? [30:54]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding salvation as more than just an escape from hell change a believer's perspective on their faith journey? [29:21]
2. What does it mean to be God's workmanship, and how should this influence a believer's daily life and actions? [30:03]
3. How can believers identify and operate within the specific grace given to their church or ministry? [41:54]
4. Why is it important for believers to learn and speak the language of redemption, and how does this practice impact their faith and life circumstances? [47:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your understanding of salvation. How does recognizing it as a comprehensive package of God's blessings (healing, preservation, deliverance) affect your faith and daily life? [29:21]
2. Think about the good works God has prepared for you. What are some specific ways you can allow God to work through you to demonstrate His glory on Earth? [30:54]
3. Identify the specific grace that your church or ministry operates in. How can you contribute to and benefit from this grace in your personal and communal faith journey? [41:54]
4. Consider the language you use daily. Are there negative confessions you need to reject and replace with declarations of your identity in Christ? What specific steps will you take to speak life and health into your situations? [47:26]
5. Reflect on a recent need you had. How did you call upon the Lord for provision, and how did you acknowledge His response? How can you improve in recognizing and thanking God for His blessings? [27:19]
6. The sermon uses the metaphor of tapping into maple syrup to explain accessing God's grace. What are some practical ways you can actively use your faith to tap into God's grace in your life? [37:49]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of speaking God's word into your daily routine to shape your reality and strengthen your faith? Share a specific scripture you will declare over your life this week. [49:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Comprehensive Salvation
Salvation is an all-encompassing gift that delivers more than just freedom from condemnation; it brings healing, preservation, and deliverance into the believer's life. This gift is not earned but received through faith, inviting believers to experience the fullness of God's blessings in every aspect of their existence. [29:21]
Hebrews 4:9-10 - "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his."
Reflection: How can you rest in the comprehensive salvation God offers today, trusting not in your works but in His finished work on the cross?
Day 2: Manifesting Preordained Works
Believers are crafted by God to perform good works that extend beyond kindness to include the supernatural, showcasing God's power and glory. These predestined works are a pathway to living the abundant life God has prepared for His children. [30:54]
Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Reflection: What good work do you feel God has prepared for you to do, and how can you step into it this week?
Day 3: Operating in Ministry Grace
Each ministry role within the church is empowered by a unique grace, equipping believers to effectively serve and build up the body of Christ. Recognizing and functioning within this grace is essential for personal growth and the collective strengthening of the church. [41:54]
Romans 12:6-8 - "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach."
Reflection: What ministry gift do you believe God has graced you with, and how can you actively develop and use it in your church community?
Day 4: Speaking the Language of Redemption
The believer's confession should align with the truths of Scripture, declaring their identity in Christ and the promises of God. This practice activates faith and has the power to transform circumstances, shaping reality with the word of God. [47:26]
Joel 3:10 - "Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, 'I am strong!'"
Reflection: What negative confession do you need to replace with a positive declaration of your identity in Christ today?
Day 5: Accessing Grace Through Faith
Grace, like the sap in a maple tree, has always been available, but it is through faith that believers can tap into this divine resource. Faith acts as the conduit, releasing God's grace for salvation and the full spectrum of His blessings. [37:49]
Galatians 3:14 - "He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to exercise faith to tap into God's grace, and how can you take a step of faith in that direction today?
Quotes
1) "You can change any situation in your life; you can make any no into a yes. You can do it if you will just make a decision. The word is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart." [49:40] (Download)
2) "You have a Grace that's on your life because you're saved, and it's that faith that taps into that Grace. When you are part of a corporate body like this, then you are under the grace of this corporate body." [01:04:13] (Download)
3) "For by Grace you are saved through faith; that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God. God gives us the gift of Grace, and he gives us the faith to tap into that Grace." [33:12] (Download)
4) "The true Grace of this church is to have the ability to understand the faith taught to you so that you can assimilate it and transmit it out to the different areas of your life." [43:20] (Download)
5) "Grace is the same way; it's always been here, sinner or saint. The word of God then came to you and it became a little tap that tapped into the grace." [37:49] (Download)
6) "We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them, living the good life which he pre-arranged for us." [32:23] (Download)
7) "For every Church, there is a Grace, and we have to understand what that Grace is. Not every place with a sign that says Church is a real Church; there has to be a supernatural calling and a Grace." [41:54] (Download)
8) "You must learn from the day that you get born again, you must learn a new language. You have to learn to speak the language of redemption, the language of what the Bible says about you." [46:35] (Download)
9) "The life that I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God. Therefore, I will not frustrate the grace of God. People do it all the time, then wonder why they can't receive from God." [45:42] (Download)
10) "Every message that we preach and teach here at Abundant Heart Church has the principles of Faith mixed into it, so you get it over and over, and you can't help but get some of it in you." [44:01] (Download)
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