Embracing Grace: Communion, Joseph, and God's Favor

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we prepared our hearts for communion, a sacred act of remembrance and reverence for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We welcomed our extended family from various locations, including Kentucky and North Carolina, to join us in this holy observance. As we reflect on the Last Supper, we are reminded of the profound significance of Jesus' body and blood, symbolized by the bread and the cup. This act is not just a ritual but a moment to examine ourselves, ensuring our hearts are right before God. It's a time to remember that salvation is a gift, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again, offering us eternal life.

We also delved into the story of Joseph, a testament to God's unmerited favor and grace. Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace illustrates how God's grace can transform our lives, even in the most challenging circumstances. His story is a powerful reminder that God's plans are greater than our understanding, and His grace is sufficient for all our needs. We are encouraged to live by faith, embracing the grace that empowers us to overcome sin and live victoriously.

Furthermore, we explored the concept of grace as a gift from God, emphasizing that it is not about our performance but about His unearned favor. Grace empowers us to live righteously, not by our strength but through the Holy Spirit's work within us. It is a reminder that we are chosen by God, called to bear fruit and live in the freedom and liberty that grace provides.

As we concluded, we were reminded of the importance of grace in our daily lives, encouraging us to rely on God's strength and not our own. We are called to be vessels of His grace, extending love and compassion to others, just as we have received it.

Key Takeaways:

1. Communion as a Sacred Act: Communion is a time to remember Jesus' sacrifice and examine our hearts. It's a moment of reverence, not condemnation, where we reflect on our relationship with God and ensure we are in right standing with Him. This sacred act reminds us of the grace and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. [02:31]

2. Joseph's Journey and God's Favor: Joseph's story from the pit to the palace exemplifies God's unmerited favor. Despite trials, Joseph remained faithful, and God's grace led him to a place of prominence. This narrative encourages us to trust in God's plans, knowing His grace is sufficient for every situation. [33:37]

3. Grace Over Performance: Grace is not about our performance but God's unearned favor. It empowers us to live righteously and overcome sin. We are reminded that our identity in Christ is not based on our actions but on His grace, which is sufficient for all our needs. [39:29]

4. Living by the Royal Law of Love: In the New Covenant, we are called to live by the Royal Law of Love, loving God and our neighbors. Grace enables us to fulfill this commandment, transforming our hearts and actions. It is through grace that we can truly love and serve others. [41:53]

5. Grace as a Gift and Empowerment: Grace is a gift from God, offering us salvation and empowering us to live victoriously. It is not about our merit but His love and favor. Grace continues to sanctify us, helping us grow into the image of Christ and overcome future challenges. [51:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:31] - Preparing for Communion
- [05:50] - Invitation to Salvation
- [07:12] - Understanding the Last Supper
- [07:52] - The Significance of Jesus' Sacrifice
- [15:38] - Joseph's Journey: From Pit to Palace
- [17:38] - The Power of Grace in Our Lives
- [24:27] - Living by Faith and Grace
- [26:43] - Understanding Righteousness Through Jesus
- [33:37] - Joseph's Family Reunion
- [39:29] - Grace Over Performance
- [40:18] - The Royal Law of Love
- [41:53] - Grace Empowers Right Living
- [45:54] - God Chases the Lost
- [48:41] - The Gift of Grace
- [51:11] - Grace and Sanctification
- [58:13] - Healing and Deliverance Through Grace

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (ESV) - "And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
2. Genesis 37-50 - The story of Joseph, from the pit to the palace.
3. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) - "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of the bread and the cup during communion as described in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25? How does this relate to the act of remembrance? [02:31]

2. In the story of Joseph, what were the key events that led to his rise from the pit to the palace? How did God's favor manifest in his life? [15:38]

3. According to 2 Corinthians 12:9, what does Paul say about the sufficiency of God's grace? How does this relate to our weaknesses? [17:38]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of grace in empowering believers to live righteously? [39:29]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the act of communion serve as a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant? What does it mean to examine oneself before participating in communion? [07:12]

2. In what ways does Joseph's story illustrate the concept of God's unmerited favor? How can this narrative encourage believers in their own trials? [33:37]

3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between grace and performance? Why is it important to understand that grace is not about our own efforts? [39:29]

4. What does it mean to live by the Royal Law of Love, as mentioned in the sermon? How does grace enable believers to fulfill this commandment? [41:53]

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Application Questions:

1. Before taking communion, how can you ensure that your heart is in the right place with God? What steps can you take to examine yourself honestly? [07:12]

2. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's favor in a challenging situation. How did this experience strengthen your faith, and how can you share this testimony with others? [33:37]

3. In what areas of your life are you relying on your own performance rather than God's grace? How can you shift your focus to embrace the sufficiency of His grace? [39:29]

4. How can you actively practice the Royal Law of Love in your daily interactions? Identify one specific way you can show love to a neighbor or someone in your community this week. [41:53]

5. Consider a personal weakness or struggle you are facing. How can you invite God's grace into this area to find strength and victory? [17:38]

6. How can you become a vessel of God's grace, extending love and compassion to others? Identify one person in your life who needs encouragement and plan a way to support them this week. [51:11]

7. Reflect on the story of Joseph and God's plans for his life. How can you trust in God's greater plan for your own life, even when circumstances seem difficult? [33:37]

Devotional

Day 1: Communion as a Heart Examination
Communion is a sacred act that invites believers to reflect deeply on their relationship with God. It is a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, symbolized by the bread and the cup, representing His body and blood. This act is not merely a ritual but a profound moment of self-examination, ensuring that one's heart is aligned with God. It is a reminder that salvation is a gift, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again, offering us eternal life. As believers partake in communion, they are called to approach it with reverence, acknowledging the grace and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. [02:31]

1 Corinthians 11:28-29 (ESV): "Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."

Reflection: As you prepare for communion, what specific areas of your life need realignment with God's will? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in this self-examination today?


Day 2: Trusting in God's Unseen Plans
Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace is a testament to God's unmerited favor and grace. Despite facing numerous trials, Joseph remained faithful, and God's grace led him to a place of prominence. His story is a powerful reminder that God's plans are greater than our understanding, and His grace is sufficient for all our needs. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's plans, even when they cannot see the full picture, knowing that His grace will guide them through every situation. Joseph's life exemplifies how God's grace can transform lives, even in the most challenging circumstances. [33:37]

Genesis 50:20 (ESV): "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

Reflection: In what current situation do you need to trust God's unseen plans? How can Joseph's story inspire you to remain faithful and hopeful?


Day 3: Embracing Grace Over Performance
Grace is not about human performance but about God's unearned favor. It empowers believers to live righteously and overcome sin, reminding them that their identity in Christ is not based on their actions but on His grace. This grace is sufficient for all needs, offering believers the strength to live victoriously. It is a call to embrace the freedom and liberty that grace provides, allowing the Holy Spirit to work within and transform lives. By understanding grace, believers can let go of the pressure to perform and rest in the assurance of God's love and favor. [39:29]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: Where in your life are you relying on performance rather than grace? How can you shift your focus to embrace God's unearned favor today?


Day 4: Living by the Royal Law of Love
In the New Covenant, believers are called to live by the Royal Law of Love, which involves loving God and their neighbors. Grace enables them to fulfill this commandment, transforming their hearts and actions. It is through grace that believers can truly love and serve others, extending the same love and compassion they have received from God. This call to love is not just a command but an invitation to live in the freedom and liberty that grace provides, allowing believers to be vessels of God's love in the world. [41:53]

James 2:8 (ESV): "If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing well."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience God's love through you today? What practical steps can you take to show them love and compassion?


Day 5: Grace as a Gift and Empowerment
Grace is a gift from God, offering salvation and empowering believers to live victoriously. It is not about human merit but about God's love and favor. Grace continues to sanctify believers, helping them grow into the image of Christ and overcome future challenges. It is a reminder that believers are chosen by God, called to bear fruit and live in the freedom that grace provides. By relying on God's strength, believers can extend love and compassion to others, just as they have received it, becoming vessels of His grace in the world. [51:11]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on God's grace and strength? How can you allow His grace to empower you to face challenges today?

Quotes

"And here in a moment we're going to read some scriptures, and then we'll go ahead and our ushers will serve communion this morning, praise the Lord. I want to welcome everybody here in the congregation, but also those in Kentucky and those in the local area as well to take communion with us. And now our new family there in the Carolinas, in Merriam, North Carolina, Sam Dennis Bradley. I've mentioned before that he's helped me with broadcasts through the years, and we've done a lot through YouTube and a whole series of messages. He's on Mandate TV that we did, and he's rebroadcasting and maybe even broadcasting live this morning. But we want to welcome them in. We've been there to Merriam, North Carolina, and ministered to some of the folks there. And I remember one of the gentlemen that we ministered to, he was a man of God. He's gone home to be with the Lord, but his motto was, God's business is serious business." [00:00:15]

"And so we just love that, and it's true. We enjoy the presence of God, worshiping Him, but there's times when we need to reverence God, right? I mean, that should be on our hearts all the time. But when we come into the sanctuary, as we do, there's a time to rejoice and laugh, but there's a time to have reverence and fear before Him. And what we're talking about is respect, not to me, but to God Almighty. Amen? And ultimately, if you're receiving and listening to my instructions, the man of God, when he speaks, we should all be reverent. We should also respect that level of that because of the anointing, only because of the anointing. Amen? And we don't want to quench the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is gentle. He's a gentleman. He's here to minister to us in this time of communion and the preaching of the unmerited favor of God." [00:01:21]

"The Bible tells us in several parts here in the Scripture about doing in remembrance of the Lord and what He did for us. And we see in 1 Corinthians, for instance, 11 .24, and this is in the ESV, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, This is my body. This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. And we can see in 1 Corinthians 11 .25, is in the ESV in the same way also he took the cup after supper saying this cup is the new covenant in my blood do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me and we can also see in first Corinthians 11 28 let a person examine himself then and so eat of the bread that drink of the cup and that's important when we come to this part of our supper table here before the Lord taking the communion that we examine ourselves and we look inside and we see if there's anything we need to lay down before the Lord and that's nothing of condemnation or guilt but it is important that before we take that we examine our hearts and we always mention this it's important that if you're not saved if you don't know the Lord be blessed born again right now, and then take communion." [00:02:51]

"You know, the first thing we see and know in the Scripture was the Last Supper. And Jesus explained what was happening. They didn't understand it about eating. They didn't understand the pain of His body or taking of His blood. But later, after His death, burial, and resurrection, they understood in totality at the resurrection of Jesus. I mean, they were obedient, but it was sort of like, what in the world? You know, now we know it's not hard for us to do it. But, you know, when you're sitting there at the Lord's Supper and He's explaining that, it's like, what does all this mean? Wasn't Jesus good about that? You know, explaining, but then demonstrating. And then now we're sitting there, and we understand that what really happened was that Jesus had to die on the cross, but before that, He was beaten, whipped, His body, you know, the stripes He took, beard plucked out, all the torturous things He went through. Then He went to Calvary, hung on the cross, and He died there on that cross for the redemption of our sins and salvation. That's eternal life. Amen. Isn't that good? Not just for forgiveness of sins, but that we may receive eternal life. The ultimate Lamb. He knew no sin, but He was made sin." [00:07:52]

"that we might become what the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus but after he said it's finished he went to hell he took the keys of hell and death away from the grave he rose amen and then you know he he said let me there's a whole series of events that took place there but the point of it is he came out of the grave the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead amen the Holy Spirit dwells in you that are born again and now he's seated at the right hand of the Father you know there were some things in the in that place there when he actually you remember Thomas I'm gonna believe once I put my hands in his side you know and into and into his palms you know which would then well they say the palms but it actually the stakes went in between here because this would have ripped that flesh right here it had to go into that right back there and that's what happened below below the hand you see what I'm getting at because otherwise this was flesh would have just ripped but anyway nevertheless he said he goes I'll believe once I see you know and but you know the the fact of it is is he was only believing once he he touched a man but we we believe by faith everything that said right we don't have doubt do we amen we believe we receive and receive and we walk by faith and not by sight and we know when we take this element we are identifying with the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ in this body this bread what he took in that torturous body also gives us not only spiritual healing but physical healing and that good news I've got a message I preach on called the back side of the cross so many times we talk about the front the part of salvation but healing is a part of salvation and because of his stripes it says by the stripes of Christ we're. All healed his body went through something for us I sat on a man father now we have examined I know that these folks have been examining looking inside of themselves in the heart of each and every person today and Lord this element we touch it as a point of contact of faith today and we do this some remember that you said. One of my. body eat and we bless this bread and we believe that healings our portion and we take it now bless it Lord and Jesus name is your body amen" [00:09:10]

"let us pray hallelujah hallelujah come on let's just stand up and even those online get out of your couch amen get out of your chair and stand up join us and just lift our hands towards heaven amen just make an act of faith right now and just say praise you we thank you lord we give you the glory and praise and honor hallelujah we thank you for the anointing of the holy ghost we thank you for the power of god moving through our bodies that same spirit hallelujah that raised christ from the dead dwells in me and has quickened my mortal body in the name of jesus from the top of our head to the soles of our feet and all the way around spirit soul and body in jesus name amen and amen you may be seated today god bless you hallelujah praise god hallelujah glory glory glory wowie thank you jesus thank you jesus well we're continuing in part three and we're going to finish up lord willing today on the unmerited favor of god and last week and the week before we went through several chapters and we talked about the pit to the prison to the palace which is the story of joseph and also you know that that's a wonderful read genesis 37 through 50" [00:13:39]

"Now, we also talked about 2 Corinthians 12, 9. And he said unto me, My grace... He says, what? Sufficient for thee. And what have we been talking about? Some of you... Let me see the hands of people that have been here for one session. One of these sessions. Okay, at least one. What about two? What about three? All right. So there's different ones that have been here for all. Some that have been online have listened to all three, Lord willing. And so some of this may be redundant, but it's worth repeating. But, you know, God's grace is sufficient in all ways. But when we look at this 2 Corinthians 12, 9, what did we say after grace that we want to bracket any time that we read the Bible, we're going to do what? What are we going to put behind grace? Thank you, Mike. Pastor Mike." [00:16:38]

"So now we hear that as the definition, but it's so much deeper than that because we want to practice grace. We don't want to just receive it, but we want to know how to move in the favor of God. He's given it to us. We know that when we're saved, it's a gift. Amen? The Bible says we are saved what? By faith through grace. So you know, what comes first, the chicken or the egg? Well, we know that grace has to be there because it's a free gift right but somewhere in there we have to acknowledge and how does faith come well how does somebody that's a sinner have faith to even believe to be saved so think about this really if you slow down and really think about it it's a gift right but why does it say that we we confess what confession is made unto salvation so you know it's sort of like a dual action here we're saved by grace through faith but it's not by your own faith or it wouldn't be a gift right it's not by your own natural faith see there's a lot of people that have mouthed the salvation prayer but there's not been any change on the inside come on you can't you can't mouth Christianity you can't be a mouther of Christianity you can't be a mouther of Christianity you can't be a mouther of Christianity you can't be a mouther of Christianity you can't be born again by just mouthing it you have to live the life and that's where it becomes a doer of the word and what where we see people's fruit and I've said this over and over again I'm not a fruit inspector but can you ever see people that are saved you say well how do you know whether they're saved or not that well they prayed the prayer no what about the fruit because it's in the character and grace will help us with this but it's in the character of the fruit that's being produced that you can see by their actions whether they're saved or not well I'll tell you that one Christian the other day I was in the grocery store he said he was a Christian and he cussed he's going to hell no come on let's stop for a minute his grace is sufficient for thee come on give him some space amen but you know now if they just we've talked about this before in this message and we know the person there the Virgin Islands when Bec and I were down there he asked what religion and we discussed it everything we said well we're charismatic he goes oh I'll tell you one thing those Charismatics down here in the Virgin Islands they go jumping around through Sunday morning and all excited and doing all kinds of things im prophesying and then they live like the devil the rest of the week well he was a Pentecostal holiness man and that that's okay I'm not against that but a lot of Charismatics they haven't come in and followed him and Pastor Technology it's a beauty of everything this fullness of walking the word and what it is in holiness right because really grace you can't be holy did you know that well it says be holy from holy through the grace of God you can amen through the unmerited favor unearned undeserved favor of God amen you can become holy but in ourselves we cannot be holy no matter how hard we act try to pretend or whatever what we're going to fail every time but by his unmerited favor his grace it says" [00:17:43]

"God chases the lost, and I'm going to close in this thing on grace so we really get it here in a moment. God chases the lost for salvation. God chases the lost for salvation, and He does it through the Holy Spirit. You who are saved were lost. We know this. The grace of God chose you first, and you accepted Jesus as your personal Savior. Now listen, this is important with grace. There is only one thing that keeps people out of heaven. One thing. And that is rejecting Jesus and rejecting God. And not accepting this free gift of salvation. Think of grace like this way. Getting an unexpected gift for your birthday. You don't deserve it. Maybe you even forgot it. was your birthday but you friend your friend excuse me comes through with the perfect present that's how god's grace works at a rise without reason just because he loves us it's unmerited favor that makes our hearts swell with joy reminding us of how much we are valued even when we sometimes forget second peter says this and and these are several scriptures i'm going to read i don't know if you can keep up with me but this will give you why we have been chosen the lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness but it is long suffering to us word not willing that any should perish but all should come to repentance that's second peter three nine titus 2 11 and 2 for the grace of god that bringeth salvation listen to this hath a a a to all men teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lust we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world revelation 320 i'm giving you the word behold i stand at the door and knock if any man hear my voice and open the door i will come into him and will sup with him and he with me and that good first peter 2 9 says this but ye are the chosen generation royal priesthood a holy nation peculiar people that he should go joshua of him who have why called you out of darkness into his marvelous light and i'm going to save this last one in expand on it here in a moment not the definition again of shaluna's in he books of grace is a gift, and I wrote this, from the Father that is given to an individual by the Spirit of grace, which is the Holy Spirit, offering abundant and eternal life." [00:48:04]

"Grace continues, sanctifying the believer who does not want to say the same. Grace through repentance empowers one to change from glory to glory into what? The image of Jesus Christ. Grace, and this is getting in your spirit, I know this. Grace empowers the believer to overcome sin, forgiveness of past, present, and future shortcomings. Wow, even of future sins and shortcomings. even future sins and shortcomings. I'm going to say it again. Even future sins and shortcomings. Grace is there. You say, well, you're saying you don't have to repent. Don't say that I said that. If you go through my other lessons, I cover that thoroughly. But I'm here to tell you why. You don't have to be like the Israelites and keep going around the same sin over and over and over and over again. But if you do, just say, help me, Lord. Empower me by grace. No condemnation." [00:51:18]

"Grace is a gift. Amen. And the gifts of the Spirit are grace to us to operate in them in Jesus' name. Amen. Anybody got any pain in their body today in this church? I want you to lift your hands up right now. I want you to lift it up. Anything, any part in your body, you lift those hands up and you say in Jesus' name, I am healed. I am free. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed. I'm the redeemed of the Lord. I am the healed of the Lord. And I'm set free in Jesus' name. Amen. Hallelujah. Well, come on, church. Amen. Amen. Hallelujah. Come on, let's praise Him. Let's sing a shout of praise out to Him. Come on. Thank you, Lord. Hallelujah. Amen. Praise Him. Amen. Lift up a voice of shouting and a triumph in Him. Amen. He's our victor in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. God bless you. Go and be free. See you on Wednesday night for prayer in Jesus' name. Amen. Hallelujah." [00:59:26]

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