Undeservable

I don’t know why everybody wouldn’t want Christianity to be true.

I don’t believe it’s true. vs I don’t want it to be true.

“People almost invariably arrive at their beliefs not on the basis of proof but on the basis of what they find attractive.” Blaise Pascal * L’Art de persuader

Grace - What we crave most when our guilt is exposed.

Grace - What we are hesitant to extend when confronted with the guilt of others

Grace - When desired is refreshing, When required is disturbing.

Grace - The unsettling solution for just about everything

Grace - Undeserved, unearned, unearnable, favor.

Planning voids the surprise, Deserving voids the grace

We can’t recognize or receive grace for what it is until we’re convinced we don’t deserve it.

This is why God had to show up. - We would have never known the grace of God without the presence of God.

John 1:14 NLT

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

John 1:14 NLT

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

Jesus never watered down the truth or turned down the grace.

Jesus was all grace and all truth all the time.

Matthew 9:11 NLT

But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”

Jesus said, “Don’t call Matthew and his friends sinners! You might hurt his feelings, and he might raise your taxes...

Matthew 9:12 NLT

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.”

Matthew 9:13 NLT

Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

You are guilty, but I don’t condemn you.

Luke 23:32 NLT

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him.

Luke 23:33 NLT

When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.

Luke 23:35 NLT

The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

Luke 23:39 NLT

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

Luke 23:40 NLT

But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die?

Luke 23:41 NLT

We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.”

Luke 23:42 NLT

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

Luke 23:43 NLT

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Grace is not fair

Jesus knew better than anyone about justice and consequences.

Every sin has a got you, Jesus came to get you.

Luke 16:16 NIV

“The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it.

Jesus, Grace