Circle of Grace - truncated

Circle of Grace

God is the Alpha and Omega and He is the source of all blessing:

James 1:17 (ESV)

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Grace - charis

Romans 1:7 (ESV)

7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1–2 (ESV)

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV)

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

Scripture speaks in different ways about grace:

Ø the possession of divine grace as a source of blessings for the believer,

Ø a store of grace that is dispensed, or

Ø a state of grace (i.e. standing in God’s favor) that is brought about, or

Ø a deed of grace wrought by God in Christ, or

Ø a work of grace that grows fr. more to more.

2 Sam. 9 – David and Mephibosheth

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.[1]

Gifts – Charisma

1 Peter 4:9–11 (ESV)

9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Divine enablement

Thanksgiving

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (ESV)

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jas 4:6). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.