Untitled Sermon (52)

WELCOME: Elder Higgins Prayer Call Tuesdays @ 7:30 pm

Icebreaker:

Reflections Church Service

August 9th, 2022

Pastor Straker

“SAY GRACE"

“GRACE Series” Pt. 1

2 Corinthians 12:2 - 10

2 Corinthians 12:2–10 ESV

2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 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. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Q: What is your definition of GRACE?

Some believers are in danger of over confidence

Sometimes we think we know better or more than God

There is a temptation to try God to far

Having grace makes us forget there is still a requirement for holiness

It is critical that we make the connection we need to have a personal relationship with God

You have to maintain (and grow) your salvation

By grace we claim freedom in Christ but can’t come to church. We relegate fellowship to a virtual experience.

Sometimes we get by even though we don’t have the ability we forget to say “GRACE”

Q: What is one way you believe God is keeping you humble?

2 Corinthians 12:6 - 7

2 Corinthians 12:6–7 ESV

6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.

The higher we go in God the more humility we need

God will allow things to happen to keep us humble

Our Lord wants to take us to higher heights, but to do so we need great humility.

So, “say GRACE!”

Prayer: GRACE - Bebe & Cece Winans

Announcements:

Going forward we will meet for one RG, and one prayer call a month

Outing (Friday August 19th, 2022) - Is no longer an official RG outing

Locker Room for partners only, Saturday August 13th, @ 11:00 am - 1:00 pm