Special grace
Numbers 8:5~13 Then the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, using one for a sin offering to the Lord and the other for a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites. Have the Levites stand in front of Aaron and his sons and then present them as a wave offering to the Lord. (12~13)
Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #251 Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord (#137 in previous version)
The grace God has given us can be distinguished as two different types. The first is general grace given to believers and unbelievers alike, and the other is a special grace for only the children of God. Simply put, good grades are attainable with hard work and effort. However, you will one day face a spiritual problem that cannot be resolved even with all your strength. God sent Christ to resolve this issue and rescue us who have fallen into sin. The special grace of God will be upon those who believe in Christ and have received salvation. What is special grace and why should I receive it?
1. Special grace
Many people only think of spiritual problems on a physical level. Hence, problems and hardships accumulate. The Bible speaks of the offspring of the woman crushing the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15), the exodus on the day of the blood sacrifice (Exodus 3:18), the virgin who will be with child (Isaiah 7:14), and Jesus Christ who is the Son of God (Matthew 16:16). When you believe in this, you will receive God’s special grace of the indwelling and guidance and working of the Holy Spirit, and the forces of darkness will crumble everywhere you go as you enjoy the blessing of being a witness. Countless Christians forget this blessing and live as unbelievers.
2. Confirmation and enjoyment through worship
How can we enjoy the special grace from God, that is, Jesus Christ? It is during the time of worship. Worship is a time of experiencing the power of the cross, a separate time devoted to God. It is also a time of experiencing the reality of God as you get closer to Him. Upon restoration of worship, you will enjoy the blessing of a child of God and know the true path in life.
3. Proper walk of faith
It is crucial to possess the eyes to see that all the places and people we encounter need Christ. The Jews thought observation of the law granted salvation, blinding them to the necessity of Christ and the grace of God, as well as sin and Satan. The Bible talks about Christ and testifies of Jesus being the Christ. Moreover, confessing that Christ is lord of my life is the walk of faith.
- Meditate on the realistic spiritual blessings granted in your life through the Gospel. What is my current worship style like? Restore personal and unified worship.
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2011.9.18