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Got Grace?
Lesson One: Michael Lewis June 8, 2008 |
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Got Grace?
Lesson One:
"Grace Illustrated"
by Michael Lewis
Dalton Gardens Church of Christ
June 8, 2008
2 Peter 3:18: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Acts 20:24: “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.”
John 8:2-11?
The bottom line about this “textual variant”:
1. The manuscripts of scripture were well- copied and we can have a lot of trust in their accuracy .
2. However, John 8:1-11 was not included in the earliest manuscripts; therefore, we must conclude it was inserted at a later date by some scribe or copying process.
Notice the following about the story:
1. The Pharisees and scribes were to get Jesus in trouble (Lev. 20:20).
2. They did have a valid point of law.
3. Jesus’ response was totally unexpected .
Here is what God does for all sinners in Christ:
1. All people, who know the differences between right and wrong make terrible mistakes .
2. When we fall we embarrass ourselves before God and others.
3. And the straight facts are simple, sinners deserve to die .
4. But then, when we are totally helpless, hopeless and exposed, God does not turn away from us.
5. Of course, regaining our dignity and hope is not a matter of being right with God, but it is also being able to get up and go forward with new hope under the glare of a judgmental, condescending world.
6. So Jesus teaches us that only in our gratitude for what God has forgiven us can we find the heart to extend His grace to others.
Did the story in John 8 really happen? You bet it is real.