Tragedy in USA Why? The sombre lessons Amos 3v6 – God did it Isaiah 55v8-9 – He knows more than us Daniel 5v21, Ezekiel 17v24 – He is in control and working out his great plan The sombre lessons Luke 13v1-5

8 For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ──────────── Isaiah 55:8 8 For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. ───────────── Amos 3:6 6 When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it? ------------- Luke 13:1 ------------ 1 ¶ Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, ``Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them- do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.'' ──────────── Daniel 5:21 21 He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like cattle; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes. ─────────── Ezekiel 17:24 24 All the trees of the field will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. ```I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.'

“Amazing Grace” Some Interesting Facts First Occurrence of Grace - Gen 6.8 Last in OT - Zech 12v10 First Occurrence in NT - Lk 2v40, Jn 1v14 Last in NT - Rev 22.21 Last Words NT cp. Last Words of OT 15 of 21 NT letters start with a blessing of Grace - “Grace and peace to you….”

How Grace is used Ask for Grace Say Grace People called “Your Grace” Even a name - Grace As a greeting “Amazing Grace” Do we really know what it is?

What is Grace? The meaning of Grace Grace v Mercy (2580) Chen or (2587) channnuwn Root is (2603) chanan - to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior Grace v Mercy Grace - Getting what you don’t deserve Mercy - Not getting what you do deserve “Favour or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who receives it and in spite of what that same person deserves.” (Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

The Importance of Grace By Grace ye are saved Eph 2v4-8 Grace key attribute of God Nearly always associated with mercy, love, compassion, patience Grace and God’s character And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth (Ex 34v6)

The Importance of Grace Law and Grace Grace rules out all human merit, it requires only faith ------------ Romans 6:14 ----------- 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. ------------ Romans 5:19 ------------ 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. ----------- Ephesians 2:8 ----------- 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. ------------ Romans 5:2 ------------- 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Ultimate Example of Grace - OT Redemption of Israel from Egypt Not because of their merit In spite of their unrighteousness (Deut 9v4-6) Inherited the promised land

Ultimate Example of Grace - NT Redemption of Israel (Us) from Egypt (World) Not because of our merit In spite of our sinful state - Christ has died to Redeem us (Rom 5v1-2, v6-8) Grace of God in giving His son (Heb 2v9) Grace of Jesus in giving his life (Jn 1v16-17) ------------ Hebrews 2:9 ----------- 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. ------------- John 1:16 ----------- 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

“Your Grace” If we want it we must show it! When did last show grace? Stoop to favour someone who did not deserve it Go out of way for an “inferior” The Grace Test Matt 25v35 Proactive v Reactive I was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick and in prison - and you did something

Conclusion “Amazing Grace” God has extended his grace Let us show grace Let us await in faith the ultimate fulfilment of Grace…. An invitation to enter His Kingdom “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Rev 22v21)

Conclusion – The Choice PERISH SAVED, BY GRACE “Or those thousands who died when the towers in New York fell on them – do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in New York? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Rev 22v21)