“In Christ” Outrageous Grace

The Christian faith is distinctive  We’re made in God’s image  Virgin birth  Sinless nature of Jesus’ life  God freely accepts us (instead of us having to win His approval)  We have a living Saviour  Holy Spirit lives in us

“In Christ” 1Corinthinians 1:4-9 (NIVUK) I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in Him you have been enriched in every way – in all your speaking and in all your knowledge – because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.

“In Christ” 1Corinthinians 1:4-9 (NIVUK) Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

“In Christ” Grace & Mercy defined Ephesians 2 Saved by grace not by what we do Made alive by grace when we were dead spiritually A free gift God is going to show off the incomparable riches of His graceOthers God - gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love (Psalm 103:8) Jesus - full of grace and truth (John 1:14) The grace of God was on Him (Luke 2:40)

“In Christ” Grace & Mercy defined Grace Receiving what we don’t deserve – God forgiveness Mercy Not getting what we do deserve – God’s punishment

“In Christ” Grace  Undeserved favour  Unlimited help  Unilateral acceptance God’s grace  Amazing AND Outrageous  Has to make a difference in our lives

“In Christ” Grace  What kinds of sin and sinner is God not prepared to forgive?  How does that make us feel? Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus Romans 3:22-24 (NIVUK)

“In Christ” Grace in our lives  Who do we still hold grudges towards and find it hard to forgive?  What about those who had it coming to them and deserve it?  How do we live our lives as a result of the forgiveness we’ve received? What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning, so that grace may increase? Romans 6:1 (NIVUK)

“In Christ” Jude 4 (NIVUK) For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord

“In Christ” Moving Onwards “Is this my experience?”  “Be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus” 2Timothy 2:1 (TNIV)  “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” 1Timothy 1:14 (NIVUK)  “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self- controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed” 1Peter 1:13 (NIVUK)  “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” 2Peter 3:18 (NIVUK)

“In Christ” Blessing each other May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all and evermore, Amen