The Miracle of Grace

Early Light Devotional
In Touch Ministries Dr. Charles Stanley 2009



The Miracle of GraceREAD | Romans 5:15-17
Paul wrote extensively about grace, God’s favor given to the undeserving. And wherever the apostle traveled, he spoke about the gospel of grace (Acts 20:24). He knew firsthand the power of sin to control and the freedom that comes through faith in Christ. He described himself as the worst of sinners because he persecuted and imprisoned many believers prior to his conversion experience (1 Tim. 1:15).

Once we accept Christ’s death on our behalf, the penalty for our sin is considered paid in full, and the power of sin over us is broken. We become spiritually alive as we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. What’s more, we then are given a new family and purpose for living. Scripture compares our conversion experience to receiving a heart transplant (Ezek. 36:26; 2 Cor. 5:17), changing citizenship (Phil. 3:20), and moving to a new country (Col. 1:13).

Paul exhorts everyone who has been saved to continue in the grace of God (Acts 13:43; Eph. 2:8)—our heavenly Father’s desire and will is that we relate to Him on this basis alone. Just as we needed to rely upon Christ’s substitutionary death for salvation, we are to live a life of dependence upon Him. It’s our faith, expressed through obedience, that pleases Him (Heb. 11:6).

Grace is the most powerful, life-changing force in the world. God freely offers His unconditional love to whoever receives His Son. At salvation, our life is placed upon the immovable Rock who is Christ (1 Cor. 10:4), and His favor is extended over us. What’s your response to this miracle of grace?

Spankings Don't Save Children

Family Discipleship

Voddie Baucham wrote an excellent book called Family Driven Faith that I would highly recommend. Here Voddie talks about the importance of Families taking the lead in discipling their children.

Vertical Parenting

On October 14th we will be launching a new ministry at High Point Baptist Church called Vertical Parenting. Sherry and I are very excited about this ministry and we are looking forward to seeing God work in the lives of the families at High Point. Our prayer is that we are able to raise our daughters to love the Lord with all their heart and all their soul. There is nothing more important than that. I believe if that happens everything else will fall into place!

I am hoping that this blog will become just one avenue for us to share our successes and our struggles as parents. A place to offer encouragement and advice. A place to ask for prayer and a place to let others know that you are praying for them.

Looking forward to October 14th!

Carl & Sherry