Date:
April 24-25, 2025May I Introduce to You Saul of Tarsus
In this message on Acts 5 and 7, Pastor Chuck Swindoll introduces you to Saul, the chief of all sinners. His dark past is full of shocking surprises.
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Grace
The word grace is a short, simple word. But understanding the biblical depth and meaning of grace can take a lifetime of study and application. It's almost a shame that a word describing suppleness of movement or a short, quick prayer before a meal is the same word we use to describe God's unfathomable love for sinners. Nevertheless, it is grace that moves Him to offer us the free gift of salvation and forgiveness.
Grace is what compelled the Apostle Paul to write of a mystery never understood before (1 Corinthians 2:7-13). Grace is also what allows us to relax into another's accepting embrace as he or she gives us the freedom to discover our unique journey laid out by God. So relax as we journey together down the path toward freedom and the wonderment of the surpassing riches of God's grace!
Pride, Self-Sufficiency
Pride makes us strive to meet all the demands of others. We want to show that we can “do it all” but in the end all we’re doing is frantically sprinting through the day.
There is a Big World Out There
With all we have on the go, it’s easy to get tunnel vision and only focus on our own lives. But God desires us to be winsome people who model grace and godliness to a lost and hurting world.
The Unwritten Law Among Ministers
We seem to accept cynicism and doubt in all professions except preaching. There seems to be an unwritten law that says, “Thou shalt not doubt, struggle, or rebel.” But the truth is, pastors are human too. They need the same grace as everyone else who has questions.
Looking Out for Each Other
Those who God saves by His grace need to look out for those who haven’t yet come to the Saviour. Don’t make it hard for others by insulting those who aren’t living the life you would like them to live.
Hard Reality
When the Bible paints a portrait it doesn’t remove the imperfections. It’s reassuring to know the men and women God used to accomplish His will were real people.
Strengthening Your Grip on Integrity
Though Christians should strive for personal integrity, we must remember that integrity does not equate sinless perfection. No one can achieve that goal in this life. A person with integrity doesn’t hide his or her shortcomings but confesses them to the Lord and to others. Let’s learn more about integrity in this lesson.
Grace is a Big Deal
Coming to grips with God’s grace will loosen your inclination for sin. Once your faith is placed in Jesus and you’ve experienced His forgiveness, sin’s dominance will be loosed from your life.
Faith, Hope, and Love
Where there is great freedom there is also the potential to abuse it. God’s grace, once embraced, should keep us from returning to our old ways and abusing His gift to us.
First Century Engagements
Everyone in Nazareth would have known Jesus’ mother, Mary, was pregnant before she and Joseph were married. While everyone knew about the scandal, no one understood Mary’s conception was miraculous and one day her baby would save the world.
