I am to understand what God is doing in the here and now and have community because the cross has dealt with the selfishness of sin. Sin seeks isolation. Sin seeks to be right. Sin seeks to be defensive. Sin seeks its own throne. “Self-sufficiency and autonomy are lies from the fall.” Adam and Eve hid and covered up when they sinned. Sin likes the darkness; it likes to be hidden. Only shining the light of Christ on sin can bring it out into the open to be diagnosed and for confession and forgiveness and repentance and restoration to take place. The capacity to accomplish this work is not dependent upon me, but upon the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit. This work requires great, extravagant, amazing grace! “Grace that is greater than all our sin.” Galatians 6:1-2 uses five words that are especially helpful to know why it is important to live in community. “Caught. Restore. Gently. Watch. Carry.” We cannot carry out this great work without that wonderful, uncomfortable grace. We are a “flawed people living in the confusing intersection between the fallen world and uncomfortable grace, and we need gentle guidance and help.” We are here to help people see that the refinement process is a sign of grace and also to remind others of the grace of rest that is our promised inheritance so that they may have the …show more content…
First, these truths of Scripture from this DVD series has already been used to impact my life. It was convicting, exhorting, and provoking and sent me to my Savior in confession and to ask for forgiveness and repentance. These truths from God’s Word struck my heart, and I am so thankful for its usefulness so far in this first week. Secondly, God has already inserted me into several lives where I have been used to bring the good news of the Gospel of Christ to them as they are suffering various trials. He is using me to bear burdens and is teaching me to be gentle and patient and to be watchful as I walk alongside them. I believe as I am further equipped to do every good deed He has set before me, God will use me as His servant in His church. Our church is a church of needy people, as I am one, and I can see in His Word that God has given me all that is needed for life and godliness; therefore, I can be a vessel for His use to pour into others’ lives the great truths of the grace of the Gospel and all that Christ has done and to find our identity in Him. Our church is a church needing order brought from chaos - a great work God has given all of us. If I am one who is willing to be vulnerable and transparent because my trust and identity are in Christ, then Lord willing, that will be a catalyst of others finding their identity in Christ, which will allow them to be vulnerable and transparent so the light of Christ can shine on us and begin lighting the candles of