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Receiving God’s Amazing Grace by Relating with Him
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God desires that people place trusting faith in Him so He may reveal His awesome love and amazing grace. Moses was faithful to receive God’s law and commandments; however God revealed the fullness of His grace and truth through our Lord and Messiah Yeshua—Jesus Christ. The Lord has granted free access to the wonderful gift of God’s awesome grace and peace to those who place trusting faith in Him. In fact, the Bible reveals how “God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) In order to help us understand the full value of His grace and partake in its richness, God designed a series of ways to interact and relate with Him. They are the appointed times of the LORD. Imbedded in them are measures of grace concealed but dynamically revealed as amazing grace in Messiah Jesus, who came to reveal the fullness of God’s purposes. They, therefore, are visual aids that can help you relate with God in meaningful and relevant ways, and see the significance of what the LORD accomplished on your behalf. As you do, you will be blessed by His truly amazing grace! |
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Crucifixion
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TRUTH AND PURPOSE
God prescribed a particular day to slaughter a lamb in remembrance of the deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. He called this appointed time the LORD’s Passover. Messiah Jesus was crucified the same day the Passover was to be celebrated. He became the permanent sacrificial substitute to redeem mankind from the curse of the law, heal us from the effects of our tendency to sin, and reconcile us back to a right-standing relationship with God.
In this, He fulfilled the prophecy recorded in Isaiah 53:5. “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”
RELEVANCE
In receiving His love and the work of His crucifixion, we appropriate the punishment He suffered for our sins, which separated us spiritually from God. As we personally identify with the LORD, we also identify with the new life He lives in us by the Holy Spirit, which is the source of our grace in Him. In that grace, we are no longer under the power of the curse of the law.
When the Messiah was executed on the stake as a criminal, I was too; so that my proud ego no longer lives. But the Messiah lives in me, and the life I now live in my body I live by the same trusting faithfulness that the Son of God had, who loved me and gave himself up for me. 21 I do not reject God’s gracious gift; for if the way in which one attains righteousness is through legalism, then the Messiah’s death was pointless. (Galatians 2:20-21 JNT)
Paul celebrated his identification with the LORD’s crucifixion daily in an interesting way. He lived by the phrase, “I die daily.” Such a thought certainly makes it easier to take any curve ball or disappointment that comes your way with grace! It also keeps you humble, and enables you to lift your burdens up to the LORD from a lowly position—one from which He can easily lift you up.
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
Have you fully identified with the LORD’s crucifixion, receiving His total grace for the forgiveness of your sins?
Are there any areas in which you still condemn yourself, and have not fully received His love and grace?
REFERENCES
Romans 6:1-14; Galatians 5:24
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Burial
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TRUTH AND PURPOSE
The LORD was buried after being crucified, but something miraculous was going on during the three days His body lay in the tomb. Ephesians 4:7-11 discusses how He descended (into hell), then ascended to lead “captivity captive.”
RELEVANCE
His spirit, therefore, descended into hell where he battled with the devil, and led the forces of darkness which had held mankind into captivity into their own captivity. In addition, as Revelation 1:18 records, He took the keys of hell and death—Satan’s authority, away from him; therefore absolving him from his authority over mankind. As Scripture says, “He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.” (Colossians 2:14-15 NLT)
Satan had won a position of spiritual authority over mankind when Adam and Eve believed the lie of the serpent (the devil personified) and disobeyed God’s command to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. His forces of darkness were given authority to keep people in bondage and spiritually dead in sin. The LORD won back that authority, granting freedom to those who receive His love and victory over the penalties of sin. We therefore have opportunity to bury the mistakes of the past and walk in the new life of the Spirit He has promised by walking in His light by faith.
Believers, therefore, benefit from His authority over the power of sin and death. Those who have not put their faith in the LORD have not appropriated His authority over the devil, leaving them under the jurisdiction of the powers of darkness.
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
Do you understand how the LORD defeated the devil, and made a way of escape from the bondage of hell for you?
Have you fully received His exchange for your sins and attempts to justify yourself?
Are there things in your life—attitudes, ways, habits, values, material possessions—you may need to “bury” and put behind you so you can receive God’s grace and advance forward?
REFERENCES
Colossians 2:8-23; Romans 8:2
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Resurrection
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TRUTH AND PURPOSE
First-Fruits was prescribed to mark a time of giving back to God in gratefulness—and in faith—for His bountiful provision. It also marked a time to examine the first fruits of one's labors to test the quality of the harvest. If the first crops were good—and therefore blessed—the following fruits would likewise be blessed. Followers of Christ have so much more to be grateful for!
RELEVANCE
Messiah Jesus was also “inspected” by the religious leaders to test His claim to be the Messiah. Many false Messiah’s have attempted to claim Messiahship. His point was made and His claim proved, however, after His resurrection from the dead!
First-Fruits therefore points forward to the LORD’s resurrection as the first soul arisen in the newness of eternal life.
But the fact is that the Messiah has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have died. 21 For since death came through a man, also the resurrection of the dead has come through a man. 22 For just as in connection with Adam all die, so in connection with the Messiah all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: the Messiah is the firstfruits; then those who belong to the Messiah, at the time of his coming; 24 then the culmination, when he hands over the Kingdom to God the Father, after having put an end to every rulership, yes, to every authority and power. (1 Corinthians 15:20-24 JNT)
Through immersion into his death we were buried with him; so that just as, through the glory of the Father, the Messiah was raised from the dead, likewise we too might live a new life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will also be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Romans 6:4-5 JNT)
In identifying with the LORD’s death and resurrection, we resist the temptations of sin, and allow the Holy Spirit to arise within and empower us to overcome.
The more we receive God's love and yield to this gift of grace—the true gift of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit—the more we experience the real sufficiency of God in our life. Paul discovered that this grace gift became the true source of his strength.
And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:4-6)
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
None of us will ever be perfect in our mortal frames. We are just asked to seek first His kingdom, and earnestly allow the Holy Spirit to transform us, and conform us—into His image until He is revealed in us.
In what areas would you like to see Christ’s nature more reflected in you?
REFERENCES
Romans 6; Philippians 3:7-16; 1 Peter 1:3-9
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Glorification
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TRUTH AND PURPOSE
Shavuot—Pentecost was originally prescribed to celebrate the giving of God's word to Moses, and in addition, the fullness of the harvest once in the Promised Land. As the Holy Spirit was first poured out while the disciples were celebrating this appointed time, it truly became a new type of love feast! Pentecost therefore represents a time marking the fullness of God's covenant as well as the infinite wisdom, incredible love and awesome power of God!
RELEVANCE
On the day the disciples were celebrating this feast, they experienced the glorification of the LORD in a new way—through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In His final great prayer, Messiah Jesus declared to the Father:
“I glorified you on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 Now, Father, glorify me alongside yourself. Give me the same glory I had with you before the world existed.” (John 17:4-5 JNT)
He knew His resurrection would glorify the Father. Even more, He knew the release of the power of the Holy Spirit would glorify the Father. He declared to the disciples:
“Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever trusts in me will also do the works I do! Indeed, he will do greater ones, because I am going to the Father. 13 In fact, whatever you ask for in my name, I will do; so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me for something in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:12-14 JNT)
Throughout life we experience all sorts of trials and conflict. In addition we get to participate in the awesome things that God does as opportunities arise to serve God and people in need of God's intervention. As we do, our character and faith is tested. We have the opportunity to exercise trusting faith so God’s power may be displayed through us and He be glorified.
Through the process we get to be instruments through which the life of the Holy Spirit can flow. That’s how we grow and experience the awesome grace of God’s transforming work in us. It’s even better when we experience it with others so God’s testimony can go out and glorify His name.
FOCUS ON VALUES, VISION AND VIRTUES
The Holy Spirit imparts insight that strengthens our vision, bringing what was obscure to clarity, and what seemed so complex to simplicity. In order to do so God brings our values into alignment with His. When our values are congruent with God’s, we see things we never saw before! The Holy Spirit imparts new and greater measures of the virtue of Christ; His love, character and power, producing the fruit of the Spirit. Through grace, God’s works His process of transformation within us.
What new values has God impressed you to embrace this season?
What new vision has God imparted in you to give you greater insights?
What virtues of Christ have you received to walk in the new life in Him?
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
How can you reflect the gift of God’s word, Holy Spirit and nature in your life?
REFERENCES
John 15-17; Acts 2-4; Romans 8; 1 Peter 4
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Triumph
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TRUTH AND PURPOSE
The Bible prescribed a time of celebration called Trumpets (celebrated as Rosh Hashana; Head of the Year). The ram’s horn was blown to call the people to alarm, and raise the level of one’s consciousness to self-examination, in preparation for the coming Day of Atonement. Trumpets were also sounded to call the people to battle.
On one notable occasion, the Angel of the LORD instructed Joshua to have the priests sound the trumpets seven times—which would call the army of the Lord to fight the spiritual battle which would result in the walls of Jericho falling.
We are still subject to the enemy of our soul; the powers of darkness opposing God’s plans for us, seeking to distract and derail us, rob us from the joy of God's love and entrap us daily. We, therefore, need to awaken to spiritual realities and hear God’s trumpet calling us to be alert, discerning and vigilant in resisting such strategies.
RELEVANCE
The LORD was crucified, taking our sin upon Himself. He was buried and resurrected from the dead—arising with the keys of hell and death—to serve as our High Priest and triumphant King of Glory—who always goes before us and leads us into His victory!
On the one hand, we celebrate His glorious triumph with genuine heartfelt praise and worship expressed from a truly grateful heart. We are also called to engage in spiritual warfare in order to walk successfully against the strategies of the powers of darkness, and benefit from the LORD’s foreordained victory.
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” (Romans 6:10-13 NLT)
Furthermore, we celebrate His triumph as we walk as free children of God exhibiting the fruits and gifts of the Spirit in serving one another in love and in His name.
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:13-18 NKJV)
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
In what ways do you actively celebrate the LORD’s triumph by serving others and helping them experience His love and victory?
Are there additional ways you believe you can appropriate His victory in your life and celebrate His triumph?
How do you engage in spiritual warfare?
REFERENCES
Romans 8:31-39; 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; 1 John 5:1-5; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 15:2
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Substitution
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TRUTH AND PURPOSE
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was established as a sacred day to afflict the soul and confess sins before God. It remembers the one day of the year when the high priest would go into the tabernacle, behind the veil into the Holy of Holies, and sprinkle the blood of the covenant sacrifice over the Mercy Seat. From within the cloud of God’s glory over the ark, God would see the sacrificial blood as evidence of man’s atonement of sin; reversing His judgment to MERCY.
It's become apparent, however, that the daily, weekly, and monthly animal sacrifices made to atone for sin were insufficient to satisfy God’s wrath and judgment of sin and establish one’s right standing before Him. Instead, He has received the sacrificial blood of Messiah Jesus once and for all!
RELEVANCE
This appointed time of Atonement, therefore, points forward to the LORD’s sacrifice; the permanent substitute sacrifice for the sins of mankind. He demonstrated His incredible love and exchanged His life for yours! He stood in the place of judgment, and paid the price for the penalty of your sins in ADVANCE so you could walk in the will of God free from the torment of guilt, condemnation and the forces that cause depression, anxiety, and every other form of inner tension, robbing you of the peace God has ordained for you.
The writer of Hebrews in 10:5-7, therefore, quoted Psalm 40:6-8, which speaks prophetically about the LORD’s sacrifice:
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come --In the volume of the book it is written of Me --To do Your will, O God.’
This appointed time, therefore, served as a shadow pointing forward to the LORD’s eternal atonement for sin. Our part is receiving His love and gift of grace and proclaiming Messiah Jesus LORD. We then walk in the new light He has given us; seeking His will be done, in our life and the lives around us.
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
Have you settled the issue in your heart that the LORD’s single sacrifice has permanently established your position of right-standing, or justification before God?
Are there any works you believe you have to accomplish to “earn points” with God… or earn His approval?
REFERENCES
Leviticus 23:26-32; Numbers 29:7-11; Hebrews 10:1-10;
Colossians 2:13-17
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Peace
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TRUTH AND PURPOSE
The eternal plan of God included a marvelous way for us to celebrate God’s love through a week long appointed time He defined as Sukkot, Tabernacles. It marks a special time for resting in God’s peace. It was established to, “rejoice before the Lord for eight days.” (Leviticus 29:40)
It was a Sabbath’s Sabbath! On the one hand, it marked the time to rest from enduring the work of laboring in the field. On the other hand, it served to remind the people of God’s favor and care extended through the long wilderness journey before crossing into the Promised Land.
It serves an even greater purpose today of facilitating a real love feast, or special time to appreciate how the LORD has enabled those who place trust in Him to truly enter into His rest and enjoy present and eternal peace of soul!
RELEVANCE
Tabernacles pointed forward to the permanent peace the LORD Messiah Jesus offered to those who would believe in Him, and accept the yoke of His righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Even further, it points to an eternal peace with God.
He declared, “Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 JNT)
Paul further encouraged believers to be strengthened in faith, for it is by faith that we have access to the LORD’s grace and gift of peace.
So, since we have come to be considered righteous by God because of our trust, let us continue to have shalom (peace) with God through our Lord, Yeshua the Messiah. 2 Also through him and on the ground of our trust, we have gained access to this grace in which we stand; so let us boast about the hope of experiencing God’s glory. (Romans 5:1-2 JNT)
We all seek God’s peace. God purposes to bring us to a state of rest on the inside. It’s called shalom; a sense of being fulfilled by God in God, a sense of being whole. Paul illustrated how seeking God will result in finding the God of peace… who offers the peace of God!
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:6-9 NKJV)
REFLECTION, REALITY AND RESPONSE
How do you celebrate the peace the LORD has settled for you and offered to you?
Have you truly received God’s love and peace?
Are there things that bring anxiety into your life?
Do you find yourself striving to find peace?
For more insight, see the article, “Real Stress and Anxiety Relief God’s Way”
REFERENCES
Leviticus 23:33-44; Hebrews 3-4; Luke 1:68-80;
John 14:25-31; Romans 5:1-5
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