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Experiencing the Spirit of Grace

Over the last fifty years, there has been a remarkable resurgence in preaching and teaching about God’s grace. Sadly, like so many biblical doctrines, grace has often become something people talk about—but seldom experience. I’ve witnessed some of the most irrational arguments over subtle doctrinal points about grace. Ironically, the behavior of those arguing usually reveals that, while they may have the right information about grace, they are not living in the power of grace!

Rarely do we hear people talk about how grace is actively transforming their lives—making them more stable in their walk with God, bolder in sharing their faith, more loving, kind, and patient. What’s even more troubling is that, for many, the message of grace has not softened their hearts—it has hardened them. Instead of becoming more compassionate and understanding, they’ve become more critical and less patient with those who do not embrace their doctrinal position.

We are all given the gift of God’s grace when we are born again, but that doesn’t mean we’ve truly received it—that is, taken hold of it by faith. Until we do, grace remains only a doctrine we can discuss, not a power that changes our lives! Grace is one of the great distinctions between the Old and New Covenants. The Old Covenant describes righteousness, love, ethics, and morality—but it didn’t give us the power to live them. But the grace of God makes us able! It is the power, strength, capacity, and ability that works from our hearts!

The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Grace, revealing that grace is more than an impersonal power. It is a manifestation of the person and power of the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit is not only our Counselor and Teacher—He is our strength. He manifests Himself within us, empowering us to live, function, and walk fully in the life of God.

Join me this week as we move beyond mere discussion—into the living, transforming power of God’s grace! The Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1 Cor 4:20). If we only talk about grace but are not experiencing the power of grace, it is mere doctrine, not life!!