Connecting Point: A CHALLENGE FOR EVERY AMERICAN

Christians to this day eagerly wait for Christ’s return. If we are eager today, what might be one of our goals? Our mission is to reach the lost and make disciples for Jesus. At a more personal level our goal as believers is to simply grow in Christ’s grace. This is a life long journey on this side of eternity. The late preacher, Billy Graham said, “Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion-it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.” Are you growing? That is the central question.

Our reflection this week is from the Epistle of 2 Peter:

“So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him (God). Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure

position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

According to Peter, there is a two-fold purpose for the believer: grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Knowledge alone is unbalanced, for one can ascertain deep theological principles, but grace ties our faith together intellectually and relationally. The same grace which God has given to us freely is the grace that will continually transform our lives, as we daily submit to God.

Grace, in part, is deliberate in action and or reaction. Christians who are graceful with everyone demonstrate what it is like to be light in the darkness. One thing is certain; we are living in perplexing times. Grace is what should motivate us daily. The measure of grace that God has given to us, we need to in turn give away to others.

1 Peter 4:10 reads, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” The forms of grace can include; graceful speech which demonstrates Christ-work daily in our lives, and personal conduct. Also build up

others and encourage them. Growing in grace shouldn’t be an option, but our passion, as we look forward to Jesus’ return.