Grace and Truth by Tracy & Aeron Brown by Centerpoint School of Ministry

GRACE AND TRUTH the Living Expression

I N T H E V E RY BE GI N N I NG T H E L I V I NG E X PR E S SION WA S A L R E A DY T H E R E . A N D T H E L I V I NG E X PR E S SION WA S W I T H G OD, Y E T F U L LY G OD. T H E Y W E R E TO GE T H E R—FAC E-TO -FAC E , I N T H E V E RY BE GI N N I NG . A N D T H ROUGH H I S C R E AT I V E I NSPI R AT ION T H I S L I V I NG E X PR E S SION M A DE A L L T H I NG S , FOR NO T H I NG H A S E X I S T E NC E A PA RT F ROM H I M! L I F E C A M E I N TO BE I NG BE C AUSE OF H I M , FOR H I S L I F E I S L IGH T FOR A L L H U M A N I T Y. A N D T H I S L I V I NG E X PR E S SION I S T H E L IGH T T H AT BU R S T S T H ROUGH GL O OM — T H E L IGH T T H AT DA R K N E S S C OU L D NO T DI M I N I SH! T H E N SU DDE N LY A M A N A PPE A R E D W HO WA S SE N T F ROM G OD, A M E S SE NGE R NA M E D JOH N. FOR H E C A M E TO BE A W I T N E S S , TO P OI N T T H E WAY TO T H E L IGH T OF L I F E , A N D TO H E L P E V E RYON E BE L I E V E . JOH N WA S NO T T H AT L IGH T BU T H E C A M E TO SHOW W HO I S . FOR H E WA S M E R E LY A M E S SE NGE R TO SPE A K T H E T RU T H A B OU T T H E L IGH T. FOR T H E L IGH T OF T RU T H WA S A B OU T TO C OM E I N TO T H E WOR L D A N D SH I N E U P ON E V E RYON E .

H E E N T E R E D I N TO T H E V E RY WOR L D H E C R E AT E D, Y E T T H E WOR L D WA S U NAWA R E . H E C A M E TO T H E V E RY PE OPL E H E C R E AT E D — TO T HO SE W HO SHOU L D H AV E R E C O GN I Z E D H I M , BU T T H E Y DI D NO T R E C E I V E H I M . BU T T HO SE W HO E M BR AC E D H I M A N D TO OK HOL D OF H I S NA M E W E R E GI V E N AU T HOR I T Y TO BE C OM E T H E C H I L DR E N OF G OD! H E WA S NO T B OR N BY T H E JOI N I NG OF H U M A N PA R E N T S OR F ROM NAT U R A L M E A NS , OR BY A M A N ’ S DE SI R E , BU T H E WA S B OR N OF G OD. A N D S O T H E L I V I NG E X PR E S SION BE C A M E A M A N A N D L I V E D A MONG US ! A N D W E G A Z E D U P ON T H E SPL E N D OR OF H I S GL ORY, T H E GL ORY OF T H E ON E A N D ON LY W HO C A M E F ROM T H E FAT H E R OV E R F L OW I NG W I T H T E N DE R M E RC Y A N D T RU T H!

JOH N TAUGH T T H E T RU T H A B OU T H I M W H E N H E A N NOU NC E D TO T H E PE OPL E , “H E ’ S T H E ON E ! SE T YOU R H E A RT S ON H I M! I TOL D YOU H E WOU L D C OM E A F T E R M E , E V E N T HOUGH H E R A N K S FA R A B OV E M E , FOR H E E X I S T E D BE FOR E I WA S E V E N B OR N.” A N D NOW OU T OF H I S F U L L N E S S W E A R E F U L F I L L E D! A N D F ROM H I M W E R E C E I V E GR AC E H E A PE D U P ON MOR E GR AC E ! MO SE S G AV E US T H E L AW, BU T J E SUS , T H E A NOI N T E D ON E , U N V E I L S T RU T H W R A PPE D I N T E N DE R M E RC Y. NO ON E H A S E V E R G A Z E D U P ON T H E F U L L N E S S OF G OD’ S SPL E N D OR E XC E P T T H E U N IQU E LY BE L OV E D S ON, W HO I S C H E R I SH E D BY T H E FAT H E R A N D H E L D C L O SE TO H I S H E A RT. NOW H E H A S U N FOL DE D TO US T H E F U L L E X PL A NAT ION OF W HO G OD T RU LY I S ! JOH N 1:1-18 T P T

CONTENTS

W EEK O N E gracious God and the tent of meeting

01 W EEK T WO spendthrift sons and scandalous grace

16 W EEK TH R EE the Living Expression: Jesus is perfect theology

W EEK FO U R the grace-gifts of Christ

50 W EEK F I V E power made perfect: sufficient grace

W EEK S I X everything I’ve ever done

W EEK S E V EN lobsters on a sheet and Simon bar-Jonah

98 W EEK EI G HT how sweet the sound

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one gracious God and the tent of meeting

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L I K E A T EN T O R TA B ER N ACL E

The extraordinary level of the revelations I’ve received is no reason for anyone to exalt me. For this is why a thorn in my flesh was given to me, the Adversary’s messenger sent to harass me, keeping me from becoming arrogant. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 TPT

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GREEK // charis: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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ARAMAIC // taybutha: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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HEBREW // chanan:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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WO R D ST U DY

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MO SE S M E E T S W I T H T H E L OR D Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp, far from the camp, and called it the tabernacle of meeting. And it came to pass that everyone who sought the Lord went out to the tabernacle of meeting which was outside the camp. So it was, whenever Moses went out to the tabernacle, that all the people rose, and each man stood at his tent door and watched Moses until he had gone into the tabernacle. And it came to pass, when Moses entered the tabernacle, that the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. All the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the tabernacle door, and all the people rose and worshiped, each man in his tent door. So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.

T H E PROM I SE OF G OD’ S PR E SE NC E Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.” So the Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.” Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” And the Lord said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.” Exodus 33:7-23

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I remember when the Lord was teaching me about grace for a season of my life. Over a period of two or three years, I learned the ultimate lesson when He said, “Graham, I want you to get to a point where there is no such thing as a good situation or a bad one. There are no good days or bad days, just days of grace.” When we live in the new man, we no longer have to see our days in terms of good or bad. Everything is filled with the grace of God because we are living in Jesus. Neither our circumstances nor our actions determine the amount of grace we receive.

W E SI M PLY R E C E I V E H I S GR AC E BE C AUSE W E A R E I N C H R I S T. This changes our outlook on life and takes the pressure off ourselves, because His grace is constantly empowering us no matter what the day brings. L I V I NG I N J E SUS A S A N E W C R E AT ION M E A NS W E L I V E A N E M P OW E R E D L I F E . If you are hungry to experience the grace of God in a new and fresh way today, meditate on this “letter from God.” I think you will find new freedom as you constantly live in grace. Grace can never be separated from My primary purpose, which is Sonship for you. I want sons and daughters, and grace is My chosen means of creating relationship with you. It is the place where you see, know and feel the kind intentions that are huge in My affection for you. Beloved, if grace has not yet become glorious to you it is a sign that you have something immense and precious to discover in our relationship together. Grace is tied to My own nature and to My desired relationship with you. For that reason grace can never be undeserved favor. I do not give you grace because of who you are or your performance as a Christian. I give you grace because of who I AM and because Jesus lives in you! I give you grace because of Him. He is the new man in you teaching and demonstrating Our relationship together in you. Grace as undeserved favor is the smallest, weakest, least effective expression of Our nature in you. If grace is undeserved favor then either Jesus never had any or if He did, then He must have done something wrong to be given that type of grace, which would disqualify Him from being your savior! Grace is My empowering presence within you that enables you to become the person that I see when I look at you. Beloved, I can only see Jesus in you and you in Him. This is so exciting for Me. I absolutely love the fact that every time I look at you I see Him. When you are doing well and learning properly I see Him. When you are doing badly and learning, I still see Him and I respond to Him in you! That is a grace that is rich towards you. // Graham Cooke, Brilliant Perspectives

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YOU USE THE SPACE PROVIDED TO EXPLORE THESE QUESTIONS, AND ADD TWO OF YOUR OWN THAT YOU ARE WRESTLING WITH. 1. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH GRACE?

2. WHICH OF THE ROOT WORDS GAVE YOU A NEW FRAME FOR GRACE? EXPLAIN HOW.

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CR E ATIVE SPACE

two spendthrift sons and scandalous grace

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T H E LOV I N G FAT H ER

Then Jesus said, “Once there was a father with two sons. The younger son came to his father and said, ‘Father, don’t you think it’s time to give me the share of your estate that belongs to me?’ So the father went ahead and distributed among the two sons their inheritance. Shortly afterward, the younger son packed up all his belongings and traveled off to see the world. He journeyed to a far-off land where he soon wasted all he was given in a binge of extravagant and reckless living. “With everything spent and nothing left, he grew hungry, for there was a severe famine in that land. So he begged a farmer in that country to hire him. The farmer hired him and sent him out to feed the pigs. The son was so famished, he was willing to even eat the slop given to the pigs, because no one would feed him a thing. “Humiliated, the son finally realized what he was doing and he thought, ‘There are many workers at my father’s house who have all the food they want with plenty to spare. They lack nothing. Why am I here dying of hunger, feeding these pigs and eating their slop? I want to go back home to my father’s house, and I’ll say to him, “Father, I was wrong. I have sinned against you. I’ll never be worthy to be called your son. Please, Father, just treat me like one of your employees.”’ “So the young son set off for home. From a long distance away, his father saw him coming, dressed as a beggar, and great compassion swelled up in his heart for his son who was returning home. So the father raced out to meet him. He swept him up in his arms, hugged him dearly, and kissed him over and over with tender love. “Then the son said, ‘Father, I was wrong. I have sinned against you. I could never deserve to be called your son. Just let me be—’ “The father interrupted and said, ‘Son, you’re home now!’

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“Turning to his servants, the father said, ‘Quick, bring me the best robe, my very own robe, and I will place it on his shoulders. Bring the ring, the seal of sonship, and I will put it on his finger. And bring out the best shoes you can find for my son. Let’s prepare a great feast and celebrate. For this beloved son of mine was once dead, but now he’s alive again. Once he was lost, but now he is found!’ And everyone celebrated with overflowing joy. “Now, the older son was out working in the field when his brother returned, and as he approached the house he heard the music of celebration and dancing. So he called over one of the servants and asked, ‘What’s going on?’ “The servant replied, ‘It’s your younger brother. He’s returned home and your father is throwing a party to celebrate his homecoming.’ “The older son became angry and refused to go in and celebrate. So his father came out and pleaded with him, ‘Come and enjoy the feast with us!’ “The son said, ‘Father, listen! How many years have I been working like a slave for you, performing every duty you’ve asked as a faithful son? And I’ve never once disobeyed you. But you’ve never thrown a party for me because of my faithfulness. Never once have you even given me a goat that I could feast on and celebrate with my friends like he’s doing now. But look at this son of yours! He comes back after wasting your wealth on prostitutes and reckless living, and here you are throwing a great feast to celebrate—for him!’ “The father said, ‘My son, you are always with me by my side. Everything I have is yours to enjoy. It’s only right to celebrate like this and be overjoyed, because this brother of yours was once dead and gone, but now he is alive and back with us again. He was lost but now he is found!’” Luke 15:11-31 TPT

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T H E PA R A B L E O F T H E WO R K ER S

“This will help you understand the way heaven’s kingdom operates: “There once was a wealthy landowner who went out at daybreak to hire all the laborers he could find to work in his vineyard. After agreeing to pay them the standard day’s wage, he put them to work. Then at nine o’clock, as he was passing through the town square, he found others standing around without work. He told them, ‘Come and work for me in my vineyard and I’ll pay you a fair wage.’ So off they went to join the others. He did the same thing at noon and again at three o’clock, making the same arrangement as he did with the others. “Hoping to finish his harvest that day, he went to the town square again at five o’clock and found more who were idle. So he said to them, ‘Why have you been here all day without work?’ “‘Because no one hired us,’ they answered. “So he said to them, ‘Then go and join my crew and work in my vineyard.’ “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard went to his foreman and said, ‘Call in all the laborers, line them up, and pay them the same wages, starting with the most recent ones I hired and finishing with the ones who worked all day.’ “When those hired late in the day came to be paid, they were given a full day’s wage. And when those who had been hired first came to be paid, they were convinced that they would receive more. But everyone was paid the standard wage. When they realized what had happened, they were offended and complained to the landowner, saying, You’re treating us unfairly! They’ve only worked for one hour while we’ve slaved and sweated all day under the scorching sun. You’ve made them equal to us!’ “The landowner replied, ‘Friends, I’m not being unfair—I’m doing exactly what I said. Didn’t you agree to work for the standard wage? If I want to give those who only worked for an hour equal pay, what does that matter to you? Don’t I have the right to do what I want with what is mine? Why should my generosity make you jealous of them?’ “Now you can understand what I meant when I said that the first will end up last and the last will end up being first. Everyone is invited, but few are the chosen.” Matthew 20:1-16 TPT

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M Y M ES S AG E , U N CH A N G ED FO R M O R E T H A N F I F T Y Y E A R S , I S T H I S: GO D LOV ES YO U U N CO N D I T I O N A L LY, A S YO U A R E A N D N OT A S YO U S H O U L D B E , B ECAU S E N O B O DY I S A S T H E Y S H O U L D B E . I T I S T H E M ES S AG E O F G R ACE . . . A G R ACE T H AT PAY S T H E E AG ER B E AV ER W H O WO R K S A L L DAY LO N G T H E S A M E WAG ES A S T H E G R I N N I N G D R U N K W H O S H OW S U P AT T EN T I L L F I V E . . . A G R ACE T H AT H I K ES U P T H E RO B E A N D R U N S B R E A K N ECK TOWA R D T H E P RO D I G A L R EEK I N G O F S I N A N D W R A P S H I M U P A N D D ECI D ES TO T H ROW A PA RT Y N O I F S , A N D S , O R B U T S . . . T H I S G R ACE I S I N D I SCR I M I N AT E CO M PA S S I O N . I T WO R K S W I T H O U T A S K I N G A N Y T H I N G O F U S . . . G R ACE I S S U F F I CI EN T E V EN T H O U G H W E H U F F A N D P U F F W I T H A L L O U R M I G H T TO T RY TO F I N D SO M E T H I N G O R SO M EO N E I T CA N N OT COV ER . G R ACE I S EN O U G H . . . J ES U S I S EN O U G H . // B R EN N A N M A N N I N G , A L L I S G R ACE

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YOU USE THE SPACE PROVIDED TO EXPLORE THESE QUESTIONS, AND ADD TWO OF YOUR OWN THAT YOU ARE WRESTLING WITH. 1. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN SHOCKED BY GRACE?

2. DO YOU STRUGGLE TO RECEIVE GRACE AND FORGIVENESS? ASK GOD TO SHOW YOU WHERE YOU MIGHT NEED HIS HEALING PRESENCE IN YOUR PROCESS. WRITE ABOUT IT HERE.

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three the Living Expression: Jesus is perfect theology

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T H E L I V I N G E X P R ES S I O N In the very beginning the Living Expression was already there. And the Living Expression was with God, yet fully God. They were together—face-toface, in the very beginning. And through his creative inspiration this Living Expression made all things, for nothing has existence apart from him! Life came into being because of him, for his life is light for all humanity. And this Living Expression is the Light that bursts through gloom—the Light that darkness could not diminish!

For the Light of Truth was about to come into the world and shine upon everyone. He entered into the very world he created, yet the world was unaware. He came to the very people he created— to those who should have recognized him, but they did not receive him. But those who embraced him and took hold of his name were given authority to become the children of God!

Then suddenly a man appeared who was sent from God, a messenger named John. For he came to be a witness, to point the way to the Light of Life and to help everyone believe.

He was not born by the joining of human parents or from natural means, or by a man’s desire, but he was born of God. And so the Living Expression became a man and lived among us!

John was not that Light but he came to show who is. For he was merely a messenger to speak the truth about the Light.

And we gazed upon the splendor of his glory, the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father overflowing with tender mercy and truth!

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John taught the truth about him when he announced to the people, “He’s the One! Set your hearts on him! I told you he would come after me, even though he ranks far above me, for he existed before I was even born.” And now out of his fullness we are fulfilled! And from him we receive grace heaped upon more grace! Moses gave us the Law, but Jesus, the Anointed One, unveils truth wrapped in tender mercy. No one has ever gazed upon the fullness of God’s splendor except the uniquely beloved Son, who is cherished by the Father and held close to his heart. Now he has unfolded to us the full explanation of who God truly is! John 1:1-18 TPT

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GREEK // aletheia: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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ARAMAIC // sharira: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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HEBREW // emet:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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G R ACE I S A P ER SO N Your hearts can soar with joyful gratitude when you think of how God made you worthy to receive the glorious inheritance freely given to us by living in the light. He has rescued us completely from the tyrannical rule of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom realm of his beloved Son. For in the Son all our sins are canceled and we have the release of redemption through his very blood. He is the divine portrait, the true likeness of the invisible God, and the first-born heir of all creation. For through the Son everything was created, both in the heavenly realm and on the earth, all that is seen and all that is unseen. Every seat of power, realm of government, principality, and authority—it was all created through him and for his purpose! He existed before anything was made, and now everything finds completion in him. He is the Head of his body, which is the church. And since he is the beginning and the firstborn heir in resurrection, he is the most exalted One, holding first place in everything. For God is satisfied to have all his fullness dwelling in Christ. And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself—back to its original intent, restored to innocence again! Even though you were once distant from him, living in the shadows of your evil thoughts and actions, he reconnected you back to himself. He released his supernatural peace to you through the sacrifice of his own body as the sin-payment on your behalf so that you would dwell in his presence. And now there is nothing between you and Father God, for he sees you as holy, flawless, and restored, if indeed you continue to advance in faith, assured of a firm foundation to grow upon. Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in. And this is the glorious news I preach all over the world. Colossians 1:12-23

Jesus explained, “I am the Way, I am the Truth, and I am the Life. No one comes next to the Father except through union with me. To know me is to know my Father too. And from now on you will realize that you have seen him and experienced him.” Philip spoke up, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be all that we need!” Jesus replied, “Philip, I’ve been with you all this time and you still don’t know who I am? How could you ask me to show you the Father, for anyone who has looked at me has seen the Father. Don’t you believe that the Father is living in me and that I am living in the Father? Even my words are not my own but come from my Father, for he lives in me and performs his miracles of power through me. Believe that I live as one with my Father and that my Father lives as one with me—or at least, believe because of the mighty miracles I have done. “I tell you this timeless truth: The person who follows me in faith, believing in me, will do the same mighty miracles that I do—even greater miracles than these because I go to be with my Father! For I will do whatever you ask me to do when you ask me in my name. And that is how the Son will show what the Father is really like and bring glory to him. Ask me anything in my name, and I will do it for you!” John 14:6-14

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J ES U S I S P ER F ECT T H EO LOGY. // B I L L J O H N SO N

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“ I T I S I M P O S S I B L E TO S I N O U T O F W H O YO U A R E I N GO D – E V ERY S I N A B EL I E V ER CO M M I T S CO M ES F RO M B EL I E V I N G A L I E ” // B I L L J O H N SO N

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YOU USE THE SPACE PROVIDED TO EXPLORE THESE QUESTIONS, AND ADD TWO OF YOUR OWN THAT YOU ARE WRESTLING WITH. 1. WHAT DO YOU EXPERIENCE WITH JESUS THAT YOU STRUGGLE TO SEE IN THE FATHER? WHAT DO YOU EXPERIENCE WITH THE FATHER THAT YOU STRUGGLE TO SEE IN JESUS?

2. WHICH OF THE ROOT WORDS GAVE YOU A NEW FRAME FOR TRUTH? EXPLAIN HOW.

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four the grace-gifts of Christ

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And he has generously given each one of us supernatural grace, according to the size of the gift of Christ. This is why he says: “He ascends into the heavenly heights taking his many captured ones with him, and gifts were given to men.” He “ascended” means that he returned to heaven, after he had first descended from the heights of heaven, even descending as far as the lowest parts of the earth. The same one who descended is also the one who ascended above the heights of heaven, in order to begin the restoration and fulfillment of all things. And he has appointed some with grace to be apostles, and some with grace to be prophets, and some with grace to be evangelists, and some with grace to be pastors, and some with grace to be teachers. And their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers to do their own works of ministry, and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ. These grace ministries will function until we all attain oneness in the faith, until we all experience the fullness of what it means to know the Son of God, and finally we become one perfect man with the full dimensions of spiritual maturity and fully developed in the abundance of Christ. And then our immaturity will end! And we will not be easily shaken by trouble, nor led astray by novel teachings or by the false doctrines of deceivers who teach clever lies. But instead we will remain strong and always sincere in our love as we express the truth. All our direction and ministries will flow from Christ and lead us deeper into him, the anointed Head of his body, the church. For his “body” has been formed in his image and is closely joined together and constantly connected as one. And every member has been given divine gifts to contribute to the growth of all; and as these gifts operate effectively throughout the whole body, we are built up and made perfect in love. Ephesians 4:7-16 TPT

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GO D ’ S P O E T RY Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:1-10 NLT

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So don’t forget that you were not born as Jews and were uncircumcised (circumcision itself is just a work of man’s hands); you had none of the Jewish covenants and laws; you were foreigners to Israel’s incredible heritage; you were without the covenants and prophetic promises of the Messiah, the promised hope, and without God. Yet look at you now! Everything is new! Although you were once distant and far away from God, now you have been brought delightfully close to him through the sacred blood of Jesus—you have actually been united to Christ! Our reconciling “Peace” is Jesus! He has made Jew and non-Jew one in Christ. By dying as our sacrifice, he has broken down every wall of prejudice that separated us and has now made us equal through our union with Christ. Ethnic hatred has been dissolved by the crucifixion of his precious body on the cross. The legal code that stood condemning every one of us has now been repealed by his command. His triune essence has made peace between us by starting over—forming one new race of humanity, Jews and non-Jews fused together! Two have now become one, and we live restored to God and reconciled in the body of Christ. Through his crucifixion, hatred died. For the Messiah has come to preach this sweet message of peace to you, the ones who were distant, and to those who are near. And now, because we are united to Christ, we both have equal and direct access in the realm of the Holy Spirit to come before the Father! So, you are not foreigners or guests, but rather you are the children of the city of the holy ones, with all the rights as family members of the household of God. You are rising like the perfectly fitted stones of the temple; and your lives are being built up together upon the ideal foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, and best of all, you are connected to the Head Cornerstone of the building, the Anointed One, Jesus Christ himself! This entire building is under construction and is continually growing under his supervision until it rises up completed as the holy temple of the Lord himself. This means that God is transforming each one of you into the Holy of Holies, his dwelling place, through the power of the Holy Spirit living in you! Ephesians 2:11-22 TPT

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T H I S V U LG A R G R ACE I S I N D I SCR I M I N AT E CO M PA S S I O N . I T WO R K S W I T H O U T A S K I N G A N Y T H I N G O F U S . I T ’ S N OT CH E A P. I T ’ S F R EE , A N D A S S U CH W I L L A LWAY S B E A B A N A N A P EEL FO R T H E O RT H O DOX FOOT A N D A FA I RY TA L E FO R T H E G ROW N - U P S EN S I B I L I T Y. . . J O H N , T H E D I SCI P L E J ES U S LOV ED, EN D ED H I S F I R ST L E T T ER W I T H T H I S L I N E : “CH I L D R EN , B E O N YO U R G UA R D AG A I N ST FA L S E GO D S .” I N OT H ER WO R D S , ST EER CL E A R O F A N Y GO D YO U CA N CO M P R EH EN D. A B B A W I L L’ S LOV E CA N N OT B E CO M P R EH EN D ED. I ’ L L S AY I T AG A I N : A B B A’ S LOV E CA N N OT B E CO M P R EH EN D ED.” // B R EN N A N M A N N I N G , A L L I S G R ACE

ELTO N T R U EB LOO D N OT ES T H AT T H E I M AG E J ES U S U S ED TO D ESCR I B E T H E CH U RCH ’ S D EST I N Y - - “ T H E G AT ES O F H EL L W I L L N OT P R E VA I L AG A I N ST I T ” - - I S A M E TA P H O R O F O F F EN S E , N OT D EF EN S E . CH R I ST I A N S A R E STO R M I N G T H E G AT ES , A N D T H E Y W I L L P R E VA I L . N O M AT T ER H OW I T LOO K S AT A N Y G I V EN P O I N T I N H I STO RY, T H E G AT ES G UA R D I N G T H E P OW ER S O F E V I L W I L L N OT W I T H STA N D A N A S S AU LT BY G R ACE . // P H I L I P YA N CY, W H AT ’ S SO A M A Z I N G A B O U T G R ACE

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YOU USE THE SPACE PROVIDED TO EXPLORE THESE QUESTIONS, AND ADD TWO OF YOUR OWN THAT YOU ARE WRESTLING WITH. 1. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF BEING EMPOWERED IN ONE OF THE FIVE GRACE MINISTRIES? WHAT DOES THIS CALL LOOK / FEEL / SOUND LIKE?

2. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE GOD’S MASTERPIECE AND POETRY?

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five power made perfect: sufficient grace

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If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 NLT Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength]. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 AMP

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P S A L M 145

I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I’ll bless your name into eternity. I’ll bless you every day, and keep it up from now to eternity. God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness. Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts. Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders. Your marvelous doings are headline news; I could write a book full of the details of your greatness. The fame of your goodness spreads across the country; your righteousness is on everyone’s lips. God is all mercy and grace— not quick to anger, is rich in love. God is good to one and all; everything he does is soaked through with grace. Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor, Letting the world know of your power for good, the lavish splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is a kingdom eternal; you never get voted out of office.

God always does what he says, and is gracious in everything he does. God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit. All eyes are on you, expectant; you give them their meals on time. Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. Everything God does is right— the trademark on all his works is love. God’s there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. He does what’s best for those who fear him— hears them call out, and saves them. God sticks by all who love him, but it’s all over for those who don’t. My mouth is filled with God’s praise. Let everything living bless him, bless his holy name from now to eternity! (MSG)

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O my soul, bless God.

P S A L M 103

From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing! He forgives your sins— every one. He heals your diseases— every one. He redeems you from hell— saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy— a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness— beauty eternal. He renews your youth— you’re always young in his presence. God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet. He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel. God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset,

As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud. Men and women don’t live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom, But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here. God’s love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him, Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said. God has set his throne in heaven; he rules over us all. He’s the King! So bless God, you angels, ready and able to fly at his bidding, quick to hear and do what he says. Bless God, all you armies of angels, alert to respond to whatever he wills. Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are— everything and everyone made by God. And you, O my soul, bless God! (MSG)

he has separated us from our sins. 73

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TO R EST I N GO D ’ S P OW ER W H EN YO U R OW N W E A K N ES S ES S EEM TO B E SCR E A M I N G AT YO U? TH AT ’ S GR ACE! TO B E CO N F I D EN T I N W H O GO D I S FO R YO U W H EN YO U F EEL OV ERW H EL M ED BY O D D S AG A I N ST YO U? TH AT ’ S PE ACE! TO STA N D A LO N E AG A I N ST M A S S I V E I N T I M I DAT I O N? TH AT ’ S TRUST! TO K N OW B E YO N D A N Y S H A DOW O F A DO U BT T H AT GO D I S B I GG ER A N D T H ER EFO R E YO U CA N N OT LO S E? TH AT ’ S TH E FA ITH TH AT M OV ES M OU NTA I NS! // G R A H A M CO O K E

F I N A L LY, I N O N E O F H I S L A ST STAT EM EN T S B EFO R E DY I N G , H E S A I D, “ FO RG I V E T H EM ”- - A L L O F T H EM , T H E RO M A N SO L D I ER S , T H E R EL I G I O U S L E A D ER S , H I S D I SCI P L ES W H O H A D F L ED I N T H E DA R K N ES S , YO U , M E - - “ FO RG I V E T H EM , FO R T H E Y DO N OT K N OW W H AT T H E Y A R E DO I N G .” O N LY BY B ECO M I N G A H U M A N B EI N G CO U L D T H E SO N O F GO D T R U LY S AY, “ T H E Y DO N OT K N OW W H AT T H E Y A R E DO I N G .” H AV I N G L I V ED A M O N G U S , H E N OW U N D ER STOO D. // P H I L I P YA N CY,

W H AT ’ S SO A M A Z I N G A B O U T G R ACE

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YOU USE THE SPACE PROVIDED TO EXPLORE THESE QUESTIONS, AND ADD TWO OF YOUR OWN THAT YOU ARE WRESTLING WITH. 1. WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN MET MOST POWERFULLY BY GOD’S GRACE?

2. WHERE HAVE YOU, LIKE PAUL, ASKED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR RELIEF? HOW CAN THE POWER OF JESUS BE MADE PERFECT IN THAT PLACE?

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CR E ATIVE SPACE

six everything I’ve ever done

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A T H I R ST Y S AV I O R

Jesus arrived at the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son, Joseph, long ago. Wearied by his long journey, he sat on the edge of Jacob’s well. He sent his disciples into the village to buy food, for it was already afternoon. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink of water.” Surprised, she said, “Why would a Jewish man ask a Samaritan woman for a drink of water?” Jesus replied, “If you only knew who I am and the gift that God wants to give you—you’d ask me for a drink, and I would give to you living water.” The woman replied, “But sir, you don’t even have a bucket and this well is very deep. So where do you find this ‘living water’? Do you really think that you are greater than our ancestor Jacob who dug this well and drank from it himself, along with his children and livestock?” Jesus answered, “If you drink from Jacob’s well you’ll be thirsty again and again, but if anyone drinks the living water I give them, they will never thirst again and will be forever satisfied! For when you drink the water I give you it becomes a gushing fountain of the Holy Spirit, springing up and flooding you with endless life!” The woman replied, “Let me drink that water so I’ll never be thirsty again and won’t have to come back here to draw water.” Jesus said, “Go get your husband and bring him back here.” “But I’m not married,” the woman answered. “That’s true,” Jesus said, “for you’ve been married five times and now you’re living with a man who is not your husband. You have told the truth.” John 4:5-18 TPT

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IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH The woman said, “You must be a prophet! So tell me this: Why do our fathers worship God here on this nearby mountain, but your people teach that Jerusalem is the place where we must worship. Which is right?” Jesus responded, “Believe me, dear woman, the time has come when you won’t worship the Father on a mountain nor in Jerusalem, but in your heart. Your people don’t really know the One they worship. We Jews worship out of our experience, for it’s from the Jews that salvation is made available. From here on, worshiping the Father will not be a matter of the right place but with the right heart. For God is a Spirit, and he longs to have sincere worshipers who worship and adore him in the realm of the Spirit and in truth.” The woman said, “This is all so confusing, but I do know that the Anointed One is coming—the true Messiah. And when he comes, he will tell us everything we need to know.” Jesus said to her, “You don’t have to wait any longer, the Anointed One is here speaking with you—I am the One you’re looking for.” At that moment the disciples returned and were stunned to see Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman. Yet none of them dared to ask him why or what they were discussing. All at once, the woman dropped her water jar and ran off to her village and told everyone, “Come and meet a man at the well who told me everything I’ve ever done!He could be the Anointed One we’ve been waiting for.” Hearing this, the people came streaming out of the village to go see Jesus. John 4:19-30 TPT

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Jesus walked up the Mount of Olives near the city where he spent the night. Then at dawn Jesus appeared in the temple courts again, and soon all the people gathered around to listen to his words, so he sat down and taught them. Then in the middle of his teaching, the religious scholars and the Pharisees broke through the crowd and brought a woman who had been caught in the act of committing adultery and made her stand in the middle of everyone. Then they said to Jesus, “Teacher, we caught this woman in the very act of adultery. Doesn’t Moses’ law command us to stone to death a woman like this? Tell us, what do you say we should do with her?” They were only testing Jesus because they hoped to trap him with his own words and accuse him of breaking the laws of Moses. But Jesus didn’t answer them. Instead he simply bent down and wrote in the dust with his finger. Angry, they kept insisting that he answer their question, so Jesus stood up and looked at them and said, “Let’s have the man who has never had a sinful desire throw the first stone at her.” And then he bent over again and wrote some more words in the dust. Upon hearing that, her accusers slowly left the crowd one at a time, beginning with the oldest to the youngest, with a convicted conscience. Until finally, Jesus was left alone with the woman still standing there in front of him. So he stood back up and said to her, “Dear woman, where are your accusers? Is there no one here to condemn you?” Looking around, she replied, “I see no one, Lord.” Jesus said, “Then I certainly don’t condemn you either. Go, and from now on, be free from a life of sin.” John 8:1-11 TPT

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DO YO U B EL I E V E T H AT T H E GO D O F J ES U S LOV ES YO U B E YO N D

WO RT H I N ES S A N D U N WO RT H I N ES S , B E YO N D F I D EL I T Y A N D

I N F I D EL I T Y—T H AT H E LOV ES YO U

IN THE MORNING SUN AND IN THE E V EN I N G R A I N —T H AT H E LOV ES YO U W H EN YO U R I N T EL L ECT D EN I ES I T, YO U R EM OT I O N S

R EF U S E I T, YO U R W H O L E B EI N G

R E J ECT S I T. DO YO U B EL I E V E T H AT GO D LOV ES W I T H O U T CO N D I T I O N O R R ES ERVAT I O N A N D LOV ES YO U T H I S M O M EN T A S YO U A R E A N D N OT A S YO U S H O U L D B E . // B R EN N A N M A N N I N G , A L L I S G R ACE

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YOU USE THE SPACE PROVIDED TO EXPLORE THESE QUESTIONS, AND ADD TWO OF YOUR OWN THAT YOU ARE WRESTLING WITH. 1. WHAT DO THESE TWO INCREDIBLE WOMEN HAVE IN COMMON? WHAT DO WE SEE ABOUT JESUS -- AND YAHWEH -- IN THEIR STORIES?

2. WHAT DO YOU THINK JESUS WROTE IN THE DUST?

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CR E ATIVE SPACE

seven lobsters on a sheet and Simon bar-Jonah

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The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.” “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean. But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven. Peter was very perplexed. What could the vision mean? Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house. Standing outside the gate, they asked if a man named Simon Peter was staying there. Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, “Three men have come looking for you. Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.” So Peter went down and said, “I’m the man you are looking for. Why have you come?” They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.” So Peter invited the men to stay for the night. The next day he went with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa. They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled. Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.” Acts 10:9-29 NLT

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When Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples this question: “What are the people saying about me, the Son of Man? Who do they believe I am?” They answered, “Some are convinced you are John the Baptizer, others say you are Elijah reincarnated, or Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” “But you—who do you say that I am?” Jesus asked. Simon Peter spoke up and said, “You are the Anointed One, the Son of the living God!”

Jesus replied, “You are favored and privileged Simeon, son of Jonah! For you didn’t discover this on your own, but my Father in heaven has supernaturally revealed it to you. I give you the name Peter, a stone. And this truth of who I am will be the bedrock foundation on which I will build my church—my legislative assembly, and the power of death will not be able to overpower it! I will give you the keys of heaven’s kingdom realm to forbid on earth that which is forbidden in heaven, and to release on earth that which is released in heaven.” He then gave his disciples strict orders not to tell anyone that he was God’s Anointed One. Matthew 16:13-20 TPT

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I S EN S E I N J ES U S ’ A P P ROACH A F U L F I L L M EN T, N OT A N A B O L I T I O N , O F T H E O L D T ESTA M EN T L AW S . GO D H A D ‘ H A L LOW ED ’ CR E AT I O N BY S EPA R AT I N G T H E S ACR ED F RO M T H E P RO FA N E , T H E CL E A N F RO M T H E U N CL E A N . J ES U S D I D N OT CA N CEL O U T T H I S H A L LOW I N G P R I N CI P L E , R AT H ER H E CH A N G ED I T S SO U RCE . W E O U R S ELV ES CA N B E AG EN T S O F GO D ’ S H O L I N ES S , FO R GO D N OW DW EL L S W I T H I N U S . I N T H E M I D ST O F A N U N CL E A N WO R L D W E CA N ST R I D E , A S J ES U S D I D, S EEK I N G WAY S TO B E A SO U RCE O F H O L I N ES S . T H E S I CK A N D T H E M A I M ED A R E FO R U S N OT H OT S P OT S O F CO N TA M I N AT I O N B U T P OT EN T I A L R ES ERVO I R S O F GO D ’ S M ERCY. W E A R E CA L L ED U P O N TO E X T EN D T H AT M ERCY, TO B E CO N V E Y ER S O F G R ACE , N OT AVO I D ER S O F CO N TAG I O N . L I K E J ES U S , W E CA N H EL P TO M A K E T H E “ U N CL E A N ” CL E A N . // P H I L I P YA N CY, W H AT ’ S SO A M A Z I N G A B O U T G R ACE

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G R ACE DO ES N OT CA N CEL O U T O U R R ES P O N S I B I L I T Y O R ACCO U N TA B I L I T Y FO R T H E T H I N G S GO D H A S G I V EN U S TO DO. // M I K E B I CK L E

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YOU USE THE SPACE PROVIDED TO EXPLORE THESE QUESTIONS, AND ADD TWO OF YOUR OWN THAT YOU ARE WRESTLING WITH. 1. HOW DO WE UNDERSTAND JESUS AND GRACE AS A FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW, RATHER THAN AN ABOLITION?

2. HAVE YOU EVER NEEDED SUPERNATURAL ENCOURAGEMENT -- LIKE A VISION OR A WORD -- TO MOVE YOU INTO A SPACE WHERE GRACE WAS NEEDED?

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Commentary

CR E ATIVE SPACE

G R A C E

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T R U T H

eight how sweet the sound

114

115

G R A C E

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T H E M ES S AG E

Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. For Moses writes that the law’s way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands. But faith’s way of getting right with God says, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’ (to bring Christ down to earth). And don’t say, ‘Who will go down to the place of the dead?’ (to bring Christ back to life again).” In fact, it says, “The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.” And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:1-10 NLT

T HOUGH T S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

117

As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. But I ask, have the people of Israel actually heard the message? Yes, they have: “The message has gone throughout the earth, and the words to all the world.” But I ask, did the people of Israel really understand? Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, God said, “I will rouse your jealousy through people who are not even a nation. I will provoke your anger through the foolish Gentiles.” And later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying, “I was found by people who were not looking for me. I showed myself to those who were not asking for me.” But regarding Israel, God said, “All day long I opened my arms to them, but they were disobedient and rebellious.” Romans 10:11-21 NLT

119

T H E B EL I E V ER ’ S R EST Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. Hebrews 4:14-18 AMP

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W H E N W E T RY TO GE T T H ROUGH OU R E F FORT S W H AT W E A L R E A DY H AV E BY GR AC E , W E PU T OU R SE LV E S U N DE R T H E P OW E R OF T H E L AW. // BI L L JOH NS ON

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123

YOU USE THE SPACE PROVIDED TO EXPLORE THESE QUESTIONS, AND ADD TWO OF YOUR OWN THAT YOU ARE WRESTLING WITH. 1. PSALM 95 SAYS “IF TODAY YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS”. HOW CAN WE RESIST THE FEAR-BASED REACTION OF HARDENING OUR HEARTS WHEN GOD SPEAKS GRACE OVER US?

2. WHAT DOES GRACE SOUND LIKE?

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Commentary

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GR ACE IS S H OCK I NGLY PERSO N A L . AS H EN R I N OU W EN PO I NTS OUT, ‘ GO D R E JO ICES . N OT B ECAUS E TH E PRO B LEMS O F TH E WO R LD H AV E B EEN SO LV ED, N OT B ECAUS E A LL H U M A N PA I N A N D SU FFER I NG H AV E CO M E TO A N EN D, N O R B ECAUS E TH OUSA N DS O F PEO PLE H AV E B EEN CO N V ERTED A N D A R E N OW PR A IS I NG H I M FO R H IS GOO DN ESS . N O, GO D R E JO ICES B ECAUS E O N E O F H IS CH I LDR EN W H O WAS LOST H AS B EEN FOU N D. // PH I LI P YA NCY,

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