Going Deeper. Drawing Closer.

“Going Deeper. Drawing Closer.”

                                                     March Blog 2025 by Pastor Bec

We are currently in the forty-day period leading up to Easter/Resurrection Sunday called “Lent.” This means spiritual renewal, or a type of “spiritual spring.”
It is a period which has been practiced by the traditional church for many centuries.
It is a time to go deeper with, and draw closer to Christ, so that by the time we celebrate His power through resurrection, we know Him better.

Words from the apostle Paul have lingered in my mind lately. (When haven’t they, right?!) Towards the end of the book of Acts, we get to read the tender scene where he is saying his goodbyes to his beloved church at Ephesus. He lists many of the hardships through which he’s gone, and then ends that section with these words: “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24)

As I process retirement, trying to figure out new purpose, next steps, etc., I realize that if I don’t do anything else but “testify to the gospel of God’s grace,” that will be enough. This is for you, too. As followers of Christ, we’re called to “testify to the gospel of God’s grace. This is the beginning of purpose for our lives.

But just what does this phrase mean?!
We know that “gospel” means “good news.” And God’s grace is His unmerited, (we can’t earn it), forgiveness, love and mercy. That’s certainly good news!
God’s grace is also His promises for us found throughout His Word - the Bible.    He’s a promise keeper - He always keeps His word.
It is unconditional. He doesn’t forgive, love, or show mercy to us expecting anything in return. Unlike us humans, He doesn’t have conditions with His gift - Ephesians 2:8 (“saved by grace through faith… it is the gift of God - “)
      He simply wants to be in relationship with us. For this to happen, because He is 
      holy and we are not, we need Jesus.
      Jesus, Himself, told us no one comes to the Father but through Him: “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

Jesus taught this important truth just after Judas left - betraying Him. This was also after He predicted Peter’s denial of Him as well.

And yet, this is also when He added, “A new command I give you: Love one another. as I have loved you,” (despite betrayal and hurt and disappointment!), “so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34, 35)

So what is the gospel of God’s grace?

It is, put simply, His love. I John 3:1 joyously proclaims: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

So, during this season of Lent, as we continue to work on drawing closer to Christ, fellow child of God, go deeper into and enjoy “the gospel of God’s grace.”

And then share it with others.
Selah.

[Please pull up the classic song “Oh Draw Me Lord” by Selah.
Put all other distractions aside and let God’s Holy Spirit draw you close and fill/refill you with His powerful, healing, forgiving, refreshing Presence anew or once more!]