The Wonderful Grace of Advancing the Gospel

The title of Pastor Nathan’s message today was “The Wonderful Grace of Advancing the Gospel” taken from II Corinthians 8:1-4. The Apostle Paul is encouraging the church at Corinth with the testimony of God’s miraculous grace in churches of Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea). Although they were suffering great persecution to the point that they were cut off from resources, yet, in the midst of this, they did something incredible. God put it in the hearts of these members to support the church in Jerusalem which at the time was under extreme persecution by the Jewish Sanhedrin. Paul testified in spite of their circumstances, they were filled with overflowing joy, gave generously and God blessed them supernaturally! This display of God’s grace was amazing, Paul sent Titus to teach the Corinthians how to excel in it.

Jesus Christ taught about this same subject in Matthew 6:24-33 (NLT). He gave us this command in verse 25, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” And in verse 31-33, 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Many would say, how could I ever stop worrying about my life? Or, “If I just took care of God’s business, how would I ever have time to take care of my own?” There are two amazing things about God. He never gives us a command without giving us the power also to obey it, and He is more than able to take care of our business when we are taking care of His! The moment you make it your life goal to seek and advance His Kingdom, God releases His grace that will cause you to quit worrying and striving for your life. Christ gave everything so that you and I can be fully supplied (2 Corinthians 8:9, 9:8, Romans 8:32).

God expects us to walk in His wonderful grace that we have in Christ Jesus and do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live (Ephesians 2:10 AMPC). We were never meant to walk in our own strength. Grace will empower us to live so that we can focus on advancing the gospel, for God’s Kingdom is all about the harvest. Therefore, if we spend our lives seeking God’s Kingdom, we will never lack for grace to accomplish the task!