Quiet Time: Stuff Happens - Be Ready

Stuff Happens – Be Ready
Read: Philippians 11:26-28

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. – Philippians 1:27

The guys I work with got to talking about a former coworker who used to carry a bible in his back pocket. He loved to talk about religion and especially enjoyed debating the wrong theology associated with various denominations. The problem was, he was openly unfaithful to his wife. To make matters worse, he’d brag about it. One guy finally confronted him in the middle of an impromptu sermon and asked, “Joe, tell me something, do you place the bible on top of the night-stand next to the bed or hide it inside the drawer before you mess around on your wife?” You see, Joe’s conduct made his testimony worthless.

I do believe God wants us to be bold witnesses for Him and what He’s doing in our lives. We shouldn’t fear what people may think about us; there are worse things in life than the label of “Jesus Freak” (Philippians 1:28). But, it is horrible, absolutely abhorrent, when we conduct ourselves in a manner that makes it look as if the good news of Jesus is nothing more than religious banter.

Stuff will happen to us. Stuff happens to everyone. And, you know what; sometimes good things can cause us to act awful just as easily as bad things. But, those of us who’ve experienced the love of Jesus in our hearts, and have tasted the goodness of God actually have a reason for acting and reacting differently. We love Him! And, because we love Him we want to please Him; plain and simple – now that’s a testimony worth sharing.

Song Series: Grace Greater Than Our Sin

Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Julia H. Johnston, 1849-1919

"But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:20-21)

God's grace is not merely a sufficient grace; it is an abounding grace--"that you will abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8). His grace provides our eternal salvation as well as the enablement to know life more abundantly. It is available for our every problem and need.

Sometimes the argument is advanced that since God's grace covers all our sins, then we are free to live as we please. God's grace does provide for our freedom, but it is meant to free us from a slavery to our selfish, sinful nature in order that we might pursue "every good work"--to become all that God intends us to be.

Julia Johnston was for many years involved in the work of Sunday schools at the First Presbyterian Church of Peoria, Illinois, and as a writer of lesson materials for primary age children for the David C. Cook Publishing Company. She also wrote approximately 500 hymn texts. The composer of this hymn, Daniel B. Towner, was for many years the director of the music department at Moody Bible Institute. "Grace Greater Than Our Sin" first appeared in Towner's compilation, Hymns Tried and True, 1911.

Grace Greater Than Our Sin

Julia H. Johnston, 1849-1919

"Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt! Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured--there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

"Sin and despair, like the seawaves cold, threaten the soul with infinite loss; grace that is greater--yes, grace untold--points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross.

"Dark is the stain that we cannot hide; what can avail to wash it away? Look! there is flowing a crimson tide--whiter than snow you may be today.

"Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, freely bestowed on all who believe! You that are longing to see His face, will you this moment His grace receive?

"Chorus: Grace, grace, God's grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within; grace, grace, God's grace, grace that is greater than all our sin!"

What does the term "grace" mean to your life? Try to define it in your own words. Discuss your insights with another. (Osbeck)