And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. Acts 13:43

I love this phrase, continue in the grace of God. So often the temptation is to think of the grace of God as something we receive when we “get saved”. After that it is not quite clear what happens but we kind of allow the grace of God to recede to the background a little. One of the things that I have learned as I mature in my walk with Christ is just how much I need to continue in the grace of God.

I need the grace of God in my dealings at home, with my wife and kids. I need the grace of God as I go in and out among the church, working with elders and staff and congregants. I need the grace of God on my forays to Aldi or Sam’s. I need the grace of God in my neighborhood. I need the grace of God as I penetrate the jungles of my own heart. I think you get the picture. Continuing in the grace of God is not optional. It is not somehow over. Rather it is an everyday, every hour, every minute necessity. Along with Paul and Barnabas let me urge you to continue in this grace of God.

I look forward to seeing you this weekend. In particular, I am looking forward to the picnic on Sunday. Not only should it be a good chance to come together and fellowship, something we haven’t done in a while! But we are going to take the opportunity to continue thinking about what it means to be on the mission with God. Specifically how this applies to the ministry of the local church. So plan on join us at 3 pm on Sunday.

Continuing in the Grace of God,

Andrew