From Grace to Grace

To live from faith to faith (Romans 1:17) is also to live from grace to grace. Everything that’s holy originates with God. By God’s grace, we are gifted the desire and ability to participate with him in his work (Luke 2:49). Then by faith, we take hold of that grace—to be good stewards of it (1 Peter 4:10). From grace + faith to grace + faith.

Aware of God’s grace, we see that we have nothing to boast about (Ephesians 2:8-9). And receiving God’s grace by faith, our works become participation; they are not left undone (James 2:17), nor are they done in vain (Psalm 127:1).

The Way

In the world, we “follow the money” back to the source.

In God’s Kingdom, we “follow the love” back to the Source.

Vision, Mission, and Strategy

When we Christians think about vision, mission, and strategy, can we test these against vision, mission, and strategy from scripture? Here’s what I see:

Vision

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, because the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And the sea no longer existed. And I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And from the throne I heard a loud voice that said, “Look! God’s dwelling is with people. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain, because the former things have passed away.” (from Rev. 21)

Mission

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (from Luke 4, quoting Isaiah 61)

Strategy

1. Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.” (from Matt. 22)

2.  Jesus approached and spoke to them saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and gather disciples from all nations by baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and by teaching them to keep all the instructions I have given you. And surely I am with you always until the end of the age. (from Matt. 28)