24Dec2013- Grace and Peace from God

How you doin? So Christmas traditions and celebration comes earlier for us. We will be celebrating Christmas today so that we can enjoy the company of the Peyton's (Stacey's sister's family). The kids are beyond charged up. I was woken up by them at 2:30am. They were up in full force. The tree was lit, music was playing, and most of the lights in the house were on. They were playing with fervor. We will be praying for the Lords peace to be on us all today. Galatians 1.

Verses 3-5, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, ⁴ who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, ⁵ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Now that's how to start a letter or meeting. That's enough to think about for the day. These verses do stir up some questions. Like what is grace and peace "from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"?

Verses 11-12, "I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. ¹² I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." I would say could qualify as grace. It's one of my biggest prayers that the Spirit of revelation reveals the fullness of Christ in me, hope of glory.

Verses 14-16, "I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. ¹⁵ But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased ¹⁶ to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being." Saul was pretty much the dude that followers of Jesus feared the most. Saul didn't realize that he was Paul. That he was set apart until God's grace called him and revealed His Son to him. COME ON!!!!!!! That is definitely grace from God. For me the peace comes from knowing that it's not coming from me, but it's coming from Christ in me, hope of glory. WOW!!!!!!! Peace, is in the fact that Jesus came to rescue me from evil. I'm involved in a war that's been decided. That's peaceful. Love, joy, and peace are the first three fruit of the Spirit listed. That's what grace offers.

I think of how often the words "joy" and "peace" show up in Christmas songs. God's grace is demonstrated by Him sending His Son to rescue us. HOLY MAC A LOLY!!!!!!! Peace comes with the revelation of Christ in me, hope of glory. Receive grace, peace, and joy for Christmas this year.

PS   The "present evil age" is the old covenant, which leads to death. Jesus rescued me/us from death. COME ON!!!!!!!