Grow In Grace
Glen emphasized the importance of growing in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, referencing 2 Peter 3:18 and Ephesians 2 on salvation through grace. He discussed the transformative power of grace, which extends beyond salvation to sanctification, urging believers to be conformed to Christ's image. Glen warned against "cheap grace," which leads to complacency and sin, contrasting it with "costly grace," which requires sacrifice and obedience. He illustrated this with the parable of the prodigal son, highlighting the father's unconditional love and forgiveness. Glen encouraged believers to embrace the challenges of spiritual growth, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance on God's grace in all aspects of life, including witnessing and prayer. He concluded with a reminder of God's limitless grace and the importance of seeking transformation into Christ's likeness.
Update on Gideon's distribution at VCU
Successful outreach without hostility
Importance of growing in grace and knowledge
Transformative power of grace in sanctification
Warning against "cheap grace"
Illustration from the parable of the prodigal son
Encouragement to embrace spiritual challenges
Need for humility and reliance on God's grace
Conclusion on God's limitless grace
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. 25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. 32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
