At theme training last night, Matt Reagan gave a talk on grace. The Lord significantly used him to articulate the gospel clearly to all of the students in the room. He began with discussing Acts 17:25."Nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything." He had us consider whether or not we truly believe this in our everyday lives. The good news is that as believers, we simply receive from Him. We cannot do anything to add to this, It is finished! He is continually giving to us, and we receive what He has accomplished on the cross for us.
The gospel is clear in the Bible that though we are sinful, Christ came and died on the cross so that we may experience forever the grace of God. Christ promises to be our advocate forevermore, pleading for us before God.
Matt discussed some barriers in our lives that prevent us from knowing Christ's love for us. We are continually distracted by personal performance and performance from God. Although we have heard the truth of the cross, we seem to always seek ways to gain approval from both God and man. Throughout our lives our sinful nature seeks to find ways to turn the gospel into laws.Romans 4:4-5 says, "Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." No longer do we have to work for God's approval! We can repent of sin in our hearts, and turn to Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. It is completely FINISHED because of Christ!
After the talk, there was a time of worship and prayer. The room was filled with people worshipping the Lord, praying to Him, and crying over the wonderful news that was so clearly heard. Back on project, many students were having conversations with others rejoicing over what the Lord is doing in their heart. Last night depicted so clearly that the gospel truly is the power for salvation. Please pray for the students whose hearts were open to this for the first time last night. Pray that they would continue to be rooted in Christ, bearing fruit. We are delighted and in awe of God for bringing people to understanding of Christ last night.