What is Grace? Part 1
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2023
- The grace of God is absolutely amazing and life changing. But why is it that we struggle to connect to something that is so incredible? Has grace lost its meaning in our hearts, or are we realizing we never had a firm equipping as to what grace really looks like in the first place? Are we in need of a grace reboot?
What about you? Do we know what grace is, in such a way that it has an impact in your thinking, your relationships and how you approach life?
While it is so life changing, believers overlook its impact for their life on a daily basis. The work of grace brings an invitation of divine empowerment for our lives, but many don’t know what they are even looking for. And when grace shows up, it brings out an awkwardness in us, we don’t even know what to do with it. Many think that grace is too good to be true. They’ve been beaten down by powerless religion for so long, they have become used to a life that is disconnected from the vibrancy and power that grace brings to our lives.
The truth is, we often struggle to wrap our minds around grace, because we didn’t do anything to earn this gift. It is extended to us as a work of God’s absolute love for us. Love is who God is. Grace is how He delivers it. Religion has often taught us to look at ourselves with such disdain, it has actually disconnected us from the beauty of the majesty in Christ Jesus that grace shows us. Meanwhile, we beat ourselves down in self-hatred and self-condemnation all day long.
Grace brings the power of the Gospel to set us free from sin, deliver us from captivity, and frees us to live a life that is empowered to be like Christ. But even moreso, grace ushers us into a relationship journey, a walk with God that is designed to bring about transformation, but it is a journey, one built on learning to grow in grace. As we take each step, grace helps us see ourselves and the world around us with God’s heart, more and more.
Grace shows us that God is with us through thick and thin. When things ugly and messy, grace is there to meet us and walk with us to greater victory. When grace runs out from other people, God’s grace is still available. When you feel that grace runs out for yourself, God’s grace has just gotten started. But there is an absolute war over people experiencing the beauty of grace in personal and meaningful ways. The battles that so many struggle with are inflamed because we have been disconnected from how amazing grace truly is.
Many of you are here because you are recognizing your need for a deeper experience with God’s grace. My goal is not to use a lot of fancy words or theological terms that can make this subject very heady. What I want to do is extract the empowering aspects of what grace is and let it reveal how we can practically experience it. I am excited to embark on this journey together with you, as we continue to embrace the power of grace.
2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
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This was me. I didn’t have a true knowledge of grace until I was 50. Wow. In the church my whole life, in His Word. But never had revelation of it. Until after my mental breakdown. Went from my head to my heart. I’m still learning to receive. I still put pressure on myself, but slowly getting better. One day at a time.
Sounds like LOTS of saints are learning this lesson after many years. Hopefully, newer saints will learn sooner than us.
Thank you precious Monica for sharing❤ You are loved❤
Yes. So relatable. 57 for me. Just going through the motions. Saying the phrases not even understanding.
I can relate to you
I am 68 and in the church seeking truth for 30 years. I never learned Grace in all that time till now.
What stands out the most in this video: Grace is free! Grace was given to me when I lived in sin. Grace says ,”Quit trying to earn something you already have!!” Grace says, RELAX AND ACCEPT THE UNFAILING LOVE AND FORGIVENESS OF THE FATHER!! ❤Thank you Mark!!
Amen sister!
Chris Tomlin has a song called "unfailing love." It's been a while since I've heard that song. Really need to give that a listen. Lots of songs on grace too. One by CityAlight too.
Amen
"Relax and accept" profound words about how to receive God's grace and love.
I really like the song "Good Father," by Chris Tomlin too. Really really fully good song.
What stood out to me was that we don't have to fix ourselves, or be ashamed of our past. Our past is what it is. God's grace is ours right now! Christ is my Savior. God sees me, and loves me in the same way He sees and loves Jesus every second of my life. Even the second after I've committed the same sin for the ten thousandth time.
OMG Mark! You are exactly right about receiving gifts for someone with OCD. I did lawncare for one of my customers two days later they asked me to come to the house. I wondered what was going on. They told me they were so happy with my work and surprised me with a brand new chainsaw that they were aware that I needed. When they handed it to me you should have seen the look on my face. I looked so stupid standing there. I had no idea how to receive this beautiful gift.
This teaching and others she listened to, has helped my daughter. She was struggling with everything you covered in this teaching and the one on obedience and Disobedience. When she told me what she was listening to, I had to listen too. It is so freeing. We are free to me ourselves but in Christ and in walking in love.
Dear Mark, l had never heard of you before, but you are describing me, and l thought l was ALONE. Rather than what you tell me about the _salvation OCD_ l thought that l was ''cursed, or damned'' l know that it is God's providence, and GRACE that l found your channel. Thank you SO MUCH for your work!!! Yes, l REALLY did think l was ALONE, and l was frightened. :( Now l can SEE that God truly DOES love me. :) MERRY CHRISTMAS to you, and your family. ~ Vancouver BC.
I struggle with excepting the grace of the cross.this lesson helped me understand I don't have too perform.the cross was a gift. Thank you Mark. ❤.
Grew up in a reformed Christian tradition. Was blessed by the Puritans and all the reformed teachings. Throughout my 5-6 years of Christian journey, I feel like I am in a constant cycle of seeking to grow in holiness and doing things for the glory of God (evangelism, discipleship, serving and etc).
Not to say that we are not called to grow and pursue holiness but there was always this pressure and instability. It wasn’t until the last 6 months were through an unforeseen difficult circumstances, my mental and emotional health deteriorated and I realized that my efforts of walking faithfully is always falling short and that constant introspection to weave out sin and pursue holiness was destroying me.
I spent so much time trying to analyze and examine the roots, I realized that I haven’t truly learned to rest in God’s grace in Christ. This video has helped me a lot and I resonate with almost every point mentioned here. I’m so anxious and lost these days, but my hope is that God will rewire this heart to find rest in grace more. It’ll be a journey I guess
YAY!!! Let the grace series begin! 🥳
I published my first book this year called "You Will Make Mistakes: Discovering God's Grace in the Midst of Perfectionism." Oh how God has had to deliver me from the stronghold of the religious spirit (still on that journey). Grace was DEFINITELY awkward for me at first. I actually thought it was "too soft!" I am SO GRATEFUL now. Yes, I teach grace as a POWER that enables us! Grace meets us where we are but doesn't leave us there! Love that I just found you "by accident", Mark! God bless you!
Wow, Wow! This is totally where I am . 15 years born again at age 62 and religious system to deal with brokenness turned into self condemnation and performance
G.R.A.C.E. = God’s Righteousness At Christ’s Expense 🙏🏻 Bring on the Series!! 🎉
WOW THIS IS PERFECT
I was grieving very deeply my father, I use to to go to the same church and light candles. One day as I prayed I had a split second of knowing my Dad was in heaven. It is hard to explain. All I know is that I was comforted and knew undoubtedly where my Dad was , with Jesus
I am a new momma and have been through a lot this season of my life. When I was pregnant, I found out I had cancer. I had my baby boy, had my cancer treatment, and was recovering mentally, emotionally, and spiritually from it all (still am!!). Also my baby boy went to the hospital for 10 days after he was born.
I was messaging my friend about how I was doing mentally, and she said to give myself GRACE. It reminded me that the Lord had whispered the same thing to me many months before she said that. This season is a season of GRACE for my body (postpartum and post cancer), mind (the craziness of it all), and spirit (the way I am relating to God). I have been feeling guilty lately for not reading my Bible as much, but this is such a great reminder that God sees me as His girl because of CHRIST! My status with Him and how He feels about me is the same whether I have the bandwidth to read my Bible or not.
Thank you, Mark, for making these videos. They have helped in so many ways… it’s like every time the Lord is teaching me something, I watch one of your videos and it confirms what He is teaching me!! You are a God-send!! 🙏🏻
Love you so much friend! So thankful for the Dejesus’ and them helping us postpartum mommas. Beyond grateful.
What stood out the most is that grace is the flavor that enhances our relationship with God. If we are serious about being in a relationship with God, we can’t neglect the essential ingredient of Grace. We must receive it
Grace does not require or depend on performance! Also realizing how much I've focused on the lies and combating them with truth when what I need is to learn about grace and love!
Also how much we focus on our unworthiness and sinfulness. Heard a sermon in church yest about a sinner saved by grace, but the main point seemed to be that we really are sinners, not about the grace that sets us free!
@@fudgie5024Yes I have heard that for many years.
That type of thinking is probably taught more often than we even can imagine.
How defeating, right?
Jesus has given us The victory ☝🏼👑
You have helped me a lot in my OCD and since i started listening to your teachings i feel much better and free even my relationship with God have shift from just being an slave to become free 🙏🏾 learning that grace is conected by The love of God the father and it is availeable to us everyday
Empowerment: the power at work, energy, strength. Grace will point you to what God is doing. If we disconnect from grace, we focus on what isn’t happening. This is why gratitude is important!
This was my favorite takeaway! Thank you, Mark.
Amazing edification and Spirit filled insight, big brother! What stood out to me the most is the multifaceted nature of God's grace. So splendid, restorative and divine it simply cannot be fully grasped through our definitions and descriptions. And His grace is so good, it is even our gift, to learn to walk in His love and grace for us as He progressively reveals the exceeding riches of His grace every single day in a new and even more powerful expression! "But God made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:5-9. We are unraveling the breathtaking enigma which is our God's supernatural love and grace for us even when we were still in our sins??!! Truly His Grace is a gift that brings you to know the heart of the Giver deeper and deeper every foot of our journey!!
What also stood out to me was intentionally slowing down... releasing this urgency to be freed or perfected in certain areas or the urgency to be somewhere in life. Where I need to be is on that slow stroll with God, whether it be by the still waters or through the valley of the shadow of death, and receive the incomparable riches of His grace revealed and ruminate on them. Sit with them and inspect His grace's every nook and cranny as a jeweler inspects a fine cherry red ruby. Just to discover that within the riches of His grace, are exceedingly many more infinite riches His grace has for our hearts💞. Amen, saints!🤩
Thanks, Mark. You have been a real stable source of healing teachings for me in my OCD walk.
Amen! I left my legalistic, man-centred, institutional church and I immediately felt freer. Still have a ways to go though. I repented of following men and now His Word is first. I didn’t realize how trapped I was.
On ''cheap'' grace: ''lf Grace cost a penny, it wouldn't be called Grace'' ~ Bob George from People to People Ministries. :)
One of the most impactful things in this video for me was in point 11 of how Grace has impacted your journey. Not just freedom from sin but freedom to make decisions, etc. It’s like a light bulb went on as to what walking with Jesus is meant to be. What living in the Kingdom is meant to be. So I’ve been DRAWN into walking with Him because I see what that’s meant to be more clearly.
I was reminded of the scripture about the Kingdom being like a man who found a treasure in a field and then sold all he had to buy that field…I was so encouraged by seeing what walking with Jesus is meant to be that this is what I felt! To walk this earth WITH the Father and to engage with Him and the world around me together in a free way?!! Yes Lord! Let’s go!
I doubt Jesus hated walking with the Father lol and I bet the diciples were so inspired by and drawn into following Jesus…they didn’t hate it. They were relating with Jesus different than I normally do.
Yes there is submission, yes there’s hard things…but that’s all WAAAAAY different in a foundation of relationship, grace, love and walking WITH the Lord in freedom throughout the day than how I typically relate to him in a pressurized “do-it-or-else” type of way.
For real, I’m super encouraged by this. I’ll be rewatching too!
That I have to make the choice to receive it - that stuck out the most. On the other hand, it made me feel overwhelmed that I have so far to go. lol
What I related to the most in this episode was the bait and switch and living under accusation. I totally experienced this. When I first got saved and started going to church I really experienced God’s graced and believed by faith. My life changed. Then once I was in I got bogged down by trying to follow the rules. Quickly found out I couldn’t and was obsessed with focusing on mine and others sins. It has been such a challenge getting out of that mindset.
I think not having an awareness of his love and grace always comes with age- we have to first realize our need for it in the depth of our being, and that takes growth in humility. God is with us at all times getting us to get us where we need to be. I have shared these talks with my adult children as well,
Yes! Grace is beautiful. It delivers us and provides a powerful and transformed relationship with God and to have God's heart! ❤
Woot! What a great talk with a lot of sense and wisdom. I can apply this to my life today! Thank you Mark!
Love this topic! It is so needed! I can't wait to hear the coming episodes! What stood out to me is the fact that as long as I am trying to fix myself I am not living under God's grace. But when I receive God's grace that is what will bring about true transformation! We need to rest in Christ's provision for us and walk with Him on a journey as God's beloved child. Focus on the beauty of Christ and all that He has accomplished for us NOT on ourselves.
Well said!! Jesus said that our work is to believe on the One that God sent. It is so wonderful to know that God is patient with us to daily learn how to do this, learning how to rest in Him and accept that He is good. He stays with us and never leaves us because we fall as we're learning.
❤❤❤ my name. I grew up with people randomly asking me if I knew the meaning behind it, and I always knew it meant Grace, but I didn’t KNOW KNOW. It wasn’t until I was 29, and it was “my time” to experience it first hand. That is when I discovered the true meaning of my name. He called me by name and I am HIS. Jesus is the LORD & KING of my heart soul and life 😍✝️💓.
I love your teachings Mark, & what a soothing beautiful setup!!!💪🏼🙏🏼🤍
Thank you Mark for outlining so beautifully what God's grace is about - not something we earn through works but receiving as a gift (a wonderful gift)! I really needed to address this subject in my own walk and am thankful for your honesty about your journey, because I can relate to so much of it.
I look forward to the rest of your series on grace.
Thank you loads Mark, glory to God🙏🏾
So excited for this series ❤
What helped me the most was learning about the shift that came to be when you asked yourself the “what if” question. I realize how much I wasn’t operating under grace when I didn’t even think about there being other options for how God wanted to work in my life. I never thought that I could even ask a question like that to myself, because of the all-or-nothing/black & white thinking. Also, when speaking about the unfruitful staring at ourselves, it made me think about the fruit that I’m striving to produce in my life is stemming from a place of me being condemned which is apart from the grace that God wants for me. I look forward to this series 😊 this is truly on time for me
Very insightful! Thank you!
I can't seem to believe or understand God's grace for me. I don't feel loved and cannot convince my self that God truly loves me.
I completely understand. I am the same way.
Why do you think God doesn't love you? I'm asking because I used to think the same thing.
@@broco6608 Too sinful
Mark, thank you for actually preaching and living the gospel.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 peter 1:3. I love this verse because it describes Jesus' grace as Divine Power. The empowerment to repent of sins and do what He's called us to. I'm currently tired from trying to sanctify myself. But He has grace for us to chose the way of escape during temptations.
Amen
This is freeing. Cant tell you how much
I knew about but did not live in grace. I live(d) in bondage still to my performance and rule following.
I am interested very much in hearing Part 2 after I have relistened to Part 1.
Thank you pastor,
I too love giving because it is better to give than to receive. And it is the feeling you get when you give to know that your a blessing to someone. But it’s kind of being prejudices not wanting to be on the receiving end so someone can have that same feeling. Also I don’t like when someone gives you a gift the entire has to know 😮. So i’ll rather receive from a stranger who i’ll NEVER not see again. More Grace
Can’t thank you enough for helping me transform my life with God! 🙏🏼You have truly helped me with bettering my mental health and speaking about certain topics that most pastors or people in general don’t really touch on. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
Awesome!! Excited for these grace videos.
I started it today!! So excited ♥️🥰
I talk about you in the comment I just posted ♥️
Just finished listening to your Audiobook „God Loves Me and I Love Myself!“ and startet „Exposing the Rejection Mindset“. Also ordered both books today so I can work through them in more detail. Thanks for sharing all this wonderful, valuable and life-changing resources.
I was reminded how much Grace is His love and truth. It has nothing to do wtih trying to chase after it. I remember trying to "heal" my mom. I was watching a healer on TV so I tried it on her. I was getting louder and louder and told her to get up and walk. Did she? NOPE. It was all my strength and a loud embarrassing scream as if I can get louder and that's what causes God to act. WRONG! He shows love upon us because as you said Mark "HE IS LOVE" You can't muster it up. It just is. Receive it!
Thank you Mark for covering such an important topic. Looking forward to this series.
Thank you, exactly what I was looking for. God bless
So great brother Mark! Keep up the good work! I am being transformed!
Thank you! There is so much good material. I particularly appreciated what you talked about starting approximately at 18:24.
I was resting in Jesus for years until i got a hold of a false teaching and after felt condemned like His Spirit left me. I was justifying myself in the flesh. I pray i didn't fall from Grace like the Galatians did. 😭
Such a powerful teaching in season for me. Thanks Mark
Soo appreciate this teaching!!!!!!🙏🙏🔥
Looking forward to learning how to practice love and grace daily to get better at receiving and giving.
Thank you mark this is very helpful. I have been working on a life review and going through a lots of evaluation South evaluation self-evaluation and this is really helpful. Most helpful is the reminder to be focused on jesus and not on my healing and to be focused on his love
I got saved 20 years ago. After 1st year (my honeymoon with God), christian life lost it taste, and I’ve been strugling since… I would walk away from God if the world had anything better to offer. Came to the point that I got frustrated with everything and saw no point and no deep change in my life for all of those years. I belive that your teachings Mark are wxactly what was missing in my life, and why I was avoiding God… It is so frue, that grace finds us when we are in our biggest mess. I believe as this scriptural truth more and more becomes a part of my heart, that finaly I’ll mature in my identity to the point of being able to recieve the love of Abba Father, as his adopted son. Thank you
Jesus, i need you to rebuild my foundation again again again, especially cause i live in a small Christian community of Christ Believers.
I want to experience this so bad. I don't feel real i have so much guilt shame in my life i don't know but I don't think I have ever felt love always tried to earn it im badly broken I accepted Jesus at a young age left the church married too young. Went back marriage fell apart im so tired I just want to love and be loved and know God as Daddy and Jesus as my best friend im always striving and in pain.
Thank you, Mark. I really needed this
Thank youuuuu, Mark 😊
This is so vital. Been taking huge steps and could relate to getting to chapter 2. Going against fear and working on being present. Realised that I tend to put pressure on self in this season and that I need grace instead and just be His son
GRACE gives breathing room, finally I can breathe❤, I release pressure
Although I see My failings..
"All have sinned, and fall short of GOD's GLORY", it is true..So Why I am so hard on Myself?
GOD knows I am broken, HE gives Me grace, I want to learn to give grace to Myself❤❤❤
I accept THE GOOD NEWS❤❤❤😊 HE came to save sinners❤
Hi Mark your videos have literally saved my life. I thank God for you and your ministry. ❤️ My Pastor has also listened to some to be able to help me and understand my issues. It’s working.
God bless you mark. Thank you for all of your work
Learning more about grace has changed my life. I also recommend listening to Creflo Dollar and Gregory Dickow to help get free from religiousity/legalism/depression/amxiety.
You kept reiterating that grace works through God every so often which kept me focused.
Mark, the program was so full of encouragement.
But the point you made about:
Love is Who God is
Grace is the way He delivers it
stuck out to me today.
Thank you brother from another mother ☝🏼🥰🎶
Praying that we all can find a church that teaches this. All that I have found is ones which at best teach "improve yourself".
Another great video Mark, God bless you and your loved ones. I really am thankful for you and your families dedication to helping those in need. I see your subs go up every day I come to your channel, I bet you will have 40k soon! :)
G--Gods R--Riches A--AT C-Christ E---Expence Grace!!!!
When you said ‘ohhh grace, is it going to be scary?’ Idk why that resonated so strongly with me and I had to laugh
Also, I need to listen a couple more times! Thank you so much♥️
The whole thing really resonated with me, it’s exactly where I’m at in my journey, I greater breaking in order to go deeper with the Lord🤍until now, my walk has been pretty superficial, God has been preparing me-hind sight is always 20/20. I can’t wait to see where Him and I go together!🙏🏻
Relate to yr first paragraph!
Amazing sermon Mark. So great to hear about this from an ocd perspective.
Wow
I appreciate your videos so much! :)
thank you mark i am 63 yo now beginning to wake up after religious sleep.
Thanks M 🙏🏾🙏🏾
The revelation that while I was in my sin and filth my Heavenly Father loved me as much as He loves me now
This is called the Gospel 😊
What blessed me the most was what you said at the beginning: That you grew up in Christianity (or better Churchianity?) and made a decision to follow Christ early on, but that you began to really come into receiving his Grace, Love & Mercy in your 30s.
I am in my 30s right now and I was so touched by this statement. Last week I had my 2nd (and probably last) session with my therapist who said that the reason I am experiencing all that mess (not connecting to God, experiencing sleep paralysis, feeling constantly stressed out etc.) is because I am not truly saved and that my salvation story „sounds fishy“ to her.
Your statement about receiving all the blessings in your 30s encouraged me that I am not crazy and will receive them as well.
O my ,how can a christian therapist say such things 😢
@@beatrizescalera1137 I was shocked as well. Furthermore she compared her salvation story with mine. My gut told me: „get out of here asap“
@@Dave_The_Beatmaker I am so sorry you experienced that.
The opposite of Grace being extended to you.
Could anyone recommend a resource for this? Its a fear of losing control. Specifically when im about to doze off and i realize it, then i get a jolt of panic. Next step of healing i believe.
I don't know how to receive grace for a sin i did
How do you know if you have the Fathers grace or not?
I am really struggling with Scrupulosity, God's will specifically and also in relationships (romantic) I need help.
I'm stuck im drinking and living in an unhealthy manner. I just don't know where to start
One day at a time. Maybe try AA, along with seeking God, as you are.
One of the things that stood out to me is when you said, it’s prideful to not receive grace.
And how people walking in self righteousness are afraid of grace, as it gives a license to sin. But no, just the opposite.
Grace vs. Obedience, please help.
This comment may be off topic. I sometimes obsess whether I’ve sinned or not. One area that really bugs me and gives me anxiety is if I get an unwanted sexual thought. My minds spirals and I get questions like what if I just sinned or did I sin and not get convicted because I’m an illegitimate child and not even saved. I also have salvation ocd. And there is this doubt and uncertainty and I get thoughts what if I’m not saved. Out of anxiety and fear I’ve called upon the name of the Lord several times to be saved but that doesn’t solve the problem which can be reassurance that salvation isn’t the issue since if it was the anxiety would have gone away. Anybody have advice or similar issues?
Wow, it's like this comment was me reading about myself lol. I have salvation OCD as well and all the exact things you described hit the nail on the head.
I also believe I confuse Lust vs normal attraction towards women. I figure for a young guy who’s single and wants to be married someday that’s normal to have those feelings of noticing a girl I find attractive.
"I'm a brother from another mother." 😂
When i bought dog sammy. I only paid 500 dollars for him, and i look back i think that was grace because hes 10,000 dollar dog to me.❤😅❤
The comment Grace's relational and then you use the example of someone hearing a message and receiving Grace that's not relational listening to a messages and relational that's one way just wanted to make a point we don't have a relationship with you mark
Religion gets a bad wrap these days so I can see your point and also disagree with your “WE” statement “WE been beaten up by powerless religion” NOPE 👎 going back to my Faith and church SAVED my @ss from Satan and my gifts exploded and I’m on FIRE 🔥 with the Holy Spirit. Every person’s experience is different than our own so as Christians it’s important to not over generalize our opinions.