Week 4: Ministry

We think about ministry in different ways, but simply put, it’s God’s care for his people—a care that none of us deserves, but that God brings to us in his grace. In an example from the Apostle Paul, we see the purpose God has in giving us that care. All so that, by all means possible, we might know God’s love for us in Jesus—to make us his own forever, and to have us live as his people right now.

Week 3: Judgment

What would a fair judgment be for us in God’s eyes? The prophet Ezekiel made it clear: “The one who sins is the one who will die.” The apostle Paul backed him up: “The wages of sin is death.” Based on our sinful record, the only fair judgment from God would be nothing but death. Yet by God’s grace, through the work that Jesus did on our behalf, we as God’s children can expect to have a judgment that is better than fair.

Week 2: Mercy

Mercy. It’s forgiveness, love and compassion—whether the receiver deserves it or not. For us, mercy can be easier or more difficult, depending on our own perception of whether someone really “deserves” mercy. Through God’s prophet Jonah, we learn an important lesson about God’s mercy, not only toward us but toward all people. That it doesn’t depend on us—who we are, what we’ve done or how we feel. God’s mercy depends entirely on what’s in the heart of our God—a heart filled with undeserved love for all sinners.

Week 1: Forgiveness

If you’re keeping track, it’s not forgiveness. And if you’re thinking you’ve already forgiven them enough, then it’s not forgiveness. Forgiveness comes from grace which means that it’s always undeserved. The first time, the seventh time, the thousandth time. Each time, forgiveness is as undeserved as the time before. And if we ever thought it wasn’t, then it really wasn’t forgiveness. Sound tough? It’s impossible. Yet God’s done it to us, and when through faith we receive his love, we’re able to forgive with his love.