Q and A with Pastor J.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live selfcontrolled, upright and godly lives in this present age, Titus 2: 11-12 .

We usually speak of grace in the context of salvation. The grace of God and receiving it on faith. Paul tells Titus that grace makes ethical demands on us. It forms us into the people we are to be. Paul also makes the point that grace shapes us, not fear or guilt, but grace. Here are a few ideas I see in these verses..

1) Grace does not just affect our salvation, it affects our motivation. Grace frees us from both the punishment of sin (salvation) and the power of sin (sanctification).

2) Grace gives us strength to serve others and place the needs of others before our own.

3) Grace fulfills us to be fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:3-4 We would love to meet you at First Baptist Church and help you learn to be shaped by the grace of God!

Know that you are loved, Pastor J.

First Baptist Church is located at 400 W. Foley in Eufaula. Please visit our website at www.eufaulafbc. org. Sunday Worship is at 10 a.m., Bible Study is at 8:45 a.m.