Perks                                                 Acts 12:32-39

Two weeks ago we talked about Paul. About how his writings and his life as described in scripture show us the realities of being a disciple of Jesus. We saw that being a disciple doesn’t mean we don’t have to face the hardships of life. We learned we must try in all aspects of our lives, an effort to show how God is in our life and how we live up to the teachings of Jesus. We saw how Paul demonstrated that we should be concerned for others and aware of their ups and their downs and how we should always be willing to give aid. And we should be a forgiving people; forgiving others because God forgave us.

All these things are good but without further study someone looking at Christianity, someone new to the faith can get discouraged; this seems awful work heavy. Faith in Jesus gains us salvation, but it also comes with many positive attributes for us. And it’s these aspects that over time make the “work” of discipleship easier and second nature to us.

Paul always kept front and center that salvation is by faith alone. In his letter to the Roman church, he writes deep theological truths; that the glory of salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Roman’s 5:1-2, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”

To be Christian you need to have faith; that is trust, confidence, and conviction in what you are told by God. To be Christian this faith must be in Jesus Christ alone; not in our ability to be righteous, not in a wish for God to look favorably on us, not in other faiths or systems; it must be in Jesus alone.

Through this kind of faith, you are Christian, and you receive God’s grace. And what is God’s grace? It is the undeserved and unmerited favor of God. And what does it mean to have God’s grace? It means God extends us love, forgiveness and eternal life despite our transgressions. God’s grace is one of the positive attributes of our faith. But God’s grace is only one side of a coin. On the other side and equal to grace is God’s mercy. God’s mercy is his not treating us as we deserve.

One time when my boys were young, I left them alone while I went to pick up a pizza. When I got home, they met me at the door and told me they were throwing a ball in the house and broke a lamp. By coming to me they showed faith in my reaction. I showed mercy by not punishing them for doing what they knew was wrong. I showed them grace by loving them even though they disobeyed my rules. How little this was, how much more is God’s grace and mercy for us when we have faith in his Son.

John 16:7, “Unless I go away the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go I will send him to you.” Jesus tells us that when you have faith in him, he sends the Holy Spirit to you, and this Spirit is another positive hallmark of our faith. God’s Spirit leads us, teaches us, aids us, empowers us and gives us the boldness to reach others for Christ. Paul understood this and tells us this in 1Corinthians 2:4, “My message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and his power…”

And as to the Spirit, he does not come to us only in times of trouble, or only occasionally. We do not have to beg for him to come with tearful prayers; 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells within you?” Our faith means our bodies are now God’s church and that he lives within each of us. Through our faith God never leaves us. We are never alone nor ignored by heaven.

Ephesians 1:4-5, “In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ…” I have a friend who is adopted. She knows who her birth parents are but she says her self-identity is with her adoptive parents. Her future, her inheritance, and her identity flow through and from her name through her parents.

A few years ago we did a genetic test to see where our ancestors came from. It can be good to know where you come from. I know my genetic makeup; I know my parents and family and I know that through faith in Christ I have been adopted by God. I am now his family. And where I may or may not have something coming to me from my earth family I know as a child of God, an adopted child of God; my future, my inheritance, and my identity in eternity come from my adoptive father, Almighty God. Romans 8:17, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God, and co-heirs with Christ.” Being adopted by Christ is another positive attribute of our faith in Christ.

As those in faith we live in the positive attribute of unity. We saw God is always with us and this gives me comfort but I admit there are times I want and need something more visible,    more “here and now,” tangible and touchable.

2 Corinthians 13:11, “Finally brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another…” Paul’s letter to the Ephesus church is six chapters explaining how to live in unity with each other as Christians. As the faithful we are part of a large family on earth, the family of God’s church. As believers we can get support, comfort, and love from other believers. As believers we can share and learn and grow in our faith and in the character that is born in that faith. Almost anywhere you travel you will find your family, your brothers and sisters in Christ.

One of the greatest attributes of our faith is that through Jesus earthly death we gain eternal life. Romans 8:11, “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies…”

There is a battle in each of us; a battle between what we can see and touch now Against what we are told is ours in heaven. There can be times we get tired and are pulled to earthly desires because it just seems so much easier to give in rather than suffer from denying ourselves corporeal things. Paul writes that while he may understand what we are battling against there is something greater than ourselves we must contemplate; 2 Timothy 2:10, “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, and with it, eternal glory.” By keeping in faith, by avoiding the pitfalls of this earth, our lives are an example and a compass pointing to God for others. The eternal place of others should always be front and center to our actions.

Paul’s writings and life show us that a life for Christ can be difficult, but he also shows us how we can keep our discipleship strong and it’s by remembering the positive attributes, the perks that come with our faith.

By faith in Christ God freely gives us his grace and mercy. God does not give us the punishment we deserve for disobeying him and he does give us forgiveness, salvation, and glory that we can never earn.

As one with faith in Jesus God sends his Holy Spirit to live within you.

In Mark 15:34 Jesus calls out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” At the cross God severed the bond between himself and his son so that through faith in his son you will never be separated from God.

Through your faith in God’s son, you are adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and you have all the rights and privileges that go with this adoption. Your name, identity and future come from your father, God.

Through faith, while you walk the earth you are part of God’s church family. You will be embraced, loved and prayed for by other believers.

And last, God’s grace gives you eternity in heaven. For all time you will be whole, strong and indestructible; forever perfect in the glory of God.

May the peace and love of our Lord Christ Jesus

Be with you always,

Amen.