THE GRIP OF GRACE...

"Death once held us in its grip, and by the blunder of one man, death reigned as king over humanity. But now, how much more are we held in the grip of grace and continue reigning as kings in life, enjoying our regal freedom through the gift of perfect righteousness in the one and only Jesus, the Messiah!"
Romans 5:17 (TPT

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​The Book of Romans has me completely enthralled—again! Each time I read this book, I am left in awe and amazement. And, each time I learn something new and exciting. Do you know of any other book such as this?
In chapter five, Paul really wants us to understand that the magnitude of the gift far outweighs the crime!  How many times have you been caught up in guilt, shame, condemnation, hopelessness, depression, etc all because you did something you shouldn’t have done? Let me be the first to raise my hand!

​A couple weeks ago I went on a road trip with some girlfriends. One evening we sat together in the cozy living room and played “never have I ever”  For the most part, everyone in the group was able to say “never have I ever”  but, there were a few times that I was the one sheepishly raising my hand, and also laughing! There are a lot of things that I feel marked my past, but now as I have learned to know Jesus as my friend and to trust His redeeming resurrection in my life, I can be open about those things and even laugh over the journey. Never have I ever felt so in love with Jesus!

Sin is gripping without the grace of Jesus. Sin pushes us down into a miserable state of mind and insists that we live with death hanging over us. Sin wants to control our thoughts, actions, and motives.
Thank God for His ever- giving gift of grace. Thank God that never did He ever consider leaving us in the claws of death!

Now, there is no comparison between Adam’s transgression and the gracious gift that we experience. For the magnitude of the gift far outweighs the crime. It’s true that many died because of one man’s transgression, but how much greater will God’s grace and his gracious gift of acceptance overflow to many because of what one Man, Jesus, the Messiah, did for us! (Verse 15, TPT)
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NOW is the perfect time to say: “Never have I ever seen such an amazing gift!” For the gift God has given us is much greater that the grip of sin. We don’t have to allow death to reign over us, for when Jesus died on the Cross he died to eliminate that sin from its power over you.
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As the song says “If the stars were made to worship so will I. I can see Your heart in everything You’ve made, every burning star a signal fire of grace. If creation sings your praises so will I.”
Today is a great day to tell yourself that because the gift is so much greater than the crime you will never ever stop praising the God that gives it continually!

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guest blogger - bethany elle

​My name is Bethany. I am a friend and devoted follower of Jesus Christ, I love spending time with him and sharing the stories he tells me with others.  I’ve been married for over 36 years and have four sons and one daughter, three daughter in-laws, and seven beautiful grandchildren.  God has blessed me with a ministry, Agape Celebration, we focus on celebrating God through art and bringing woman to a place of understanding their identity through Jesus. I love to write and speak about life experiences and the hope of Jesus.  
Bethany Elle
Founder/President
Agape Celebration, Rooted in Mercy 
www.AgapeCelebration.com, www.Rootedinmercy.com
208-297-2480