Apostle John testified to what they saw in Christ: 'We have seen his glory, the glory of the Only begotten, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth ...' (John 1:14) What was said about Christ was later said about the disciples, as Luke testified about Stephen, 'a man full of God's grace and power'. (Acts 6:8) If we have received grace, the effect of it becomes evident to others. The Church in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to confirm the news they heard from Antioch that many have believed and turned to the Lord. 'When he arrived and saw the evidence of grace, he was glad and encouraged them to be true to the Lord with all their hearts.' (Acts 11:22-23) What probably were the evidences he saw? The three evidences of rebirth - A fervent prayerful heart, an opened mind and a sanctified body? ( To read the article titled the three evidences of rebirth, click on the link
https://teachingofchrist.in/category/new-posts/ )
It was said of the early Church that 'much grace was upon them all'. (Acts 4:33) What were the reasons for this favour they experienced that we aren't experiencing in this generation? They probably loved the Lord more than we do for Jesus himself warned that the 'love of many will grow cold because of the increase of wickedness' in the last days. ( Matthew 24:12) But 'grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.' (Ephesians 6:24) Secondly, they were more humble than us for Jesus himself rebuked the Church in Laodicea saying, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold or hot ... you are lukewarm ... You say, 'I am rich, I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing'." ( Revelation 3:15-17) Can we then assume that much grace was upon the Church in Laodicea, when Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble' ? (1 Peter 5:5) The secret of 'abundant grace' is to love Jesus more and humble ourselves before him. Then the evidence of the effect of grace would be undeniable! Amen
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