Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
December 5, 2021

Grace and Works: They Really Do Go Together
by Bryan Gibson
Have you ever seen the grace of God? Barnabas sure did. “When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord” (Acts 11:23). What Barnabas saw, of course, was the effect of God’s grace—the effect it had on these people in Antioch, which was that “a great number believed and turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21). What Barnabas actually saw was their service to the Lord, clear proof they had received or accepted God’s grace.
God’s grace is not an end in itself—it has an aim or purpose. Its initial aim, of course, is to provide the means for the forgiveness of our sins, but it goes beyond that. God’s grace is designed to change us in such a way that when people see us, they see the grace of God, just like Barnabas did when he saw the new Christians in Antioch.
Here is a partial list of the changes God’s grace should produce in us. These were selected because the passages indicated show a clear connection between grace and works.
That we die to sin and walk in newness of life (Romans 5:20-6:1-4).
That we change from being slaves of sin to being slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:15-23).
That we deny ourselves “ungodliness and worldly lusts,” and instead “live soberly, righteously, and godly” (Titus 2:11-12).
That we no longer live for ourselves, but for Jesus, who died for us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
That we first give ourselves to the Lord and then to others (2 Corinthians 8:5).
That we become “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14); that we labor “abundantly” for the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Too many believe that obedience somehow detracts from the grace of God. Nothing could be further from the truth. Obedience brings the grace of God into clearer light, for all to see. As we can see from the above passages, the very design of God’s grace is to lead us to obedience. “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Corinthians 6:1). His grace toward us WILL be in vain, unless it produces the above changes in our lives.

The Gospel of Peace
“Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, ‘If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes’” (Luke 19:42).
Let us be more determined than ever to preach the “gospel of peace” (Romans 10:15; Ephesians 6:15), to point others to the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), the ultimate peacemaker, the only One who can break down every source of division and enmity (Ephesians 2:14-18)—between us and God, and between us and our fellow man.
Tell your friends, your neighbors, your family members, the stranger you meet on the street the things which make for their peace. Open their eyes with the gospel; point them to Jesus. Tell them how Jesus "made peace through the blood of His cross" (Colossians 1:20). Show them how Jesus can give "rest" to their souls (Matthew 11:28), how sin is really the source of all "unrest." Tell them how they can have "peace with God" (Romans 5:1), how that peace can be "multiplied" (2 Peter 1:2), and how that same peace can "rule" in their hearts (Colossians 3:15). Explain to them how the peace which Jesus gives is unlike any other (John 14:27), a peace so marvelous it "surpasses understanding" (Philippians 4:7). Tell them of the fellowship they can have in the "one body" with the redeemed of all ages, the redeemed "from every tribe and tongue and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9).
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things" (Romans 10:15). “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.