A weekly reflection from a member of the Hastings clergy

This week’s article by Pastor Randy Berg, Calvary Church in Hastings

Grace is AmazinG

The grace of God means there is nothing you can do that will make God love you any more than He does right now. AND there is nothing you can do that will make Him love you any less than he does right now. God loves you just the way you are. Isn’t that amazing? It took me a while to understand grace. I grew up in a Christian home and our family attended church regularly. I was a good kid and never got into any trouble. I thought God had his favorites as well as those he didn’t care for, the bad kids. Since I was a good boy God must be especially pleased with me. I assumed if I did all sorts of good things I could earn his favor. Then I learned that God loves everyone equally. He doesn’t love anyone more or less based on how good or bad they are. I also learned that God accepts us just the way we are if we come to Him on his terms not ours. Easter is all about God coming to earth and sacrificing his life for us. Our sin separates us from God and on our own we can never be good enough to erase that sin. The Bible puts it quite clearly saying, We are stuck in our sin and imprisoned by our sin. There is only one solution, to allow Jesus death on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin. I talk about becoming a Christian being as simple as ABC. Admit you are a sinner and need help. Believe Jesus is the only way for your sin to be taken away. C is Commit your life to Him. It is not complicated but it demands honesty and personal decision. Everyone must look into their own heart and decide what they are going to do with the gift God is offering. God invites everyone but forces no one. He promises that if we commit our life to Him he will guide and direct us. He will hear us every single time we pray and will answer every prayer. When we need wisdom he will guide our thinking. When we need strength to handle difficult circumstances that come our way He will give us the strength we need. God watches over his children and He will bless your life in unimaginable ways if you follow Him. If you have questions about faith feel free to email me or any other pastor who write this column. We would be glad to chat. God’s grace is amazing!

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