News and Updates
June 1, 2017
David Copeland · June 1, 2017
Newsletter · Volume: 17 Issue: 6
Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Grace is a hot topic now in all Christian circles. It’s almost as if (to some people) grace has just been invented. I am convinced the reason the grace message has resonated with many people is due in part to the religious legalism that many of us grew up under as kids.
Make no mistake: I love the church. In fact, it would not hurt my feelings at all to have church 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. I was born to worship and born to be a worshipper…and I absolutely love seeking His face and being with others who want to seek His face as well! Now before anyone writes me a scathing letter, I know going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than being in a garage makes you a car.
I also have to be honest: 20 plus years ago I was so needy and had no idea of who I was in Jesus….that my doing became the basis of who I was being. My doing was more important and more consuming than my being. And that is legalism pure and simple.
The challenge to this came when Holy Spirit spoke to my heart one day and said to me:
When what you do becomes the basis of your identity, what will happen to your identity when you are no longer able to do what you do?
Again, in the words of Keith Green…
“Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to McDonalds makes you a hamburger…”
But I do believe we are headed for an awakening in America that will supersede all the other moves of God combined. And this awakening will give people a fresh desire to gather together one with another in churches and fellowship groups; to seek Him, fellowship with Him, and be in His Presence!
While grace is the unmerited, undeserved favor and mercy and goodness of God that leads us to repentance…
Grace is also a Divine distribution of Gods ability into our lives…
To
Be who He has called us to be
Do what He has called us to do
Have what He has called us to have
Say what He has called us to say…
Accomplish what He has called us to accomplish
So when we stand before Him we will hear Him say…“Well done good and faithful servant!”
Eph. 4:7
NKJV But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
NIV But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
Each one of us, whether you are called to full time ministry or not, has a measure of grace upon us to be and do something for others no other human being can do. But often times our ability to be a blessing to others is hindered because we are constantly comparing our measure of grace with other people’s measure. When you do that two things will happen:
1. Pride that your measure of grace looks stronger, bigger, more “anointed” than someone else’s measure;
Or
2. Discouragement because the measure of the grace upon your life doesn’t seem to be an adequate measure at all.
Remember the distribution of grace into all our lives is given by God Himself. We cannot earn it nor buy it. To whom much is given, much is required. And when we are faithful to accept, embrace, and rest in the measure of His grace currently on our lives, He will enlarge and expand it all in His timing. I will write more on this in next month’s Newsletter. Until then…
He gives more grace. -James 4:6
Blessings,
David & Pam