Theresa Slabbekoorn and I met at a Bible study over eleven years ago. When I heard the Holy Spirit teaching through her, I sat utterly mesmerized at the grace of God. Theresa is the Executive Director of Life Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She wrote this lovely post for her blog, and I asked to be able to share it here with you all. It's seriously that good. Please feel free to share this post with anybody you love!
Enjoy folks. Please welcome and meet my dear friend, Theresa!
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Aleisha Cate
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When I bought a new stove, the salesman asked me if I wanted to buy a warranty. It was my favorite brand, which has never failed us. Plus, the stove already had a five-year guarantee. Since I had confidence in the manufacturer’s integrity, I said no thank you to a warranty.
Because Christianity comes with a guarantee, we do not need to add a warranty (backup plan) to grace either. Grace is the power of God working and willing in us to say no to unrighteousness and yes to righteousness. Hebrews 7:22 says, “much more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.”
Mary, the mother of Jesus, understood that by faith, the promise of Abraham “will be guaranteed to all who are of the faith of Abraham.” (Romans 4:16) Listen to her confidence in God to keep His promises.
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:30–35, 37
What is Mary’s response in Luke 1:38? “May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary knew that if God said it, God’s word is His GUARANTEE. Here are some of the CHRISTMAS GUARANTEES for all who are of the faith of Abraham.
✵ Romans 8:1 and 39 GUARANTEE that there will be no condemnation and nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus.
✵ For those struggling this Christmas with loss, loneliness, or lies, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 GUARANTEES that God will comfort you. In John 14 and 16, Jesus said the Spirit would be your Helper and teacher, who will guide you into all truth and tell you what the Father wants you to know.
✵ In Hebrews 4:16, God GUARANTEED that when temptation and failure taunt us, we can confidently approach God’s throne of grace to “find mercy and grace (power) and help (wisdom and discernment) in our time of need.”
✵ In John 15:5 and 16, Jesus GUARANTEED that those who depend on (abide in) Christ would bear much fruit and that fruit would remain.
✵ In Romans 13:14, God GUARANTEES that when we deny our flesh, we will put on Christ and walk according to the Spirit, which works mightily in those who believe.
✵ Romans 8:6 GUARANTEES those who keep setting their mind on the Spirit will have the “mindset” of Christ, a new perspective of themselves and God, with an attitude of dependence and obedience.
✵ 2 Peter 1:2–3 GUARANTEES that “as you grow in the true knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord, that we would grow in grace (power) and peace and thereby have everything pertaining to life and godliness.
✵ Galatians 6:8 GUARANTEES that when we sow to the Spirit we will reap the fruits of the Spirit.
How do I know these are guarantees? Because Hebrews 6:18 says, “It is impossible for God to lie.”
How do I tap into these guarantees? By faith. Don’t overcomplicate it. Since God said it, just believe Him and trust in His integrity to keep His word. Then invite God to will and work in you.
What a gift we have as the children of God!
Merry everything and happy always,
Theresa Slabbekoorn