Refreshing Grace

Normally, I have lots of words that I use to describe things that are good. Very good would be an extremely conservative way of expressing this morning's service. It was tremendous, electrifying, refreshing, disarming, and very emotional. Having no bulletins, or powerpoint, did not stop the work of the Holy Spirit. Jason and Ivonne have a serious anointing for leading worship, and did a fantastic job with a familiar worship song "Open the Eyes of My Heart". There's just something about Jesus that makes even what is familiar, alive, fresh, and new. My brother went through Galatians 3 immediately afterwards sharing a simple truth that can not be taught enough. "Simple faith in Jesus Christ works, not our actions or behaviors."
I've never heard a pastor give such an honest confession like this morning. It was very bold. It tied in perfectly with the message that no human effort can achieve God's righteousness. It's the promise of the Spirit, it's the work of the Spirit. The Spirit is Jesus Christ. So, it doesn't rely on me to accomplish God's will, it's God's grace. It's the work of the Holy Spirit. "The just shall live by faith". It has nothing to do with reliance on self, but complete total depedence on God and His grace. I've been a Christian since I was 12 years old. This message can not be taught enough. The reminder of the work of God's grace. What is the answer to a life of sin? A life of faith in Jesus Christ. Everyone strugles with sin, even pastors. Everyone knows what it feels like to screw up, and feel like mold scrappings the next day. It's because we're evaluating ourselves based on human performance, and not on God's unconditional love. God actually loves us. God actually wants to bless us based off of His love for Jesus Christ, not what we can do. After hearing a message on God's solid grace, you can't help but be moved by it. The worship service afterwards was so good. I cried throughout most of it. Several times I couldn't sing, because my heart got in the way. It was like God was reminding me of how He's come to my rescue, He's the One who redeems me. We had people sing in the Spirit about God and HIs presence. One guy prayed and said to kneel down before the Lord and ask Him to be His Savior. Another guy on the far side of the room was being ministered to heavily by the Spirit of God, and was yelling under the weight of God's grace. Several people prayed over him. God's love was incredibly event. Prayer afterwards was greatly encouraging. To see so many filled with God's Spirit of love. To know that the Holy Spirit can produce in us an overabundance of "love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, perserverance, and self-control." I feel refreshed and strengthened. God is continuing to do the work of healing that He spoke to me about this year in my heart. I need to come back again sometime. The brothers from Perth greet you. May God continue to bless Calvary Fellowship, and grow His kingdom according to "praise of His glory".