Dear Redeeming Grace,

Last week we considered the power of three simple words that opened the spiritual eyes of a man named Saul; "I am Jesus." With those words, Saul knew that Jesus had risen from the dead. He was alive, and He was God.

Years later, as Paul reflected on his testimony in a letter to the church in Corinth, he wrote this:

Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:8-10a ESV)

Those are the words of a man humbled by grace. A man who is deeply aware that it is all of grace that God would use him to proclaim the gospel, plant and strengthen churches, disciple young leaders and have the Holy Spirit breathe out scripture through him.

As we reflect on our own lives, and on what God has and continues to do through us as a church, may we always see his grace. We can say with Paul, by the grace of God we are what we are. His grace is at work, so let's press on with all He calls us to. And may Jesus receive all the glory.