This morning’s sermon was part 5 of a series of messages based on the book “The Wesleyan Way: A Faith that Matters.” The scripture underlying Pastor Larry’s message was Acts 2:1-21 (the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost).
During this series, we’ve been exploring a journey- how do we get to a point where we truly “love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength?” It all happens through God’s grace, but we need to be aware of some of the “Means of Grace” which God uses to equip us for that journey. Pastor Larry made then analogy during the children’s sermon of a boom box that won’t play unless it’s plugged into an outlet for power. In the same way, the “Means of Grace” empower us to “play”for God- to grow in grace and to Glorify Him.
The message identified 7 Means of Grace… special moments where God “shows up” in an especially meaningful way:
- Baptism. Baptism marks us as part of God’s family. We can only be baptized once. God shows up when we commit ourselves to Him.
- Communion. The Lord’s Supper is a way of remembering His sacrifice and our entry into His grace through His forgiveness. Many churches call the Lord’s Supper (or “Holy Communion”) the Eucharist. The Greek word “Eucharist” means “thank you”. Celebrating the Lord’s supper is a way of recognizing our sin and His holiness, and thanking Him for the grace that bridges the two.
- Scripture. The Bible is God’s inspired Word, and it is a means of God’s grace. Wesleyans do not teach that Scripture is infallible. Instead, we teach that the Bible “contains all things necessary to salvation.”
- Prayer. God meets us when we tune out the world and center on Him in prayer. Through praise, confession, and intercession we draw near to God in prayer.
- Worship. Going to church on Sunday packages several of the Means of Grace together. But the purpose of the Sunday Morning Worship service is to, well- Worship! The word “worship” comes from an old English word meaning “Worth”. In other words, we gather together on Sunday mornings to proclaim God’s “worth”. By celebrating the sacraments together, praying together, and sharing the scripture together during the sermon, we are celebrating the greatness of God and humbling ourselves before His grace. God “shows up” in a special way when we worship Him.
- Small Groups. Getting together with a group of friends is another “means of grace”. When we form relationships in a small group we’re able to hold each other accountable, confess sins, and ask difficult questions. The journey through grace is difficult, and we need each other. Along with the Holy Spirit, “we are not alone.”
- Sacrificial Service and Giving. People who visit shut-ins frequently remark, “I came to bless others, but I was blessed myself!” God “shows up” when we take advantage of opportunities to show His love.
To move forward on your journey towards godliness, plug in your “boom box” and practice the means of grace.
