Morning: The sermon, "A Grace that Saves," focused on Luke 17:11-19. In this passage, Luke reminds his readers that love is the only proper response to God's grace. Jesus heals 10 lepers, but only one returns to thank him.
The story unfolds by reminding us of common grace. The lepers ask for mercy, and all receive it. Common grace is God's general kindness to his creation. Jesus put it in terms of rain and sunshine being enjoyed by all.
The story illustrates the dangers of confusing common grace with saving grace. The blessings of God are not a sign of salvation, although they may being drawing someone toward salvation. Good things happen to bad people. Being healed and being saved are two very different things.
Luke reminds us through the action of the Samaritan leper that saving grace produces fruit. This man not only believe Jesus was capable of healing him, he felt compelled to honor him for healing him. His heart was driven to glorify God in Christ.
When we fail to understand who God is, who we are as sinners, and what Christ has accomplished on our behalf through the cross; we are not driven to love. We may be grateful for the gift, but we don't care about the giver.
Evening: We looked at Psalm 103. David gives a psalm for meditating on the reasons we should praise God.
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