January 26th, 2021

Romans 5:20-21 “Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus  Christ our Lord.”

The Big Picture

In 1666 while serving a 12-year prison sentence for preaching the gospel, John Bunyan wrote his famous book, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners. The title of the book was based on this verse from Romans, along with 1 Timothy 1:15, where Paul regarded himself as the chief of sinners. Bunyan took in both parts of the gospel: the gravity of sin and the abounding grace found in Christ. His was a life in the grip of grace. Only grace can topple the idols of our hearts. Only grace can draw us to the throne of God in prayer. Only grace can thrust us out into God’s larger story.

How To Pray

• Pray that grace, not moralism, would fuel our lives and mission as a church.

• Pray for the ministry of the Hope Pregnancy Center and the Forgotten Initiative as they minister to individuals and families in loving and unique ways

• Pray for our school-aged children and teachers/educational workers during this season.