I was so blessed to grow up in a Spirit-filled, Word of Faith church that was and is balanced. Even though my parents started the ministry when I was a teenager, I grew up hearing Kenneth Hagin, Bob Yandian, Kenneth Copeland, Jerry Savelle, and many other Fathers of the Faith. We frequently had Bible studies with college students at our home and of course I soaked up ever word. I’m not sure if it was a love for the Word or the fact I got to hang around college students but regardless I was saturated in the Word and heard grace and faith taught in balance.
I am so grateful for this book as many people have not had the privilege of being able to grow up feeding on balanced teaching of the Word. Much like Pastor Bob, my walk with God is, “attributed to two things designed by God to work together — His grace and my faith.” Understanding this brings true joy in Christ.
“For those who only see a need for grace, the Christian life, as well as healing, becomes a matter of God’s sovereignty. In other words, God saves and heals those He chooses, and a persons faith has little or nothing to do with it. For those who only see a need for faith, life becomes legalistic. Salvation, healing, and the Christian life become focused on works, a struggle to obtain and to maintain.” - p. 13
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”
Grace is God’s hand reaching out to you filled with everything you need, already paid for, already completed. Faith is our hand reaching out to receive it!
We have the easy part, we just receive what someone else has already done — we can take no credit for what is received. What did we receive through salvation? He saved us, delivered us, made us whole, preserved us safe from danger, rescued us from loss and destruction.
Go back and read Pastor Bob’s analogy about a car in the opening chapter that explains — “Our faith gives supernatural quickening to a sinful life, a poverty-ridden life, and a life of sickness and disease.” What do you need from God? Just reach out and receive it!
I’m so excited to begin a new book with you this month! As you dive into these faith books, stay listening to the podcast, and spend daily time with God you will see your relationship with Him grow exceedingly! Get ready for all God has in store. Keep in touch on our facebook group to stay up to date with your reading!