Rich in Mercy + Midweek Updates
In Christ, we will never cease to draw closer and see more and experience more deeply the kindness of God.
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-7).
Why did God make us alive, raise us up, and seat us in glory? So that he might show the riches of his grace forever. And this is no general graciousness, sort of a mood or attitude of grace. This is not the LaCroix of grace where you sort of get a hint of the suggestion of flavor of grace. No, this concentrated grace, potent grace, rich grace.
God’s salvation has a trajectory. It’s not just a change of condition, from bad to good or dead to alive. It takes us from an eternity descending away from him further and further into damnation and transports us to an eternity of drawing ever closer to him as he showers us in kindness as we discover more of his riches.
We were dead, buried, in sin. Then he made us alive with Christ. Then he raised us with Christ. Then he seated us with him in Christ. And forever more, he will show the immeasurable riches of his grace. Immeasurable riches - that means they never run out, and we will never discover the limits of them, because there are none. In Christ, we will never cease to draw closer and see more and experience more deeply the kindness of God. Which is what he wants for us, because he is gracious and because of the great love with which he loved us.
ON THE HORIZON
SUMMER WORK PROJECTS - This summer, we’re coming together for a series of projects to spruce up and care for our church home! We invite you to sign up for one (or more) of the project dates below:
Saturday, June 21 (indoor cleaning & organizing)
Friday, July 18 (cleaning, paint prep, painting)
Saturday, July 19 (painting, grounds maintenance)
No matter your skill level, there’s a place for you on the team. Thank you for making Immanuel an even more welcoming place for all who enter!
MARRIAGE FOUNDATIONS SEMINAR - If you are considering marriage, engaged, or are young in your marriage, join us for our next Marriage Foundations Seminar. The seminar will take place on Saturday, August 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the café. Lunch will be provided. Register here.
Thank you so much for this reminder from Ephesians of the rich and potent grace of God. Blessings.