Grace, Period.

This week we'll reflect on this past Sunday's sermon, in which Pastor Richie spoke on Luke 13:1-9.

I think it might be good for us to begin at the end. Pastor Richie did not give his sermon title until the sermon was nearly over, and it was a title that reminded us of the prophetic warnings we have heard from both home and guest preachers: "One More Chance To Live".

There is something to be said for the mercy and grace of God, the One who has chosen to be patient with us and allow us extended periods of time for confession of sin, repentance from works that lead to death, and continued growth and development in our faith journey. God has been more gracious to us than we could ever deserve. I hope we all know that.

But, in this experience of grace, there is the warning of judgement to come. The grace of God is here so that we might heed His word and fall in line with His mandates concerning our life. The grace of God is here in super-sized measure, because the day will soon come when it's too late to change. We've reflected on the significance of Noah's ark in previous blogs, and it bears repeating: when God closes the door, it's all over. And God leaves the door open as long as possible, wooing us to come into His safety before the "rains and floods", the punishment for our sins, comes to pass.

Let's take Pastor Richie's question seriously: How long should God have to wait for you to obey Him?