Bishop Earnest L. Pendleton preaches on the grace of God.
Scripture: Titus 3: 1-6
Notes: Thank God for the grace of God. Sometimes we don’t appreciate God until we look back on what we used to be. He has done great things for us. Many times when we think about the goodness of Jesus and think about what he has done for us. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Thank God He didn’t cut you off while you were there, but gave you an opportunity to make a change in your life. We are reminded that He has been so good to us. He gives us an opportunity to get it together.
God’s mercy gave you a second chance. This day should be a day of rejoicing for the opportunity He has given us to serve Him and show our appreciation. You should give God a praise for where you are now, because of the mercies of God you aren’t where you used to be. Aren’t you glad that while you were doing your thing God spared you and was merciful to you. God’s mercies are from everlasting to everlasting. Have you ever stopped to wonder how you got where you are? Not by works of righteousness, but according to His mercy… And such were some you, but not only are you sanctified, but you are justified because of the blood of Jesus.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Aren’t you glad that Jesus is what He says He is. When the enemy says it was over and that you were no God, here comes mercy. That’s why David said Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
God told Ezekiel: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh (36:26). It was prophesied in Ezekiel, but manifested in Jesus. It’s about living a holy and righteous life – how you walk. The Holy Ghost will make you walk right and in His way. We must be doers of the word: Ye shall keep my judgments and keep them. When the Holy Ghost comes He brings a radical change. God not only wants to change you, but rearrange you, starting with the renewing of your mind. David cried out to God to create in him a clean heart and not to cast His spirit away from Him.
The source of regeneration is the Holy Ghost. Regeneration takes away your old life and clothes you in righteousness. On the day of Pentecost, Peter was still preaching when the Holy Ghost fell. If you receive the word you can receive the Holy Ghost. He may come on the laying on of hands -the wind blows wherever it pleases. Jesus will demonstrate what He did on the day of Pentecost, speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
God loved you even before you knew Him.
