Held in a grace grasp

Beginning our summer series looking at 3 Epistles, Pastor Phil Kniss introduced the book of Galatians. This was an urgent letter to the churches in Galatia, written to counter a move away from the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Galations 1:11-24, Paul gives explanation of why he is in the midst of the growing body of Jews and Gentiles following Jesus. In following the call of Jesus, Paul went throughout the Mediterranean region to preach to Greek-speaking Jews and Gentiles, held in what Pastor Phil called a "grace grasp." When we say "yes" to Jesus, we also are held in this grace grasp and are called into service to the world. Held in the hand of God we are turned from a self-centered life. This may be a different view of grace than the sentimentally permissive image we so often have when we think of grace. Being held in a grace grasp is not a restrictive state. It is what we have been created for - it is a gift!