Pastor’s Corner January 2010

The following was published in our monthly newsletter, the Redeemer Report.

Dear Redeemer Family and Friends,
As we begin a new year together, I would like to re-introduce our church family to the chief tools God has given for us to grow in His grace. I think we often over-complicate the process of growing spiritually. God has saved us by His grace through faith (justification) and He continues to work in and on us to conform us to His image (sanctification). The process of growing spiritually isn’t a passive endeavor, God has ordained a way for us to be actively engaged in growing spiritually. The Reformers called the tools for spiritual growth “The means of grace”. Notice what our catechism says for Question 88:
Q. 88. What are the outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?
A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption are, his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation
There are three chief tools (or means) of grace: the Word, sacraments (Baptism and the Lord’s Supper), and prayer. These are three ways in which “Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption”. Notice how the answer to the question breaks down:
1) By “grace” we intend the benefits of redemption (God’s undeserved favor shown to us, because of Christ, despite our deserving His wrath).
2) Only the elect are beneficiaries.
3) The benefits are communicated to the elect, by which we mean that they are actually comprehended in some way.
4) The means of grace are instituted by Christ, they are his ordinances.
5) There are three principal means of grace: the Word, sacraments, and prayer.
6) By “salvation” we mean not merely the cross of Christ or our individual justification, but the whole work that begins in election and concludes in glorification.
You may be saying, “But Tony, what’s with all the technical jargon?”

Well, very simply, if you gain a new understanding and become more diligent in their use (by God’s grace, of course) you will grow spiritually. My purpose for the first three sermons in 2010 is to review these principle tools biblically- the Word, sacraments, and prayer. I am doing so with the heartfelt desire to encourage you in your walk with Jesus heading in to 2010. God has not left us to wander aimlessly without strength. Instead, He has graciously given us the means of grace empowered by His Holy Spirit.

May God bless you in 2010!
In the Lamb,
Pastor Tony Felich