The Auburn Beacon
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

A Website dedicated to the Restoration of New Testament Christianity
 

Home | About Us | Directions | Bulletins | Sermons & Audio | Cross Of Christ Studies | Classes | Student and Parent Resource Page Dangers Facing the "Non-Traditional"


Click Here for the Latest Edition of the Auburn Beacon


Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon Sign up for our Email Newsletter

The Beacon is sent weekly
 


Sermon Series on the Book of 1 John
by Robert Harkrider

Sermons:

A Sin Often Overlooked

PowerPoint
Audio

1 John 1 - Actions  Speak Louder Than Words

PowerPoint
Audio

1 John 2 - The Love God Hates

PowerPoint
Audio

1 John 3 - The Love That God Commands

PowerPoint
Audio

1 John 4 - Truth or The Consequences

PowerPoint
Audio

1 John 5 - Things a Christian Knows for Sure

PowerPoint
Audio

Click Here for Audio and Other Files


Planning to Visit Us?

What to Expect
Current Class Information


Thoughts To Ponder


You will need
the following viewers
to view many of the
files on this site.

 

Click here to
download
Adobe Acrobat Reader

Click here to
download
Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer


 

University church of Christ

 

Assembly Times

 Sunday

   Bible Classes (9:30)

   AM Worship (10:20)

   PM Worship (6:00 pm)

 Wednesday

   Bible Classes
(7:00 PM)

 

Location

449 North Gay Street

Auburn, AL 36830
Click Here for Specific Directions

 

Evangelist

Larry Rouse
1174 Terrace Acres Drive
Auburn, AL 36830

Cell:    (334) 734-2133
Home:
(334) 209-9165

Contact Us

 University
church of Christ

449 North Gay Street

Auburn, AL 36830

 

Or directly e-mail us at:
LarryRouse@aubeacon.com

 

Turning the Grace of God into a Carnal Weapon

by Larry Rouse
 

All who know the Lord understand the power of His grace! Those who have seen the blackness of their own sin and were then melted by the message of how God gave His Son for them, can attest to the life-changing power of the gospel. We do not deserve salvation. We cannot earn salvation. In our sin we were once active enemies of God. Still, God, by His grace, gave us the greatest gift that has ever been given (Rom 5:6-8)!

Those who have been changed by this grace, find their hearts and their lives defined by it. Paul plainly proclaimed “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Cor 15:10). When Paul converted some Jews and proselytes to God he urged them to continue “in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43). Our true spiritual growth is measured by our increase in “the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

The perversion of God’s Grace

Satan hates the grace of God, for by it men are rescued from his clutches. Being the cunning adversary that he is, Satan has encouraged many to serve him under the banner of the grace of God! There were those who preached a doctrine of “grace” that left men’s hearts untouched by the teaching of the Spirit of God. Men were told that they could “continue in sin that grace may abound” (Romans 6:1). Others found under this banner of “grace” that in their hearts they could hate their brethren and exalt themselves over these “inferiors” in their pride (1 John 3:14-15). Jude proclaimed that these men had in fact turned “the grace of our God into lewdness” (Jude 4).

Modern Day Examples

Years ago I read an article by Connie Adams that I never forgot. He received some advice concerning men who claim to define their lives by the “grace” of God and how they actually act under pressure.

“Years ago, an older preacher told me of a warning he had received years before from Cled Wallace. He said, "Watch out for the real sweet men. They will rip you to pieces when they get a chance." I have received more unkind and unjust treatment over the years from those who had the most to say about love, kindness, gentleness and such nobler qualities, but who could not tolerate any criticism about what they were teaching.”

“I much prefer to deal with people who will meet you in the open before witnesses to air honest disagreements than those who isolate and insulate themselves in ivory towers where they look down with contempt on the fray below them.”

I, too, have experienced the wrath of these men who talk about grace, love and peace. Often these men are seeking to form a party, split a church or work to destroy the reputation of another Christian they view as a competitor in any way they can.

Tests for the True Grace of God

Peter wanted Christians to clearly identify and stand in the “true grace of God” rather than some self-serving philosophy (1 Peter 5:12). Consider these questions and test your own heart.

1. How do I view those who disagree with me? Those who are motivated by God’s grace and love are forbearing and willing to listen to others that have a difference with them. God’s grace will always lead to an open Bible and an open heart to search out “the word of His grace” (Acts 20:32).

When Satan’s “grace” is involved, there will be quick judgments about others. Many are quickly labeled as unworthy of study, particularly if they have displayed a strong faith and knowledge of God’s word. However, those who are struggling and separated from other Christians are often approached in private about these new views (Peter 2:1).

2. Am I being honest with others about what I really believe? The grace of God will be open and honest about anything God has revealed. There is no need to plot, plan or scheme concerning how to teach others. “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (2 Cor 4:1-2).

Those who are motivated by Satan’s wisdom have learned to lie. They have as their goal to bring as many into their party as possible and in any way they can. If a false impression about their own beliefs would keep a knowledgeable Christian from questioning them and thus give them more time to work behind the scenes, then they will do that very thing. If they can misrepresent what another Christian believes so they can pull another Christian into their group, then they will do that too (Gal 4:17).

3. What is the focus of my own heart and those that associate with me? Our tongues will ultimately reveal our hearts. “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matthew 12:35). Those motivated by the grace of God will be looking to serve others, to speak well of others and to see the best in others.

A sure sign of Satan’s wisdom is seen when men’s concept of “grace” leads them to quickly label others as “traditionalist,” “legalist’” and with many other terms (James 3:16). These men are constantly looking at men, whether it is to condemn and attack their “opponents” or to flatter one another over their spirituality. “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Cor 10:12).

One Final Test

We must know the difference between these philosophies. From my personal experience, I have found most that have used God’s grace as a weapon have hearts that are filled with anger and bitterness. Sadly, if given time, they will fill their disciples with this same spirit. Keep your eyes open and see if it is God or Satan that is behind these teachings.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:13-18).

Other Articles by Larry Rouse
David's Mighty Men
The Lord's Supper or a Marathon?
You Must Go to War to Find Peace
 

 Would you like others to read this article?

                    Please share!

 

 


Student Sunday Night Home Study and Singing

 

 

For Additional Information and Past Audio and Outlines Click Here

 


University church of Christ

 

Assembly Times

 Sunday

   Bible Classes (9:30)

   AM Worship (10:20)

   PM Worship (6:00 pm)

 Wednesday

   Bible Classes
(7:00 PM)

 

Location

449 North Gay Street

Auburn, AL 36830

Click Here for Specific Directions


 

Overcoming the Present Apostasy

Sermon Series by Larry Rouse

Piscataway, NJ Nov 20-22, 2009

 

 

Friday Night 7:30

Lesson1 - How Do We View the Bible?

Outline
PowerPoint
Audio

Saturday Night 7:30

Lesson 2 - How do we View the World?

Outline
PowerPoint
Audio

Sunday Morning 9:15
Lesson 3 - How do we View God's Order for Leadership?

Outline
PowerPoint
Audio

Sunday Morning 10:00
Lesson 4 - How Do We View the Local Church?

Outline
PowerPoint
Audio

Sunday Morning 11:00
Lesson 5 - How Do We View God's Instruction on Fellowship

Outline
Audio

For Additional Information, Audio and Outlines Click Here

 


Recent Bulletins:

The Auburn Beacon -
March 14, 2010 Edition

The Auburn Beacon -
March 7, 2010 Edition

The Auburn Beacon -
Feb 28, 2010 Edition

The Auburn Beacon -
Feb 21, 2010 Edition

 The Auburn Beacon -
Feb. 14, 2010 Edition


Your
Questions Please
!

Do you have a Bible question that you have hesitated to ask?

E-Mail us now at:
larryrouse@aubeacon.com

Visit our question page to submit your question and to read other's questions with Bible answers!

[click here]
 

Our Adult Bible Classes

You may obtain both the current outlines and the audio of past Bible classes from our assemblies.

[click here]

 

Email Newsletter icon, E-mail Newsletter icon, Email List icon, E-mail List icon Sign up for our Email Newsletter

The Beacon is sent weekly

 
 
 

 

  © 2010- University church of Christ - All rights reserved!