32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
Grace is a powerful commodity. There is no grace in Islam. Grace is a totally foreign concept to the Koran. In fact, in Jesus grace is given a power that propels it. As Paul finishes his stay and says his final words to these believers he emphasizes the grace of God. He says grace does two very important things. First, grace builds us up. The word is used when talking about building homes and when talking about strengthening and encouraging people. Over time grace puts into us the essential elements needed to keep us strong and safe. God’s grace is the two by fours of our lives. Every fiber of strength, real strength, is the grace of God. In the face of troubles, turmoil, persecution, and death, grace will be there to see us through. We don’t need more strength, we need more grace. Recognizing that all the good that happens is a direct result of the grace of God bring perspective to our struggles. Every bit of strength we do possess is a result of the grace of God. When grace is released it changes the very fiber of our being. We not only receive grace ourselves, but we become conduits of grace toward others. Grace spills out of us and blesses other people’s lives. But grace also buys us a seat in heaven. It is grace that power that raises us up and places among those who are set apart for God, both for His use and for His glory. Sinners made saints! Rebels made willing servants. Terrorist turned disciple. Grace has the power to move us from the old life into a new life. The answer to Islamic terrorism is a changed heart, not a peace treaty. Only when individuals have the life-changing experience of grace can they live a life of peace. That is because peace and the experience of peace comes from the God of Peace. The fruit of the Spirit is peace. When God is present, peace is present. When we are sanctified, set apart for His use, we will reflect His character in our lives. We will be at peace and will exude peace in our dealings with others. And grace is what God uses to accomplish His purposes in our lives.
The Arnold Journey 