Thursday, April 2, 2009

Grace and Peace be Multiplied to You!

I had a dream recently that I was asked to speak to a large women's convention. When I got behind the mic, I exclaimed, "Grace and peace be multiplied to you!" When I woke from the dream I began to research that in the Bible. I found out that Peter opened both his letters with that exhortation in 1 Peter 1:2 and 2 Peter 1:2. He was writing to believers who were facing conflict in the form of persecution from outside the church as well as division from within the church. He put them in the right order because you cannot have peace until you have grace. Grace is God giving us the free gift of salvation that we do not deserve. That is what brings true peace!

With all the present-day conflicts we are facing, we will do good to delve into this a little bit deeper and see how it applies to us today. I researched the meaning of the Greek words Peter used for grace and peace. You're going to love this!

The Greek word for "grace" is "charis" which according to www.blueletterbible.org means:

1) grace

a) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech

2) good will, loving-kindness, favour

a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues

3) what is due to grace

a) the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace

b) the token or proof of grace, benefit

1) a gift of grace

2) benefit, bounty

4) thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

The Greek word for "peace" is "eirene" which according to www.blueletterbible.org means:

1) a state of national tranquillity

a) exemption from the rage and havoc of war

2) peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord

3) security, safety, prosperity, felicity, (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)

4) of the Messiah's peace

a) the way that leads to peace (salvation)

5) of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is

6) the blessed state of devout and upright men after death

Wow! As I've been known to proclaim before, "That'll preach!" I want to proclaim that same blessing on you today, that all you just read be MULTIPLIED to you!

3 comments:

  1. Thanks for your comment, Tammy! It just so happens that I was literally just researching 6 week Bible studies for our women's group. We're about to finish Beth Moore's "Believing God" and needed another study to carry us through the end of the school year. I will certainly consider this study! How much are your books?

    Thanks!

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  2. Hi Tammy,
    Thank you so much for stopping by my blog.
    So glad you like it, to God be the Glory.
    Your book looks really interesting. But, not in the ole budget right now.

    Btw, I like your blog, also.
    I will add a link to it.

    Blessings,
    Joyful@JoyfulJourney

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  3. Hi Tammy
    Thanks for stopping by to our virtual church blog (www.breadbreakers.typepad.com) You blew me away!!! With all the people in this world, and any subject that could be written upon, not to mention that on this VERY NIGHT!! You stop by on my blog and tell me about your new book "loving God with all five senses..." I have JUST finished a virtual message early this evening to be posted on Sunday the 10th... That I speak about how the Lord uses our 5 senses as proof of His Grace and existence... Wow!! The Power of God!!! The message is titled "There is strength in numbers" it is how God uses numbers to prove His reality and His love.. Just how far he will go to show He is real... Please if you happen to drop in again and read my message... Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think... I just am blown away at the Lord's awesome ways He speaks to His children...
    Much Love and affection in Christ's mighty name
    Rev Deb
    May God continue to bless you and your ministry :)

    ReplyDelete