It Is Finished.

Canvas | by Nick Nilson

Hebrews 12:2

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Christianity for some can become EXHAUSTING.

Noticed after the work of the cross, Jesus SAT DOWN. For years, priests had been working to obtain right standing with God. Working to have their sins taken away and covered. When you and I still try to WORK for our salvation and right standing with God, we havent noticed that Jesus is sitting...the “work” of salvation has been done by HIM! We are trying to add to what Jesus has done, when we think we have to do “xyz” to be saved.

Believe today, put your trust in Jesus...and receive His GRACE that EMPOWERS you to be like HIM.T HIS IS GOOD NEWS! Its not customs, religion, tradition…this is the Gospel!! Its Liberty, not legalism. It's not by acceptable steps to acceptable behavior that you may be eligible to come to church and be in church.

The gospel, the real-true gospel is that mankind is saved not by works or doing good, but by grace thru faith alone! Jesus has FINISHED your sins, diseases, poverty, and the idea that you are separate from God and you are to be condemned on this Earth.

Religion and customs teach us it's not about what HE DID, but it's about what YOU DO. This leads us to boasting about what WE HAVE DONE. Obsess over what HE HAS DONE…Not what you have to do!! And you will see His Grace IN YOU begin to transform you!

How Awesome is the Grace of God?

Canvas | by Darius Trainer

Whenever I am reflecting in my quiet time, I can think of so many things that speak to the goodness of God in my life. Things like how much I enjoy the people that God has put around me to encourage me and call me higher, or the wonder of God’s creation; even the sheer beauty of my precious bride. Whatever it is, I know that it is only by God’s grace that I can enjoy these things, as well as God’s ministry through them in my life.

How awesome it is to know that at the end of the day it is truly God who is being glorified. It is because of his grace that I stand forgiven; it is because of his grace that I am accepted; it is because of his grace that I am redeemed; it is because of his grace that I am in good health and enjoy good, Godly relationships. It’s all because of his amazing grace; and when people want to know why things can be going so well I can always give God the praise.

It’s that amazing grace of God that makes me an eligible recipient of the blessings that I enjoy. It’s not my works. It’s not how well I perform, or even how holy I can make myself. It is purely the grace of God.

 

Generations…

Canvas | by Mark Cotter

Youth and Young Adults

God has been faithful in 2009 and as we continue to look forward into 2010 we are constantly being surprised at what God is doing in Canvas. His love for us is relentless. 

I have always believed that the biggest impact one can have for God was not being caught up in a personal impact but rather the releasing of God potential in others around me. Your biggest accomplishments may just be the difference someone else makes that you have invested into. The presence of the “Millennium Generation” in Gods church today is loud, colorful, energetic and inquisitive. I believe they can positively influence us inside and out of these walls.

It is exciting to watch the way the young people of Lakewood Church will expand this house. They are in this world but not of it! Unashamed to represent Jesus in this world and to be passionate for Him to be of it. 

Being Planted

Canvas | by Ellie Cotter

One of my greatest passions in life is the Church of Jesus Christ. I believe that the Church really is the hope of the world, even if at times we feel like She is not being what She is meant to be. When you feel this way, just remember that the Bride of Christ, His Church, is what He is returning for someday. The Church may not always be perfect, but She is always beautiful.

Psalm 93:13 states that 'those who are PLANTED in the House of the Lord will flourish.'  

So be encouraged today about your local Church. The promise we have from the Scripture, is that as you plant yourself, you WILL flourish. The Church is not here to destroy your dreams, but rather to help you fulfill those God given dreams. Continue to love the Church you have planted yourself in.

Aroma

Canvas | by Nick Nilson

Ephesians 5:1-2 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. [emphasis added]

Can people “SMELL what you are stepping in?”

Have you ever been around someone who has spent a few hours at a restaurant, and when they get around you, you can recognize where they have been? Everything about them smells like the food and that atmosphere. When you collide with Grace and the person of Jesus, everything about you changes. The Bible says, He comes in and lives inside of you, and this “aroma” you could say permeates your life and the old stench of sin is gone! In other words, if you have met grace...you cannot help but to “smell”, look, talk, listen and live different! Everything about you changes because you have collided with Jesus, and now live for Him.

Look for new ways to love and may people smell what you are stepping in!