Apr 23, 2026 Continuing in the Grace of God – Words of Grace Blog – April 24, 2026
When the first-century Jews and devout converts to Judaism heard the gospel of Jesus the Savior in the synagogue on a Sabbath day, they wanted more. They followed the preachers Paul and Barnabas because their hearts were warmed by their message, and they took the first steps of faith in Christ. Like good caregivers over these newly awakened souls, the preachers exhorted them to continue in the grace of God. This account is in Acts 13 and will be our passage for this coming Sunday’s gathering at Grace Community Church.
I think of the many teenagers who took the first steps of faith in Christ that I have known over the decades. And the people who have made their way to our church, broken by life and burdened by sin, but starting to believe. I think of the young ones who have learned the Scriptures from childhood and by them have been made wise unto salvation. I remember my own conversation to Christ and the newness, and cluelessness, of those first days with him.
What do we all have in common? First, the promise of God’s keeping grace, for he who began the good work in us will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Second, the strong exhortation to continue in the grace of God.
Continue in the grace of God that is found in Jesus Christ. These words should be spoken to people who are open to hearing more of the gospel, even before they believe. Some of those who were present in the synagogue to hear Paul and Barnabas may not have decisively believed that day. But they were encouraged to fan the flame of interest while it still burned. Without that, they would never believe.
Many that day did believe. They were encouraged to continue in the grace of God by using every means of grace to learn, deepen, grow, and mature.
To continue in the grace of God, they would search the Scripture they already knew in a new way, looking for Jesus whom they previously did not see. They would revel in the forgiveness and freedom found in Christ, earned for them by his death and resurrection and granted to them by faith. They would not let themselves become slaves again to works righteousness that provides no relief from the sin that entangled them. They would meet around a new message, speaking to one another the words of grace for their edification.
Where are you today? Are you a person newly interested in the message of Jesus Christ? The fact that you are is a grace from God. Continue in it. Keep reading, listening, asking, and seeking. Let us know how we can help you.
Are you a believer in Jesus Christ? Continue in him. Ask the Lord for ears that want to hear again the story of grace that runs throughout the whole Bible and culminates in the saving life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Deepen your love and gratitude for the grace of Christ and never return to the sin from which you were saved or the efforts to save yourself. Trust that every use of the means of grace will be rewarded with more grace until the final day. On that day, we will be like Christ.
I look forward to worshiping our gracious Savior with you on Sunday.
-Scott