Grace for New Life

When the Holy Spirit gives us the gift of faith in Jesus, he also gives us a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26). But how do we care for and exercise our new heart? One way is through worship.

When we encounter someone making an extraordinary claim, we might ask others if that person really is who they say they are. On the basis of what others say, we make a decision to accept or deny that person’s claim. Jesus know the importance of witnesses so he points to several that support his claim that he is the Messiah. You can trust the witnesses that point to Jesus as Saviour.

As we make our way in the world, it is hard to know who to trust. Who will accurately tell us how things really are? Who can we trust to lead us into a future filled with life and hope? Jesus assures us that he is the One sent by God to give us eternal life and that we can trust what he says.

When we are in a bad situation and helpless, we often feel ashamed because we need help. But this humiliating helplessness is exactly what opens us up to receive mercy from Jesus. His mercy is so transformative that it shatters the law-based religion that is in and around us.

Everyone trusts in someone, either ourselves or someone else. The question is whether the object of our faith is worthy of our trust. Sometimes our trust in ourselves needs to be crushed before we are open to trusting in Jesus. But when we do, Jesus proves that he is worthy of our trust.