When someone makes the decision to study a certain topic in the Bible there is a realization that there is so much more to that subject than you initially realize.  In our Wednesday night class, taught by Bro Damon Adams, we have been studying the subject of the Holy Spirit. I admit to you I thought I knew quite a bit about that subject but after many weeks of in-depth study I realized that my knowledge was lacking.  The Bible also says so much more about grace than most people realize.  This morning's lesson won't even come close to discussing everything there is to know about that topic, but we pray it will be helpful.  This lesson was prompted by a study I made from literature by Bro Curtis Flatt and am grateful to him for it.

1)  WHERE DOES GRACE COME FROM?
     A.  God - James 4:6

2)  WHAT IS IT?
     A. Unmerited favor - many use that answer and correctly so, but then don't realize there is so much more God's Word has to say about it.
     B. Men are prone to sin - we are thankful that by the grace of God there is a remedy.(see #3)
         1.  James 4:6; Romans 5:20

3)   MAN NEEDS IT!
     A.  Romans 3:23; 6:23 - as we mentioned before man sins and is thereby lost
     B.  There is absolutely nothing I can do on my own to devise a plan to save myself.  Men have tried
for ages, and will continue to try until the last day but nothing will work.  Only the Word has the solution!

4)  GRACE SAVES!
     A.  Again, God is the provider of grace that saves
     B.  This grace is provided for all - Titus 2:11

5)  GRACE HAS PROVIDED A SAVIOR
     A.  Romans 5: 14-15; John 1: 14, 17; John 3: 16; Hebrews 2:9
     B.  Where would we be without that Savior?  The realization of being lost is frightening!  Having a Savior is truly the greatest joy.

6)  GRACE HAS PROVIDED SALVATION
     A.  Ephesians 2: 7-9; Titus 2:11
     B.  Revealed and teaches Acts 14:23; 20: 24, 32

7)  ACTUALLY CAN BE SEEN!
     A.  Acts 11:23 - the results of the preaching of the Gospel can be seen.  This is called grace.

8)  MEN ARE CALLED BY IT AND IT CAN BE RECEIVED
     A.  Gal 1: 15; 2 Tim 1:9 - the gospel is what calls men
     B.  2 Thess 2: 14 - thus to be called by grace is to be called by the Gospel
     C.  2 Cor 6: 1 - to receive that grace is to receive the message, but it also can be received in vain!

9)  GRACE OF GOD CALLS MEN TO OBEY
     A.  Man is not saved by works or the works of the law of Moses  Eph 2: 9; Titus 3: 5; Romans 10: 1-3
     B.  However, God's grace, which comes in and through teaching, demands the work of obedience
          1.  Acts 10: 34-35

Conclusion:  When we sin, we have to have the humble attitude of repentance and ask for forgiveness.  We need to remember that grace does not excuse christians from their sins, known or unknown.  Grace demands the above actions be taken.  When taken forgiveness is promised.  Otherwise, there is no hope of forgiveness.