Great Grace

The Elevation Church, Lagos, Nigeria

GREAT GRACE

In the fourth chapter of the book of Acts, I will be reading and discussing several scriptures that highlight the outpouring of great grace in the lives of individuals. As we approach the New Year, it is important to reflect on the characteristics of great grace and how it can impact our lives. The passage from verse 13 describes the boldness of Peter and John, who were perceived as uneducated and untrained men. Despite this, they were able to display great grace, which was evident to those around them. This encounter with Jesus had elevated them to a different level of grace, as noted in the scripture.

The story continues in verse 14, where the healed man stands with Peter and John, leaving the council members speechless. They acknowledged that a notable miracle had been performed through these men, and it was evident to all who dwelled in Jerusalem. This notable miracle is a clear demonstration of the great grace that was present in their lives. The passage emphasizes the impact of great grace and the undeniable evidence of miracles that accompany it. As we enter the New Year, it is important to recognize the potential for notable miracles when great grace is available to us.

The passage also delves into the concept of common grace and uncommon grace, highlighting the different levels of grace that individuals experience. While common grace is evident in everyday occurrences such as waking up and breathing, great grace brings about notable miracles and extraordinary blessings. As we transition into a new season, it is crucial to understand the distinction between grace and great grace. The passage serves as a reminder that great grace can elevate individuals to new levels of success and blessings, signifying the beginning of a new season filled with extraordinary opportunities.

It is a wonderful thing to be recognized for your hard work and dedication in your job. Being recommended for a promotion is a great honor and a testament to your skills and abilities. However, it is even more remarkable when the company decides to entrust you with the responsibility of setting up new departments, units, or businesses. This shows a high level of confidence in your capabilities and expertise. Furthermore, being given the freedom to set your own terms in such a situation is truly exceptional and speaks volumes about the value you bring to the organization.

The concept of grace is powerful and transformative. It signifies an unmerited favor or divine assistance that enables individuals to achieve things beyond their own capabilities. In the context of work and career, experiencing a season of great grace means that you are not only excelling in your role, but you are also being propelled towards greater success and accomplishments. It is a time when obstacles are removed, and opportunities abound. Activating grace and walking in it requires a conscious effort to align oneself with the principles of faith and righteousness. It is a period of divine empowerment and favor that elevates one to new heights.

The passage from the Bible serves as a reminder of the undeniable impact of notable miracles and the opposition that may arise in response to them. It emphasizes the importance of staying steadfast in the face of threats and challenges, especially when it comes to matters of faith and purpose. Just as the apostles were commanded not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus, individuals may encounter resistance in pursuing their calling or fulfilling their destiny.

However, it is crucial to remain resolute and unwavering, knowing that anything that opposes the will of God for one’s life will ultimately be overcome.

This serves as a powerful encouragement to persevere in the pursuit of one’s divine assignment, regardless of the obstacles that may arise.

Currently, there is someone who is attentively listening to my words. In the upcoming year, your marriage is facing a significant threat. It is during this period of great grace that marital destinies are being reshaped and redefined. It is crucial to understand that the reconstruction of marital destinies is imperative. There were individuals who were informed that they were no longer permitted to engage in certain activities, such as speaking in the name of Jesus or fulfilling their destinies. Despite this, Peter and John responded by stating that they must obey God rather than man. They emphasized that they cannot help but speak about the things they have witnessed and heard.

It is essential to acknowledge that you, as an individual, cannot help but fulfill your destiny. The year 2015 will be a time when you will experience the fulfillment of your destiny. The economic situation of the nation may not be robust enough to hinder your progress. Even with the devaluation of the currency, it will not be a barrier to your success. Many individuals have suffered financial losses due to the recent devaluation of the currency. However, when you are under the influence of great grace, any obstacles will seem insignificant. It will be as if a switch has been flipped, and everything will continue to flow smoothly.

Despite facing threats and challenges, you will be able to overcome them with the power of great grace. The Apostles in the Bible exemplified this by continuing to fulfill their destinies despite the opposition they faced. Even when they were threatened, they were eventually released because the people recognized the miraculous works that had been done through them. It is crucial to remember that no matter the circumstances or challenges you may encounter, you will be able to persevere and succeed. The power of great grace will sustain you throughout the year, allowing you to swim in blessings and experience divine favor.

In Acts chapter 4, verse 23 of the Bible, it is mentioned that after being released, the Apostles returned to their companions and shared with them all that the Chief priests and elders had said to them. Upon hearing this, they lifted their voices together in prayer to God, acknowledging Him as the Creator of Heaven, earth, the sea, and everything in them. They referenced the words spoken by David about the nations raging and plotting in vain against the Lord and His anointed, Jesus. The unity in their prayer and the recognition of God’s sovereignty are evident in this passage.

Skipping ahead to verse 31, we see that after praying together in one place, the location where they were gathered was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit empowered them to speak the word of God boldly. The emphasis on boldness and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their midst is highlighted in this verse. The unity, prayer, and boldness displayed by the Apostles are key elements in their ministry.

Moving on to verse 33, it is stated that the Apostles testified with great power to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and they experienced a profound sense of grace upon them. This grace enabled them to carry out their mission effectively and with authority. The importance of recognizing and walking in the grace and power of God is emphasized in this passage, urging believers to tap into the supernatural resources available to them. The call to operate in the power of God and to be focused on His presence is a central theme in this message, encouraging believers to step into the new year with a sense of purpose and reliance on God’s power.

The passage from John chapter 1:16-17 in the Amplified Version of the Bible emphasizes the concept of grace and abundance that comes from Jesus. It speaks of how, out of the fullness of Jesus, we have all received an abundance of blessings and favors. The text highlights the idea that grace, which is unearned and undeserved favor, along with spiritual blessings and truth, came through Jesus Christ. This passage paints a picture of continuous blessings and gifts being poured out upon us, one after another, creating a cycle of favor upon favor.

The passage further delves into the idea of receiving grace upon grace, emphasizing the continuous flow of blessings and spiritual gifts that we are privileged to receive from Jesus. It encourages the reader to embrace the abundance of blessings that come from Jesus’ fullness and to acknowledge that we have all been supplied with grace upon grace. The Amplified Translation of the Bible expands on this concept, providing a vivid description of the overflowing blessings and favors that are available to us through Jesus Christ.

In addition, the passage offers hope and encouragement to those who may have faced challenges or setbacks in the past, such as in the year 2014. By referencing Zechariah chapter 4 verse 6 and 7, the text reassures individuals that obstacles and limitations can be overcome not by human might or power, but by the spirit of the Lord. It instills a sense of empowerment and faith, reminding readers that even the greatest limitations can be transformed into opportunities for growth and success through the grace and power of God.

God’s message is clear in this passage, emphasizing the removal of limitations and the acceleration of destiny. The concept of a capstone, symbolizing completion and grace, is highlighted as a key element in the completion of projects that may have been abandoned or left unfinished. The promise of bringing forth fruits from past efforts, despite previous barrenness, is a powerful declaration of restoration and abundance in the coming year.

The reference to a project started in 2014 but left incomplete serves as a specific example of the divine intervention and acceleration promised in the message. The assurance that the project will be completed in 2015 with speed and grace is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the belief in God’s ability to bring about miraculous outcomes in seemingly impossible situations.

The imagery of destroying mountains as obstacles to destiny and the promise of God’s hand in overcoming these challenges is a powerful metaphor for the struggles and setbacks individuals may face in their journey towards fulfillment. The message of grace and divine intervention in dealing with these obstacles serves as a source of hope and encouragement for those who may be feeling overwhelmed or discouraged in their pursuits. The season of grace and the promise of mountain-moving miracles offer a message of strength, resilience, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity.

In this year of Great Grace, there are expectations for more blessings and favor to come. The concept of speed is emphasized, as it is believed that God will remove all limitations. This belief is rooted in the story of Jacob and Esau from Genesis 27, where Jacob quickly received the inheritance meant for Esau. Isaac, questioning how Jacob found it so quickly, was told that it was because the Lord had brought it to him. This story serves as a reminder that God can bring blessings swiftly and unexpectedly.

The message conveyed is that in this year of Great Grace, individuals will find blessings and provisions easily and quickly. It is emphasized that the kind of resources needed for specific projects or endeavors may not be easily accessible, but through faith and divine intervention, they will be provided. The idea is that people will be amazed at how swiftly these blessings come, attributing it to the grace and favor of God.

The speaker urges listeners to let go of doubts and calculations that may hinder the flow of grace in their lives. It is emphasized that what one expects is often what manifests in their reality. Drawing a parallel to desiring a specific car and then noticing it everywhere on the road, the message is clear: focus on the blessings and favor expected in the year of Great Grace, and they will manifest abundantly. The overarching theme is one of faith, expectation, and the belief that divine blessings will come swiftly and abundantly.

It is essential to recognize the abundance of grace that is available to us.

When we understand and embrace this great grace, we realize that nothing is too challenging or insurmountable.

By taking possession through grace, we embody the spirit of Caleb and Joshua, who faced giants in the land but believed they were well able to conquer it. This empowerment through grace is a powerful force that enables us to overcome obstacles and claim our victories.

In the year 2015, it is prophesied that those who align themselves with this great grace will step into a realm of prosperity unlike anything they have experienced before. Just as Isaac sowed in the land and reaped a bountiful harvest in the same year, so too will those who walk in the season of great grace see rapid and abundant blessings. This prosperity is not fleeting but enduring, leading to a state of very prosperous living that is unshakeable and enviable.

The story of Isaac’s prosperity serves as a testament to the transformative power of great grace. His wealth was so significant that it influenced the economy of the time, demonstrating the impact of possessing flocks, herds, and a multitude of servants. This level of prosperity is not only material but also symbolic of a life that is firmly established and secure. As we enter into the realm of very prosperous living in 2015, we can expect to see our influence grow and our blessings multiply, all thanks to the abundant grace that is available to us.

As we gather here tonight, it is important to remember the power of belief as stated in scripture. The New Year brings with it a prophetic mandate over this church and all those connected to it. The promise of great Grace is reiterated, to the envy of the devil. This great Grace is declared to be the prevailing force in the days ahead, guiding and protecting all who are under its influence.

In this year of great Grace, the transformative power of God is emphasized. It is highlighted that righteousness and holiness are not meant to be struggles, but rather natural outcomes of a heart touched and changed by God. The call to salvation is made clear, urging those present to not leave without surrendering their lives to Christ or seeking a renewal of heart from God.

A poignant story is shared to illustrate the concept of receiving a new heart from God. The analogy of a heart transplant is used to convey the depth of transformation that occurs when God gives a new heart. It is emphasized that this new heart beats in sync with God’s own heart, aligning one’s desires and actions with His will. The promise of great Grace is reiterated as a force that empowers individuals to overcome sin and destructive habits, enabling them to live in alignment with God’s heart and purpose.

Tonight, someone in this place is about to experience a transformation. As you prepare yourself, be ready to witness a change happening right before your eyes. You may not be able to express your agreement audibly, but as you leave this place tonight, you will feel the touch of God on your heart. A new perspective will emerge from within you, and your outlook on various issues will be different. The strife that has been plaguing you will dissipate without you even having to pray for it. The anger that used to consume you will be replaced by a sense of peace, and you will walk away from situations wondering if you are okay. The truth is, you are okay – it’s just that God has changed your heart, and this is the effect of His great Grace.

In 2015, you may feel broken, defeated, and disheartened, but in God’s garden of Grace, where His abundant Grace flows, even broken individuals can bear fruit. Your life is about to bring forth fruit, and this is not just a wishful statement – it is a declaration. The name of the Lord Jesus is invoked to affirm that your life will indeed bear fruit. This is the power of great Grace at work, bringing about a transformation that is beyond human understanding. It is a divine ability to recognize the opportunities and resources around you that will elevate you to a new level. Just like the blind man in Luke 18 who recognized Jesus passing by and cried out for mercy, you will start to see things that were previously hidden from your sight. Great Grace will unveil the potential within you and open your eyes to the possibilities that surround you.

As you experience the outpouring of great Grace, you will begin to obey the law of recognition. This law dictates that everything you need to reach a new level is already within your vicinity, waiting for your recognition. Just as Ruth recognized her Boaz, you will start to see the people, opportunities, and resources that have been strategically placed around you to propel you forward. This is the effect of great Grace – it enables you to see what was previously unseen and to seize the opportunities that will lead you to your new level. So, as you leave this place tonight, remember that God is unveiling your heart, and His great Grace is at work in your life, bringing about a transformation that will lead you to new heights in 2015.

It is often said that sometimes we fail to recognize the blessings and opportunities that are right in front of us. This story emphasizes the importance of being open to seeing the potential that surrounds us. The woman in the testimony was in a desperate situation, feeling lost and hopeless after her husband’s passing. However, through a simple prayer and a moment of clarity, she was able to see a way out of her struggles. This serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, what we need is already within our reach, we just need to open our eyes to see it.

The woman’s story also highlights the significance of faith and belief in the face of adversity. Despite her challenging circumstances, she chose to listen to the broadcast and engage in the prayer being offered. This act of faith led to a miraculous turn of events that transformed her life. It is a testament to the power of hope and trust in a higher power to guide us towards solutions that we may not have considered before. By opening herself up to the possibility of change, she was able to find a way to overcome her struggles and provide for her family.

This narrative serves as a reminder that sometimes, the answers we seek are right in front of us, waiting to be discovered. It encourages us to have faith in the unseen and to trust that there is a plan beyond our current understanding. Just as the woman in the story found a way out of her difficulties by recognizing the value of something she had overlooked, we too can find solutions to our challenges by opening our eyes to the possibilities around us. It is a message of hope and encouragement, reminding us that with faith and perseverance, we can overcome even the most daunting obstacles in our path.

It is my sincere hope that you comprehend the message I am conveying this evening. There may be a woman out there who is still struggling and seeking help from every possible source, unaware that God intends to utilize her for His divine purpose in your life in the year 2015. I proclaim here and now that God will grant you the vision to perceive His blessings, whether they manifest as material possessions or individuals who will play a significant role in your life. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I declare that you will recognize and connect with the people who are meant to cross your path.

To conclude this evening, I firmly believe that an end has come to any form of timidity that may have been hindering your progress. In this season of abundant Grace, it is essential to exhibit boldness. As stated in the Book of Acts, when faced with challenges, the believers prayed for boldness and their prayers were answered. Therefore, I urge you to pray for the spirit of boldness, the courage to confront obstacles, and the strength to embrace the abundance of Grace that awaits you in the upcoming year. Remember, there may be trials ahead that seek to weaken your resolve, but with boldness, you can confidently step into the New Year and overcome any adversity that comes your way.