No More Chains

Let me begin this article with 1 Corinthians 1:3, “Grace and peace to you #om God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Amazing grace, written by John Newton, is well known by most Christians. As I did this design, I found myself continually whistling the tune and then, at times, breaking out into song. In the design is the Cross placed on our shield (“He will my shield and portion be...”) and the broken chains from the updated version, My Chains Are Gone, by Chris Tomlin. Tomlin’s verse, “my chains are gone, I’ve been set free,” I believe really adds to Newton’s lyrics and makes the song even more meaningful for me.

You are most likely familiar with Ephesians 2:8, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not #om yourselves, it is the gi$ of God.” I don’t think we really know what a great gift this is from the Father. And how do we respond to this gift? Is it like so many gifts at Christmas time; opened but soon put on a shelf and forgotten? Scripture gives us some sound direction in 1 Peter 4:10, “Each one should use whatever gi$ he has received to serve others, faithfu!y administering God’s grace in its various forms.” Just think what our world would be like if we all used our gift in the service of others while administering God’s grace!

As Christians in the marketplace, we must show grace to others. As is written in the song, “I once was lost but now am found...” Just think about all of those who need to hear about Jesus. They are lost and we must do all we can to introduce them to Jesus and then get out of the way and let the Grace of the Lord take charge! Then, the chains will be removed from them, their lives will be filled with joy and peace, and they, too, can break out in song and sing, “How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed! Amen? Amen!