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New Member Testimony Service

Grace + Truth is Amazing!

An annual highlight for the Second Family is New Member Testimony weekend, during which individuals who joined the church during the previous year share their personal testimonies. Men, women and teenagers representing almost 4,000 new members who became part of the Second Family in 2019 share what brought them to Second, what God has taught them through the ministries of the church, and the difference a relationship with Christ has made in their lives. The service included the testimony video plus a message by Dr. Young on the importance of coupling Grace and Truth.

Amazing Grace

At a conference in the British Isles, theologians debated what distinguishes Christianity from other religions. C. S. Lewis, noted apologist and author, quickly stated: “That’s easy! It is GRACE!”

Grace = unmerited favor. We all need it, but don’t deserve it.

We are familiar with the acronym G.R.A.C.E. which helps define the word: God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.

Grace and Truth

John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John illustrates the coupling of Grace and Truth in a story recorded in John 8:1-11.

The scribes and the Pharisees, seeking to trap Jesus, bring before Him a woman “caught in the very act of adultery,” and ask Jesus what they should do.

If Jesus replies, “Stone her,” he risks angering the Roman authorities.

If He replies, “Let her go free,” he risks being accused of disregarding the Law of Moses.

Jesus stoops and writes on the ground (perhaps He was writing the names of some of the accusers!). When Jesus suggests that the one without sin should cast the first stone, one by one the accusers walk away.

Jesus then asks the woman, “Did no one condemn you?” Hearing her reply, Jesus then says, “Neither do I condemn you; go your way; from now on sin no more.”

Jesus’ statement to the woman is a beautiful blend of Grace (I don’t condemn you) and Truth (go and sin no more).

You can’t have one without the other!

Grace defends us, while Truth confronts our sin and calls us to life-change.

Grace without Truth is defective and deadly; Truth without Grace is judgmental.

Jesus saw the woman as someone who could walk with Him and experience the full and abundant life only a relationship with Him can provide.

When Grace and Truth operate together, the result is truly AMAZING.

Think it over.

How does Jesus, without saying so, point out the sinfulness of the scribes and Pharisees? In what ways do they betray their hypocrisy, legalism, and pride?

As we relate to people, how can we preserve a biblical balance between Grace and Truth in our conversation? Our thoughts? Our actions?

Watch the New Member testimony video. Do you have a story to tell of what God is doing in the circumstances of your life? If so, look for opportunities to share that story with someone this week.

Service Dr. Ed Young

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