The self-confessed Bible History and Language Nerd Tim Mackie sees Jesus of Nazareth as “utterly amazing and worth following with everything that you have.”* Mackie is one of millions of believers who have found Jesus to be the “supreme treasure”, the “priceless pearl” referenced in Christ’s own parables. For such disciples, there is nothing that brings more satisfaction and joy than living out their Christ-centric lives in the power of grace.
Grace-fueled.
It is said that grace is God acting in our life, to do what we cannot do on our own. Consider a mighty rocket, launching astronauts up and away from planet earth – out and beyond her powerful pull of gravity. Now think of the amount of rocket fuel needed to bring about such a feat.
Christians are persons who depend upon the “fuel” of grace – not just to gain forgiveness of their wrongs – which is amazing. The disciple of Jesus routinely “burns” more grace than a lunar-bound rocket burns fuel at lift-off.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age”**
Still, while grace is essential in walking out the Christian faith, the believer’s participation is vital.
Learning to ride a horse well (in that confident, pleasurable style witnessed in a good Western movie) calls for observing and engaging some practical things. The result then (resting easily in the saddle, rolling with the horses cadence when she’s walking, trotting, galloping, or turning) comes easily. Surprisingly so. All that is typically needed is (a) desire to master the art of horseback riding, (b) paying attention to detail and (b) engaging in repeated practice.
Two of my granddaughters grew up overseas. In a matter of weeks after Claire and Grace started showing up at South Africa’s Ladybrand Village for riding lessons, they had taken on the look of seasoned cowgirls. How? They aspired. They paid attention. They trained.
A growing number of Christ-followers, regardless their “place” in the journey, have sensed a stir. A robust appetite after him has taken hold, and they are pivoting toward the preferred way, the more satisfying way. Some of these precious souls are (for the present) occupying spaces outside formalized church structures. Whatever the case, increasing numbers of hungry believers are shifting toward a vibrant with-God life of flourishing in Christ. In some cases, whole communities of the faithful have chosen to re-center afresh upon God. Moved, empowered by his extravagant grace.
©2025 Jerry Lout *The Bible Project. Tim Mackie **Titus 2:11-12