Tuesday Oct 08, 2024

Mercy and Grace in the End Times: Our Urgent Call to Reflect Christ • Friday Service

We are living in extraordinary times, times that many of us believe are the final days before the return of Jesus Christ. The world is in turmoil, and there’s an urgency in the Spirit for us as believers to understand our role in this hour. The signs are all around us—wars, earthquakes, lawlessness, and hearts growing cold (Matthew 24:6-12). In such times, it is easy to get caught up in fear, anger, and judgment. Yet, the Lord calls us to something greater. He calls us to mercy and grace. Today, I want to talk about why exercising mercy and grace is not just an option but a necessity, especially in this critical hour. Not only does grace help others, it transforms and blesses us as well.

Matthew 24:12-13 (NKJV)
"And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved."

James 2:13 (NKJV)
"For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

Matthew 5:7 (NKJV)
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

Titus 2:11-12 (NKJV)
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age."

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)
"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

1 Peter 4:7-8 (NKJV)
"But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'"

Luke 6:36 (NKJV)
"Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."

As we navigate these perilous times, we must be agents of mercy and grace. The Bible tells us that lawlessness will abound and the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12), but this is not our portion. We are called to love, to show mercy, and to extend grace, not only because it blesses others but because it changes us. Grace empowers us, strengthens us, and keeps us walking in the power of Christ.

Now more than ever, we need to reflect the heart of God to a lost and broken world. Mercy triumphs over judgment. Grace gives us the strength to endure. And in the end, it is by His grace that we will stand firm until the very end, hearing the words we long for: "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).