Vicar's Viewpoint

'You need not be a Christian to build houses, feed the hungry or heal the sick' says author Gordon MacDonald, 'There is only one thing the world cannot do. It cannot offer grace'.

Grace is the heart of the Christian faith. It is the message of the God who loves us because of who he is, not because of who we are. Grace is baffling, because we are not used to things working like that. Read Jesus' 'Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard' in St. Matthew's Gospel Chapter 20 if you want a taste of this.

Yet grace is costly too. In Jesus Christ God took upon himself the cost of the grace he offers us. He bore it on the cross – to give us the grace of forgiveness, freedom and an eternal hope. What Christians are called to share to others is a reflection (albeit pale) of the awesome grace God has shown to them.

What's So Amazing About Grace? is the title of one of the best Christian books of recent years, written by Philip Yancey. It has sold more than a million copies. If you haven't read it do pick up a copy. There will be copies for sale in September in Chudleigh Church.

May you have the opportunity to reflect on this life-changing and world-changing message of grace this month.