The word Grace is the foundation of my entire understanding of a Christian belief and an American value system that I cherish. However, only the undeserved grace of God can save someone anywhere in the world from any religious background. No one can claim the right to God’s grace, Christian or non-Christian, and it is only because of his generosity that salvation is possible for any of us.

Grace is the love and mercy that the Creator of Heaven and Earth gives us because it is believed that we are worthy of possessing them for their holiness. We primarily refer to God as our Creator and Muslims refer to Him as Allah. Pre-Islamic Christians and Jews referred to Him as Allah long before this, however, I personally believe that He is one and the same. I have met many Muslims who have been in Iraq and Kuwait for almost nine years both during war and peacetime. Grace is something open to all people on this planet earth regardless of religious affiliation. It is not only for Christians, but it is given to all the inhabitants of the earth. Many do not accept this pattern of thought or accept the Christian point of view. Our Creator gives us this today even though we are not even close to being the way He envisioned and created us to be. It is an undeserved gift. I’m not really worthy, but you’re also not as tough as you could try to prove yourself. God loves you and that is not bad. That is all you need to know. Accept what you have been given and try to appreciate what you have and give back to society in any way you know how. Go to the temple, church, mosque or whatever you choose and be thankful while you are there and at home or anywhere in between. God deserves some respect from his children. You don’t need to be disrespectful until such time as it’s too late in your short life. Yes, it is much shorter than you think. It is never too late to start a graceful existence from this day on.

Why not worship at a church called Grace? “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your doing; it is the gift of God and not the result of works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2: 8-9).

In Bangor Maine, Grace Church is located today at 193 Union Street! We welcome you to come there and see Grace UMC doing God’s Work to serve the poor and less fortunate in our immediate neighborhood. Some say that “it is the heart in the heart of the city”. You may know another church like that. She may not be called Grace, but she can have a classy approach to the nearby town or community. You could contribute and make a shout of joy to the Lord. You can accept the funny gift that has been given to you. Yes, he also received a special gift from God. Everyone has something special and many people spend their entire lives without even knowing what it was. And you? Start thinking about what it is and unpack your gift and use it wisely. It’s never too late to find out, and hopefully not too late to start taking advantage of it. Imagine receiving Grace and a special gift from God. The Lord can be your best friend and you don’t know it or appreciate it if you do.

When you think of the term Grace, what comes to mind? You might think of an undeserved mercy that God gave you because you are loved and appreciated as a child, and regardless of whether you are good or wayward in spirit, you are still deeply loved.

“Because by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own work; it is the gift of God. It is a spontaneous gift of Allah God to man. I believe that Yahweh, Allah and God are one and the same. Grace is “generous, free, totally unexpected and undeserved”, and has been granted to us by the Master of the Universe.

Grace Church in Bangor does the work that we are expected to do. Many other houses of worship do the same, I’m sure. If you go to Grace or another similar, you will learn how you can get involved and help in ministry to the poor and less fortunate in our city and neighborhoods or in your neighborhood.

John Wesley believed this about Grace. the believer who repents and accepts Christ is not “justifying himself” by an act of his own will, which would alter his dependence on God’s grace for his salvation. Rather, faith and repentance are the believer’s confidence that God will make them righteous. Wesley stated that God makes the initial move in salvation, but human beings are free to respond or reject God’s gracious initiative.

John Wesley believed that God provides three types of divine grace. Prevenient grace is innate from birth. “Preveniente” means “comes before”. Wesley did not believe that humanity was totally “depraved.” He believed that everyone is born with a little divine grace. It is sufficient to allow the individual to recognize and accept God’s justifying grace. The grace that justifies today is what is known as “conversion” or “being born again.” God’s justifying grace brings “new life in Christ.” Wesley believed that people have freedom of choice. They can accept or reject God’s justifying grace. Wesley also believed that after accepting God’s grace, a person must move on in God’s sustaining grace and toward perfection. He believed that people can make sinful decisions that will cause them to “fall from grace” or “relapse.” He said it is insufficient to claim God’s salvation and then stagnate, deliberately sin again, or present no evidence of following Christ. I like Wesley’s definition but, as you can see, it’s complicated.

It’s time to get back to basics, regardless of what religious affiliation you have chosen or considered. Grace is definitely a good thing to look for. It may be time to attend a church or place of worship of your choice. We invite you to join us at Grace or elsewhere. We all need a classy life even if we don’t understand why. I hope this document has helped you understand the importance of God’s gift of grace and your own special gift just for you. Two gifts and not two are exactly the same. Truly, it is Amazing Grace.