Three phases of a Life of a Christian

Abhi07 · Post by **Abhi07** » 27 May 2020, 04:30

I have faced much crisis' in my life and God has given me grace to get through all of them, even those of my own making! I have to confess I don't return grace to others as much as I should, and I hate to admit that! Christians are on this earth to carry out God's work and to show love and compassion to everyone. Thanks for bringing this aspect of the book.

Edwin Amah · Post by **Edwin Amah** » 27 May 2020, 08:52

I totally agree with the author on the phases. Through my life time, I have faced some major crisis that looked like the end. I gave up and lost faith a few times, grace was made available and I learnt that by receiving grace we give grace to others too.
You don't give what you don't have. Having received grace made me realize it was meant for all.

Joseph_ngaruiya · Post by **Joseph_ngaruiya** » 27 May 2020, 14:08

I agree they all occur but wouldn't stamp and say that they are the only three stages in the life of a Christian.

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 27 May 2020, 23:21

Arite Seki wrote: ↑24 May 2020, 13:58 I think these phases are fairly accurate. I think crisis makes us come to a point in our life when we realise enough is enough and seek out more that's why receiving grace is so impactful at that point in time.

Yes, when we are in bad situations only we are tend to be reminded of looking for some help, and most of the people turn towards the God at this point. So becomes rreceiving grace much important

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 27 May 2020, 23:25

Faithful Oso wrote: ↑24 May 2020, 19:09 Not everyone has to go through crisis before drawing close to God. But for me i experienced serious crisis, when i was about giving up, i received the grace of God which has helped me return the grace to others. GOD'S GRACE IS UNQUANTIFIABLE...

It works in both ways. Some are turned towards God and they receive God's grace. Others first face to a crisis and then turn towards the God, and are shown grace

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 27 May 2020, 23:27

Gathoni1991 wrote: ↑24 May 2020, 19:14 Christian life is majorly painted with grace. If you ask me, a Christian goes through a lot of crisis than the average person. So the steps do apply. But God's grace is always sufficient. Christians take heart because we are aware of our prize at the end.

I don't know why Christians go through hardships than other people, yet I can agree with the 'living with grace' thing. You can face hardships in a neutral mood if you are strong enough

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 27 May 2020, 23:29

Faithful Oso wrote: ↑24 May 2020, 19:20 You don't have to go through crisis before you experience the grace of God. For me i experienced crisis, when i almost lost it, i received the grace of God and it has helped me radiate the love of God to others. His grace is so sufficient for us all.

Can't comment about the timing of receiving of grace. Some think why I am being pushed so far, and some think I don't deserve to be sstanding again this early. But it is the plan which is already drawn for all of us

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 27 May 2020, 23:33

Becccccca+98 wrote: ↑24 May 2020, 21:35
Sushan wrote: ↑24 May 2020, 21:23
Deborah kalu wrote: ↑21 May 2020, 17:22

Yes, others are not comfortable even to share Gods grace with anybody. They feel it is God responsibility.
Yes, some believe that if the God made the world like this, it is His responsibility to make everyone happy. But that is not how it works. We have to show grace to each other and make the world a better place
Yeah I also don't agree with how people say it's his responsibility to make everyone happy. At the end of the day he is our Father, and we his children? I mean that's literally what we're taught and what is said in the bible as well. The role of a father is to teach, encourage, provide, love, etc which ultimately teaches us to grow, not to provide an endless supply of happiness.

That is very correct. A father's responsibility is only to show the way. Going through it is a child's own job, and the decisions which have to be made on the way are his/her own responsibility

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 27 May 2020, 23:40

Becccccca+98 wrote: ↑24 May 2020, 21:42
Sushan wrote: ↑24 May 2020, 21:29
Becccccca+98 wrote: ↑21 May 2020, 17:48

That's true. I don't think that a crisis is a prerequisite, but I do think that when we do go through a major crisis we are more likely to recognize God's grace; compared to when you're not in a crisis. I guess maybe when we're faced with a crisis, we appreciate God's grace more and as such are more likely to recognize it.
That is true. We turn towards God when we are in trouble, and when we come out of it we thank Him, for the grace that we are shown. Then when we help the others, they see the God through us
Yes! exactly! Sometimes I get this notion put into my heart to say or do something for someone else. It's like a little itch that I can't shake unless I say or do what's been placed into my heart. It may sound silly, but sometimes I feel like God is pushing me to help someone else so that he can speak or act through me.

We always reflect our parents through our acts and behaviours. If we are God's children, from where it comes the grace that we show towards the others, unless from He Himself?

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 27 May 2020, 23:41

Jachike Samuelson wrote: ↑25 May 2020, 01:53
Sushan wrote: ↑24 May 2020, 19:57
Jachike Samuelson wrote: ↑20 May 2020, 19:34

Again, I'm not sure I completely understand the 3 phases the author talks about if he is saying that's all the Christian life is about. Perhaps, there's something I'm missing.
I don't think that the author is trying to put it in that way. These three phases is a part of a Christian's life, but that doesn't mean it is his/her whole life
Okay. This makes more sense to me.

A Christian's life is many more things, but its ultimatum is going through the path which is accepted by the God. And these three phases are found along that path

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 27 May 2020, 23:44

Deborah kalu wrote: ↑25 May 2020, 06:31
Sushan wrote: ↑24 May 2020, 21:48
Readerjorge wrote: ↑21 May 2020, 20:51 Many times it is difficult to carry the work of God and show love and compassion to everyone, even knowing that it is the right thing to do. Day-to-day activities frequently consume you. Nor have I experienced situations like the ones mentioned in the book but as a habit I thank God constantly.
Thanking God for the grace you received is a start to returning it. It is true that in this busy world, looking for each other is not an easy thing. But you can do simple and small things, which will be far more valuable things in the eyes of those who need it
Did you say"thanking God for the grace you received is a start to returning"??hmm...this is a difficult one.because most of us are not greatful.

Yes maybe. But anyone can take a start by thanking the God. Then he/she can thank those who helped him/her. Then it can be extended up to showing grace to others

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 28 May 2020, 00:10

FaithMO19 wrote: ↑25 May 2020, 07:04 The author's opinion of these three phases are true and practical. At some point, whether or not one is a Christian, one is bound to face a crisis. What distinguishes the one faced by a Christian and one faced by a non-Christian is that a Christian believes God's grace would help him prevail. That leads us to the second phase which is receiving Grace. A Christian can be rest assured that God would provide his never ending grace when facing a crises because he has said that he would. The last phase is just as important as the first two. What better way to show that you're a Christian than giving to others? A person once said that JOY means Jesus first Others second and Yourself last. For the grace to last and for it to be enjoyed, a Christian should extend that grace to others.

.....Second others, yourself last is a nice saying. Helping each other is what we are meant to do

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 28 May 2020, 00:14

TempleOz123 wrote: ↑25 May 2020, 07:47 Receiving grace is the easiest. We only have to ask, and His grace is sufficient for us all.

Receiving part is always easy, well, when you receive something good. But you have to make your mind to return the help to others

Sumansona1344 · Post by **Sumansona1344** » 28 May 2020, 03:21

B Creech wrote: ↑03 May 2020, 11:32
Sushan wrote: ↑02 May 2020, 22:36 According to the author, there are three phases in the life of a Christian; Facing a crisis, Receiving grace, and returning grace to others.

What is your opinion about this? Have you ever done it? Is it practical?
I agree with the author on the three phases. I have faced much crisis' in my life and God has given me grace to get through all of them, even those of my own making! I have to confess I don't return grace to others as much as I should, and I hate to admit that! Christians are on this earth to carry out God's work and to show love and compassion to everyone. Thanks for bringing this aspect of the book up!

Yeah, me too! I could completely relate to the three phases and I think it is our purpose to return the grace to others.

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 28 May 2020, 03:26

choco latte wrote: ↑25 May 2020, 10:59 The three phases of the life of a Christian is well written, and I agree with it. That is; Facing a crisis, Receiving grace, and Returning grace to others. It is an excellent method to get over a crisis and go forward in spirituality. Whenever we face a dilemma, we get dejected, but the Lord is with us, and he will help us in getting over the crisis. After that, it is fundamental to help others in the way the Lord has helped us. I like this concept of the author.

Yes, dividing it into steps made it more easier to understand and the value of the concept is emphasized. Helping each others is the core of this concept