This weekend I had the privilege of speaking at a really great church in Las Vegas. It’s called Central Christian Church. I’ve preached there eight or ten times over the years, and I’ve always loved a picture that hangs on the wall of the Lead Pastor’s office. Here it is:
It’s inspiring that a church located in Las Vegas—a place with the world-famous nickname “Sin City”—has the courage and faith to put the words “Grace City” above such an infamous skyline.
Whenever I’m at the church, they assign someone to me to make sure I’m in the right place at the right time. I hadn’t met the guy I got this time; he looked new. In the first few minutes of talking to this man, I discovered that he was a pastor on their staff and that he runs their recovery ministry. After he told me a little of what he did I said, “Well, we’re all in recovery in one way or another. What are you recovering from?”
Then this pastor, who is about ready to get his Masters degree from a local Seminary, said, “Well I’m a recovering meth addict and sex addict.” I’m not sure if my response was appropriate, but the first words out of my mouth were “That’s awesome!” He knew what I meant. What I meant was, “God’s grace is awesome”.
I love preaching at this church, because when I go there I’m the one who is challenged and deepened in my understanding and appreciation of God’s inspiring grace. The people there know the grace of God in a way that I’m still trying to learn. Most people there have a story of brokenness—we all do. But what I’m learning from the people of Central is that those stories don’t need to be told in shame, because the tellers won’t be indicted or judged. Instead, these stories of brokenness are shared almost enthusiastically, because they testify to God’s great grace.
Romans 5:20 reads…where sin increased, grace increased all the more. The more we understand our own sinfulness, the more we can delight in God’s grace.
God, my heart is sin city.
I am prideful.
I am selfish.
I am lustful.
I lack self-control.
I spend more time annoyed with people than loving people.
May your grace increase all the more. Let me live in a place called Grace City.
God, my heart is sin city.
I am prideful.
I am selfish.
I am lustful.
I lack self-control.
I spend more time annoyed with people than loving people.
May your grace increase all the more. Let me live in a place called Grace City.
Permanent Link to GRACE CITY Comments 24
Thanks Kyle! I really enjoyed you this weekend! Funny!
Awesome
Thanks Kyle
Thank You Kyle,that was amazing.
I am a follower of Jesus and a fan of God’s loving Grace.
Amazing.
That’s a very cool way to look at it Kyle. My wife and I have been to Vegas a few times and to be honest I always left feeling dirty. I wouldn’t say it out loud, but my thoughts were I’m better than the people of this area. Woe to me and my prideful arrogant ways. I’m sitting here at my computer wearing my “not a fan” t-shirt. I have such a long road to go before becoming a true follower. Thank you God for your grace.
Wow..that totally has me choked up just reading that, incredible words. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of the Central family! Thank you for an awesome message last weekend
Kyle — as a member of Central Christian / Summerlin campus, I read your blog with particular interest.
Pls know that WE are the beneficiaries of your visits to Vegas. Your messages are insightful and drive me to consider my condition — i.e. fan or follower. In fact, my notes of your message are posted at my desk.
Thank you for your contribution to our growth in Christ.
Chuck
Thank you for this Kyle. When I start to count the number of sins my husband has committed against me, I head down a wide, long road of self-righteousness. I can only be pulled back by one simple fact.
My sins are just as great as his. That is a hard thing to swallow, but it is the truth. I am not better than him, or anyone else. Our Savior loves us the same. All of us.
Thank goodness He doesn’t play favorites.
Great post..will bookmark this..thanks
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I’m reading through some of your blog and so far so good. I’m still a little lost on the subject, but plan on bookmarking and coming back. I am researching other webpage and blogs on related topics, so I should have some more information I can share on the subject in later comments. Anyone else who has other resources on the subject would be appreciated.
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