Grace and Mercy

Short Talk (SHT007) Grace and Mercy © Jane Hulme 2015 Aim of Short talk: Main themes: Biblical references: Props: (SHT007) To explain what the words “Grace” and “Mercy” mean. Grace, mercy Ephesians 2:4-5, 8, Titus 2:11, Revelation 22:21, John 3:16, Luke 1:50, Romans 9:15, 12:1 Large box of chocolates in a bag (hidden), three placards on string that say, “BILL,” “JUDGE,” and “BILL’S DAD.” Table and chair for judge. Words for Judge (“Bill you are guilty of shop- lifting. I am fining you £1000.”) and words for Bill’s dad (“Bill, I know that you are sorry for what you have done. I will pay your fine totally and completely”) SHORT TALK: “GRACE AND MERCY” ........................................................................................................................ This morning I want to look at two words that we find in the Bible when we talk about God.  The two words are Grace and Mercy The word Grace is used approximately one hundred and twenty seven times in the New Testament about God,  so what does it mean?  What is grace? To help us think about that, I have a gift in this bag.  Who would like to receive this gift?  OK, come forward now. (When child/young person arrives at the front give them a large box of chocolates) You weren’t expecting that were you?  I hope you really enjoy these chocolates.  Do sit down. Some of you may wonder why I gave N (name of person) that large box of chocolates.  Have they done something particularly good to earn it?  Have they done really well in their exams?  Have they behaved really well in church? I gave that box of chocolates to N simply as a way of showing them unconditional, unearned, and undeserved love,  and if I was richer, I would give you all a box! Grace is when God gives us something that we don’t deserve,  and the biggest gift that God offers us is His love. We cannot earn God’s love, however hard we try,  We don’t deserve God’s love, however good we are,  We simply need to receive it. © Jane Hulme 2015 2 It is because God loves us that He sent Jesus to earth,  to live among us,  then to die on a cross,  so that we could receive forgiveness for our sins,  and begin a lifelong loving relationship with Him. Grace  and He gives us what we don’t deserve. means that God is good all the time..... So what about mercy?  What is that? I need three people to help me show what mercy is. (Three people come forward)  Let me introduce you to them. This is Bill (Hang placard around his neck that says “BILL”)  This is a Judge, who sits in court (Hang placard around his neck that says “JUDGE” and then lead him to sit down behind a table)  This is Bill’s dad (Hang placard around his neck that says “BILL’S DAD”) One day Bill did something very wrong.  He chose to shop-lift some bars of chocolate from Poundland.  As he left the shop he got caught and the police were called.  A few months later he ended up in court before a judge (Lead Bill over to stand before the Judge) Listen to what the Judge said to him: (Give the Judge the words below to speak)  “Bill you are guilty of shop-lifting. I am fining you £1000.” (Lead Bill away from the Judge) Now there was no way that Bill could pay the fine because he only got £2 pocket money a week.  He faced the next few summers working hard in the fields picking celery to try and earn the money. Imagine if Bill’s dad then said to Bill:  “Bill, I know that you are sorry for what you have done. I will pay your fine totally and completely.”  That would be mercy. Mercy  We all deserve to be punished by God for the wrong things that we do,  but instead of punishing us....Jesus took the punishment and we are given love is when God does not give us what we do deserve. instead.  That is mercy. So GRACE is when God gives us what we don’t deserve,  and MERCY is when God does not give us what we do deserve.  Thank you to our helpers.....would you like to sit down. © Jane Hulme 2015 3