The Power of God’s Word and a Beautiful Picture of Grace
Can one copy of God’s Word change the direction of a person’s life? This special service from Clayton First Assembly of God shares inspiring accounts of people encountering Jesus through the distribution of Scripture before exploring one of the Bible’s most beautiful pictures of God’s grace.
Sharing God’s Word Around the World
The service begins with a presentation about the ministry of The Gideons International. For more than a century, Gideons have placed Bibles and New Testaments in hotels, hospitals, schools, medical facilities, military settings, and other places where people may be searching for hope.
Among the stories shared is that of a wounded Marine struggling with depression in a field hospital. He remembered the New Testament he had received before leaving for military service, opened it to Psalm 40, and encountered the hope of the Lord. Another testimony tells of a nursing student who received her first Bible. Through that Scripture and the encouragement of a local church, she came to know Christ—and her family’s life was changed as well.
These accounts remind us that we may never fully know what God will accomplish through one Bible, one conversation, one gift, or one faithful act of obedience.
Joshua Stands Before the Lord
The sermon then turns to Zechariah 3, where Joshua the high priest stands before the Lord wearing filthy garments. Satan stands nearby as an accuser, pointing to Joshua’s guilt and unworthiness.
Joshua does not defend himself. Instead, the Lord speaks on his behalf, rebukes the accuser, orders the filthy garments to be removed, and gives Joshua clean clothing. It is a powerful picture of what God’s grace does for us.
We cannot erase our own sin or make ourselves worthy of salvation. Jesus Christ stands on our behalf. Through His sacrifice on the cross, our sin can be forgiven and we can receive a new life that we could never earn through our own efforts.
Not by Might, but by God’s Spirit
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”
Zechariah 4:6
Lasting spiritual freedom does not come through human strength, philosophy, influence, or determination alone. The Holy Spirit can break the hold of sin, addiction, guilt, and spiritual bondage. He changes people from the inside out and makes all things new.
Grace Is Greater Than the Accusation
The enemy may remind you of your past and insist that you are unworthy, but God’s grace speaks a better word. Jesus knows every failure, every struggle, and every hidden part of our lives—and He still offers mercy, forgiveness, and restoration.
Watch this special service to hear moving stories about the worldwide impact of God’s Word and discover how Joshua’s changed garments reveal the life-changing grace available through Jesus Christ.
