TRANSFORMATION FORUM

A while back, I started a self-discussion to challenge myself regarding my values relative to possessions. As an advocate for community transformation through Jesus Christ, I am challenged by the purpose and value of labor. Basically, “for whom do I labor and to what end?” When I consider all the dynamic upheaval occurring in our nation and worldwide, it can be earth shaking! It is if nature is in rebellion, exercising the most violent characteristics of its supernatural laws. Volcanic eruptions, floods, oil gushing forth from the core of the earth, tornados striking without sufficient warning, are all direct confrontations with humanity. In those violent upheavals, we are helpless. All our possessions born of technology fail utterly. The secondary affects of these disasters tax our economic resources as we throw money at the violence. We learn quickly that no amount of money will stop the oil gushing, the erupting volcanoes, or the deflect hurricanes in the opposite direction. Literal

Editor's note:  On the June 17, 2010, my father sent this letter regarding "by grace alone."  It is with great pride that I post this letter on Transformation Forum."  While I personally enjoyed this letter, their is great value in sharing my father's thoughts and perspectives on this most basic doctrine of  Christianity.  This letter is share with all in love and in great hope!  Pastor Steve Perez On June 6th, I received an E-mail entitled “By Grace Alone,” immediately the rusty wheels of my eighty-one year old brain began to rumble and squeak as they began to slowly turn. Questions began to assail my mind: What is grace? Where does it come from? How does one obtain it? What role does it play in our Christian life? As I began to search my mind, I felt compelled to address this most beautiful subject in the TRANSFORMATION FORUM as my humble contribution. As a simple definition, grace is god’s love to us. However, in a more expended definition, it is much more