One of the most reassuring aspects of Christian life is the knowledge that we do not have to do everything on our own. The challenge of living a Christ-like life is made possible through the gift of great grace - megacharis - from the Spirit. Ever responsive to our needs, it appears that the more obstreperous and quarrelsome our "Christian" communities the more grace becomes available, enabling the ongoing mission of the church to survive despite itself.

The focus on "great grace" as it is presented in this week's text from Acts invites you to discuss with your congregation one of the most powerful and poignant messages of the Bible - the unmerited gift of God's grace to every one of us. Perhaps no aspect of the biblical message has moved the people and politics of the Church as profoundl…