Sola Gratia
Grace is the unmerited favor of God.
Ephesians 2:1-3
“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.”
Grace alone gives us sight.
John 9:39-41
39 Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”40 Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?” 41 “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.
Luke 23:39-43
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Grace alone makes us gentle.
Ephesians 2:4-9
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Grace alone makes us grateful.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Grace alone makes us givers.
Grace alone makes us gracious.
My song is love unknown–
my Savior’s love to me;
love to the loveless shown,
that they might lovely be.
Oh, who am I, that for my sake
my Lord should take frail flesh and die?
-“Love Unknown” by Samuel Crossman
Ephesians 2:1-3
“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.”
Grace alone gives us sight.
John 9:39-41
39 Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”40 Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?” 41 “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.
Luke 23:39-43
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Grace alone makes us gentle.
Ephesians 2:4-9
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Grace alone makes us grateful.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Grace alone makes us givers.
Grace alone makes us gracious.
My song is love unknown–
my Savior’s love to me;
love to the loveless shown,
that they might lovely be.
Oh, who am I, that for my sake
my Lord should take frail flesh and die?
-“Love Unknown” by Samuel Crossman
Posted in Message Notes
Categories
Archive
2025
January
Staffing Changes This YearWe Learn TogetherStudy Questions for January 5, 2025Weather Alert for This Sunday January 5Membership MattersBelong TogetherStudy Questions for January 12, 2025Weather Alert for Sunday January 12Calling All Men (and help from ladies)Worship TogetherStudy Questions for January 19, 2025Tax Info and 2 Core ValuesStudy Questions for January 26, 2025Pray TogetherWhat a Response Thank YouJesus Steps ForwardStudy Questions for February 2, 2025
February
God Is at Work in our LivesJesus Meets a Variety of ResponsesStudy Questions for February 9, 2025New Check-In ProcessBe a Sidekick - Make a Lasting DifferenceJesus and the Kingdom of GodStudy Questions for February 16, 2025New Check-In ProcessJesus and His Power in MinistryStudy Questions for February 23, 2025The Hardest Days - Prayer for the Millers in SpainStudy Questions for March 2, 2025Jesus and the Process of Discipleship
March
TOGETHER - Membership at CFCJesus and His Service to PeopleStudy Questions for March 9, 2025Quarterly Operations ReportJesus and His Mission on EarthStudy Questions for March 16, 2025What an Encouragement - Membership ClassJesus and the Sacrificial LifeStudy Questions for March 23, 2025Easter is 3 Weeks AwayYou've Been ServedStudy Questions for March 30, 2025
April
God Was Glorified through our StudentsJesus Prepares for SacrificeStudy Questions for April 6, 2025It's Next ThursdayThe Crucifixion of JesusStudy Questions for April 13, 2025The Resurrection of JesusIt is FinishedStudy Questions for April 20, 2025New Sermon Series: The End Is NearAll Caught UpStudy Questions for April 27, 2025A New Ministry is LaunchingThe Signs Are EverywhereStudy Questions for May 4, 2025
May
June
Waiting to Take the FieldMagnify God's CareStudy Questions for June 8, 2025Pray for High School & Middle School CampsMagnify God's LoveStudy Questions for June 15, 2025God Is the Owner of EverythingIt's a PrivilegeMagnify God's ForgivenessStudy Questions for June 22, 2025Magnify God's FaithfulnessStudy Questions for June 29, 2025The Challenge of Freedom
July
Study Questions for July 6, 2025A New InitiativeThe Heart of PraiseStudy Questions for July 13, 2025Serve Alongside a Medical TeamStudy Questions for July 20, 2025Crying out in LamentWelcoming Our New MembersTrusting God's ProtectionStudy Questions for July 27, 2025Prayer for Back to SchoolMea CulpaStudy Questions for August 3, 2025