icon__search

Grace Wins

How Grace Works

November 15, 2015 • Toby Henson

1. Grace takes the initiative (4:4-9) We do not initiate salvation. It is a movement of divine grace. Left to ourselves, we would have never pursued God. No one, no one at all, can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them. 2. Grace offers living water (4:10-14) At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit indwells the believer. This means that we will never be without God's presence and power. The living water is a vigorous stream issuing forth in "eternal life" (4:14). 3. Grace knows our dark secrets (4:15-18) There is nothing that God does not know. Not even our thoughts are hidden from God. God has the ability to see the inner heart of every person everywhere simultaneously. 4. Grace gives new life to believers (4:19-30) Jesus pointed the woman to the new life He would provide as the Messiah--the Christ, God's anointed One. As a result of Christ's words, the woman believed on Him and became His witness. 5. Grace bears testimony to Jesus (4:39-42) As the woman shared her testimony, faith was ignited within the Samaritans. God used this social outcast to declare the saving grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Grace of Community

November 8, 2015 • Josh Puckett

The Grace Exchange

November 1, 2015 • Toby Henson

1. The Grace of God Stooped (Philippians 2:6-11) The Son of God stooped to become a servant to others. He stooped low enough to be spat upon, slapped, nailed, and speared. He stooped low, low enough to be buried. He "humbled Himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross" (Phil 2:8). 2. The Grace of God Stepped In (Matthew 27:11-26) Christ's death was unique. He died, but not for what He had done. He was sinless with no penalty to pay. He died for others. He died to pay the penalty for the sins of the world. Jesus voluntarily stepped in and died the death I deserved and you deserved. Grace happened. 3. The Grace of God Saves (Ephesians 2:8-9) "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8). Most people make the assumption that God saves good people. Here Paul declares that salvation is a gift. Our works merit nothing. God's work merits everything. Trust God's grace.