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
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2025
January
Study Questions for January 5, 2025We Learn TogetherStaffing Changes This YearWeather Alert for This Sunday January 5Belong TogetherMembership MattersWeather Alert for Sunday January 12Study Questions for January 12, 2025Study Questions for January 19, 2025Worship TogetherCalling All Men (and help from ladies)Tax Info and 2 Core ValuesPray TogetherStudy Questions for January 26, 2025What a Response Thank YouStudy Questions for February 2, 2025Jesus Steps Forward
February
Jesus Meets a Variety of ResponsesStudy Questions for February 9, 2025God Is at Work in our LivesNew Check-In ProcessBe a Sidekick - Make a Lasting DifferenceJesus and the Kingdom of GodStudy Questions for February 16, 2025New Check-In ProcessStudy Questions for February 23, 2025Jesus and His Power in MinistryThe Hardest Days - Prayer for the Millers in SpainJesus and the Process of DiscipleshipStudy Questions for March 2, 2025
March
TOGETHER - Membership at CFCStudy Questions for March 9, 2025Jesus and His Service to PeopleStudy Questions for March 16, 2025Jesus and His Mission on EarthQuarterly Operations ReportWhat an Encouragement - Membership ClassStudy Questions for March 23, 2025Jesus and the Sacrificial LifeStudy Questions for March 30, 2025You've Been ServedEaster is 3 Weeks Away
April
Jesus Prepares for SacrificeGod Was Glorified through our StudentsStudy Questions for April 6, 2025Study Questions for April 13, 2025The Crucifixion of JesusIt's Next ThursdayIt is FinishedThe Resurrection of JesusStudy Questions for April 20, 2025New Sermon Series: The End Is NearStudy Questions for April 27, 2025All Caught UpStudy Questions for May 4, 2025The Signs Are EverywhereA New Ministry is Launching
May
June
Magnify God's CareStudy Questions for June 8, 2025Waiting to Take the FieldPray for High School & Middle School CampsGod Is the Owner of EverythingStudy Questions for June 15, 2025Magnify God's LoveIt's a PrivilegeStudy Questions for June 22, 2025Magnify God's ForgivenessStudy Questions for June 29, 2025Magnify God's FaithfulnessThe Challenge of Freedom
July
Study Questions for July 6, 2025A New InitiativeStudy Questions for July 13, 2025The Heart of PraiseServe Alongside a Medical TeamCrying out in LamentStudy Questions for July 20, 2025Welcoming Our New MembersStudy Questions for July 27, 2025Trusting God's ProtectionPrayer for Back to SchoolStudy Questions for August 3, 2025Mea Culpa
