Grace: The Grace of the Gospel (Randy)

In this lesson, we look at the “Grace of the Gospel.”  Sometimes we forget what the gospel message really is and how it can transform our lives. Here, we go back to some of the basics and view the gospel message through Paul’s letter to the Galatians.  What is the good news, and why does it matter?  In this season of Thanksgiving, let’s reflect on all that God has done for us.

Listen to the Grace of the Gospel

Grace: ThanksGIVING (Chris)

As we approach a uniquely American holiday, we will reflect this week on how Thanksgiving helps us to understand God's universal grace and our proper response to it.  The words "thanks" and "giving" reflect the cycle of gratitude and generosity inherent in our love of God and love for others.

Listen to Grace: ThanksGiving
Handout

Grace: One Day at a Time (Randy)

Have you ever worried about the future or fretted over regrets from the past? Intuitively, we know these behaviors are unhealthy and might even remember that Jesus warns against them, but how does God’s grace factor in?   Where is it when we are in our deepest despair?  In this lesson, we explore how God’s promise of grace is as sure as the sunrise, but how and when God dispenses it differs from how many of us would like God to operate, and that leads us astray. Listen to see how God’s presence and grace actually works in our lives.

Listen to Grace: One Day at a Time

Grace: Grace in Celebration and Sorrow Part 2 (Chris)

Our fall series has been exploring the fundamental role of grace in our faith.  We again will consider "applied grace."  How does God's grace engage with us personally, particularly in our best moments and in our worst?

We also will consider Christ's teaching in John 15 to "abide in me."  What does this mean, and how can the teaching help us to live more grace-filled lives?

Listen to Grace in Celebration and Sorry Part 2
Lesson Plan

Grace: Grace in Celebration and Sorrow Part 1 (Chris)

Our fall series has been exploring the fundamental role of grace in our faith.  For the next two weeks, we will consider "applied grace."  How does God's grace engage with us personally, particularly in our best moments and in our worst?

We will start with Christ's teaching in John 15 to "abide in me."  We then will explore episodes of celebration and sorrow in the Bible and will examine how God's grace was present.  (Hint: the Holy Spirit was involved.)

Listen to Grace in Celebration and Sorrow Part 1
Lesson Plan

Grace: Grace First! (Chris)

Grace expresses the transformational love of God in our lives.  It is the foundation of our salvation and the essence of our relationship with Christ.  It also should be the FIRST element of our faith.

This week, we will continue exploring the nature of grace and its power in our lives.  We will reflect on how grace relates to other elements of discipleship like trust, obedience, peace, and joy.  We also will consider a provocative question: are you in love with God?  We hope you enjoy this conversation.

Listen to Grace First!

Handout

Grace: A World of Ungrace (Randy)

Grace is one of the most unnatural things in the world, and it is unique to our Christian faith. However, we live in a culture of ungrace which makes it difficult for us to accept God’s grace and live the transformed lives God promises. Where does this ungrace come from, and how do we overcome it? Join us tomorrow to explore these questions.

Listen to A World of Ungrace