Church_in_the_park_2025

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Grace Outshines the Deepest Darkness

No matter how much darkness or brokenness surrounds us, God’s grace is always greater. In times when sin seems to be increasing—whether in our city, our families, or our own hearts—God does not pull away. Instead, He pours out even more grace, meeting us right where we are. There is no situation too hopeless, no person too far gone, and no city too broken for the reach of God’s love and mercy.

This truth means we never have to fear that the world’s problems are too big for God. When we see pain, injustice, or despair, we can remember that God’s response is not to abandon us, but to move toward us with even more compassion. His grace is a light that cannot be overcome by darkness, and He invites us to trust in His power to redeem and restore.

“But as for you, do not be afraid, my servant Jacob, declares the Lord, for I am with you. I will make a full end of all the nations among whom I have scattered you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.” (Jeremiah 46:28, ESV)

Reflection: Where do you see darkness or brokenness in your life or city that feels overwhelming? Ask God to show you how His grace is greater in that very place today.

Day 2: Grace Is a Gift, Not a Reward

Grace is not something we can earn, achieve, or deserve. It is a gift, freely given because of what Jesus has done for us. Our own efforts, goodness, or religious activity cannot make us right with God—only His mercy can. This truth humbles us, reminding us that we are completely dependent on God’s kindness, not our own performance.

When we truly grasp that grace is a gift, it frees us from striving and self-condemnation. We can rest in the finished work of Jesus, knowing that we are loved and accepted because of Him. This also helps us extend grace to others, since we recognize that none of us stand before God on our own merit.

“For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and return to this land. For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.” (2 Chronicles 30:9b, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to try to earn God’s approval? How can you rest in His gift of grace instead of your own efforts today?

Day 3: New Life Means Ongoing Transformation

The new life we receive through God’s grace is not just a second chance—it is a complete transformation. When we trust in Jesus, our past no longer defines us. God gives us a new identity as His beloved children, and He invites us to continually leave behind what is old and step into what He is doing now.

This transformation is not a one-time event, but an ongoing journey. Each day, God calls us to let go of old patterns, fears, and lies, and to embrace the newness He offers. As we walk with Him, He shapes us more and more into the people He created us to be.

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: What is one old habit, thought, or identity God is inviting you to leave behind today? What step can you take to embrace the new life He offers?

Day 4: Living as a Testimony of Grace

Our lives are meant to be living testimonies of God’s grace. The way we live, the choices we make, and the love we show are all ways the world sees what God has done in us. We are called not just to talk about grace, but to demonstrate it through our actions, our words, and our character.

When we let God’s grace shape us, it becomes visible to those around us. People notice the peace, kindness, and hope that flow from a life touched by God. Our everyday lives become a witness to the reality of Jesus, inviting others to experience His grace for themselves.

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can show God’s grace to someone in your life today—through your words, actions, or attitude?

Day 5: Becoming Channels of Grace to Others

God’s grace is not meant to stop with us. He pours out His love and mercy on us so that we can share it with others. Just as we have received undeserved favor, we are called to extend that same grace to our neighbors, coworkers, and city. God’s grace comes down to us (vertical), but it is meant to flow out from us (horizontal).

Being a channel of grace means looking for opportunities to serve, forgive, and bless those around us. It means being willing to step into the messiness of people’s lives, just as God stepped into ours. As we share His grace, we become part of His work of healing and restoration in the world.

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.” (Proverbs 11:25-26, ESV)

Reflection: Who is one person in your neighborhood, workplace, or city who needs to experience God’s grace through you? What is one way you can tangibly share His love with them this week?

Sermon Summary

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The sermon focused on the powerful reality of God’s grace for the city of Quincy, emphasizing that no matter how much sin and brokenness exist in the world, God’s grace is even greater. Drawing from Romans 5:20 and Ephesians 2:8, it was highlighted that grace is an undeserved gift, not something we can earn or achieve. Through Jesus, we are given new life, and the old is left behind. The enemy seeks to destroy, but Jesus brings abundant life, and His grace and mercy are still available today. As recipients of this grace, we are called to live in a way that shows the world we belong to God, and to share this grace with our neighbors, turning God’s vertical grace into horizontal grace for those around us.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s grace is always greater than the darkness around us. Even when sin seems to be increasing in our city or in our lives, God’s response is not to withdraw, but to pour out even more grace. This means we never have to fear that the brokenness we see is too much for God to handle.
2. Grace is not something we can earn or deserve. It is a gift, given freely because of what Jesus did on the cross, not because of our own goodness or effort. This truth humbles us and reminds us to rest in what God has done, not in what we can do.
3. The new life we receive through grace is not just a fresh start, but a complete transformation. The past no longer defines us; instead, we are invited to step into a new identity as children of God. This newness is ongoing, calling us to continually leave behind what is old and embrace what God is doing now.
4. Our lives are meant to be living testimonies of God’s grace. The way we live, the fruit we bear, and the love we show are all ways the world sees what God has done in us. We don’t just talk about grace—we demonstrate it through our actions and character.
5. Grace is not meant to stop with us. God’s grace comes down to us (vertical), but it is meant to flow out to others (horizontal). We are called to be channels of grace in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and city, sharing with others the same undeserved favor we have received.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: God’s Grace for Our City**

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### Bible Reading

- Romans 5:20
“But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.”

- Ephesians 2:8
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

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### Observation Questions

According to Romans 5:20, what happens when sin increases in the world?
How does Ephesians 2:8 describe the way we are saved?
In the sermon, what are some ways God’s grace is described as being greater than the brokenness in our city?
What does the sermon say about the difference between the old life and the new life we receive through Jesus?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul emphasizes that grace increases even more when sin increases? What does this say about God’s character?
The sermon says grace is a gift, not something we can earn. How might this truth change the way someone views their relationship with God?
The message talks about leaving the old behind and stepping into a new identity. What might it look like for someone to actually do this in their daily life?
The sermon mentions that our lives are “living testimonies” of God’s grace. What does it mean for someone’s life to show God’s grace to others?

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### Application Questions

Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed by the brokenness or sin around you—either in your own life or in our city. How does the truth that God’s grace is always greater change the way you respond?
Are there areas in your life where you still try to “earn” God’s favor instead of resting in His gift of grace? What would it look like to let go of that striving this week?
The sermon says the past no longer defines us. Is there something from your past that you have trouble letting go of? How can you take a step toward embracing your new identity in Christ?
Who in your life needs to see or experience God’s grace through you right now? What is one practical way you can show them grace this week?
The message talks about turning “vertical grace” (from God to us) into “horizontal grace” (from us to others). What is one specific way you can share God’s grace with a neighbor, coworker, or someone in your community this month?
When you think about your daily actions and words, do they reflect the new life you have in Jesus? Is there a habit or attitude you want to change so that your life better shows God’s grace?
The enemy wants to destroy, but Jesus brings abundant life. Are there places in your life where you feel stuck in old patterns? What is one step you can take this week to walk in the new life Jesus offers?

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Sermon Quotes

Sin has increased all over the world, but God’s grace has increased even more. Despite the sin and death around us, God’s grace has not been overcome.

Grace means favor that is not deserved. We don’t deserve God’s grace, but the promise is that His grace will abound.

God’s grace gives us a new life—the old is behind us and the new is here.

The enemy wants to destroy everything, but Jesus has come to bring life and life abundantly. His grace and mercy are still active and available today.

You haven’t saved yourself; it is a gift from God. God didn’t choose you because of how great you are, but because of what Jesus has done on the cross for you.

Your life is how you tell the world that you are a child of God. Our fruits are what prove to the world around us what God has done for us.

Now that God has given us His grace, it is our job to share His grace with our neighbors. We take God’s vertical grace and spread it to our neighbors—horizontal grace.

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