Embracing God's Grace: The Power of Community

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Grace: He Shows Up and Saves Us

God’s grace is the foundation of our faith—He is the one who initiates, who promises, and who fulfills. We do nothing to earn His love or salvation; He shows up, makes a new covenant, and chooses to remember our sins no more. This is not a transaction but a gift, freely given through Jesus’ sacrifice, so that we are brought into His family, covered by His grace, and made new. When we truly grasp that God is the actor, the one who says “I will,” it changes how we see ourselves and our relationship with Him. [24:00]

Hebrews 10:15-18 (ESV)
And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,
“This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws on their hearts,
and write them on their minds,”
then he adds,
“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to believe that God’s grace truly covers you—where do you still feel you need to “earn” His love? Ask God to help you receive His gift as a child today.

Day 2: Living Boldly in God’s Presence

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are invited to boldly enter God’s presence, not with fear or shame, but with confidence that we are accepted and loved. The barriers are gone; we are cleansed, forgiven, and welcomed. When we understand this, we stop hiding, stop letting guilt and insecurity define us, and instead run toward God, trusting that His opinion is the one that matters most. This security frees us to pursue Him, to be open with others, and to let His grace shape our lives. [31:59]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Reflection: What is one fear or insecurity that keeps you from drawing near to God or others? How might you take a step of boldness today, trusting in His acceptance?

Day 3: Steadfastness: Holding Firm to the Truth

Faith is not a one-time event but a daily, steadfast commitment to hold tightly to God’s promises, even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or costly. Our feelings and the culture around us will always offer reasons to drift, but true transformation comes from consistently showing up, digging in, and persevering through the hard parts of the journey. God is faithful—He keeps His word—and He calls us to be steadfast, to trust Him, and to let His truth shape us more than our circumstances or emotions. [37:31]

Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Reflection: Where have you been tempted to “drift” or give up in your faith journey? What is one practical way you can recommit to steadfastness this week?

Day 4: Encouraging and Serving One Another in Community

God’s grace calls us not only into relationship with Him but also into community with others, where we are called to encourage, motivate, and serve one another in love. Real transformation and healing happen as we gather, share life, confess, and pray together—being the kind of friend who shows up at 2 a.m., who listens with compassion, and who helps others stand firm. We are not meant to walk this journey alone; God gives us the gift of community to strengthen, challenge, and support us as we grow together. [45:56]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: Who in your life needs encouragement or support right now? How can you intentionally show up for them this week, offering love and presence?

Day 5: Responding to Grace: Devotion and Growth Together

The early church responded to God’s grace by devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer—showing up for God and for each other. Their genuine love and unity became a powerful witness to the world, bearing fruit that no program or performance could produce. We are invited to take a step deeper, to commit to gathering, learning, and growing together, so that Christ’s love and grace can be seen and shared in our lives and community. [55:01]

Acts 2:42 (ESV)
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to deepen your commitment to Christian community—whether joining a group, sharing a meal, or praying with others?

Sermon Summary

Showing up is more than just being present; it’s about engaging with God and others in a way that transforms our lives. In a world where people often fail to keep their commitments—even to themselves—God stands apart as the One who always shows up. He initiated a covenant with us, not because of anything we did, but purely out of His love and grace. Through Jesus, God has written His law on our hearts, forgiven our sins, and brought us into His family. This grace is not just a theological concept; it’s the foundation of our identity and the source of our freedom. We are called to remember and live in this grace, not letting guilt or shame define us, but instead letting God’s forgiveness shape our lives.

Living in God’s grace means we can boldly enter His presence, no longer hiding in fear or insecurity. The barriers are gone; we are invited to draw near, to be honest about our struggles, and to let God’s love and truth transform us. This isn’t a solitary journey. God calls us into community, where we encourage, support, and hold each other accountable. Real change happens not in isolation, but as we gather, confess, pray, and serve together. The early church thrived because believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, and prayer—showing up for God and for each other.

Steadfastness is essential. Our feelings and the culture around us will always offer reasons to drift, but true growth comes from consistently showing up, even when it’s hard or inconvenient. Like exercise, spiritual growth often feels more difficult before it gets better, but persistence leads to transformation. We need each other for this journey—people who will encourage us, challenge us, and walk with us through the ups and downs.

There’s also a warning: to treat God’s grace as common or to drift away is to miss out on the life He offers. We’re invited to examine our direction—are we moving closer to God, or away? The call is to take a step deeper, to commit to community, and to let God’s grace not only save us but shape us. When we show up for God and each other, we experience a love and transformation that the world cannot offer. Let’s be a people who remember, who gather, who serve, and who live out the grace we’ve received.

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Key Takeaways

1. God’s Grace Is the Foundation, Not a Transaction God’s covenant with us is entirely His initiative—He says, “I will,” and fulfills it through Jesus. We contribute nothing to our salvation; it is a gift, not a reward. This grace is not just a starting point but the ongoing reality that shapes our identity and frees us from guilt and shame. Remembering and living in this grace is essential for a vibrant faith. [24:00]
2. Boldly Entering God’s Presence Transforms Us Because of Jesus, we are invited to approach God with confidence, not fear. The old barriers are gone; we don’t have to hide our brokenness or pretend to be better than we are. When we truly grasp God’s acceptance, we stop letting insecurity and shame keep us distant, and we run toward Him, allowing His love to define us. [32:43]
3. Steadfastness in Faith Requires Consistency, Not Convenience Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident or occasional effort. Like physical training, it requires showing up consistently, even when it feels hard or progress seems slow. True transformation often comes after a period of struggle, and it’s in the persistent, daily pursuit of God—especially with others—that we experience real change. [41:58]
4. Community Is God’s Design for Growth and Protection We are not meant to walk this journey alone. God calls us into relationships where we can encourage, challenge, and support one another. Real love and acceptance are found when we are vulnerable and accountable in community, helping each other stand firm in truth and experience healing and growth together. [48:53]
5. Neglecting God’s Grace and Community Has Consequences There is a sober warning against treating God’s grace as common or drifting away from the community of faith. Deliberate, ongoing neglect leads us away from the life God intends. We are called to examine our direction, recommit to gathering, and let God’s grace not only save us but continually shape our lives and relationships. [52:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[19:15] - The Power of Showing Up
[21:00] - Showing Up for Your Faith
[22:22] - Jesus: The Superior Covenant
[24:00] - God Shows Up and Saves Us
[25:58] - The Miracle of Grace and Forgiveness
[27:44] - Living in God’s Gift of Grace
[30:50] - Boldly Entering God’s Presence
[32:43] - No More Hiding: Security in Christ
[34:35] - Vibrant Followers and Abiding in Christ
[36:29] - Steadfastness and Holding to Truth
[41:58] - The Cost and Reward of Consistency
[45:56] - Encouraging and Serving One Another
[47:57] - The Necessity of Gathering
[51:53] - God’s Warning Against Drifting
[55:01] - The Early Church: Devotion and Community
[57:52] - Prayer and Commitment
[67:12] - Communion: Remembering Grace
[69:08] - Closing Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 10:19-25 (ESV) — 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,
20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 10:19-22, what gives us confidence to enter God’s presence?
What are the specific actions the writer of Hebrews encourages believers to take in verses 22-25?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the main reason God initiated a covenant with us? ([24:00])
What does the pastor say happens when we neglect gathering with other believers? ([48:53])

Interpretation Questions

The passage says we can “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” What does it mean to approach God with confidence instead of fear or shame? How might this change someone’s relationship with God? ([32:43])
The pastor describes God’s grace as the foundation of our identity, not just a theological idea. How does this understanding of grace challenge the way people often view their worth or standing before God? ([27:44])
The sermon compares spiritual growth to physical training, saying it often feels harder before it gets better. Why do you think consistency is so important for spiritual growth, even when it feels inconvenient or slow? ([41:58])
The pastor warns that treating God’s grace as “common” or neglecting community has consequences. What are some of those consequences, and why do you think community is so essential for faith? ([52:59])

Application Questions

The pastor said, “God shows up and saves us… What did we do? Nothing.” Do you ever struggle to accept that God’s grace is a gift and not something you earn? How does this affect the way you approach God? ([24:00])
Hebrews 10:25 warns against neglecting to meet together. Are there times when you’ve been tempted to drift away from community or church? What were the reasons, and what helped you return or stay connected? ([47:57])
The sermon talked about boldly entering God’s presence and not hiding in shame or insecurity. Is there an area of your life where you tend to hide from God or others? What would it look like to bring that into the light this week? ([32:43])
The pastor said, “Real change happens not in isolation, but as we gather, confess, pray, and serve together.” Is there someone in your life you could encourage or support this week? What’s one practical way you could do that? ([51:53])
The sermon compared spiritual growth to exercise, saying it often gets harder before it gets better. Is there a spiritual practice (prayer, Bible reading, serving, etc.) that you find difficult to stick with? What’s one step you could take to be more consistent? ([41:58])
The pastor challenged everyone to “take a step deeper” into community. What would that look like for you right now? Is there a group, team, or relationship you feel God nudging you to commit to? ([56:15])
The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship.” What’s one way you can be more devoted to God’s Word or to Christian community this month? ([55:01])

Sermon Clips

``Notice who the actor is. I will. God is saying, I will. I promise. I commit myself to you. I will do this. I will show up and do what you cannot do for you. That I will make this covenant with you. By my work, you will be brought into a covenant. You will become my people again. Because I will provide the sacrifice through Jesus Christ's blood. [00:23:47] (29 seconds) #GodPromisesPresence

And so God promises to show up and save us. And he did it. And he did it because of his love for us. What did we do? Nothing. Nothing. God makes it possible. God pays the price through his son, who he and Nuno said took on sin and received our combination. our punishment, our hell, and paid our debt in full. [00:24:41] (39 seconds) #GracePaidItAll

That's the beauty of amazing grace for you and I. And he extends this covenant to us today. I mean, he extends it through baptism. He's like, I'm bringing you into a covenant relationship where I am doing the work. I have called you. I have taken you from your death of sin. And given you from you were born of sin, a child of wrath. And made you a child of God. [00:26:23] (30 seconds) #GraceInAction

See, when we do confession absolution, you don't do confession absolution to get forgiveness. God has already given you his grace. You do confession absolution so you can apply that grace in your life. You can remember, you can hear those words again, that he remembers your sins no more. You're forgiven and free. Don't let guilt, don't let shame defy. [00:29:02] (27 seconds) #GraceOvercomesFear

No, you can't forgive yourself. That's why you're still stuck in this place. You need a God who has authority and has the ability, who has earned it to forgive you. So you need to hear it again and again and again because Satan points and Satan points and the world points and we point ourselves and we just rip ourselves apart and get guilt and shame all in us. And you've got to remember you are forgiven by God's grace. [00:30:12] (34 seconds) #GraceCompelsUs

I mean, we truly understand God's grace and experience God's grace. It moves us, it compels us to move to him and to run to him even more. This is what they longed for so long in the Old Testament that they never got. In fact, the holy places, you couldn't even go in. And he's saying, look, there's a new gatekeeper. There's a new person leading the temple. It's Jesus. [00:31:59] (27 seconds) #BoldInFaith

See, when you understand God's grace, you stop hiding. You stop worrying about what people think about you. You stop letting sin bring insecurity, anxiety, that anybody could accept you. You live in the secure confidence that the God, whose opinion matters, loves and accepts you just as you are in your dirt, in your gold, of just your good and your bad. Your sinners say he loves you, you're his. [00:33:11] (36 seconds) #SteadfastDespiteFeelings

See, if you have that security, you're not hiding from God. You're not hiding from the things of God. You're not saying I'm not good enough, I'm not worthy. I can't get closer to him. You run boldly right at him. You go for it. [00:33:48] (18 seconds) #TrueAcceptanceInCommunity

Let us think of ways to motivate one another in acts of love, good works. I mean, Hebrew takes a quick turn and says, you know, there is a personal journey that you have and responsibility of your calling, and God is calling you. I mean, that grace, there it's for you should hold steadfast and you should live in that grace. But that grace also calls you into a community, to his family, and gives you responsibilities for your brothers and sisters, those around you. [00:46:19] (25 seconds) #RelationshipsOverPrograms

The early church, man, said, God showed up for me. And I'm going to show up for Him. And I'm going to do that. I'm going to love Him and love others. It's that simple. We're going to live in that love that was given to us. We're going to live in that grace that was given to us. We're going to share that grace. [00:55:33] (16 seconds)

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