Embracing God's Grace: The Power of Showing Up

God is truly wonderful, and His grace is beyond comprehension. In a world where people often fail to show up—whether for appointments, commitments, or even relationships—God stands apart as the One who always shows up for us. He has shown up most powerfully in Jesus Christ, who established a new covenant, not based on our performance, but on His unmerited grace. This grace is not something we earn or deserve; it is a gift, freely given, that brings us into a living relationship with God. Through Christ, our sins are not only forgiven but forgotten—God erases the hard drive, so to speak, and invites us to live defined by His grace rather than by our failures.

This grace is meant to transform how we live. It gives us the confidence to boldly enter God’s presence, not with fear or shame, but with assurance that we are loved and accepted. Too often, we let guilt or insecurity keep us at arm’s length from God and from one another. But God’s church is to be a place of grace, where we can be real, vulnerable, and known—where we don’t have to hide our struggles or pretend to be perfect. The invitation is to run to the Father, to trust Him, and to let His grace shape our lives and relationships.

Yet, grace is not a license for passivity. We are called to be steadfast, to “show up” for God and for each other. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident or by occasional effort. Just as physical training requires consistency, so does our walk with God. Research and experience both show that regular, intentional engagement with God—at least four times a week—leads to real transformation. This steadfastness is not just for our own benefit, but so we can encourage, serve, and love others. We are called to be 2 a.m. friends—people who love without boundaries and serve sacrificially.

Gathering together is essential. We need each other for encouragement, accountability, and growth. The early church thrived in a hostile culture because they devoted themselves to God’s Word, to fellowship, to sharing life and meals, and to prayer. Their lives were marked by the presence of God, and that drew others in. Let us be a community where grace is not just a doctrine, but a lived reality—where we show up for God, for each other, and for the world.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Grace Is a Gift, Not a Transaction God’s grace is not something we can earn or deserve; it is a gift freely given out of His love. He not only forgives our sins but chooses to forget them, erasing the record completely. This radical grace is unlike any relationship we experience in the world, and it calls us to live with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. Let grace, not guilt, define your relationship with God and others. [22:37]
• 2. Grace Gives Us Bold Access to God’s Presence Because of Jesus, we can approach God with confidence, not fear. We don’t have to hide our failures or pretend to be better than we are. God invites us to come as we are, trusting in His faithfulness and love. When we live in this grace, we are free to be real, vulnerable, and deeply connected to God and His people. [27:39]
• 3. Spiritual Growth Requires Consistency and Perseverance Transformation doesn’t happen through sporadic effort or occasional attendance. Just as physical training requires regularity, so does spiritual growth. Research shows that engaging with God at least four times a week leads to real change, but many quit before they see the fruit because it feels uncomfortable or slow. Persevere through the discomfort, trusting that God is working even when you feel weak or vulnerable. [37:43]
• 4. We Need Each Other for Encouragement and Accountability God designed us to grow in community, not isolation. Gathering together—whether in worship, small groups, or acts of service—provides the encouragement, accountability, and love we need to stay steadfast in faith. Being a 2 a.m. friend and a courageous servant is not just a calling, but a necessity for a vibrant, grace-filled life. [44:31]
• 5. Intentional Pursuit of God Prevents Spiritual Drift Faith does not grow by accident; it requires deliberate, intentional pursuit. If we are not moving toward God, we are drifting away. Examine your life for objective evidence of growth—are you more loving, more generous, more connected to God and others than you were last year? Let the reality of Christ’s sacrifice move you to deeper devotion, not complacency. [49:58]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:10] - The Power of Showing Up
• [03:45] - Our Culture’s Commitment Problem
• [06:00] - Showing Up with God
• [08:15] - Hebrews: Jesus Is Superior
• [10:30] - God Showed Up and Saved You
• [14:08] - The New Covenant and Grace
• [18:09] - God Forgets Our Sins
• [22:37] - Living Defined by Grace
• [26:43] - Boldly Entering God’s Presence
• [31:10] - Vibrant Followers: Living in Grace
• [33:05] - Be Steadfast in the Truth
• [35:15] - The Power of Consistency
• [37:43] - Spiritual Training and Perseverance
• [42:21] - Encouraging and Serving One Another
• [45:28] - The Importance of Gathering
• [48:43] - God’s Warning Against Drifting
• [53:05] - The Early Church’s Devotion
• [54:23] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

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.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV) — 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

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

Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 10:22, what does it mean to “draw near” to God, and what has made this possible for us?
2. What does the sermon say about how God treats our sins once we are in Christ? [[21:47]]
3. In Hebrews 10:24-25, what are believers encouraged to do for one another, and why is this important?
4. What does Ephesians 2:8-9 say about how we are saved, and what does this mean about our ability to earn God’s favor?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says God “erases the hard drive” of our sins and chooses not to remember them. How does this compare to how people usually handle being wronged? [[21:47]]
2. The pastor mentioned that many people struggle to live by grace because most of our relationships are transactional. What does it look like to have a relationship with God that is defined by grace instead of performance? [[22:37]]
3. The sermon and Hebrews 10:23 both talk about “holding fast” to our hope. Why do you think consistency and perseverance are so important for spiritual growth? [[35:15]]
4. The early church in Acts 2:42 devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, meals, and prayer. What impact did this have on their community, and why might these practices be essential for us today? [[53:05]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon says God not only forgives but forgets our sins. Is there a past failure or sin you keep remembering that God has already forgiven? What would it look like to let grace, not guilt, define your relationship with God this week? [[21:47]]
2. The pastor shared that spiritual growth requires regular engagement with God—at least four times a week. How many times a week do you intentionally spend time with God? What is one step you could take to increase your consistency? [[35:15]]
3. The message challenged us to “show up” for God and for each other. Is there a relationship or commitment where you have been absent or inconsistent? What would it look like to “show up” more fully? [[33:05]]
4. The sermon described the church as a place where we can be real and vulnerable, not hiding our struggles. What keeps you from being open with others about your struggles? How could you take a step toward vulnerability in this group or with a trusted friend? [[27:39]]
5. The idea of being a “2 a.m. friend” was mentioned—someone who loves without boundaries and serves sacrificially. Who is someone in your life who needs that kind of friend right now? How could you reach out to them this week? [[44:31]]
6. Hebrews 10:25 warns against neglecting to meet together. What are some obstacles that keep you from gathering regularly with other believers? How can you overcome one of those obstacles this month? [[45:28]]
7. The pastor asked if your faith is different from last year and what objective evidence you can point to. Looking back, can you identify a specific way you have grown in faith, love, or service? If not, what is one area you want to see growth in by next year? [[49:58]]