Grace: Our Foundation and Assurance in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: God Will Take Care of You

No matter the troubles or dangers that surround you, God promises to care for His children and provide for their needs. When life gets dark and you cannot see your way, you are invited to turn your worries over to Jesus, trusting that what is too big for you is never too big for the Lord. The Lord’s care is not just a distant hope but a present reality—He is a doctor in the sick room, a lawyer in the courtroom, a heart fixer, and a mind regulator. You are called to stop striving in your own strength and let God be your provider, knowing that He will take care of you in every circumstance. [19:31]

Matthew 6:24-34 (ESV)
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are trying to take care of yourself instead of trusting God to provide? How can you surrender that area to Him today?

Day 2: The Good News of Grace for All

Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, not something earned by good works or religious rituals. Even when you feel unworthy or have made mistakes, God’s grace is extended to you through faith in Jesus Christ. The gospel is not just for the strong or the righteous, but especially for the poor, the broken, and those who feel left out. Just as Jesus gave sight to the blind and raised the dead, He offers new life and hope to all who believe, regardless of their past. The good news is that God’s grace is enough for you, and you are saved by believing and belonging to Him. [43:27]

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

Reflection: Is there a part of your past or a mistake that makes you feel unworthy of God’s love? How can you receive and rest in His grace today, knowing you are saved by faith and not by works?

Day 3: The Power and Presence of the Trinity

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all active in creation, salvation, and the life of every believer. Jesus is not just a good teacher or prophet—He is the very fullness and image of God, and the Holy Spirit is the Comforter who abides with us. The unity and power of the Trinity assure us that God is always with us, guiding, empowering, and sustaining us. When you pray, you are speaking to a God who is both transcendent and intimately present, and you can trust in the truth and reliability of His Word. [28:10]

John 1:1-3, 14 (ESV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. … And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is fully God and that the Holy Spirit is with you change the way you approach prayer and daily life? What is one way you can acknowledge the presence of the Trinity today?

Day 4: Baptism and Obedience Flow from Faith

Baptism by submersion is a biblical act that follows belief in Jesus Christ, symbolizing death to the old self and new life in Him. While baptism does not save you, it is an outward sign of the inward faith you have received. The early church practiced baptism by immersion, and believers are called to follow Jesus’ example and teaching, not out of obligation but out of love and obedience. No matter your background or how you were baptized, what matters most is your faith in Christ and your willingness to follow Him wherever He leads. [34:31]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”

Reflection: If you have been baptized, how does your baptism remind you of your commitment to follow Jesus? If you have not, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience?

Day 5: The Gospel Is for Sharing—Lift Up Jesus

The world needs to hear the good news of Jesus Christ, and you are called to lift Him up in your words and actions. Many have forgotten who Jesus is or have taken Him off the calendar of life, but you are invited to keep Jesus alive in your heart and community by sharing the gospel. The gospel is not just a message for Sunday mornings but a living hope that brings light in darkness, rest for the weary, and transformation for all who receive it. As you go about your day, remember that you are a witness to the power of Jesus, and someone needs to hear the good news through you. [27:22]

Romans 1:16 (ESV)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Reflection: Who is one person in your life who needs to hear the good news of Jesus? How can you share His love and hope with them this week?

Sermon Summary

Grace is the foundation of all that God has done for us. From the opening words of “Amazing Grace,” it is clear that our story is one of being lost and found, blind and now able to see, not by our own merit but by the mercy of God. Life brings trouble, heartache, and nights of uncertainty, but the assurance is that Jesus will fix it—He is the one who steps into our furnace, who walks with us through the fire, and who takes care of us when we cannot take care of ourselves. The call is to stop worrying, to trust in the Lord, and to remember that He is the light that shines in our darkness.

The truth of who Jesus is must remain central. He is not just a good man or a prophet, but the very Son of God—God in the flesh, the Word made flesh who dwelt among us. The doctrine of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is not a theological abstraction but the living reality of God’s presence and work in creation, redemption, and our daily lives. The Bible is clear and trustworthy, and our faith is anchored in its testimony.

Baptism by submersion is a biblical practice, but it is not the means of salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. The outward act of baptism is a testimony of an inward faith, a public declaration that we belong to Christ. The gifts of the Spirit are not evidence of salvation but are given to those who already believe, as a sign of God’s grace and calling.

The gospel that Jesus preached is good news for the poor, the broken, and the overlooked. It is not just about forgiveness of sins, but about the kingdom of God breaking into our lives—healing, restoring, and providing for every need. The same God who takes care of the birds of the air promises to take care of us. We are called to seek first the kingdom of God and trust that all other things will be added. The gospel is not just for the afterlife, but for the here and now, for every trouble, every need, and every longing of the heart.

Key Takeaways

1. Grace is the starting point and the sustaining power of our lives. We are not saved by our works, our goodness, or our religious rituals, but by the unearned favor of God. Even the faith to believe is a gift from Him, and our response is to trust and rest in His provision, knowing that He gives daily bread even before we ask for forgiveness. [43:27]
2. The identity of Jesus as the Son of God, fully divine and fully human, is non-negotiable. The doctrine of the Trinity is not just a theological point but the heartbeat of our faith—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working together in creation, redemption, and sustaining us. To know Jesus is to know God, and to hold fast to the truth of Scripture is to stand on a sure foundation. [28:10]
3. Baptism is a public witness to our faith, not the means of our salvation. Whether baptized by submersion or sprinkling, what matters is faith in Christ. The early church’s practice of baptism by submersion is rooted in Scripture, but salvation is always by grace through faith, not by ritual or tradition. [34:31]
4. The gospel is not just about forgiveness of sins, but about the kingdom of God breaking into our present reality. Jesus’ ministry was marked by healing, restoration, and provision for the poor and marginalized. The good news is that God cares for every aspect of our lives—He supplies our needs, heals our wounds, and invites us to trust Him with every burden. [55:28]
5. God’s care is personal and practical. We are often tempted to take matters into our own hands, to worry about our needs, and to strive for security. But the invitation is to seek first the kingdom, to trust that God will supply all our needs, and to rest in the assurance that He is able to open doors no one can shut and to take care of us in ways we cannot imagine. [25:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[10:11] - Amazing Grace and Testimony of God’s Grace
[11:31] - Songs of Assurance: Jesus Will Fix It
[13:22] - Witnessing God’s Deliverance
[17:19] - God’s Care in Times of Trouble
[19:31] - The Word Made Flesh: Who Is Jesus?
[20:52] - Jesus, the Light and Friend
[23:29] - Trusting God Over Worry
[25:39] - Seek First the Kingdom
[27:22] - Lifting Up Jesus in Our Generation
[28:10] - The Trinity and the Identity of Christ
[32:05] - The Authority of Scripture and Baptism
[34:31] - Salvation by Faith, Not Ritual
[43:27] - The Gospel for the Poor and the Power of Grace
[55:28] - God’s Provision and Care
[60:38] - Encouragement for Students and Families
[62:04] - God’s Faithfulness Through Life’s Challenges
[63:31] - God Opens Doors No One Can Shut
[65:11] - Invitation to Christ and Closing Blessing
[66:53] - Giving and Final Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 1:1, 14 (ESV) — > In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

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

3. Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV)
> Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Observation Questions

According to John 1, who is described as "the Word," and what does it mean that the Word became flesh?
In Ephesians 2:8-9, what is the basis of our salvation, and what is not?
In Matthew 6, what does Jesus say about worry and how God provides for our needs?
The sermon says, “Grace is the starting point and the sustaining power of our lives. We are not saved by our works, our goodness, or our religious rituals, but by the unearned favor of God.” What examples did the pastor give to show that grace comes before our own efforts? [[43:27]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon emphasizes that Jesus is not just a good man or prophet, but the Son of God—God in the flesh. Why is this truth so important for our faith and daily life? [[28:10]]
The pastor said, “The gospel is not just about forgiveness of sins, but about the kingdom of God breaking into our present reality.” What does it look like for God’s kingdom to break into our lives today? [[55:28]]
Baptism was described as a public witness to our faith, not the means of salvation. Why do you think it’s important to make this distinction? [[34:31]]
The sermon mentioned that even the faith to believe is a gift from God. How does this understanding affect the way we view our own faith and the faith of others? [[43:27]]

Application Questions

The pastor said, “Stop worrying, to trust in the Lord, and to remember that He is the light that shines in our darkness.” What is one area of your life where you struggle with worry? What would it look like to trust God with that specific concern this week? [[25:39]]
The sermon talked about God’s care being personal and practical, like providing daily bread even before we ask for forgiveness. Can you share a time when you saw God provide for you in a way you didn’t expect? How did that impact your trust in Him? [[43:27]]
The pastor said, “The gospel is good news for the poor, the broken, and the overlooked.” Who in your life right now might need to hear or experience this good news through you? What is one thing you can do for them this week? [[55:28]]
The sermon emphasized that the gifts of the Spirit are not evidence of salvation, but are given to those who already believe. How does this shape the way you think about spiritual gifts and your own walk with God? [[34:31]]
“Seek first the kingdom of God and trust that all other things will be added.” What is one practical way you can put God’s kingdom first in your decisions this week? [[25:39]]
The pastor shared stories about people who trusted God through hard times and saw Him open doors no one could shut. Is there a situation in your life where you need to trust God to open a door? How can the group pray for you in this area? [[01:03:31]]
The sermon said, “Even the faith to believe is a gift from Him.” If you’re struggling with doubt or feeling weak in faith, what would it look like to ask God for help and to rest in His grace instead of your own strength? [[43:27]]

Sermon Clips

I'm so glad that salvation is before and not after. I'm so glad that when you pray, you say, give us this day our daily bread. And then you say, forgive us. I'm glad it's not inverted where I got to ask for forgiveness to get daily bread. [00:47:45] (16 seconds) #SalvationComesFirst

And that is the gospel. That is the gospel. Jesus died for us when we were yet without sin. We were yet sinners. Christ died for us. And that's what the Bible says over in Romans. Romans, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. It tells us that the way to sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. All have sinned. Everybody comes short. Everybody and the Lord saves. [00:49:00] (23 seconds) #ChristDiedForSinners

The gospel, the gospel for the poor, the gospel for the poor is take no thought for your life. What you're going to eat and what you're going to wear. Your heavenly father already know what you have need of. Oh, help me quick somebody. You need to understand that God, the good news of the gospel is that God will supply all your need according to his riches and glory. [00:51:52] (22 seconds) #GodProvidesAllNeeds

If you come over on the Lord's side, if you come over on the Lord's side, you will find out that God will supply all your need according to his riches and glory. You trying to get a house, you want to get a nice car, you want to get a nice bed, you want all this stuff. The Bible says, seek ye first the kingdom of God. And what he says is right. And all these things shall be added unto you. [00:52:14] (26 seconds) #SeekFirstTheKingdom

But I want you to know that God can supply all your need according to his riches in glory. And the gospel is that God will take care of you. The gospel is that God can make you look better than anybody ever going to look. The gospel is that God take care of the birds. And if he take care of the birds, he will take care of you. [00:54:28] (23 seconds) #GodCaresForYou

Somebody need to tell that God wants to take care of you. He wants to take care of you. You trying to spend all your energy trying to take care of yourself? He wants to take care of you. Oh help me somebody. You can't tie because you trying to take care of yourself. I got to take care of myself. I got to look out for myself. I got to look out for myself. I got to look out for myself. But I want to tell you, you're not doing too good of a job. [00:54:57] (23 seconds) #GodWantsToCare

The good news is that God will take care of you. The good news is that he is a doctor in the sick room. The good news is he is a lawyer in the courtroom. He is a heart fixer and a mind regulator. He has come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. That's before he went to the cross. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest unto your souls for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. [00:56:27] (29 seconds) #GodIsOurHealer

You know that the Lord can open doors that no man can close and can close doors that no man can open. Amen? Amen. I want you to know that we offer Christ to you. If you're here today, today's a mighty good day to give your life over to the Lord. [01:04:30] (15 seconds) #OpenClosedDoors

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