Transformative Grace: A Journey from Rebellion to Faith
Summary
What a privilege it is to be with you in Edmonton, sharing not just a message, but my own journey of transformation. Coming from a background far from faith, my story is a testament to the relentless grace and truth of Jesus. Growing up in Ireland, I was immersed in a culture where Catholicism was more about national identity than genuine belief. My family life was chaotic—my father, a special forces veteran turned outlaw biker, and my own teenage years marked by anger, rebellion, and brokenness. I was the last person anyone would expect to encounter Christ.
But God, in His mercy, reached me through the persistent witness of a young woman who refused to stop talking about Jesus, even when I threatened her. Her courage and conviction rattled me, and eventually, she gave me a Bible with the words, “You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Though I initially treated the Bible as a lucky charm, it became the catalyst for a supernatural encounter with God’s presence. In a hotel room in Germany, with no faith to speak of, I dared God to reveal Himself—and He did. That moment changed everything. I experienced a love and peace I’d never known, and surrendered my life to Christ.
This encounter was not the result of religious tradition or moral effort, but the living Word—Jesus Himself—breaking into my story. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, not as a distant observer, but as one who enters our mess, stays, and transforms. The truth is, our world is still searching for meaning, for truth, for something real. Secularism may be on the rise, but so is spiritual hunger. The Bible is not just a historical document; it is the living testimony of God writing Himself into our story.
Years later, I saw the same miracle in my father’s life. After giving him a Bible, God orchestrated a series of events that led him, too, to faith—transforming him from an outlaw to a leader in Christian ministry. This is the power of the Word: it works, it saves, it restores, and it calls us to be people of both grace and truth. No one is beyond the reach of God’s love. Jesus plus nothing is everything. Wherever you are, whatever your story, trust that God is faithful, and His Word still works today.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Grace Reaches the Most Unlikely
No one is too far gone for God’s grace. My own journey from rebellion and skepticism to faith is proof that God pursues even those who seem most resistant. The persistent love and witness of others can be the very means God uses to break through hardened hearts. [59:20]
- The Word Is More Than a Book—It’s a Person
Scripture is not just a collection of ancient writings; it is the living revelation of Jesus, the Word made flesh. God wrote Himself into our story, not to observe from a distance, but to dwell with us, transform us, and show us the fullness of grace and truth. [01:12:27]
- Truth and Grace Must Walk Together
The world is hungry for truth, but it is also desperate for grace. Jesus embodied both perfectly, and we are called to do the same. When we hold fast to sound doctrine while extending radical grace, we create space for people to encounter the real Jesus. [01:16:49]
- Forgiveness Unlocks Freedom and Redemption
Releasing those who have hurt us is not about their deserving it, but about responding to what God has done for us. Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, breaking the chains of bitterness and opening the door for God to work miracles of restoration—even in the most broken relationships. [01:27:57]
- The Power of Persistent, Faithful Witness
Never underestimate the impact of sharing your faith, even when it seems fruitless. The simple act of giving a Bible, a word of encouragement, or a prayer can set in motion a chain of events that leads to transformation. God is always at work, often in ways we cannot see. [01:00:27]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[45:06] - Cultural Connections: Ireland and Canada
[46:46] - Honoring Church Planters and Prophetic Encouragement
[48:25] - Family Introduction and Lockdown Stories
[49:50] - From Skepticism to Seeking
[51:20] - Growing Up in a Chaotic Home
[54:23] - Teenage Rebellion and Brokenness
[56:22] - Meeting a Faithful Witness
[57:51] - The Confrontation and Unyielding Faith
[59:20] - Encountering Jesus: The Turning Point
[01:02:22] - Wrestling with Emptiness and the First Prayer
[01:04:50] - Radical Transformation and Early Steps of Faith
[01:06:33] - Calling, Church Planting, and Cultural Shifts
[01:08:24] - The World’s Search for Truth
[01:10:33] - The Word Became Flesh: Grace and Truth
[01:16:49] - God Writes Himself Into Our Story
[01:17:57] - A Conversation with Jordan Peterson
[01:20:00] - The Word Works: A Father’s Redemption
[01:27:57] - Prayer for Freedom, Forgiveness, and Faith
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Word Works
---
### Bible Reading
John 1:14 (NIV)
> The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 8:32 (NIV)
> Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
---
### Observation Questions
1. In John 1:14, what does it mean that “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”? How does the sermon describe Jesus’ willingness to enter into our mess? [[01:12:27]]
2. According to the sermon, what was the significance of the young woman’s persistent witness in the speaker’s journey to faith? [[59:20]]
3. What was written in the front cover of the Bible given to the speaker, and why was that verse important in his story? [[01:00:27]]
4. How did the speaker’s father respond when he was given a Bible, and what eventually happened as a result? [[01:20:00]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does John emphasize that Jesus came “full of grace and truth”? How does this combination challenge the way people often approach faith or church? [[01:12:27]]
2. The speaker describes his encounter with God as not the result of religious tradition or moral effort, but a supernatural experience. What does this suggest about how people come to faith? [[01:02:22]]
3. The sermon highlights the power of forgiveness in unlocking freedom and redemption. Why is forgiveness described as a gift we give ourselves, and how does this relate to the gospel? [[01:27:57]]
4. The speaker says, “Jesus plus nothing is everything.” What does this mean in the context of his story and the message of the gospel? [[01:28:53]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The speaker was once the “last person anyone would expect to encounter Christ.” Is there someone in your life who seems far from God? How might you persist in loving or witnessing to them, even if it feels hopeless? [[59:20]]
2. The young woman in the story refused to stop talking about Jesus, even when threatened. Have you ever felt afraid or discouraged to share your faith? What would it look like to be courageously persistent this week? [[59:20]]
3. The sermon says, “The Word is more than a book—it’s a person.” How does this change the way you approach reading the Bible or thinking about Jesus? [[01:12:27]]
4. The world is described as hungry for both truth and grace. In your relationships, do you tend to lean more toward truth or grace? What is one practical way you can better embody both this week? [[01:12:27]]
5. The speaker’s story includes forgiving his father and seeing God restore their relationship. Is there someone you need to forgive or release, not because they deserve it, but because of what God has done for you? What step could you take toward that this week? [[01:27:57]]
6. The simple act of giving a Bible or a word of encouragement set off a chain of events in the speaker’s life. Is there a small step of faith you feel prompted to take for someone else? What is it, and how can you follow through? [[01:00:27]]
7. The speaker says, “Jesus plus nothing is everything.” Are there things you are tempted to add to Jesus in your life for security or meaning? What would it look like to trust that Jesus is enough for you right now? [[01:28:53]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help you trust in His Word, to be people of both grace and truth, and to have courage to persist in faith and witness—even when it seems unlikely.
Devotional
Day 1: The Word Became Flesh—God Dwells With Us
Jesus, the eternal Word, became flesh and made His dwelling among us, not as a distant observer but as one who enters into our mess, our pain, and our reality. He did not come for a fleeting visit or to judge from afar, but to live with us, to reveal the Father’s heart, and to show us what grace and truth look like in human form. This is not just a theological idea but a lived reality: God wrote Himself into our story so that we might know Him personally, experience His presence, and be transformed by His love. No matter your background or brokenness, Jesus came to stay, to heal, and to restore. [01:12:27]
John 1:14 (ESV)
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: In what area of your life do you need to invite Jesus to “dwell” with you, not just visit—where do you need His presence to stay and bring transformation today?
Day 2: The Truth Will Set You Free
There is a deep hunger in every human heart for truth—something real, something that liberates. Jesus promises that when we know the truth, not just intellectually but experientially, we will be set free from the chains of our past, our shame, and our brokenness. This freedom is not found in religious rituals or empty tradition, but in a living encounter with Christ, who is Himself the Truth. No matter how far you feel from God or how unlikely you think your story is, His truth has the power to break every chain and bring true freedom. [01:00:27]
John 8:32 (ESV)
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Reflection: What is one lie or burden you’ve been carrying that you need to bring into the light of Jesus’ truth today, trusting Him to set you free?
Day 3: The Word Works—God’s Faithfulness Transforms Lives
God’s Word is not just a historical document or a set of rules; it is living and active, able to transform even the hardest hearts and the most broken stories. The testimony of changed lives—of rebels, skeptics, and outcasts becoming followers of Jesus—proves that the Word works. When we share God’s Word, even with those who seem farthest from faith, we can trust that God is faithful to use it in ways we cannot imagine. The Word that changed you can change others; never underestimate the power of a simple act of obedience in sharing it. [01:27:57]
Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV)
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who seems far from God? Will you pray for them and look for an opportunity to share God’s Word with them this week?
Day 4: Full of Grace and Truth—Living Like Jesus
Jesus embodied both grace and truth perfectly, never compromising one for the other. As His followers, we are called to reflect this balance in our own lives—offering compassion, forgiveness, and understanding, while also standing firm in the truth of God’s Word. The world is hungry for a gospel that is both authentic and loving, and when we live this way, we become a living invitation for others to encounter Christ. Let us be people who are “cool”—approachable and kind—but also courageous in our faith, never watering down the truth. [01:16:49]
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
Reflection: Is there a relationship or situation where you need to better balance grace and truth? What would it look like to speak the truth in love today?
Day 5: Forgiveness and Release—Freedom Through Christ
Forgiveness is not about excusing what was done or pretending it didn’t hurt; it is about releasing others because of what Christ has done for you. Sometimes the hardest people to forgive are those closest to us—parents, spouses, friends. Yet, as we receive God’s forgiveness, He gives us the grace to forgive and release others, freeing ourselves from bitterness and opening the door for healing and restoration. Even if the other person never knows or changes, forgiveness sets you free to walk in the fullness of God’s love. [01:28:53]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV)
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Reflection: Who do you need to forgive or release to God today—not because they deserve it, but because you have been forgiven in Christ?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 01, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?