Transformative Grace: Salvation in the Presence of Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound encounter between Jesus and the two criminals crucified alongside Him, as recorded in Luke 23:32-43. This passage highlights the transformative power of Jesus' presence and the extent of His grace and mercy. Despite the world's brokenness and the pervasive sense of despair, it takes faith to believe that God is still at work, doing something beautiful and redemptive. The story of the thief on the cross serves as a powerful testament to the fact that it is never too late for salvation, and that transformation happens in the presence of the living God.
The narrative underscores that salvation is not about our deeds or words but about the posture of our hearts. The thief who recognized Jesus as Lord experienced a profound change, not through eloquent speech or righteous acts, but through a genuine encounter with Jesus. This encounter led to his salvation, demonstrating that Jesus' grace extends even to those who have lived a lifetime away from God.
We are reminded that while Jesus' grace is boundless, it should not be taken for granted or abused. Living with a theocentric view of life, where God is at the center, helps us recognize the urgency of our own sanctification process. By becoming more like Jesus and carrying His presence with us, we can create opportunities for others to encounter the living God.
In our interactions with others, we should strive to be patiently urgent, focusing on our own spiritual growth and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. This approach ensures that our faith is genuine and that we are true dwelling places for the Holy Spirit, capable of bringing real change to those around us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Amidst Brokenness: It takes faith to look at the world's brokenness and still believe that God is doing something good. Despite the pain, suffering, and chaos, we must hold on to the belief that God is at work, transforming lives and bringing about His redemptive plan. This faith is crucial in maintaining hope and purpose in our lives. [02:04]
2. Salvation Through Heart Posture: The story of the thief on the cross illustrates that salvation is not about our deeds or words but about the posture of our hearts. The thief's recognition of Jesus as Lord, despite his past, led to his salvation. This teaches us that genuine transformation happens through a heartfelt encounter with Jesus, not through our own efforts. [06:00]
3. The Danger of Presuming on Grace: While Jesus' grace is boundless, it should not be taken for granted. Living with the presumption that we can seek forgiveness at the end of our lives is dangerous and unwise. We must recognize the urgency of living a life centered on God, understanding that tomorrow is not promised. [18:00]
4. Patient Urgency in Sanctification: Being patiently urgent means focusing on our own spiritual growth and sanctification, becoming more like Jesus. By carrying the presence of the living God, we create opportunities for others to encounter Him. This approach ensures that our faith is genuine and that we are true dwelling places for the Holy Spirit. [21:56]
5. The Cost of Our Peace: The peace we experience in times of trial comes at a cost. Jesus endured immense pain and suffering to bring us peace and salvation. This encounter with the thief on the cross reminds us of the extent of Jesus' love and the price He paid for our redemption. We must never forget the significance of His sacrifice. [29:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:04] - Faith Amidst Brokenness
[03:17] - Encounter Series Introduction
[04:12] - The Extent of God's Grace
[05:00] - Transformation in His Presence
[06:00] - The Thief's Deathbed Conversion
[07:32] - Jesus at the Center
[08:33] - Mockery and Fulfillment of Scripture
[09:46] - The Criminals' Dialogue
[11:11] - Recognition of Innocence
[12:11] - The Thief's Change of Heart
[13:11] - Eyewitness Accounts in Luke
[14:18] - The Centurion's Testimony
[15:13] - The Thief's Transformation
[16:14] - Jesus' Acknowledgment
[17:09] - Evidence of a Changed Person
[18:00] - The Danger of Presuming on Grace
[19:58] - Theocentric View of Life
[20:54] - Urgency and Patience
[21:56] - Patient Urgency in Sanctification
[24:01] - The Process of Sanctification
[25:34] - Focus on Inner Transformation
[26:54] - Carrying the Presence of God
[27:30] - Jesus' Patient Urgency
[28:12] - Be Reminded of Jesus' Sacrifice
[29:59] - The Cost of Our Peace
[32:03] - Authentic Encounter with Jesus
[33:18] - Bringing His Presence Everywhere
[34:13] - True Dwelling Place for the Holy Spirit
[35:10] - Song of Remembrance
[36:07] - The Kindness of the Lord
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Luke 23:32-43
### Observation Questions
1. What were the two different reactions of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus? ([09:46])
2. How did the thief who recognized Jesus as Lord express his faith? ([12:11])
3. What was Jesus' response to the thief who asked to be remembered in His kingdom? ([16:14])
4. According to the sermon, what does the story of the thief on the cross illustrate about the nature of salvation? ([06:00])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the thief's recognition of Jesus as Lord, despite his past, teach us about the nature of genuine transformation? ([12:11])
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of "patient urgency" in our spiritual growth and interactions with others? ([21:56])
3. What are the dangers of presuming on Jesus' grace, as discussed in the sermon? ([18:00])
4. How does the sermon describe the cost of the peace we experience through Jesus' sacrifice? ([29:59])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt despair due to the brokenness of the world. How did your faith help you see that God is still at work? ([02:04])
2. The thief on the cross experienced a profound change through a genuine encounter with Jesus. Have you had a similar encounter that transformed your heart? How did it impact your life? ([06:00])
3. The sermon warns against taking Jesus' grace for granted. Are there areas in your life where you might be presuming on His grace? How can you address this? ([18:00])
4. What steps can you take to live with a theocentric view of life, where God is at the center of your decisions and actions? ([19:58])
5. The concept of "patient urgency" involves focusing on your own spiritual growth. What specific actions can you take this week to become more like Jesus? ([21:56])
6. Jesus' sacrifice came at a great cost. How can you remind yourself daily of the significance of His sacrifice and let it influence your actions and decisions? ([29:59])
7. Think of someone in your life who needs to encounter the living God. How can you create opportunities for them to experience His presence through your actions and words? ([24:01])
Devotional
### Day 1: Faith in the Midst of Brokenness
Description:
In a world filled with pain, suffering, and chaos, it takes a profound level of faith to believe that God is still at work, orchestrating something beautiful and redemptive. This faith is not a passive acceptance but an active trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances seem bleak. The story of the thief on the cross, who found salvation in his final moments, serves as a powerful reminder that God's grace can penetrate even the darkest situations. Despite the brokenness around us, we are called to hold on to the belief that God is transforming lives and fulfilling His redemptive plan. This faith is crucial in maintaining hope and purpose in our lives. [02:04]
Bible Passage:
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a situation in your life that feels broken or hopeless. How can you actively trust God to bring about something good and redemptive in that situation today?
### Day 2: Salvation Through Heart Posture
Description:
The story of the thief on the cross illustrates that salvation is not about our deeds or words but about the posture of our hearts. The thief, despite his past, recognized Jesus as Lord and experienced a profound change. This transformation did not come through eloquent speech or righteous acts but through a genuine encounter with Jesus. It teaches us that genuine transformation happens through a heartfelt encounter with Jesus, not through our own efforts. This encounter led to his salvation, demonstrating that Jesus' grace extends even to those who have lived a lifetime away from God. [06:00]
Bible Passage:
"For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." (Romans 10:10, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on the posture of your heart today. Are there areas where you need to genuinely encounter Jesus and allow His grace to transform you?
### Day 3: The Danger of Presuming on Grace
Description:
While Jesus' grace is boundless, it should not be taken for granted. Living with the presumption that we can seek forgiveness at the end of our lives is dangerous and unwise. We must recognize the urgency of living a life centered on God, understanding that tomorrow is not promised. This perspective encourages us to live each day with intentionality, seeking to grow in our relationship with God and to reflect His love and grace in our interactions with others. The story of the thief on the cross reminds us that while last-minute conversions are possible, they are not something to be relied upon. [18:00]
Bible Passage:
"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." (Proverbs 27:1, ESV)
Reflection:
Are there areas in your life where you are presuming on God's grace? How can you live more intentionally today, recognizing the urgency of a life centered on God?
### Day 4: Patient Urgency in Sanctification
Description:
Being patiently urgent means focusing on our own spiritual growth and sanctification, becoming more like Jesus. By carrying the presence of the living God, we create opportunities for others to encounter Him. This approach ensures that our faith is genuine and that we are true dwelling places for the Holy Spirit. It is a delicate balance of being patient with ourselves and others while also recognizing the urgency of our spiritual journey. This patient urgency helps us to be more effective in our witness and more authentic in our faith. [21:56]
Bible Passage:
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:12-13, ESV)
Reflection:
In what ways can you practice patient urgency in your spiritual growth today? How can you create opportunities for others to encounter the living God through your actions?
### Day 5: The Cost of Our Peace
Description:
The peace we experience in times of trial comes at a cost. Jesus endured immense pain and suffering to bring us peace and salvation. The encounter with the thief on the cross reminds us of the extent of Jesus' love and the price He paid for our redemption. We must never forget the significance of His sacrifice. This awareness should lead us to live lives of gratitude and reverence, recognizing that our peace was bought with a great price. It also calls us to share this peace with others, pointing them to the source of true peace and salvation. [29:59]
Bible Passage:
"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you live in a way that honors the sacrifice Jesus made for your peace? What steps can you take today to share this peace with someone who needs it?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "But it does take faith to look at this world and believe that God is still doing something good. To believe that God is still saving. To believe that God is still doing something beautiful. In church, the big C, in the little church, in us, in every single one of us individually, it takes faith to believe that." [02:04] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "My mission statement today is that change, transformation, freedom, salvation. It happens in his presence. And I'll dive more into that. But it's not from our speech. It's not from our words. It's not from what we say. It's not from what we do. But it's whenever his presence is here. Whenever we invite his presence into this place." [05:00] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "This is proof that Jesus is willing to forgive someone of their sins after a lifetime of evil without repentance. And this is the extent of his grace and mercy. This is the extent of his love. That he would die a shameful death as an innocent man. That he would go through the pain. Go through the suffering. So that we could be saved." [17:09] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Because maybe today God is just simply encouraging you. To look a little bit more like him today. Maybe God is encouraging you to look at your inner being. Maybe not the words you say. How eloquent you are. But if in your heart. It truly is a transformation that has happened. And in your heart. That you are caring. And you are a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit." [26:16] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The goal is to be a middle ground. It's not to do what you want. And then go to the Lord at the end of your life. But it's also not to just say Jesus is Lord. Because you think you should. Jesus wants that authenticity. That whenever you encounter his presence. That whenever you encounter his love. That that's what changed you. Not how good someone can say something. Not how strong the feeling was. But the reality of encountering his presence." [32:03] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "But it does take faith to look at this world and believe that God is still doing something good. To believe that God is still saving. To believe that God is still doing something beautiful. In church, the big C, in the little church, in us, in every single one of us individually, it takes faith to believe that. Because it's so discouraging to look at this world and think, man, things are just not... It's not good. It's so easy to look and say... Things are not going how it should. There's pain. There's suffering." [02:04] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "This is proof that Jesus is willing to forgive someone of their sins after a lifetime of evil without repentance. And this is the extent of his grace and mercy. This is the extent of his love. That he would die a shameful death as an innocent man. That he would go through the pain. Go through the suffering. So that we could be saved. But that brings me into my first point. Which is that the extent of his grace does not give you an opportunity to abuse it." [17:09] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I think we've become too comfortable with significant vocabulary. What crucifixion was. What crucifixion is. A shameful death for the worst of the worst criminals. What forgiveness is. What forgiveness of our sins actually looks like. What sin is. What death is. The fact that we are dead in our sins but because of Jesus we could be a new person. We've developed a culture of comfortability that has put us in a dangerous place of thinking that we'll always be fine." [18:48] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Because maybe today God is just simply encouraging you. To look a little bit more like him today. Maybe God is encouraging you to look at your inner being. Maybe not the words you say. How eloquent you are. But if in your heart. It truly is a transformation that has happened. And in your heart. That you are caring. And you are a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. Because the one thing that I do know. And that we can take rest in. It is one of my favorite verses. I have probably said it in multiple sermons. I think I even said it on Monday. 2 Peter 3 verse 9." [26:16] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The goal is to be a middle ground. It's not to do what you want. And then go to the Lord at the end of your life. But it's also not to just say Jesus is Lord. Because you think you should. Jesus wants that authenticity. That whenever you encounter his presence. That whenever you encounter his love. That that's what changed you. Not how good someone can say something. Not how strong the feeling was. But the reality of encountering his presence. Again I'm not trying to convince anyone to become a Christian. But I'm diving more into myself to look more like Jesus. Because that's what's going to cause change." [32:03] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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