Jesus is for grace: Dec 29 sermon summary

This weekend, Jason spoke on the concept of grace, its relationship with love and law, and how it transforms lives. It explores a well-known biblical episode from John 8, where Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery and faces the dilemma of upholding the law or showing love.

As He does so well, Jesus exemplifies the nature of grace. Grace unites love and law, fulfilling both. Jesus embodies this unity by upholding the law while showing love to sinners. Jesus proclaimed the "Year of the Lord’s Favor," signifying liberation and restoration—a fulfillment of the aspirational Year of Jubilee.

Next, we see how grace requires action: staying in Jesus' presence and confessing His truth. The woman caught in adultery exemplifies this by remaining before Jesus and recognizing His authority. Grace is neither passive acceptance of love nor merely a second chance to obey; it involves embracing both God's love and His law.

Lastly, we learned about the power of grace. Grace transforms by freeing us from past sin and shame and offering a new future. It helps re-narrate our stories with a redemptive purpose. For those prone to see grace as only love, confession is crucial for healing. For those who view grace as another chance to obey, accepting God's love can rewrite destructive narratives.

Grace empowers us to face our past honestly and move toward a future of restoration and purpose. The cross and resurrection exemplify Jesus’ fulfillment of the law through love, providing grace to all who remain in His presence and truth.

Friends, we are encouraged to reflect on grace's role in our own personal transformation, and to ponder how we can align our lives with Jesus’ example of love fulfilling the law.

Title: Jesus is for Grace

Biblical Text: Luke 4:17-19

Teaching Series: Jesus is for Everyone

Preaching Date: December 29, 2024

Preacher: Jason C. Helveston