Greetings Pastor Edward,

Your response to Pastor Nick beautifully affirms the liberating truth of Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” This passage anchors our faith in the unearned gift of salvation and rightly positions the Sermon on the Mount as a blueprint for living out that grace, not earning it. You also referenced Titus 2:11-12, which teaches that grace is not passive but instructive—empowering us to live godly lives in the present age.

A verse that further illuminates this grace-driven transformation is Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” This verse reminds us that grace is not only the foundation of salvation but also the fuel for sanctification. God’s Spirit actively shapes our desires and actions, aligning them with His will and enabling us to live faithfully.

Biblically, grace is both the beginning and the journey of our walk with Christ. Practically, it means living with humility, extending forgiveness, and serving others with joy. When we understand that our good works are a response to grace—not a requirement for it—we are freed to love boldly and serve generously. In community, this looks like encouraging one another through prayer, sharing testimonies of growth, and walking together through trials with grace-filled hearts.

You asked, “How might you, as a community, actively encourage one another to live out this grace-filled calling, especially when facing challenges in our daily lives?” One way is by cultivating a culture of celebration—recognizing and affirming moments of spiritual growth, no matter how small. Another is by creating rhythms of grace, such as regular confession and encouragement, that remind us we are all works in progress under God’s loving hand.

What are some ways we can help believers recognize that grace is not just a doctrine—but a daily invitation to transformation?

Blessings, Pastor Jacob