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

Greetings Pastor Nick,

Thank you for your thoughtful and affirming response. You beautifully summarized the heart of Ephesians 2:8-9: “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.” This passage is a cornerstone of our understanding of salvation—it is not earned, but freely given. Your reflection rightly emphasizes that the Sermon on the Mount is not a checklist for merit but a blueprint for grace-filled living.

An additional verse that complements this truth is Titus 2:14: “[Christ] gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” This verse reinforces that good works are the fruit of redemption, not the root of it. It highlights the transformation that grace brings—purifying us and stirring a desire to reflect God’s goodness through our actions.

Your insight into the partnership between grace and good works is both profound and practical. When we understand that our works are a response to grace, not a requirement for it, we are freed to serve with joy rather than obligation. Practically, this means encouraging one another through testimonies, acts of service, and spiritual disciplines that keep our hearts aligned with God’s purpose. Grace becomes the fuel for compassion, humility, and perseverance.

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 encouragement—celebrating small acts of faithfulness, offering support during trials, and reminding each other of God’s promises. Creating spaces for vulnerability and prayer allows grace to flourish, even in hardship.

What are some ways your community has seen grace lead to transformation in unexpected places?

Blessings, Pastor William