Hello Pastor Larry,

Your response to Pastor Adam beautifully summarizes his reflection on the human condition and the hope we find in Christ. You highlighted his powerful statement, “In recognizing our inability to meet God’s standards, we are compelled to turn to the One who can bridge the gap between our fallen state and His divine perfection, Jesus Christ our Lord.” This truth captures how the Sermon on the Mount exposes our need for grace while pointing us to the Savior who fulfills what we cannot.

A fitting complementary verse is 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” This verse reinforces the depth of Christ’s redemptive work—He took our sin upon Himself so that we could receive His righteousness. It summarizes the great exchange that makes salvation possible and highlights the transformative nature of God’s grace.

These truths remind us that redemption is not merely a theological concept but a lived reality. Practically, embracing Christ’s sacrifice means walking daily in humility, confessing our dependence on Him, and allowing His Spirit to shape our attitudes, choices, and relationships. When we live with gratitude for His grace, our lives naturally reflect His love to others.

You asked, “How can we actively embrace and reflect the transforming power of Christ’s sacrifice in our daily lives?” One meaningful way is by practicing intentional obedience—choosing forgiveness when wronged, extending compassion when it’s inconvenient, and seeking holiness in both public and private moments. These small, consistent acts become visible expressions of Christ’s work within us.

How have you seen believers in your fellowship grow as they’ve leaned more fully into the transforming grace of Christ?

God Bless You, Pastor Gene