In this week's message, Pastor Scott explores the extraordinary power of God's grace and its ability not only to save us, but to transform our lives. Drawing from Paul's letter to Titus and the story of Zacchaeus, we discover that God's grace comes to us before we have earned it, before we have repented, and before we have put our lives in order. Through baptism, Holy Communion, and the proclamation of His Word, God pours out His grace upon us, transforming us from the inside out. Rather than relying on willpower, guilt, or shame to change ourselves, we are invited to come as we are, receive God's love, and allow His grace to do the work of transformation.

Bible Verses Referenced

The central Scripture passage is Titus 2:11–15, which Pastor Scott describes as one of the most important yet often overlooked passages in the Bible.

Titus 2:11–15 | The central passage, quoted at the beginning and end of the sermon. God's grace brings salvation and teaches believers to reject ungodliness and live upright, godly lives while awaiting Christ's return.
John 1:16–17 | “Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.” The Law came through Moses, while grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 4:16 | Believers are invited to approach God's throne of grace confidently to receive mercy and help in times of need.
Acts 20:32 | Paul commends believers to God and the word of His grace, which builds them up and gives them an inheritance among those who are sanctified.
2 Corinthians 9:8 | God provides grace abundantly so that believers have everything they need to participate in good works. Pastor Scott notes that the translation he is reading uses “every blessing,” whereas the Greek speaks of grace.
Luke 19:1–10 | The story of Zacchaeus, the wealthy tax collector who climbs a tree to see Jesus. Jesus invites Himself into Zacchaeus's home before Zacchaeus repents, demonstrating that God's grace precedes and produces transformation.
Matthew 11:28–30 | Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, promising that His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

The sermon also makes broader references to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, baptism, and the Lord's Supper, emphasizing these as ways through which God communicates His grace to believers.

One of the sermon's most memorable illustrations is the comparison of trying to change ourselves through willpower to attempting to remove screws with a hammer. Without the proper tool, the task is impossible. Likewise, Pastor Scott argues that God's grace—not guilt, shame, or human determination—is what transforms us.