Relationships in HD — Part 15: For the Saint and the Sinner

Description: In Part 15 of Relationships in HD, Pastor Eric goes to the very foundation of every Christian relationship: whether or not we are truly children of God. Launching from the line, “For the saint and for the sinner… there’s enough grace for the whole wide world,” he confronts a common assumption—that everyone is automatically God’s child—and shows from Scripture that only those who believe and receive Jesus are adopted into the Father’s family.

From John 1 and John 8, Pastor Eric contrasts empty religion with true salvation: serving, giving, being “churchy,” even being on the membership roll is not the same thing as being born again. He shares his own story of years of doubt, “hope-so hands,” and self-righteous striving, and how the Lord finally broke through at an altar in 1987 with one simple invitation: “Just ask Me, and I will.” From that moment, the Christian life moved from fear and uncertainty to the security of a Father who never lets go.

From there, this message unfolds the generous heart of God the Father. In Luke 11 and 12, Jesus teaches that if flawed human parents know how to give good gifts, how much more does our Father in heaven delight to give the Holy Spirit, daily provision, and even the kingdom itself. Pastor Eric shows how a distorted view of earthly fathers can warp our view of God—and how Scripture corrects that picture with a Father who is approachable, generous, and stable, not stingy, distant, or constantly angry.

Deeply personal and thoroughly gospel-centered, this sermon calls both the religious and the rebellious to real assurance in Christ, and invites believers to live like secure sons and daughters—resting in the Father’s delight, resisting the lies of the enemy, and reflecting the generosity of heaven in their everyday relationships.

Key Scriptures (NKJV): John 1:11–12; John 8:44; John 3:16–17; John 10:27–29; Luke 11:9–13; Luke 12:22–34; James 1:16–18; Hebrews 4:14–16; Hebrews 12:2; Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:3–5.

Highlights:

• Child of God or just religious? Why serving, giving, and being in church isn’t the same as being born again.

• Believe and receive: Not everyone is automatically God’s child—but everyone who trusts Christ is adopted, forgiven, and welcomed.

• Pastor Eric’s testimony: From years of doubting and praying “just in case” to finally trusting that Jesus wanted him and had truly saved him.

• Hope-so hand vs. know-so assurance: Moving from vague wishing to confidence in God’s promises.

• Fighting doubt: “Grab the devil by the tail” and drag him back to the cross—if God lied, He wouldn’t be worth following, but He cannot lie (Titus 1:2).

• The Father’s generosity: Every good and perfect gift comes from Him; He delights to give the Holy Spirit, daily bread, and the kingdom.

• “How much more?” If flawed parents give good gifts, how much more does our Father value and care for His children.

• You are worth more than the birds: Correcting a culture that often values animals and environment over people—God says you are of greater value.

• Security in the Father’s hand: No one can pluck Christ’s sheep out of His hand or the Father’s hand (John 10:27–29).

• New identity, new family, new future: Adoption, inheritance, reservation in heaven, and the peace that passes understanding.

• Relational impact: When we know we are loved, wanted, and secure, it reshapes how we parent, mentor, and disciple others.

Next Steps: If you’re unsure whether you’re truly a child of God, start there: read John 1:11–12 and John 3:16–18, and honestly ask, Am I trusting my goodness—or Christ’s finished work? If you haven’t, call on Him in faith and receive Him as your Savior.

If you belong to Christ but struggle with doubt, write down John 10:27–29, Romans 8:15–16, and James 1:17–18. Pray through them this week and, whenever accusation comes, “drag it back to the cross” and rest in what God has promised, not what you feel.

Then, ask the Father to help you live like His child: choose one way to reflect His generosity, patience, and delight—whether toward your kids, your spouse, or someone younger in the faith. Thank Him that there is grace enough for the saint, grace enough for the sinner, and grace enough for you.