This past Sunday, Pastor Gustafson delivered a powerful message on Reformation Sunday, taking us on a journey with Martin Luther to rediscover the transformative grace of God. We were reminded of the profound impact of Luther's revelation that salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by works but freely given through faith in Jesus Christ. If you couldn't join us, here are some key takeaways that we hope will inspire and motivate you throughout the week:

Rediscovering Grace: Pastor Gustafson emphasized that the Reformation was not just about finding what was lost but understanding how God seeks us out. Through the story of Martin Luther, we were reminded that God's grace is always present, waiting to be rediscovered in our lives.

The Dance of Faith: The sermon highlighted the "dance" between God and believers. Just as we respond to familiar cues in worship, we are invited to respond to God's call in our daily lives, recognizing His presence in every moment.

God's Pursuit: Reflecting on the parables of the lost coin, sheep, and prodigal son, we learned that God rejoices when He finds us. We are called to embrace this joy and share it with others, knowing that we are cherished and found by Him.

As we reflect on these powerful messages, let's approach this week with a renewed sense of gratitude for God's unending grace. Let us seek to deepen our faith, share the joy of being found with others, and remember that we are always welcomed back into His loving arms.

October 26, 2025 Sermon

Reading

• Ephesians 2:8
• Genesis 3
• Luke 15

Warm Up

• Reflect on a time when you felt "lost" in your faith journey. What brought you back to a sense of spiritual direction?
• How do you currently understand the concept of "salvation by grace through faith"?

Scripture Exploration

• Read Ephesians 2:8. What does this verse tell us about the nature of salvation?
• In Genesis 3, how does God respond to Adam and Eve's sin? What does this tell us about God's character?
• Explore Luke 15. What common theme do you see in the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and prodigal son?

Personal Reflection

• How does understanding salvation as a gift from God change your perspective on your own spiritual efforts?
• Consider the role of Martin Luther in the Reformation. How did his actions reflect the themes found in Ephesians 2:8 and Luke 15?
• What does it mean for God to "find" us in our sin and shame? How does this impact your understanding of God's love?

Personal Application

• In what areas of your life are you relying on your own efforts rather than God's grace? How can you shift this perspective?
• How can you share the message of God's grace and "finding" with others in your community this week?
• Plan a specific action you can take to deepen your understanding of grace, such as a Bible study, prayer time, or service project.
• Reflect on how you can be a "Martin Luther" in your context, standing firm in the truth of the Gospel and being a catalyst for positive change.