CONFRONTATIONAL JESUS: Confrontational Grace In this message, we continue the Confrontational Jesus series with a truth that both confronts and frees us: grace is a gift—but it's not always easy to receive. Looking at Ephesians 2:1–10, we're reminded that our lives are not built on our effort, but on God's grace. As A.W. Tozer once said, "What comes to your mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you." Because what you believe about God shapes how you live. We live in a culture that tells us to earn it, prove it, and fix ourselves. But Jesus offers something completely different. In this series, we've been exposing ancient lies that still show up today—and this week, we confront one at the core of our faith: the belief that our effort matters more than God's grace. This is the root of Pelagianism—the idea that grace may help, but ultimately, we save ourselves. It sounds responsible. But it's not the truth. Here's what happens when we struggle to receive grace—and the truths Jesus uses to set us free: We Minimize Our Need We convince ourselves we're not that bad—we're just a little off, a little behind, a little broken. Uncomfortable Truth: You were dead Ephesians 2:1–3 makes it clear—we weren't weak, we were dead in our sin. Disconnected from God, unable to fix ourselves, powerless to make ourselves new. But God, rich in mercy, stepped in. Mercy means we don't get what we deserve. Grace means we receive what we don't deserve. We Maximize Ourselves If we believe we can fix ourselves, we start to center everything around our effort—our discipline, our performance, our ability. Uncomfortable Truth: You can't take credit Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us salvation is a gift—not a reward. It's not earned, achieved, or deserved. Pride says, "I don't need grace." Shame says, "I can't receive grace." Religion says, "I'll earn grace." But humility says, "I need grace." We Miss Our God When we make life about our effort, we shrink God down to what we can achieve. Uncomfortable Truth: God already did what you couldn't While we were dead, He moved. While we were running, He pursued. While we were broken, He came near. Our God is different. He doesn't wait for us to reach Him—He comes to us. Through Jesus, we are made alive, raised up, and given new life—not because of what we've done, but because of who He is. Grace doesn't just save you—it transforms you. It doesn't make you passive—it gives you purpose. Ephesians 2:10 says we are God's masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus to do good works He prepared in advance for us. Here's the tension: Grace is free—but it will confront everything in you that wants to earn it. And that's the invitation: Stop striving. Stop trying to prove yourself. Stop trying to earn what has already been given. Receive it. Because the uncomfortable truth is better than a comfortable lie. And the truth is—grace is enough. The question is: Will you receive it? Scripture References: Ephesians 2:1–10 John 8:32 Romans 3:23 James 4:6 1 Corinthians 15:10 Keywords: Levi Smith, Onechurch, Confrontational Jesus, Confrontational Grace sermon, Ephesians 2 explained, grace vs works, Pelagianism, salvation by grace, identity in Christ, spiritual growth, Christian discipleship, truth vs culture, grace transforms, gospel message, church sermon Seattle, Onechurch NW Join Us This Sunday Plan a Visit (Seattle, WA) → https://www.onechurchnw.co/visit Next Steps → https://www.onechurchnw.co/pathway Give → https://www.onechurchnw.co/give Follow Along Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/onechurchnw TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@onechurchnw
