“Beholding the Grace of Jesus” - 5pm The River Service

This sermon teaches that people gradually become like whatever they continually behold, and that spending a lifetime gazing upon the grace of Jesus transforms believers into people marked by humility, compassion, and mercy rather than pride, fear, or self-righteousness. Reflecting on Romans 9 and Paul's anguish for Israel, it explains that Paul's compassion flowed from his deep awareness that he himself had been saved solely by God's gracious choice, not because of his own goodness or religious achievements. The message emphasizes that salvation is entirely the work of God from beginning to end, leaving no room for boasting while creating hearts that see others with the same grace Christ first extended to them. Ultimately, the sermon invites listeners to examine what they are truly beholding, because the more they fix their eyes on the real Jesus, the more their lives will reflect His love, humility, and compassion.