Christianity Explored: Grace – How Can God Accept Us? Rev. Vicki Harrison

Christianity Explored: Grace – How Can God Accept Us? April 6, 2025 | Rev. Vicki Harrison This week in our Christianity Explored series, we wrestle with one of the most important and often misunderstood aspects of our faith: grace. What does it really mean? How can God accept us—just as we are? Using Mark 10:17–27, Pastor Vicki walks us through the story of a man who asks Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” This man seems to have everything going for him: wealth, moral character, religious obedience. But Jesus responds not by praising him, but by challenging him to give everything up and follow him. The man walks away sad, unable to release what he holds most dear. In contrast, just before this interaction, Jesus welcomes little children and says the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. The irony is clear: the man who had everything still lacked what really matters, and the children who had nothing were already close to the heart of God. This message challenges the idea that we can earn God’s love through good behavior or a perfect track record. Instead, grace means God offers us acceptance, love, and new life—not because we deserve it, but because he loves us. It’s not about earning God’s approval. It’s about depending on Jesus completely. Grace is the undeserved love of God freely given, and it is the only thing that can bridge the gap between our sin and God’s holiness. If we think we can earn our way to God, we miss the point entirely. But if we acknowledge our dependence, receive God’s grace, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts, we begin to live the new life Jesus offers. Watch the full message and reflect on the questions below. Let this be a moment where grace takes root deeper in your life. Discussion Questions Do you see yourself in the young man in Mark’s scripture? Why or why not? How are you totally dependent on Jesus? How are you not dependent? Have you fallen into the trap of thinking God might love some people more than others? Have you accepted God’s free gift of grace? How is the grace of Jesus pouring out of you? Or is it?