Grace Alone by Kathy Johnson Opening Sing "Today Your Mercy Calls Us" (LW 347, LBW 304, All God's People Sing 249) or "Rock Of Ages Cleft For Me" (LW 361, LBW 327, TLH 376) or "Oh, How He Loves You and Me" from The Other Song Book. God Alone is Good "I clearly recognize that all good is in God alone, and that in me, without divine grace, there is nothing but deficiency" (Catherine of Genoa, 1447­1510). On October 31, seven years after Catherine of Genoa died, Martin Luther posted his 95 theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, taking the concerns he saw within the church to the public level. There would be no turning back. For Luther, the cry of the Reformation resounded in the words: Sola Fide (Faith Alone), Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) and Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone). Grace Alone This Bible study focuses on Grace Alone. When you think of the word "grace" what comes to mind? Manners? Coordination? Your favorite aunt? Read Ephesians 2:4-9 and write a definition of the grace that is essential in our relationship with God and our hope for eternity. Giving Grace We are often careful to give people only what they deserve, forgetting the grace God so freely gives us. Only God can grant perfect grace, but as recipients of His grace, we can extend grace to others. Read the following passages and note how grace is granted to the undeserving. Genesis 6:8, 17-18 1 Samuel 9:1-7 Luke 23:39-43 When have you received undeserved kindness from someone? How have you extended grace to another person? How can these examples be used as we witness to those who don't know of Jesus' saving grace? Do We Need Grace? People are the crown of God's creation. He loves us dearly. Can't He just overlook our shortcomings? Why do we need grace from God? Read Ephesians 2:1-3 and note the spiritual implication of our sin. How are we described prior to salvation? Can we have salvation and freedom from sin and death according to Ephesians 2:12-13? Why? How are we reconciled or brought near to God? The Origin of Grace God first showed his compassion to Adam and Eve in the garden, by promising a Savior. Generations of God's people eagerly awaited the fulfillment of this covenant. Why and how did grace come to us? John 1:14-17 Romans 5:12-17 Colossians 1:19-20 Forever Changed There are some experiences in life that change us forever, but none as great as when the Holy Spirit works faith in our hearts. Read the following verses and describe what happens to us because of God's grace at work in us. Acts 15:11 Romans 5:1-2 2 Corinthians 5:7 2 Corinthians 9:8 Titus 2:11-14 What should our response be to God's gift of grace? Romans 12:1-2 1 Peter 2:9 No more struggling with trying to earn God's blessings! No more struggling with worrying whether you have been good enough! No more struggling with the fear of God's judgment and wondering where we will spend eternity. How can your life be an expression of your freedom because of God's grace? Closing Sing "Amazing Grace How Sweet The Sound" (LW 509, LBW 448, All God's People Sing 63). Kathy Johnson lives in Richfield, Minnesota with her husband and six children. A freelance writer, author and public speaker, she is an LWML member who attends Mt Calvary Lutheran Church.