Today, we continue our Gripped by Grace series with a powerful message centered on the life-changing reality of the resurrection. Through Scripture and a real-life story, you’ll see how God meets us in our brokenness, not after we’ve fixed ourselves, but right in the middle of it. If you’ve ever wondered whether real change is possible, this message is for you. Come and discover how Jesus ' resurrection means you can live a transformed life.

Ephesians 2:1-10

By Grace Through Faith

2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience - 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved - 6 and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. What’s something people often try to change about themselves (a habit, routine, or goal) but struggle to stick with? Why do you think real change is so hard?

2. Ephesians 2 says we are “dead in our sins,” not just struggling or broken. How does that challenge the way people usually think about their condition?

3. Romans 5 says that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” What stands out to you about the timing of God’s love?

4. As a group or church, what would it look like to be “a place where dead people come to life”? What’s one practical way you can help create that kind of environment?

For Families with Kids

1. Read Ephesians 2:1-10 together.

2. According to verse 4, why did God save us? 

3. If salvation is a gift (v. 8), can we ever brag about being “good enough” for heaven?

4. Imagine trying to talk to or play with someone who is asleep or not responding. According to these verses, what was our spiritual life like before Jesus rescued us?

5. If someone offers you a gift, do you pay for it? Why is it important that our resurrection/new life is a gift from God and not something we earn by being “good”?

6. Pray the Lord’s Prayer together