This Sunday as we continue to explore fundamental Methodist doctrines, we will spend some time reflecting on the really good news of God's saving grace. To do so, we will hear yet again from Paul in the 3^rd chapter of Romans as he not only acknowledges our common human sinfulness but he also proclaims the saving (justifying) grace of God granted because of Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf.   This is always good news to proclaim and celebrate but this is an especially appropriate subject for October 31^st, which is Reformation Day-the day in which we remember the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses on the door of the church in Wittenburg, Germany and began a movement with the creed, Sola Fide, which means By Faith Alone.

²¹But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, ²²the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, ²³since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; ²⁴they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; ²⁶it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.  Romans 3:21-26

• What does it mean to say that we believe we are saved by faith alone?
• If salvation comes by faith alone, do we have any obligations as a result of our salvation?
• What does it mean to be justified?
• What does God's righteousness look like according to this passage?

Next Sunday, we will talk about God's Blessed Assurance as we also celebrate All Saints Day and remember those who have died in the past year.

NURTURE

EMPOWER

WORSHIP

LOVE THEM IN

INVITE PEOPLE INTO A RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST

FELLOWSHIP

ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY