Costly Grace & New Life in Baptism - The Rev. Lee Lowery

Exploring Paul’s letter to the Romans, this sermon wrestles with grace, sin, and transformation. It contrasts “cheap grace” with costly grace that calls us to follow Christ. Baptism is not symbolic alone but a new identity—reminding us we are loved, redeemed, and invited into a life of purpose and possibility.00:00 Opening & Introduction 00:45 Context: Paul, Rome, and Early Church Tensions 03:15 Jews, Gentiles, and Leadership Conflict 05:30 The Law as a Gift of Grace 07:00 “If Grace Abounds, Should We Sin?” 08:30 Cheap Grace vs. Costly Grace (Bonhoeffer) 11:30 Baptism as Transformation, Not Symbol 13:30 The Struggle with Sin After Baptism 15:30 Exodus Imagery & New Life in Christ 17:30 What Baptism Really Means 19:30 Identity, Commitment, and Belonging 21:30 The $100 Bill Illustration: Our Inherent Worth 23:00 Living as Beloved People 24:15 Closing Prayer