Law, Gospel, and Space Jam? How Grace Broke Luther’s Chains

Why do we keep trying to bargain with God—like Luther in a thunderstorm or Charles Barkley in Space Jam? In this dynamic and relatable sermon, we explore one of Martin Luther’s greatest theological breakthroughs: the distinction between Law and Gospel—and how it transformed his life (and ours).

From a terrified monk obsessed with his own sin to the bold reformer who rediscovered the Gospel of grace, Luther’s story is one of profound spiritual liberation. And it starts not with confidence, but with fear. That same fear and striving show up in our lives too—in quiet shame, cultural pressure, and spiritual exhaustion.

But then comes Jesus.

In Luke 6, we see Christ step boldly into a synagogue—and into a trap. But rather than avoid conflict, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand and confronts the Pharisees' twisted use of the Law. The message? The Law is not God’s final word. Grace is.