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What if everything you've done to earn God's love has only kept you from receiving it? 

Saving Private Ryan is more than a war movie. It's one of the most brutally honest pictures of sacrifice, mission, and grace ever put on film. And Pastor Jim Burgen uses it to answer a question most of us are afraid to ask: what if you're not the hero of your own story? 

In this message from Flatirons Church's At the Movies series, Jim walks through three things the film exposes about our relationship with God: what it means to live on mission, the real cost of sacrifice, and the difference between grace and constantly trying to earn your worth. 

If your faith feels shaky, your life has gone sideways, or you're trusting God in hard times this message speaks directly to where you are. Because the redemption story God has for you isn't waiting on your performance. Jesus' teachings make one thing clear: the rescue has already happened. 

Your only job is to receive it. 

Jim Burgen
May 24th, 2026

// Bible References: Eph 2:8-9; John 3:16

// Community Question: What is your favorite movie?

// Discussion Questions

1. Jim emphasizes that we weren't meant to fight our battles alone. Why is community important when we're facing difficult missions in life? Who are the people you can count on during difficult times? Are you trying to handle any current struggles alone that would be better faced with support from others?
   
   
2. In the movie, eight men risk their lives to save one soldier, which seems to go against the military principle of 'never sacrifice the many for the one.' How does Jesus' sacrifice flip this concept, and what does that teach us about our worth to God? How does remembering Jesus' sacrifice change the way you see your value to God?
   
   
3. Jim talks about staying on mission and remembering God’s sacrifice for us even when life feels 'FUBAR' (messed up beyond recognition). What does it mean to trust God's mission for your life, even in those dark moments when you feel abandoned in enemy territory with no plan to help, rescue, or lead you to victory? How have you responded? Looking back, can you see how that difficult situation might have been part of God's bigger mission for your life?
   
   
4. Going Deeper: Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Jim explains the difference between grace and earning salvation. Why is Private Ryan's burden to 'earn' his rescue so different from how we should respond to Jesus' sacrifice? Do you ever feel like you need to 'earn' God's love or prove you're worthy of salvation?
   
   
   

// Challenge: Jim suggests that Ryan's story would have a better ending if he simply said 'thank you' instead of trying to earn his rescue. How can we incorporate living with gratitude in our daily lives this week?  What is one thing you are thankful to God for today?