Amazing Grace

Introduction

In David Redding’s book, Before you Call, I Will Answer, we get a vivid description of the power and destruction of war. We follow the Confederate and Union armies as they lock horns during the Battle of Fredericksburg. The Confederate army gained a stronghold atop a hill called Marye’s Heights and slaughtered the Union army below with relative ease.

However, one young Confederate soldier, Sergeant Richard Kirkland wrestled with his conscience. He simply could not bear the carnage before him. Finally, he approached his superior officer and asked if he could he go out on the field and carry water to the suffering men, most of whom were members of the Union Army. The officer, though mystified by his sergeant’s request, granted his permission. And thus Confederate soldier Richard Kirkland bravely stepped forward to assist the legions of dying men he saw on the battlefield. He knew the great risk he was taking as he entered the field of conflict, but his act of courage had a sobering effect on both armies.

Upon entering the battlefield, the intense gunfire suddenly ceased. The shock of an enemy offering aid to the opposition struck both armies with amazement. Back-and-forth Kirkland went from battlefield to water station, aiding every soldier along his path. Each time he stepped back on the field of battle, fighting ceased.

“Sergeant Kirkland earned a nickname that day,” says Redding, “‘The Angel of Marye’s Heights.’ Later, he would be killed in the war. Those who witnessed his death said that he died a hero, thinking of the men under his command up until the very end.” (1)

Our Life Before God’s Grace.

Ephesians 2:1 ESV

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins

Our Life After God’s Grace

Ephesians 2:4–5 ESV

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 72. How to Explain God’s G-R-A-C-E

How to Explain God’s G-R-A-C-E

Scripture Reading: Eph. 2:1–10.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8).

I. G-oodness of God

“… God … rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us” (Eph. 2:4).

A. Grace means “favor, kindness, mercy, forgiveness.”

B. God’s goodness is bestowed on His children each day. We should recognize His blessings—we should count them, name them, and be thankful for them (Heb. 13:15).

II. R-edemption by God

“… God … hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Eph. 2:5).

A. Man was made holy by God. Then he became degenerated by Satan and sin. Now he may be regenerated by Jesus Christ (Heb. 9:12).

B. Man must repent and receive Christ’s redemption by believing in His work on the cross (Gal. 2:20).

III. A-ssistance from God

“That … he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us …” (Eph. 2:7).

A. To assist means to help. God can do what we cannot do. He helps in time of need (Heb. 4:16).

B. God has promised to supply all our needs, and we can rest assured that He keeps His word (Phil. 4:19).

IV. C-reated for God

“… we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works …” (Eph. 2:10).

A. “Good works” include witnessing to others, lending a helping hand to the needy, worshiping faithfully, prayer, and Bible reading.

B. God works through surrendered Christians. Let Him work through you, doing those things that are pleasing in His sight (1 John 3:22).

V. E-ternity with God

“That in the ages to come he might shew the … riches of his grace …” (Eph. 2:7).

A. God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us in this life.

B. God’s grace provides an eternity with Himself for those who serve Him. Jesus has gone to prepare a place for those who have accepted His grace (John 14:2–3).