An Advertisement for Grace
Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)
1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Introduction:
Before, and after advertisement. What they were, what they became, and who gets the credit .
I. Before Grace: Guilty as Sin
A. Walking Dead
B. Willful Disobedience
C. Worship Desires
II. After Grace: Grace to be Saved
A. Riches of Mercy
B. Resurrection Life
C. Rewards of Heaven
III. Advertise Grace: Go Tell The Story
A. Crafted by God
B. Created with Purpose
C. Credited to God
Conclusion:
Been there, done that, and I aint never goin back.”
I am not what I am going to be, but I’m glad I’m not what I was.