Man Alive

Man  Alive!

Text: Ephesians 2:1-10

1.  And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

4.  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6  And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:

7  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

9  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Introduction: Being a Christian means more than changing hands, it is becoming a new man.

I. We Are Made Alive Through God's Help of Deliverance.

                A. Delivered from sinful Actions

                *Delivered  in deeds

                B. Delivered from sinful Thoughts

                *Delivered indeed

*An evil thought passes thy door first as a stranger. Then it enters as a guest. Then it installs itself as a master. - St Augustine

*The Bible tells us that through the power of God's grace we can have the mind of Christ. He can be the master of our thoughts. -Jesus said that all power had been given to him in heaven and on earth. Who are we to say he can't?

*Romans 2:28: For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh, But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

                C. Delivered from Sure Destruction

II. We Are Made Alive Through God's Heart of  Love.

                A. A rich love

                *Luxurious

                B. A reaching love

                *Reaching into our mess

                C. A raising love

                *Love lifted me

                *Humble yourselves and god will exalt you.

                *Not a possessive love that binds.

III. We Are Made Alive Through God's  Hand of Crafsmanship

                A. Crafted as a result of grace

*The wood cannot boast because of its became a beautiful cabinet. The credit goes to the cabinet maker.

                B. Crafted in response to faith

*Many won't believe it till I see it, but you have believe it before you see it. Believe in the craftsman.

                C. Crafted to reflect the designer

                *True art says something about the artist.

Conclusion:  God wants you to be his workmanship, reflecting your creator. Have you just changed hands, or have His hands changed you? God can truly deliver you if you have faith in his ability and desire to do so.