Beyond the Weekend

January 8 | The Grace Effect

January 8, 2018

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10

Read: Ephesians 2:1-10

Listen: Ephesians 2

TODAY’S MESSAGE

After Jesus was crucified and resurrected, the Good News of his redeeming grace spread like wildfire to the cities and nations of the Mediterranean. The early church was a mix of different races, languages and customs. Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul as a letter to be circulated among those diverse churches. It encourages Christians to remember it is who they are and what they have been given in Christ that gives them identity and purpose.

Just like early church members, we also need to be reminded we are defined by God’s generosity and the gifts he’s given us through his grace. Generosity is the functional activity of love and his gifts should spill out of us our whole life through our resources, words, forgiveness and very being.

Grace receivers should become grace givers. This is the “Grace Effect.” It makes the difference between a stalled life and one full of generosity and purpose.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

As we begin this new sermon series, pray with open hands and ask God for his insight into your life. “Father, make me aware of the depth of your generosity. Help me respond with openness to the possibilities of your purpose in my life and things that need to change to reflect your generosity.”


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

You Might Also Like