09-15-2019 – God’s Gift of Grace through Christ

Bible Text: Ephesians 4:7 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Ephesians | There is no audio recording of this sermon because the power had gone out during a storm. It is never “dark Sunday” when worshiping Jesus, the Light of the World!

This is the outline from the bulletin insert to help follow along. Below are the full sermon notes.

9.15.19 ~ Ephesians 4:7, God’s Gift of Grace through Christ…

Ephesians 4:7… God is gracious to us through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-24) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
God (Ephesians 1:3), has given us “every spiritual blessing in Christ,” (see 1Peter 1:3-7; 2Peter 1:2-7).
See Ephesians 1:13-14… We are God’s possession. See Ephesians 2:1-9… We deserve and punishment,
but are granted forgiveness and eternally life, in Christ.
The Old Testament = Law, the New Testament = Grace (John 1:17), “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus
Christ.” (see Hebrews 10:1-10)
Romans 3:20, “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in [God’s] sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.”
Romans 11:32, “God has shut up [consigned] all in disobedience, so that He may show mercy to everyone.
D.L. Moody said, “The Law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out.”
The revelation of God (John 20:31) is given, “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”
God’s Word [Word of Truth] is our authority, the Holy Spirit [Spirit of Truth] is our teacher and Jesus Christ [the way the Truth and the Life] is our example.
People today are being told to cope with their bad habits, addictions, neuroses) instead of confessing their sins and changing their beliefs and behaviors.
The majority of pulpits today encourage quick fixes to life’s struggles and problems, instead of getting right with God (see 2Timothy 4:3-4; 1Peter 1:13-14).
The truth of God should bring conviction, leading to repentance, forgiveness and a right relationship with God.
Many in the church today call the confrontation of sin insensitive, intolerant, and even unloving.
Jesus Christ was God Incarnate and His message always included the sinner’s need to repent and obey God. Jesus’ message isn’t popular today; but it is the only way to receive God’s Grace.
We live in a world antithetical to the believers in Berea (Acts 17:11), “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”
Many in the church tolerate false doctrines and false teachers; while those who stand against them are called divisive, narrow minded, unloving.
The need for Christians to earnestly promote life with the Berean’s perspective has never been greater.
See Romans 12:1-2; 1Corinthians 15:58…
Christians you have been given everything they need to use for God’s glory and for the benefit of God’s people. We are to study and apply God’s Word to our lives.
1Peter 3:15, “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”
You have all you need to know, serve and trust God, for eternity — through Jesus Christ, the Giver of Gifts and the Provider of God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

9.15.19 ~ Ephesians 4:7, God’s Gift of Grace through Christ…
Ephesians 4:7… God is gracious to us through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-24) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
God (Ephesians 1:3), has given us “every spiritual blessing in Christ,” (see 1Peter 1:3-7; 2Peter 1:2-7).
See Ephesians 1:13-14… We are God’s possession. See Ephesians 2:1-9… We deserve and punishment,
but are granted forgiveness and eternally life, in Christ.
The Old Testament = Law, the New Testament = Grace (John 1:17), “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus
Christ.” (see Hebrews 10:1-10)
Romans 3:20, “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in [God’s] sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.”
Romans 11:32, “God has shut up [consigned] all in disobedience, so that He may show mercy to everyone.
D.L. Moody said, “The Law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out.”
The revelation of God (John 20:31) is given, “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”
God’s Word [Word of Truth] is our authority, the Holy Spirit [Spirit of Truth] is our teacher and Jesus Christ [the way the Truth and the Life] is our example.
People today are being told to cope with their bad habits, addictions, neuroses) instead of confessing their sins and changing their beliefs and behaviors.
The majority of pulpits today encourage quick fixes to life’s struggles and problems, instead of getting right with God (see 2Timothy 4:3-4; 1Peter 1:13-14).
The truth of God should bring conviction, leading to repentance, forgiveness and a right relationship with God.
Many in the church today call the confrontation of sin insensitive, intolerant, and even unloving.
Jesus Christ was God Incarnate and His message always included the sinner’s need to repent and obey God. Jesus’ message isn’t popular today; but it is the only way to receive God’s Grace.
We live in a world antithetical to the believers in Berea (Acts 17:11), “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”
Many in the church tolerate false doctrines and false teachers; while those who stand against them are called divisive, narrow minded, unloving.
The need for Christians to earnestly promote life with the Berean’s perspective has never been greater.
See Romans 12:1-2; 1Corinthians 15:58…
Christians you have been given everything they need to use for God’s glory and for the benefit of God’s people. We are to study and apply God’s Word to our lives.
1Peter 3:15, “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”
You have all you need to know, serve and trust God, for eternity — through Jesus Christ, the Giver of Gifts and the Provider of God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.