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The Book of Ephesians
Essentials for Personal Salvation
Lee Powell, Senior Pastor
July 31 & August 1, 2010

His Grace: S________ Us

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. EPHESIANS 2:8, 9

And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is – free and undeserved. ROMANS 11:6

S_________________ Us

You know what I was like …I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it…God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace… GALATIANS 1:13-15

(Read also MATTHEW 20:1-16 parable of Vineyard workers)

S_______ Us

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him… LUKE 15:20

S____________ Us

…Remember, he has identified you as his own, (has put his seal on you) guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. EPHESIANS 4:30

S___________________ Empowers Us

By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. EPHESIANS 3:7

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. EPHESIANS 4:7 (NIV)

In his grace, God has given us different gifts… ROMANS 12:6

S_______________ Us

Together as one body…members of God’s family. Together, we are his house…carefully joined together in Him… EPHESIANS 2:19-21

S_____________ Us

…grace and peace. EPHESIANS 1:2

May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 1 CORINTHIANS 16:23

“my grace is all you need…” 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9

All scripture from New Living Translation unless otherwise noted. NIV = New International Version.

Living It Out – Discussion Questions
(Discuss these questions in your LifeGroup and/or with your family and friends.)

1. At CedarCreek, we talk about God’s grace all of the time! However, what can happen to our faith when we begin viewing God’s grace as commonplace rather than a life-giving essential element in our lives?

2. This weekend, Lee pointed out all of the things that grace does in the life of a Christ-follower. Review this weekend’s sermon notes and discuss the aspect of grace that you need to experience more of in your life.

3. Have you ever thought about the way that God’s grace injects an element of marvelous surprise into your life? Share about a time when certain events were unfolding in an unfortunate way, but God intervened in a manner that was unexpected – and undeserved.

4. One of the ideas Lee spoke about this week was that God’s grace sustains us in times of great stress or difficulty. There are times when God allows suffering to come into ourselves. It is during those times when we can make the choice to lean into God’s grace for comfort and strength. Discuss a time when you experienced God’s grace during a time of tremendous suffering.

One final thought…We cannot talk about God’s grace and not talk about our upcoming 15th anniversary celebration! CedarCreek Church exists as a reflection of God’s unmerited grace and mercy. There’s nothing that any of us could have done to deserve what God has done in this place as well as in each one of our hearts! Come and celebrate with us on Friday September 10th at the Huntington Arena in downtown Toledo!

Living It Out – Scripture Memory
(Memorize this verse for the month of August.)
May you experience the love of Christ, though
it is too great to understand fully. Then you will
be made complete with all the fullness of life
and power that comes from God.
EPHESIANS 3:19 (New Living Translation)