So Much More Than “Saved!”

by | Mar 5, 2017 | Sermon Notes

Ephesians 1:3-14
What does it truly mean to be “saved?”
Paul writes to encourage, equip, and educate the Ephesian believers on all God has done for them, and us, in Christ.After introducing himself, Paul explodes into one long sentence explaining the ‘riches’ (v 18) we have in Christ.
What are the ‘riches’ we have in Christ?
The believer in Christ is:
1:: We are blessed! [v3]
  • We are spiritually rich.
  • Blessed is past tense. We are already blessed.
2:: We are chosen. [v4]
  • Not by our ability.
  • He chose us to be holy and blameless. Set apart.
  • He chose us for His work through us.
  • This is the doctrine of election.
3:: We are predestined. [v5]
  • Determined beforehand what will take place.
  • Provides redemption to us knowing we would rebel against Him.
  • He knew He would pay for our sin.
4:: We are adopted. [V5]
  • We are all not children of God, we are the creation of God.
  • John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
5:: We are Blessed with grace! [v6]
  • He gives us favor.
  • Grace is favor given to one who does not deserve it.
  • It would not be grace, if it were earned.
6:: We are redeemed. [v7]
  • Market place term.
  • A slave bought and set free.
  • He paid for our sin.
  • God planned His work and is working His plan.
7:: We are forgiven. [v7-8]
  • Trespass is to do what we are not to do.
  • He gives it to us lavishly or abundantly.
  • Past, present, future sins are forgiven. ALL sin.
8:: Given us the knowledge of His will. [v9-10]
  • God tells us His redemptive plan.
  • Through His Word.
  • Through Christ alone.
9:: Given an inheritance. [v11-12]
  • Heaven. We will see our Savior.
  • We will meet our Creator, face to face.
10:: We are sealed. [v13-14]
  • In the Holy Spirit.
  • The Holy Spirit is our guarantee or down payment until the day we meet Christ.
For Paul, and those who know Christ, this erupts into worship! [v 3,v6,v12, v14]
If you do not know Christ – consider this: as rich as the Believer is, you are equally spiritually bankrupt, and you are offered far more than just to be “saved!” [2:1-7]

Strengthen the Work of God (5)

by | Feb 26, 2017 | Sermon Notes

God Has Chosen You!
Haggai 2:20-23
February 26, 2017
The book of Haggai is a great story about how God used one man to stir the heart of God’s people to a greater level of commitment.
God’s people rose from the ashes of defeat and deportation and came home to be part of strengthening the work of God.
Our study has challenged us to give consideration to God’s way and ours; we have looked at how Haggai challenged the people to embrace the work, and to be a blessing to others by finishing the work of God.
God chose Haggai and that generation to strengthen the work of God and they had a far reaching impact.
God has chosen us to strengthen His work today!

  • Strengthening the work of God is a divine initiative (vs. 20).
    • God has spoken, is speaking and continues to speak.
    • The church exists for something greater than ourselves.
      • Worship God
      • Spread the word of redemption.
  • Strengthening the work of God will be accomplished through people and events of our day (vs. 21-22).
    • Current events.
      • Chariots referring to language in Haggai’s day.
    • Future events.
      • Messiah events.
      • Babylon fell to the Roman empire.
  • Strengthening the work of God is a work that needs our participation. (vs. 23a)
    • We are to be a servant like Haggai.
  • Strengthening the work of God is an assurance that God will complete His task. (vs. 23b)
    • The signet symbolizes authority of the King.