Think: How Do I Have A Relationship With God?
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Pastor John's message this week focused on Ephesians 2:8-9 -- "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (BELIEVE p. 45).
The key idea for all of us to BELIEVE is "I believe a person comes into a right relationship with God by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ."
Monday: Read Isaiah 59:2. I know that this is the start of a new week and that this text is a “downer.” I’m so sorry for that, but this text is a good place to start when considering our salvation because it describes our starting point. Reread this passage slowly three times. Then paraphrase it in your own words. What does this passage say about our relationships with God?
Tuesday: Read Matthew 19:16-22. After reading this story, how do you think this young man thought of himself in relationship to God and what may have been his ideas of salvation? Do you think that he asked Jesus this question to justify himself and his lifestyle or was there some other reason? Why? What is God asking you to do, but you are finding it hard to do?
Wednesday: Read Psalm 147. This is a wonderful, giant psalm of God grace. Read the psalm again. Now identify at least six pictures/descriptions of God’s grace. Pray a prayer of praise for God’s great grace.
Thursday: Read Romans 5:1-2. When we are “justified through faith” God declares that we are innocent of any sin and therefore “we have peace with God.” So what? What does this mean for me today? Here’s the answer, “And we rejoice…” What are different expressions of your rejoicing? How will you rejoice today?
Friday: Read Romans 5:6-11. In Verse 6, what were we powerless to do? What does this passage say was God’s answer to our powerlessness? What does Verse 10 say was God’s means of reconciling us? What does Verse 11 say is our response?
Saturday: Read 2 Corinthians 5:14-15. If it is God’s love that compels us, then we are being compelled to love others. This is a sacrificial life that demands sacrificial living. That is a challenge! How is this challenge seen in your life?
You can GO DEEPER this week by:
- Memorize This Week’s Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:8-9 (BELIEVE p. 45) "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast."
- Memorize This Week’s Key Idea: "I believe a person comes into a right relationship with God by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ." (BELIEVE p. 45)
- Read This Book: Shaped by Grace by Max Lucado.
You can also listen to this week's sermon or read the full PDF of the sermon message & GPS.