Wednesday 15 May 2013

Read: Ephesians 2:1-10, Romans 10:5-13

Our culture is obsessed with stories of redemption and restoration. Nearly every major movie or bestselling book has some kind of redemption story in it. Think of the great classic Les Miserables where Valjean is redeemed from a life of crime to rescue and care for others. Think of Superman, who is sent to Earth to live amongst us and to rescue humanity by being a perfect example. Think of Star Wars, the tale of good fighting evil to rescue and redeem the galaxy. It seems nearly every story is one where people are craving for rescue and redemption.

 

Our story is no less dramatic than the most wild story fiction has to offer. Ephesians 2 captures the full wonder of our story. We were dead in our transgressions and sins (vs 1) when Jesus Christ mounted a daring rescue mission to Earth to save His people. Jesus died and was raised again to eternal life securing, at great personal cost to himself, rescue for His people. We have been raised with Christ (vs 5) and made right with God, a totally free gift (vs 7) given because of God's great grace to His people.

 

Verses 8 and 9 makes it clear how we can be a part of this salvation: "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." We do not do anything to earn the salvation which God gives, it is only by faith. It is only by accepting what He has done on our behalf and believing in Him that we can be made right before God. Romans 10:10 backs this up: "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

 

We only need to believe in what Christ has done on our behalf and put our total faith and trust in Him. He has done the work of salvation. All we need to do is accept that work through faith. Hallelujah! Have you accepted what Christ has done on your behalf? Have you cast your faith and trust in Him and believed in His completed work for your salvation? If not today is the day to believe and to be saved.

 

Prayer:

Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.

Adoration:

 

Confession:

 

Thanks:

 

Supplication:

¥ Pray for the children of your church. Pray that God would grow them in their faith and love for Him. Pray that their parents would raise their children to know and to love the Lord Jesus. Pray that through the example of Christian families in your community that many would come to saving faith in Christ.

¥ Pray for the government and leaders of Australia. Pray that God would give them wisdom in their leadership and that they would make the best decisions for the sake of the people. Pray that they would work to protect the innocent and helpless members of society above their own agendas.

 

Discussion Questions For Families and Groups

1. Imagine that someone asked you what they need to do to be saved. What would you tell them from these passages? Try to use language that someone who isn't familiar with the Bible would understand.