This week Pastor Patterson preached on Ephesians 2:8-10. "Real Christians” are not made by their own goodness, effort, or religious appearance, but by God’s grace through faith in Jesus.
Because Christ has fully reconciled us to God at the cross, we are free to live with purpose—not to earn salvation, but as God’s handiwork, his “poem,” created to love God, love our neighbors, and share Jesus in the lives he has placed before us.
Questions to Ponder
- Ephesians 2:8-9 makes clear that even the faith by which we receive grace is itself a gift from God, not something we generate. What does it mean for your sense of spiritual identity to know that your belief itself is not ultimately your own achievement?
- The sermon closes with the line 'only what is done for Jesus will last.' How does that statement reframe the way you evaluate what you spend your time, energy, and attention on in this season of your life?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for saving us by grace through faith, not by our works, but by Your gift and sacrifice on the cross. Strengthen our faith, remind us that we are Your handiwork, and help us live as Your beautiful poem by loving You, loving our neighbors, and sharing Your gospel. Amen.
Explore more resources from this sermon!
Sermon preached at Christ the Rock Lutheran Church in Hutto, TX. Pastor Patterson has been busy traveling, guest preaching, and meeting with prospective young people that are interested in ministry service!
