March 20, 2011

Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17 Theme: We are Saved by Grace; Song: Because He Lives – UMH 364

Romans: We are reminded to have the faith of Abraham. He followed God, just because God called him away. God made a promise to him that his family would be blessed. Was it because of something they did? Was it because God loved Abraham more than others? No – It was because of God’s favor – God’s grace. That grace is available to all those who have faith to follow God as Abraham did. No amount of money in the world can buy God’s grace. No amount of hard work can earn God’s grace. Faith that God’s loves me in spite of myself- will open the door to grace.

John: Chapter 3 is one of the most famous scriptures of all. 3:17 – God so loved the World that He gave his only begotten son…. God gave His son to those who are willing to be born again. But what does it mean to be born again? And why is it so hard for Nicodemus to understand the concept? Why is it so hard for us to give up what we have, and give our lives completely to God? Jesus came into the world to make what is impossible with man, possible with God. We are saved, and given the gift of eternal life through God.

Questions: What is the difference between a Christian and a good person? Does a good person automatically have grace in their life (trick question)? Can we refuse to have God’s grace in our lives? Is being born again a one-time thing? Or does it happen in many ways at many times? Why do you think this chapter is so well known? Does it tell us all we need to know about faith?

Note: Rev. Cross’s sermons