7/8/22

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:1-7.

Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

Paul writes that God loved us and blessed us even though we were disobedient sinners. Our selfish behavior had separated us from a connection to God, but He loved us too much to let that be the end. His plan of salvation is offered to all of us through the life, death and resurrection of Christ. All we need to be saved is to confess and repent, believing in His love.

Confession and repentance are hard things for us. It means admitting we have thought and done wrongly, “following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature” (v. 3). God understands us; He created us in His image. He knows what is best for us but He allows us to make our own choices.

God is calling to each of us every day, wanting us to follow His will and receive eternal life. We are the only ones who can make that decision. Choose God and life, not the temporary and worthless things the world offers!

Loving Lord, we are thankful for Your mercy and blessings, offered to all Your children. Help us to stand in faith against evil and share the Good News with all the world. Amen.

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