Text: Ephesians 2:1-10
Memory Verse: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
Religion is man’s method of finding GOD, while Salvation is GOD’s method of enabling man to find Him. According to some estimates, there are roughly 4,200 religions, churches, denominations, religious bodies, faith groups, tribes, cultures, movements, etc. worldwide. However, the scriptures assert that men can only be saved and know GOD through Christ (Ephesians 2:4).
It is important to note that all human efforts to be righteous without the salvation offered freely by Jesus are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Hence no man’s work will carry any value without experiencing the saving grace of
Christ. Every man who will offer acceptable works will first need to experience salvation. That is why the first focus of evangelism and soul-winning activities is the salvation of souls, not changing of character or engaging in good works. Unfortunately, most other religions preach that engaging in good works and humanitarian activities are good enough. This belief system has led and still leads to the destruction of many lives, condemning them to the raging fire of hell. As Christians, we have the responsibility of educating unbelievers that they need to experience the grace that is available in Christ Jesus before any of their effort or work can count.
Do the work of an evangelist and reach out to all men, letting them know that the grace of GOD has been made available and they can take advantage of it by giving their lives to Christ (Titus 2:11). Then their work and labour will not be in vain.
Prayer Points:
1. Father, thank You for Your grace of salvation made available by the finished works of Christ.
2. I receive power to communicate this grace to the unbelieving world.