Category: Grace

Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox

Jeremiah points out in his talk that God’s gift of His Son, sent to earth to die on the cross for the sins of man, constitutes the greatest gift ever given to mankind.

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Invitation delivered by: Jerry Gallman

To grow in the favor of God, it is necessary to know God’s will for man. Growth in knowledge through study leads to growing in the favor or grace of God (cf. 2 Peter 3:18).

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Invitation delivered by: Jeremiah Cox

Titus 2:11-ff speaks of the grace of God, and what it teaches us with regard to obedience to Him.

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The sermon first establishes that all of God’s promises are sure. Then, discusses the following promises of God:

1. To supply every need we have.
2. That His grace is sufficient for us.
3. That His children will not be overtaken in temptation.
4. Victory over death.
5. That all things work together for good to those who love Him.
6. Those who believe and are baptized will be saved.
7. Eternal Life.

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Powerpoint Slides

Typically, the apostle Paul begins his epistle with praise to God. He proclaims God to be the font of all spiritual blessings, and affirms these blessings are accomplished in the person of Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ life, death and resurrection the favor of God is complete.

What is interesting in this text is Paul’s reference to foreordination and predestination. This means that God’s scheme of redemption was a fait accompli before the universe was ever created.

When we talk about predestination, we must understand such predestination is not individual in nature. The affirmation that God chose us individually would negate the concept of free will and personal responsibility. It would make passages such as Mark 16:16 — (“He that believes and is baptized will be saved, he that believes not will be condemned”) — nonsensical.

God predestined that those who were among the sanctified —those who were among those adopted as sons — would be accepted. He gives us the choice as to whether we wish to be in that group or not. God is no respecter of persons.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) teaches us four lessons. 1) The danger of ingratitude; 2) The Necessity of Repentance; 3) The Mercy and Compassion of God; and 4) The Importance of Rejoicing in the salvation of sinners.

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Because of who God is, He deserves every expression of good will and praise we can offer. He is our Creator, and is a caring and just Being.

There is no better reason for our devotion and praise than His efforts to secure our Redemption. As our text shows, His mercy led Him to bring us to reconciliation through His Son, Jesus.

Specifically, we have hope through Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. This hope is living and sure. Jesus is a forerunner. His victory over death assures us that we too one day will transformed to eternal life (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

That eternal life is a wondrous thing, here described as “incorruptible and undefiled”, and “reserved in heaven.”

As always, however, the Holy Spirit reveals the conditional nature of that hope. It is not reserved for all men. It comes only for those, “who are kept by the power of God through faith” (vs. 5).

He has chosen to save, through Jesus, all who believe (cf. John 3:16). One day Christ will come again, and that hope will be realized. Will you be among the elect, ready to claim your reward?

Paul’s salutation in this epistle is similar to other letters he wrote. His letter is addressed to the “saints in Christ Jesus.” The term saint indicates one who has been set apart by God. It denotes those who have been cleansed from sin, and are called to obedience and good works. This is, of course, accomplished through the work of Jesus Christ.

Bishops and deacons are given special note. The term “bishop” is a term used interchangeably with the terms “elder” and “pastor” indicating men who are ordained to the position of oversight in a local congregation. The term deacon indicates a man who is given a special work of service. The term indicates an attendant or servant.

Both of these offices are important, and the men who serve in them are first to be qualified (cf. 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1), and then treated honorably for their work’s sake (cf. 1 Timothy 5:17). It is proper that they were singled out by Paul in his greeting.

Paul, in expressing his desire that they receive grace and peace from God and His Son, relates perhaps the most precious sentiment possible for the Philippians.

Paul begins his epistle to the Ephesians with a few long sentences that are challenging to understand because of their complexity. One sentence covers verses 3-6. Another verses 7-10.

The first two verses of the epistle, however are simple.

Paul starts by identifying himself as an apostle of Christ, and affirms that his apostleship was from God rather than usurped. This was a common claim made by the apostle due to attacks levied by Judaizing teachers.

Paul next identifies his readers as saints. The term signifies a special relationship with Christ, as those who are separated to a life of godliness. Paul regarded the Christians in Ephesus to be faithful to God.

To such brethren, Paul pronounces a blessing. Grace and Peace. There is nothing difficult here, but the sentiment is sublime. God’s undeserved favor, extended ultimately through the death of His Son, is the means through which true Peace is obtained. This shows that the ultimate gifts can come only from God, and, that God indeed has granted such gifts to those who proclaim their fidelity to Him.

This sermon shows that our love for God is the result of the love and benevolence we have received from Him. He has created us, saved us by His grace, sustained us on this earth, and given us hope for a future home with Him.

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Christmas approaches. We will soon hear the repeated admonitions to “Remember the reason for the season.” We will not belabor the simple point that Christmas is a man-made holiday. Jesus did not authorize the observance of a day to commemorate his birth.

However, it is appropriate here to admonish all, “Jesus is the reason for every season.” It is absurd for men to believe they honor the Son of God by taking time out once or twice a year to consider His gift to mankind.

As His disciples, we should be ever mindful not only of His birth, but of his perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection. These are the things that afford us life and hope. These are the things we ought to remember, and daily offer up praises and thankfulness to Him.

The Sermon explains Bible teaching regarding salvation by Grace. In so doing it refutes Calvinistic and Neo-Calvinistic concepts of Grace.

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A few short truths to take from Paul’s introduction in his second letter to Corinth:

First, Paul’s apostleship was genuine. Here he states as fact what he argued strongly in other places, his apostleship was from God (cf. Galatians 1:1).

Second, the church at Corinth is described as “the church of God.” This is not a denominational name, but a description. It affirms that the church at Corinth belongs to God. It is in this same way (and only in this way) that congregations may identify themselves as churches of Christ (cf. Romans 16:16). The phrase indicates ownership.

Third, the designation “saints” applies to all Christians. It is not limited to a few. All of us, when separated from the world, are called to a holy life. We are sanctified, hence, we are saints. Our lives should demonstrate that calling (cf. Titus 2:11-12).

Fourth, true grace and peace comes from “God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” We have a peace “which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

Great things can be learned from every verse in God’s wonderful word.

A proper understanding of why the Christian has hope will dispel much of the religious error surrounding the concept, and will benefit the child of God by increasing his assurance based upon his faith in God.

The basis of the Christian’s assurance is NOT:

• Predestination
• Experiences (Emotions)
• Good Works

Rather, the basis of the Christian’s assurance is the promises of God.

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