--PRE-SERVICE PRAYER--

Focus: Service is Fruit, Currency & Credit!

Foundation Scripture: Matthew 25:33-40 NKJV

Prayer Points:
1. The Lord Serves His Sheep out of Love! His Sheep should Serve Others out of Love!
2. You Must use Kingdom Currency if you want the Kingdom inheritance!
3. Serving is the Greatest Gift You Can Give, Give it Often!
4. Pray for Powerful Sunday Services!

--MESSAGE--

But by the Grace of God…

Introduction:
Paul makes this statement as he reflected upon his past as a persecutor of the church of God. But he didn’t rest there. He acknowledged the grace of God that was on his life and that He was so sold out to spreading the unadulterated gospel. He says that the grace on his life wasn’t for nothing (AMPC).

How many of us have heard the statement “There but for the grace of God go I”?

Point 1: But by the grace of God…

This is an expression of contrition and dependence on God's grace as opposed to one's own morality. This remark is ascribed to John Bradford, an aspiring lawyer who gave up his legal studies for theology. He later became the Chaplain of King Edward VI and was martyred by being burned at the stake at the order of Queen Mary I for his opposition to Catholicism as a Protestant Reformer.

Point 2: Four key points from Ephesians 2:8-10 about grace.

I. We ae saved by grace!
II. Grace is a free gift.
III. Acceptance of grace makes us new in Christ Jesus.
IV. Grace working in us helps us to carry out God’s plan.

POINT 3: What does Paul’s story teach us about grace?
When we come to the end of ourselves, what we can do in our own strength and ability, is when we make room for God to work. God’s grace is abundant and sufficient.

POINT 4: Be a good steward of God’s grace by serving others.

POINT 5: Grace is given to the humble.

POINT 6: Are you Jesus?

POINT 7: Stop taking credit for grace and start thanking God for grace.

In Conclusion:

In a world that cannot see Jesus's love, life, and grace, we should strive to resemble Him so closely that others have trouble telling us apart. In the words of Dr. Frederick K. C. Price, ask yourself, “If I am all God has to depend on, is He in trouble because He can’t count on me?”

WEEKLY CHALLENGE:

How could we change the world, one soul at a time, if people thought they met Jesus when they encountered us? This message is for somebody else; it’s for you. Will you allow the grace of God to work through you to reach the world and serve others for Him?