February 18, 2021
Ephesians 2:9-10, "Not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
Allow me to paraphrase verses 1 thru 8. Before knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior we were all spiritually dead. We did whatever we wanted because we wanted, whenever wanted. We committed sin at the slightest whim. We were so far away from God’s will for our lives. We were so willing to commit the will of our enemy the devil that we may as well have been called sons and daughters of Satan. We were on the wrong team.
Yet God, in His great mercy, compassion, and love provided us a way. Through His son Jesus, He provided the way, the only way. His sacrifice granted unto us saving grace. Unmerited favor. We got what we didn’t deserve, His love and the way to heaven. Instead of what we did deserve, eternal damnation; we got eternal salvation, for all those who believe and repent, turning to Jesus. Not because of who we are but because of what He has done.
Our anthem as born again believers is,“ by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone”. It doesn’t stop there though, we need to take to heart what Paul says in verse 10. We are now the Father’s new creation in Christ Jesus. We are his workmanship, in the Greek “poiema”, a poem or masterpiece. A work of art created with the precise reason of doing “real” good works. The works of the master craftsman Himself. Works that will give testimony of what our loving Father is like, revealing His Character. He had us in mind for the particular works we will do.
Not works to gain favor, but works because we have already received favor. Works from a heart overflowing with gratitude and love!!
Love you all...
Your brother in Christ,
- Mark
Allow me to paraphrase verses 1 thru 8. Before knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior we were all spiritually dead. We did whatever we wanted because we wanted, whenever wanted. We committed sin at the slightest whim. We were so far away from God’s will for our lives. We were so willing to commit the will of our enemy the devil that we may as well have been called sons and daughters of Satan. We were on the wrong team.
Yet God, in His great mercy, compassion, and love provided us a way. Through His son Jesus, He provided the way, the only way. His sacrifice granted unto us saving grace. Unmerited favor. We got what we didn’t deserve, His love and the way to heaven. Instead of what we did deserve, eternal damnation; we got eternal salvation, for all those who believe and repent, turning to Jesus. Not because of who we are but because of what He has done.
Our anthem as born again believers is,“ by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone”. It doesn’t stop there though, we need to take to heart what Paul says in verse 10. We are now the Father’s new creation in Christ Jesus. We are his workmanship, in the Greek “poiema”, a poem or masterpiece. A work of art created with the precise reason of doing “real” good works. The works of the master craftsman Himself. Works that will give testimony of what our loving Father is like, revealing His Character. He had us in mind for the particular works we will do.
Not works to gain favor, but works because we have already received favor. Works from a heart overflowing with gratitude and love!!
Love you all...
Your brother in Christ,
- Mark
TODAY'S PRAYER REQUESTS:
Gomez Family – Their beloved Steve passed away on Tuesday from Covid. Please keep his wife Mickey, and the Gomez family in prayer. Thank you for all the prayers. (submitted 2/17)
Juliet - PLEASE PRAY FOR JULIET WHO WILL BE HAVING 2 MRI'S THIS EVENING AT 7:30. Her surgery is scheduled for February 23.
Norah Rae - please continue to pray for this precious little one to grow healthy and strong; may God touch her parents and guide all the physicians tending to this little life.
Gomez Family – Their beloved Steve passed away on Tuesday from Covid. Please keep his wife Mickey, and the Gomez family in prayer. Thank you for all the prayers. (submitted 2/17)
Juliet - PLEASE PRAY FOR JULIET WHO WILL BE HAVING 2 MRI'S THIS EVENING AT 7:30. Her surgery is scheduled for February 23.
Norah Rae - please continue to pray for this precious little one to grow healthy and strong; may God touch her parents and guide all the physicians tending to this little life.
Today at Calvary Chapel El Monte
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Midweek Bible Study 7PM
Lord willing we will be studying Proverbs 29.
Midweek Bible Study 7PM
Lord willing we will be studying Proverbs 29.