Monday, January 30, 2017

Weekly Challenge -Grace

During Life Group, we focused on Ephesians 2: 4-7.  This is a passage that ties together the reasoning and argument of Paul when he started the letter to Ephesus.  We are adopted and get the full inheritance.  We were worshiping the god of this world, but now worship the one true God.  We have been saved, raised up, and seated next to Jesus. 
Why?   To demonstrate His mercy, love, grace, and kindness to us and to everyone in the future. 

Grace is what separates Christianity from other religions.  The notion of God's love being free and with not strings attached, goes against our human instinct.  The Buddhist 8-fold path, the Hindu doctrine of Karma, the Jewish covenant, and the Muslim code of law, offers a way to earn approval.  Only Christianity says done instead of do.

My challenge for the week is to spend time researching the key differences between the religions.  Compare Christianity to Islam, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientology, etc.

Be intentional.
Travis

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Weekly Challenge -Ephesians 2:1-3

Big thanks to Madison Lyle for teaching this lesson. 
His summary was that the unbelievers nature is to sin.  So as a new creation in Jesus Christ, we are no longer a slave to sin.
The challenge is to give grace and understanding to future Christians and win them over with our love. 
Who can you affect by your relationship with God and others?

Be intentional.
Travis