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

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

Weekly Challenge -Security through the Trinity

LG family and friends:
You have been chosen, redeemed, and sealed!  Amen.  In our study of Ephesians 1:3-14, we learned:

• God the Father chose you
• God the Son redeemed you
• God the Spirit sealed you

Your salvation is a done deal.  God's desire now is that you participate with Him.  He wants you to live a holy and blameless life, be intentional, and make a difference for Him today.  This goes back to our challenge last week regarding Ephesians 4.

The challenge this week is talk to someone this week about the security you have because of what the Trinity has done for you.  Describe the hope, joy, and peace you have and how your life is different. 

People are naturally seeking.  As the news story we read in LG, some people will believe in Jediism to give them some type of higher power.  But they will not find security.

Be intentional.

Travis