GOD'S AMAZING GRACE (Part III)

                                                           Ephesians 2:8-9

  Introduction:

        A.  Review: God's grace is God's unmerited favor or act to undeserving people.  A gift

.

             In order to understand God's grace, we must also understand God's love and mercy.  Romans5:8,

             Romans 6:23. Illustrate

        B.  God's grace has been made available to us through Jesus.  Romans 3:23-24.

   I.  How do we access/receive God's grace?

        A.  Through  faith Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1-2

              1.  What is faith?  Matthew 8:5-13

                   a.  Faith is simply taking God or Jesus at His word and acting upon it.  Vs 10,7-8.

                    Illustrate.

              2.  What kind of faith pleases God? 

                    a.  Exercises deeds  James 2:14, 17

                    b.  Demonstrates  James 2:18, 20

                    c.  Active  James 2:21-24

                    d.  Living  James 2:26  Illustrate

                    e.  James doesn't teach that we are saved by meritorious works (deeds).  James teaches

                         that the faith that saves is an operating faith.

                    f.  Expresses itself through love  Galatians 5:6

   Conclusion:          

            A.   How do we access/receive God's grace that is available through Jesus?

                     Through faith.  Romans 4:13-16, Galatians 3:21-29

                       "You are all children of God" (what)

                       "Through  faith in Christ Jesus" (how)

                       "All of you who were baptized into Christ" (Faith is acting upon the word of

                          God)

            B.  Invitation extended