.    ISN'T IT NICE TO BE WANTED?

                                                              Ephesians 1:3-4

  Introduction:

       A.  In the movie "Driving Miss Daisy" the widow's chauffeur remarks, "It sure is nice to be

            wanted."

       B.  We all like to feel wanted, don't we?  Examples

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Christian faith is that God will make us feel special if we will

only let Him.  Let's carefully notice.

I. We are special because it was God's idea to make us in His own IMAGE.    Gen. 1:26-27

      A.  This means, for one thing, that we are eternal.

           1.  In Mt. 16:26 Jesus gives us the value of a soul.

      B.  God made us the crowning glory of His creation.

II. We are special because God LOVES us so much that He sent Jesus to redeem us from the

    bondage of sin.  Romans 3:23 ; Romans 5:8; I Peter I:18-20 ; I Peter 2:9-10

III.  We are special because we are in CHRIST.

      A.  Free from condemnation. Romans 8:1-2

      B.  Continual cleansing from sin.  I John I:7,9

      C.  Place of protection. Romans 8:33-39

IV. We are special because God has given us the HOLY  SPIRIT. Acts 2:38-39

      A.  Several functions of the Spirit. Romans 8:9-16,26,28

Conclusion:

      A.  God doesn't just tolerate us;  He rejoices in us.  Zephaniah 3:17

      B.  Isn't it nice to be wanted and to be made to feel special by God?