Audio Messages:
Pastor Wade Burleson

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Ephesians 2:8-9 (English-KJV)

8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9. Not of works, lest any man should boast.

1. The Fountain of Our Blessing . . . "by grace"
   Because God is gracious, sinners receive the blessings of God.
   1. All blessings flow from God's heart of grace (Eph. 1:3)
      Paul describes these blessings in detail (chapters 1-3)
      A synopsis of the blessings is found in vs. 5-7 of chapter 2
      "quickened," "forgiven," "treated with kindness for the ages . . . "
   2. The gifts of grace are "irrevocable" (Romans 11:29)
      He is called "the God of grace" (I Corinthians 1:4)
      The question of the hour is: "Are you graced?"
2. II. The Function of Our Trusting . . ."through faith"
   Faith is the hand of the soul, which receives from God
   A weak hand may receive a golden gift!
   Saving faith involves three things . . .
   1. Knowledge . . . "faith cometh by hearing"
      "They that know thy name shall trust in thee."
   2. Believing . . . "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater."
   3. Trusting . . . rest your hope on the gracious gospel
      Puritans used the word "recumbency" to define faith
      It means "to lean with all your weight upon"
   Faith is believing that Christ is what He is said to be, and that He will do what He has promised to do, and then to expect this of Him.Charles Spurgeon
3. The Failure of Our Working . . . "not works"
   What is at the heart of believing God's favor is earned?
   The belief that you and God are equals --- pride. (Romans 1)
   
4. The Folly of Our Boasting . . . "lest any boast"
   1. God despises those who glory in themselves
   2. God favors those who glory in Him
   3. God designed salvation to grant Him all glory