Verses:

1 John 4:16 says, “We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”

Hebrews 6:1 says, “Let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God.”

Colossians 1:9-10 says, “...since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”

Reading:

As Hebrews shares, it’s not our works that gets us back to God but our faith in God that saves us. That is not a work we can do. Like we talked about last time,  Jesus did what you couldn’t do. God did what you couldn’t do. Now, all he asks of you is to have faith in him!

When Jesus died on the cross as our sacrifice, the proof that he was indeed God and didn’t deserve death - was he overcame death, hell, and the grave. The historical fact Christians believe is that Jesus rose from the grave three days after his death. Then, after he was seen by witnesses (a few that wrote the Bible), he went up into heaven. He is a king that is alive and a Lord that guides us even today.

When you have faith in God, you have been saved from death by your own sin to life in God’s gracious act toward you - because he died for YOU! When you trust God, you begin that relationship with him – a real God that loves you where you are right now. He proved his love for you by his sacrifice.

Today is the day where you could accept the work he has done for you. Salvation was a work you can’t do. But he wants you to grow! He has meaningful work designed and planned for you to do in the world. We are called to work on our relationship with God. You have been forgiven by God because of his sacrifice for your sins, but he gives you the opportunity to work for him. 

Like a coach, he has put you on the roster – even when you didn’t deserve it. Coaches want to have a good relationship with their players and a player should too. God, our heavenly coach, wants you to put your faith in him and work hard in loving others and sharing the news about how he has loved the world despite our faults. No matter your skill level, he has a job for you. Good works are not your way of salvation and getting on the team, but a way God’s glory shines through you for sure. God gives you a new heart when you are saved, a heart made to bear fruit. We should want to grow in the knowledge of God and bear fruit in the world when we are on his team. 

Prayer Prompt:

God, I believe in the work you did for my salvation. I understand that I can’t earn my way to you – Jesus did that. But out of my thankfulness for that gift and letting me be on the team, I want to do something meaningful with my life in your kingdom. Let me play a part, whatever that is. Show me the way to go and what to do today. I want to experience growth as a new Christian. Shape me into the player you have envisioned for me. 

Reflection Questions:

Have you trusted in Jesus as your savior and Lord of your life?

What work do you think he has for you to do so you can grow?

Response:

Ask someone about joining a Bible study. Where do they meet? What time? What are they studying specifically? We encourage you to attend and ask questions!