OOPS, this Sunday (Feb 11, 2007) is Cadet Sunday, so now I’m preaching on Ephesians 2:1-10. The theme for the service is “Shaped For Service” based on vv.8-10. I would be interested in hearing from you as to what jumps out at you in this passage. What questions does it raise? What do you hear God saying to you in this passage. I suggest keeping your comments brief and clear, and I will try to return the favour on Sunday. Click on 
Comments to leave your thoughts.
Pastor Norm
Wow! This is such an amazing passage . Every word stood out for me. This passage captures the very essence of what it was like to become a Christian. Before accaepting Christ I was physically alive but dead in spirit!I was led to believe I was living a good life. But, whenever I slowed down I would notice an emptiness, a lonliness, anger and a lack of inner peace. I was feeling that there must be something more and wondered whether I had a purpose. Paul calls this bing “dead in our trangressions and sins” (vs 1), and that we are following Satan, “followed the ways of the world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air” (vs 2).
Wow, what a difference being dead to self but alive in Christ is!! It is a new birth, a spiritual one! By taking a step of faith and accepting Christ you exchange the realm of darkness for the realm of light. Paul said that “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms” (vs 6). Knowledge of this exchange still brings tears to my eyes.
In the last half of the passage the word “grace” is mentioned three times. This highlights its’ importance. Salvation is a “gift of God” (vs 8), we do not earn it “not by works” (vs 9). It is only by his glorious grace that we are saved.
Thank you God that by your mercy and grace, I have been made alive in Christ. It is wonderful that you created me for your purpose and that I can live that purpose. Amen.
This passage reminds me that not all dead men are in the cemetary. There are dead men walking aroumd me each and every day. All those who follow the world’s ways and not Christ’s ways are dead. I alive and alive forevermore by the power of His Spirit working in me and through me each and every day by the gift of His grace. And because I am redeemed by the power of His blood, I live my life in thanksliving each and every day. All those around me need to see that I am redeemed.
An artist puts his works on display and all people are able to look and see what his masterpiece is telling the viewers. I am God’s clay jar who He molded by His hands for His purpose. How am I seen by all those around me? I am a living letter, an epistle of Jesus Christ. How do people read me?
Help me Lord to do Your will everyday. Thank You for this day to do Your will. As I live this day in Your presence, may others see You in me. Living for Jesus always is the song in my heart.