This week, we talked about the grace that God gives us, what it is, and what it means for us as His followers. We know that our God gives many amazing gifts. Being His children means we are given this free gift of salvation. “I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believe. You did not save yourselves. It was a gift from God. You cannot brag that you are saved by the work you have done.” – Ephesians 2:8-9. He saved us, because He loved us. We were not saved because of our own works, but we were saved through grace. He had favor on us, and saved us even though we did not earn it or deserve it. “God saved us and made us his holy people. That was not because of anything we did ourselves but because of what he wanted and because of his grace. That grace was given to us through Christ Jesus before time began.” 2 Timothy 1:9. Grace gives us the ability to live the life God wants us to live. He saved us through grace, meaning we did not have to earn it. So what comes next? A rich life with the Lord! We live this rich life with Him by obeying His commandments, and following Him wherever He goes. When we mess up, go the wrong direction, or don’t obey Him, we can repent and let Him bring us back to the right way. Instead of being thrown out or away from God, He forgives me and makes me clean. First He saved us through grace, now the grace allows us to live the life He wants us to.. “Sin will not be your master, because you are not under law but under God’s grace.” – Romans 6:14. We should respond to God’s love for us by showing Him how much we love Him back. One way to do this is to obey Him. It shows Him honor. We are children of a King who loves to be with His people, and who is ready to forgive when we need it. We should always ask Him where He is going, what He is saying, so we can follow Him closely.
Think About It: Grace is a free gift from God.
Devotional:
This week, I want you to experience the grace of God. I want you to thank Him for saving you, for dying on the cross for you, and for loving you even when you were covered in sin. God did not let our sin stop Him from loving us. He draws us in very very close, and shows us grace. He does not keep us at a distance, but He lovingly forgives us. I want you to spend time in prayer this week asking God what you need to repent of. As He brings things to your mind, be joyful that He is making you more like Him! Because of the grace He gives us, we do not need to feel guilty. We just need to ask for forgiveness and repent (turn away from your sin and turn toward God!). He is READY to forgive you!
I want you to also spend time in prayer asking God what He wants you to do this week. We live our lives for God, and He wants you to do amazing things with Him. It is a lot of fun walking with God. Sometimes He asks us to do hard things, but He will always be with us. Practice listening for God to speak after we ask Him these questions, and then do whatever He is asking of you! Maybe it is to show kindness to a friend at school even if they aren’t showing you kindness. How can we even do that?! Because God gives us the grace to. He did it for us, and that’s how we learn how to live. Watch how Jesus did it first.
Group Questions:
1. What does grace mean?
2. Were you saved because of anything you did?
3. What does God want you to do now that you are saved?
4. Name one way you can obey Him this week.
5. Extra $5 if you explain to your parents the meaning of Grace
God Encounters:
Last week we learned what it means to live radiantly. This involves giving radiantly, loving radiantly, and serving radiantly. Jesus’ life teaches us how to do all these things. We broke into groups to discuss each topic, and how Jesus loved, gave, and served while He was on earth.
There are many rewards in God’s Kingdom. There are rewards in the kingdom of heaven for the good works we do here on Earth. However, there are also rewards that we can have here on Earth when we follow His commands.
How many can you think of? I will give you a dollar for each one you tell me on Sunday.
Upcoming Events
VBS SCUBA: June 10th – 14th 2024
Movie on the Lawn: June 21tst. 7 pm -God’s Not Dead-
Movie on the Lawn: August 23rd. 7 pm -God’s Not Dead 2-
Lads & Ladies Laser Tag: September 1st 12:30-3:00
Royal Ball: TBD
Christmas Cookie Decorating: December 14th. 10am-12:30pm
Testimonies:
Last week while I (Madison) was driving, I found myself worrying about an issue I was facing. God showed me a vision of myself bowing at the feet of this problem. He graciously took my shoulders and turned my body to bow at His feet instead. When we bow to Jesus, we are in the exact spot we should be.
“Give all your worries to him, because he cares for you.”
-1 Peter 5:7
$10 Memory Verse:
“Sin will not be your master, because you are not under law but under God’s grace.” – Romans 6:14
Parents:
You are the most important person in your child’s life. – Proverbs 22:6 Spend time helping your child understand the lesson and the devotional.
If you should have any questions or concerns, please email me at CurtW@ECDenver.org or call me at 720.900.7385.
