Summer School: The Gospel — Friday


Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (NIV)


Happy Friday! This week, we’ve dug into a few sticking points that can get in the way of our belief, confidence, or understanding of the gospel. Whether it’s due to a slow loss of intentional time spent with Jesus and in His Word, a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of what He wants for us, or other reasons, we’ve learned that the gospel is still for everyone.

Our verse for the day is well-known by some, but I think merits another visit for most of us. Talk about capturing the heart of the gospel! Our hope lies in God’s unwavering promise to save us through faith, not our works. Now, most of us usually process these verses in a more personal way, but let’s take a moment and think about them from God’s perspective: Our unfathomably perfect God has willingly taken the risk to tell inherently sinful, selfish, prideful people like me, “I’ve got you taken care of.”

Another quick Beach Week story: I’m so proud of the boys that I lead and have been lucky to lead some of them since third grade. I know them well, and I, too, was a young man like them at one time. During our trip, something compelled me to tell them, “Thanks for being a great group of guys that I can trust to be respectful and honest.” But even though I had all the confidence in the world they’d take that sentiment to heart, I later realized that when I was their age, hearing that kind of statement would have prompted some deviant idea to test if my leader really meant it.

Likewise, God knew we would be tempted to say, “Well, if my salvation is all about faith and doesn’t hinge on what I do, then I’m all set and can do what I want!” But He also knew that His Spirit would introduce new desires in us—desires to perform “works” that aren’t for our benefit, but to love our neighbor instead; desires that lead to more and more freedom throughout our lives. The most content, loving, and joyful people I know are also the most generous, available, and sacrificial. I don’t think that’s an accident.


Friday’s Reflection

What does it look like for you to live as though your “works” are a testament to your freedom, rather than an obligation to earn your salvation? Need help finding ways to serve? Check out our volunteer page—there’s certainly a spot for you, and we’ll help you find it! And if I can help in any way, feel free to send me an email: dmetcalfe@southland.church.


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Summer School: “Jesus + Nothing = Everything” — Monday

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Summer School: The Gospel — Thursday