Embracing Salvation: A Journey of Faith and Transformation

 

Summary

In my sermon today, I began by welcoming everyone to our service, especially our guests, and encouraged them to connect with us through the connection cards provided. I shared our scripture verse for the week from 2 Samuel 22:31-32, emphasizing that God's way is perfect and He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. We then took a moment to pray for a family from our church who are moving to Texas, acknowledging their contribution to our community and entrusting their future to God's perfect plan.

I continued by expressing my excitement about the spirit of Easter and resurrection that still lingers in our church. I announced the beginning of a new sermon series shaped by the tough questions about faith and life submitted by our congregation. I emphasized the importance of these questions, particularly those related to salvation, as they are foundational to our faith and how we address other questions.

Salvation, I explained, is sometimes understood as deliverance from the consequences of sin, which are death and separation from God. This deliverance is made possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I referenced Acts chapter 5, where Luke describes the purpose of Jesus' sacrifice as a means for us to repent and be forgiven.

I then addressed the question of whether we are overemphasizing our dedication and commitment to God after salvation. I clarified that a life dedicated to God is a byproduct, not a stipulation, of salvation. I used Romans chapter 6 to illustrate that salvation is the starting point, but God has more in store for us, including a life of abundant and holy living.

The sermon moved on to tackle the question of whether a person who accepted Jesus as a child but did not live a life for Christ would still go to heaven. I emphasized that salvation requires believing in Jesus and trusting Him for the forgiveness of sins. However, I also discussed the possibility of drifting away from faith or choosing to desert God, which could put one's salvation at risk.

I encouraged the congregation to take practical steps to apply the message, such as ensuring their salvation, recommitting to Christ if they have drifted, and considering baptism as an outward profession of faith. I urged everyone to share their salvation story with others, as it could be the very thing that helps someone cross the line of decision and say yes to Jesus.

In conclusion, I led the congregation in prayer, inviting those who have not yet accepted Christ to do so and to make their decision public. We prepared to celebrate a baptism, highlighting the power of personal testimony in leading others to Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Salvation is not merely a moment of deliverance but the beginning of a lifelong journey with God. It is essential to understand that while salvation comes from our belief in Jesus, it is the starting point for a life of transformation and growth towards holiness. [47:06]

2. Our dedication to God after salvation is not about overdoing it but about living out the change that occurs within us. As we grow in our faith, our lives should reflect a new direction and focus that honors God, moving us further from the line of salvation and closer to His holiness. [58:12]

3. The possibility of drifting away from our faith or outright deserting God is real, and it is our responsibility to keep our eyes on the Lord and continue moving in His direction. This requires intentional effort and commitment to grow deeper in our relationship with Him. [01:08:31]

4. Baptism is a significant step in our faith journey, symbolizing our identification with Christ rather than our sin. If you have said yes to Jesus but have not been baptized, I encourage you to take this step as a public declaration of your faith. [01:15:40]

5. Sharing our salvation story is not just a personal reflection but a powerful tool for evangelism. Our testimonies can be the catalyst for others to come to faith, so we must be ready and willing to share the impact of Jesus in our lives with those around us. [01:17:17]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Samuel 22:31-32: "As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?"
2. Acts 5:31: "God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins."
3. Romans 6:15-16: "What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?"

#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Samuel 22:31-32, what attributes of God are highlighted, and how do they provide comfort to believers?
2. In Acts 5:31, what is the purpose of Jesus' exaltation according to Luke?
3. Romans 6:15-16 discusses the concept of being slaves to sin or obedience. What are the consequences of each type of slavery mentioned in these verses?
4. The sermon mentioned that salvation is the starting point of a lifelong journey with God. What are some practical steps the pastor suggested for ensuring one's salvation and growing in faith? ([01:12:41])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the description of God’s way as "perfect" in 2 Samuel 22:31-32 influence a believer’s trust in God’s plan, especially during challenging times?
2. Acts 5:31 speaks about repentance and forgiveness. How does this verse shape our understanding of the process and importance of repentance in the Christian faith?
3. Romans 6:15-16 contrasts being slaves to sin versus obedience. How does this passage challenge the notion that grace allows for a permissive attitude towards sin?
4. The sermon addressed the question of whether a person who accepted Jesus as a child but did not live a life for Christ would still go to heaven. How does the pastor’s explanation of drifting away from faith or deserting God impact our understanding of salvation and eternal security? ([01:05:33])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on 2 Samuel 22:31-32, how can you actively seek God’s protection and trust in His perfect way in your current life situation?
2. Acts 5:31 emphasizes repentance and forgiveness. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek repentance? How can you take steps towards that this week?
3. Romans 6:15-16 challenges us to choose obedience over sin. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with sin. What practical steps can you take to choose obedience and righteousness this week?
4. The pastor encouraged sharing your salvation story as a powerful tool for evangelism. Who is one person you can share your story with this week, and how will you approach the conversation? ([01:16:41])
5. The sermon discussed the importance of baptism as an outward profession of faith. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step? How can you overcome these obstacles? ([01:15:40])
6. The possibility of drifting away from faith was mentioned. What specific actions can you take to stay committed and grow deeper in your relationship with God? Consider joining a Bible study, finding an accountability partner, or setting a regular prayer time. ([01:14:39])
7. The pastor mentioned the importance of recommitting to Christ if you have drifted. Reflect on your spiritual journey. Is there a need for recommitment in your life? What steps will you take to renew your dedication to Christ? ([01:13:40])

Devotional

Day 1: Salvation: Journey's Commencement, Not Conclusion
Salvation is often celebrated as the pivotal moment of deliverance from sin, but it is just the beginning of a lifelong journey with God. It marks the start of a transformative process where belief in Jesus is the first step toward a life of holiness and spiritual growth. This journey is not a static experience but an ongoing adventure that involves learning, struggling, and maturing in faith. It is essential to recognize that salvation is not the finish line but the starting block from which believers embark on the path of discipleship, seeking to become more like Christ in every aspect of their lives. [47:06]

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." - Romans 8:29 ESV

Reflection: How does viewing salvation as the beginning of your spiritual journey change your approach to daily living and growth in faith?

Day 2: Reflecting Change Through Dedicated Living
The transformation that occurs within a person upon salvation should naturally manifest in a life dedicated to God. This dedication is not an attempt to earn salvation but a response to the change that has taken place within. As faith grows, so should the evidence of that faith in actions, decisions, and priorities. Living a life that reflects God's holiness is not about overdoing it but about authentically living out the new direction and focus that honors God. This is a journey that moves believers further from their initial salvation experience and closer to the holiness of God. [58:12]

"And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments." - 1 John 2:3 ESV

Reflection: In what ways can you more authentically reflect the internal change of salvation in your daily actions and choices?

Day 3: Guarding Against Spiritual Drift
The reality of spiritual drift or desertion is a sobering thought for any believer. It is a reminder that faith requires vigilance and intentional effort to maintain a course directed towards God. The possibility of falling away is real, and it is the responsibility of each individual to keep their eyes fixed on the Lord and to continue moving in His direction. This calls for a commitment to grow deeper in the relationship with God, through prayer, study, and fellowship with other believers. [01:08:31]

"Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it." - Hebrews 2:1 ESV

Reflection: What steps can you take today to prevent spiritual drift and ensure you are actively moving towards God?

Day 4: Baptism as Faith's Milestone
Baptism is a significant milestone in the life of a believer. It is an outward symbol of an inward grace, representing identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection rather than with sin. For those who have made a commitment to Jesus but have not yet been baptized, this step is a public declaration of faith and a powerful testimony to the work of Christ in transforming lives. It is an act of obedience that signifies the washing away of the old self and the emergence of the new creation in Christ. [01:15:40]

"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:4 ESV

Reflection: If you have not been baptized since coming to faith, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience?

Day 5: Evangelism Through Personal Testimony
Sharing one's salvation story is a powerful form of evangelism. Personal testimonies have the unique ability to connect with others on an emotional level, demonstrating the transformative power of Jesus in a relatable way. These stories can inspire, encourage, and often be the catalyst for someone else to make a decision for Christ. Believers should be ready and willing to share the impact of Jesus in their lives, as it can be a significant influence on those who are seeking truth and meaning. [01:17:17]

"Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." - Luke 8:39 ESV

Reflection: Who in your life could benefit from hearing your salvation story, and how can you share it with them this week?

Quotes

1) "I think it's clear that we need to see, that a life dedicated to God, is a byproduct of salvation, and not a stipulation, of salvation. We've already seen that salvation comes from our beliefs, in Jesus and our acknowledgement, of what he has done for us." [53:43]( | | )

2) "Living a life, dedicated to God, implies commitment, it implies a willingness to change, the details of our lives, so that our lives bring honor, to him. Salvation is the starting point, but from there, God has more in store." [54:44]( | | )

3) "The farther away you get from something, the harder it is to see what is behind you. Right. So I think the journey, I think the plan, I think the expectation, is that we are walking away from that line, and towards the holiness of God." [01:03:49]( | | )

4) "God desires that all, will be saved. I don't have time to go into it this morning, but many of you know my personal story of salvation. And I will just throw this teaser out there, because it might ask you, to come talk with me." [01:10:34]( | | )

5) "God will not take your salvation away. But you can choose to give it away. And I do believe, that he wants us to walk with him, keeping our eyes on him. So like we answered with the first question, it is not just about overdoing it, but it is also doing enough." [01:12:12]( | | )

6) "Whether they're their peers or they're adults. Our teenagers, our preteens. So quick to be ones who lay hands and pray and intercede for. Our brothers and sisters. God, that tells me that the future of the church is bright." [32:16]( | | )

7) "Well this morning we're beginning a new sermon series that really is shaped by your questions. Over the last several weeks we have been asking you to submit some of your tough questions. Tough questions about faith and life." [43:17]( | | )

8) "Salvation. Is sometimes understood. As deliverance. Or repentance. And. We understand that. Specifically. As being the state. Of having our. The consequences of sin. Dealt with." [46:41]( | | )

9) "The issue is, is that we are so flawed. The issue is that our sin is so great. That even the law, couldn't satisfy. The needs that we had to be saved. And so. We understand. Salvation as is described. In many places throughout the scripture." [47:41]( | | )

10) "But everyone who does that, the scripture tells us, will be saved. We must be careful to understand, all of scripture, to best understand God's heart, and his plan. We know the plan of God, that all will be saved." [01:06:33]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?