Salvation.
Saved From What, To What, and For What
Pastor Matthew Johnson walks through Ephesians 2 to show what we've been saved from, what we've been saved to, and why that compels us to share the good news.
Remember What God Has Done
God gave Israel the Passover meal as a way to continually remember how He rescued them from slavery. They were not simply told to think about their salvation; they were given a meal that engaged their whole selves. Every year, they would eat, remember, and retell the story of what God had done. Communion carries this same purpose for us. It brings the story of Jesus’ sacrifice into our hands and minds so that we don’t forget what He has done to save us.
The Power of Jesus’ Name
Peter had no silver or gold, but he possessed something infinitely more valuable: the name of Jesus. That name healed the lame beggar, and that same name brings salvation to all who call upon it. When threatened by religious authorities who demanded silence, Peter boldly proclaimed that salvation exists in no other name. This wasn't religious superiority; it was witnessed reality. Peter had seen Jesus crucified, buried, and resurrected. He had experienced transformation that no other philosophy or religion could provide. The exclusivity of Jesus isn't about limiting options—it's about proclaiming the only solution that actually works. Today, consider: have you experienced the power of Jesus' name in your own life? Your testimony becomes your boldness.
The Love That Gave Everything
Lifted Up to Save
Jesus referenced a strange Old Testament story where poisonous serpents attacked Israel. God instructed Moses to lift up a bronze serpent on a pole—anyone who looked at it would live. It seemed foolish, yet it worked. Similarly, Jesus would be lifted up on a cross, appearing weak and defeated, yet providing salvation for all who look to Him in faith. God's rescue plan often defies human logic. The cross looked like failure but was actually victory. Jesus didn't come wielding condemnation but offering rescue. The God of the universe loved you enough to become one of you, to die for you.
The Cross Is God’s Invitation to You
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Matthew 2:11–12, 1 Corinthians 1:18–25, John 3:16Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in you...
Recognizing Jesus as Your Salvation
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Luke 2:29–32, Isaiah 49:6Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to...
Responding to God’s Call
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Romans 10:9–13Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what ...
Hosanna
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Matthew 21:9-11, Psalm 118:25-26Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be atten...
Belonging in God's Family
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read John 1:1-18 and 3:16-21. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to b...
No Other Options
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Exodus 14. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you hi...
The Incarnate Word
Continuing in the Following Jesus series, today we will look at having a relationship with God, representing Him in human form, and living to shine His light in the world we live in. Before we get started, let’s pray.Lord, I thank You for the relationship I have with You, and for You loving me. I ask You to be with me today, and let me shine Your light in my life and in those around me. Even in th...
It’s Grace that Saves
The wonderful blessing of salvation is something none of us could ever earn by our own doing. God’s grace did this for us! He eternally saves every believer who places their faith in Him. We cannot earn it, but only receive this free gift. Let’s pray….Heavenly Father, thank You for salvation. Thank You for saving a sinner like me. I’m so glad there is nothing I must do to be saved. I only need to ...
The Helmet of Salvation
Today, let's prepare our hearts for what God wants to do through our time in corporate worship. We need the Holy Spirit to lead us and show us what He is doing currently and what He wants to do in us. This involves praying and asking Him to make us aware of His activity in our lives. If you're new to prayer and still trying to understand how God speaks to us, pray the prayer below, expecting that ...
Enemies No Longer
As we continue in the series Following Jesus, today we will explore what it means to be reconciled to God through the blood of Jesus. Before we begin, let’s open our time together with a prayer.Heavenly Father, I love You so much. I am so grateful for the love and grace You extend to me each day. I desire a closer walk with You. Please guide me, and lead me as I strive to walk in step with You. Am...
Peace with God
This week we will be focusing on how we can obtain peace in our relationship with God, so we can live daily and victoriously in His grace.Let’s start our time together today in prayer:Lord Jesus, I am so privileged to be able to step into a conversation with You any time I want to! Your presence is so precious to me. I pray that as I read about and contemplate Your amazing grace toward me, that Yo...
When Jesus Calls Your Name
As we continue in the series “Following Jesus,” we will look at how salvation transforms an unrighteous life into a righteous life. Before we further explore this topic, let’s reach out to God with prayer, and invite Him into this time of learning and self-reflection.Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and for the incomprehensible sacrifice You made for me so I could be in right standing with...
You Must Be Born Again
As we continue the series “Following Jesus,” let us focus on the main reason Jesus Christ came to earth in the flesh—to provide humanity with a pathway to eternal life with God. Only a gracious God would sacrifice His only Son to redeem our sinful nature.Let’s thank Him for His unconditional love.Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to make the supreme sacrifice for my sins. May I never...
