Shackles

1 Corinthians 9:22

God came down as a man and shared our sufferings so that we may be saved. He presented us with a key to release us from the heavy chains of sin. Why, then, would we stay in said chains if the key is right in front of our nose? Because the shackles are all we know.

You see, people refuse the key because they know they have to change after they're released from their bonds. Being stubborn and prideful often gets in the way of acceptance.

Pride also keeps us from introducing others to God's key. However, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 states that we are supposed to preach to others (share the gospel) to receive the gift.

Are you being called to receive the key? To share it with family, friends, or perhaps even a passerby? Don't let the chains confine you anymore. We can't do that on our own; we need a savior. Let the Lord break you chains off.

Relationships in Ministry

Acts 20:17-38

Verse 19

--How did Paul serve the Lord?

Verse 21

--How are people saved?

Verse 22

--Who is compelling Paul to go to Jerusalem?

--Can you think of another time Paul obeyed by going where he was sent by the Holy Spirit? (hint)

Verse 24

--What was Paul’s task?

One way to describe God’s grace is through this acrostic:

God's
Riches
At
Christ's
Expense

We were given God’s riches through the death of His Son.

Verse 26

--Was it Paul’s fault if people did not believe?

Verse 35

--Why is it more blessed to give than to receive?

Verse 36-38

--How strong do you think Paul’s relationship was with the people he preached to?

--What is your task today?

--If someone rejects the gospel, did you do something wrong?

Grace

Ephesians 2:8

Living He loved me,
Dying He saved me,
Buried He carried my sins far away,
Rising He justified freely forever,
One day He's coming, oh glorious day!

Grace- an unmerited favor; gift

Saved- "to be rescued from imminent peril"

Faith- trust and reliance upon something or someone

Mourn over the devastation of your sin, but rejoice in the liberation of Christ!

Jesus did not come to make bad people good, or good people better, but to make dead people live.