News & Announcements

See what's happening at FBC

Ephesians 2:8-10

Legends. That would be the best word to describe us. The Class of ’68 was the MOST talented, the MOST accomplished, the MOST memorable, the GREATEST athletes, the most BRILLIANT scholars, trendsetters long before #trending was added to Webster’s treasury of frequently used words and freshly coined phrases. We were “All-Class” performers!

Well…at least that’s how we remember it. Now, to be perfectly confessional, it does seem that the more years that bridge the gap between then and today the more accomplished and exceptional we have become. I mean, if you REALLY want to know how the game was meant to be played, just ask a recent joint-replacement crippled former athlete to describe her/his days on the field or the court.

StarbucksI recommend you order the Venti or even the Trenta because their telling of their story is going take a bit of time! With the exertion of effort comes the urge to brag. The harder you have worked, the more you feel the urge to self-promote. Nothing fuels the pride of heart like self-effort!

Paul terms it, “boast.” If you had the opportunity to sit down at Starbucks or Scooters with Paul before he met Jesus, you would definitely have walked away saying to yourself, that dude is a “Legend!” You most likely would have heard…“I myself have reason for confidence…if anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

    1. Circumcised on the 8th day
    2. Of the people of Israel
    3. Of the tribe of Benjamin
    4. A Hebrew of Hebrews
    5. A Pharisee in relationship to the Law
    6. A zealous persecutor of the Church
    7. Concerning legal righteousness? BLAMELESS!

NO-one has it over on me!” Philippians 3

You see…the exertion of labor breeds pride of heart and arrogant boasting in attitude. For that reason he writes, “For by GRACE you have been saved…it is NOT your own doing; it is the GIFT of God…so NO-one may boast.” Ephesians 2

Legends. That is until there is a reality check. The truth is that we are simply legends in our own minds! So Paul reminds us of what we TRULY were before His grace set us free. “You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked.” To stay humble and grateful, simply remember how hopeless and helpless you were. When your reality check is complete, you will say as Paul said, “But by the grace of God, I am what I am!” 1 Corinthians 15

Certifiably un-save-able sinners…saved by amazing grace!

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom