Introduction
Chapter 14 of the Baptist Confession of Faith deals with “Saving Faith.” On May 28th we worked through Ephesians 2:1-10 to understand the effect that sin has on the human will. Verse 8 of that passage explains that salvation is by grace through faith. In that sermon, we devoted only 2-3 minutes to the subject of faith. This Lord’s Day, we return to Ephesians 2:8 to delve deeply into this great theme.
The hymns selected for this Lord’s Day remind us that we are saved through faith alone enabled within us by the Spirit of God using the Word of God.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship: Hebrews 12:1-3
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 59 All Creatures of our God and King
Note: This hymn begins with a call for all creation to honor our Creator with praise. The third verse calls for praise that only the redeemed can offer: “All men who know God’s saving grace, By faith behold your Savior’s face, O praise Him, Alleluia!
Worship through Giving
Hymn 397 I Know Whom I Have Believed
Note: We have not sung this hymn often, perhaps because the refrain, while speaking truth, it seems to wrongly interpret 2 Timothy 1:12. Even so, the verses richly describe the truth of our sermon theme, especially verses two and three:
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus thro’ the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
Scripture Reading Romans 4:1-25
Note: The apostle Paul argued that no one is delivered from the penalty of sin by works of the Law. It is only by faith that trusts what God has said. He presents as indisputable evidence the salvation of Abraham who “believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness.”
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 412 No Other Plea
Note: In our day, many people talk about faith. They often assign value to the act of believing. In Scripture, the value of faith is in the object or focus of belief. Thus, we sing, “My faith has found a resting-place . . . I trust the Ever-living One,” namely Jesus who died to save us
Message: Understanding Saving Faith
Ephesians 2:8
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn Insert Credo
Notes: The title of this hymn, “Credo,” means “I believe.” It expresses the essence of the truth that Christians confess. It is Triune, confessing faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The life, death, and resurrection of Christ lie at the very core of this faith.
Prayer Response: David Snoeberger
Benediction: John Miles