Tag: Guided By Grace

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MAKE HIM ‘UNCLEAN’ / MARK 7:18

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 7:18

And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

MAKE HIM ‘UNCLEAN’ / MARK 7:18

Jesus speaks of being “unclean” or corrupted spiritually. He is referring to foods that enter a person’s body but do not affect the heart (Mark 7:19). This verse cannot be used to justify using harmful substances like drugs or intoxicating drinks, since using such things often result in the sins listed in Mark 7:21-22 (Proverbs 23:31). Also notice that when Jesus says that ‘nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him” (Mark 7:15, 18), He is definitely talking about food (Mark 7:19); He is not referring to things that enter our minds and affect our thoughts in immoral ways. The principle in this passage must not be used to justify ungodly activities and behaviors (sexually suggestive entertainment, immodest attire, materialism) that affect what goes into our minds and eventually ‘comes out” (Mark 7:20) in the form of sins condemned in Mark 7:21-22.

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. THE TRADITIONS OF MEN / MARK 7:8
  2. THEIR HEARTS ARE FAR FROM ME / MARK 7:6-7
  3. FIVE LOAVES … TWO FISH … THANKSGIVING AT MEALTIMES / MARK 6:41
  4. COMPASSION / MARK 6:34
  5. ANOINTED … WITH OIL / MARK 6:13
  6. LACK OF FAITH / MARK 6:6
  7. JESUS … A PROPHET / MARK 6:4
  8. JUST BELIEVE / MARK 5:36
  9. JUST TOUCH HIS CLOTHES / MARK 5:27-28
  10. A MAN WITH AN EVIL SPIRIT / MARK 5:2-17
  11. JESUS WAS SLEEPING / MARK 4:38
  12. EVEN WHAT HE HAS WILL BE TAKEN / MARK 4:25
  13. TAKES AWAY THE WORD / MARK 4:15-17
  14. A FARMER WENT OUT TO SOW / MARK 4:3
  15. PARABLES / MARK 4:2
  16. AUTHORITY TO DRIVE OUT DEMONS / MARK 3:15
  17. THAT THEY MIGHT BE WITH HIM / MARK 3:14
  18. HERODIANS / MARK 3:6
  19. LOOKED … IN ANGER / MARK 3:5
  20. THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN / MARK 2:27
  21. TO CALL … SINNERS / MARK 2:17
  22. HEALING THE PARALYZED MAN / MARK 2:11
  23. DROVE OUT MANY DEMONS / MARK 1:34
  24. SYNAGOGUE / MARK 1:21
  25. COME FOLLOW ME / MARK 1:17
  26. KINGDOM OF GOD / MARK 1:15
  27. BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / MARK 1:8
  28. THE WHOLE JUDEAN COUNTRYSIDE / MARK 1:5
  29. BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE / MARK 1:4
  30. THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL / MARK 1:1-3
  31. MY SON, WHOM I LOVE / MARK 1:11
  32. WHEN YOU STAND PRAYING … FORGIVE / MARK 11:25
  33. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
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THE TRADITIONS OF MEN / MARK 7:8

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 7:8

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

THE TRADITIONS OF MEN / MARK 7:8

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were guilty of placing human tradition above God’s direct revelation. They followed their own laws and regulations even when those things were not consistent with the standards of God’s Word. Jesus is not condemning all traditions here, but only those that contradict or conflict with the commands and principles of God’s Word. Traditions or rules must be based on, and remain consistent with, truths found in the Bible (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Churches must resist the tendency to promote their own rules, traditions, ideas and preferences above the Bible. God’s written Word as revealed in the Bible is the only infallible (unfailing, flawless, perfectly reliable) rule for faith and living; human ideas must never become more important than God’s Word (Mark 7:13; Matthew 15:6).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. THEIR HEARTS ARE FAR FROM ME / MARK 7:6-7
  2. FIVE LOAVES … TWO FISH … THANKSGIVING AT MEALTIMES / MARK 6:41
  3. COMPASSION / MARK 6:34
  4. ANOINTED … WITH OIL / MARK 6:13
  5. LACK OF FAITH / MARK 6:6
  6. JESUS … A PROPHET / MARK 6:4
  7. JUST BELIEVE / MARK 5:36
  8. JUST TOUCH HIS CLOTHES / MARK 5:27-28
  9. A MAN WITH AN EVIL SPIRIT / MARK 5:2-17
  10. JESUS WAS SLEEPING / MARK 4:38
  11. EVEN WHAT HE HAS WILL BE TAKEN / MARK 4:25
  12. TAKES AWAY THE WORD / MARK 4:15-17
  13. A FARMER WENT OUT TO SOW / MARK 4:3
  14. PARABLES / MARK 4:2
  15. AUTHORITY TO DRIVE OUT DEMONS / MARK 3:15
  16. THAT THEY MIGHT BE WITH HIM / MARK 3:14
  17. HERODIANS / MARK 3:6
  18. LOOKED … IN ANGER / MARK 3:5
  19. THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN / MARK 2:27
  20. TO CALL … SINNERS / MARK 2:17
  21. HEALING THE PARALYZED MAN / MARK 2:11
  22. DROVE OUT MANY DEMONS / MARK 1:34
  23. SYNAGOGUE / MARK 1:21
  24. COME FOLLOW ME / MARK 1:17
  25. KINGDOM OF GOD / MARK 1:15
  26. BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / MARK 1:8
  27. THE WHOLE JUDEAN COUNTRYSIDE / MARK 1:5
  28. BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE / MARK 1:4
  29. THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL / MARK 1:1-3
  30. MY SON, WHOM I LOVE / MARK 1:11
  31. WHEN YOU STAND PRAYING … FORGIVE / MARK 11:25
  32. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
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THEIR HEARTS ARE FAR FROM ME / MARK 7:6-7

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 7:6-7

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

THEIR HEARTS ARE FAR FROM ME / MARK 7:6-7

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were guilty of the sin of legalism, which substitutes outward acts or words for true godly attitudes that come from a holy relationship with God (Matthew 5:20: Matthew 5:27-28; Matthew 6:1-7; John 1:13; John 3:3-6; Isaiah 1:11; Amos 4:4-5). Legalists seem to honor God with their words, but their hearts (motives and affections) are far from Him and His purposes. This means that they might appear outwardly to live right and seek what pleases God, but inwardly they have no real love for Him. 

  1. Legalism is not simply living by the laws or standards of God’s Word because such standards are good and proper if based on God’s commands and principles. Rather, legalism has to do with the person’s motive for following God and His purposes. Any motive that does not flow out of a true and active faith in Christ and the desire to obey and please Him is legalism (Matthew 6:1-7; John 14:21). Legalism often involves man-made regulations that have little or nothing to do with God’s original commands. The fault of legalism is depending on these laws and standards for spiritual worth or salvation, which is not possible apart from faith in Christ.
  2. In this age of grace (God’s underserved favor and love expressed through Christ’s death for our sins), we are spiritually saved through faith in Christ and not our own efforts. This is not to say that Christians should neglect the instructions, disciplines and duties of Christ’s law and God’s Word. The Bible teaches us to show our love for Christ by being faithful in all these areas. The New Testament speaks of the “perfect law that gives freedom” (James 1:25), “the royal law” (James 2:8), the “law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2) and the “law of the Spirit” (Romans 8:2) and the “law of the Spirit” (Romans 8:2). In God’s Word we find (a) positive commands, which are things we should do and practice (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), (b) negative commands, which are things we should avoid or refrain from doing (Romans 12:2), (c) basic principles, which are ethical truths that reflect God’s character and form the basis of His laws (1 Corinthians 8:13) and (d) words spoken by spiritual leaders with God-given authority in spiritual matters (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 3:5; Hebrews 13:7, 17).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. FIVE LOAVES … TWO FISH … THANKSGIVING AT MEALTIMES / MARK 6:41
  2. COMPASSION / MARK 6:34
  3. ANOINTED … WITH OIL / MARK 6:13
  4. LACK OF FAITH / MARK 6:6
  5. JESUS … A PROPHET / MARK 6:4
  6. JUST BELIEVE / MARK 5:36
  7. JUST TOUCH HIS CLOTHES / MARK 5:27-28
  8. A MAN WITH AN EVIL SPIRIT / MARK 5:2-17
  9. JESUS WAS SLEEPING / MARK 4:38
  10. EVEN WHAT HE HAS WILL BE TAKEN / MARK 4:25
  11. TAKES AWAY THE WORD / MARK 4:15-17
  12. A FARMER WENT OUT TO SOW / MARK 4:3
  13. PARABLES / MARK 4:2
  14. AUTHORITY TO DRIVE OUT DEMONS / MARK 3:15
  15. THAT THEY MIGHT BE WITH HIM / MARK 3:14
  16. HERODIANS / MARK 3:6
  17. LOOKED … IN ANGER / MARK 3:5
  18. THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN / MARK 2:27
  19. TO CALL … SINNERS / MARK 2:17
  20. HEALING THE PARALYZED MAN / MARK 2:11
  21. DROVE OUT MANY DEMONS / MARK 1:34
  22. SYNAGOGUE / MARK 1:21
  23. COME FOLLOW ME / MARK 1:17
  24. KINGDOM OF GOD / MARK 1:15
  25. BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / MARK 1:8
  26. THE WHOLE JUDEAN COUNTRYSIDE / MARK 1:5
  27. BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE / MARK 1:4
  28. THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL / MARK 1:1-3
  29. MY SON, WHOM I LOVE / MARK 1:11
  30. WHEN YOU STAND PRAYING … FORGIVE / MARK 11:25
  31. Guided By Grace About

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
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FOUNDATION … APOSTLES / EPHESIANS 2:20

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 2:20

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

FOUNDATION … APOSTLES / EPHESIANS 2:20

A church can only be a true church if it is founded on the Christ-inspired, infallible (perfectly reliable, certain not to fail) revelation to the first apostles. 

  1. The New Testament apostles (“sent ones”) were those who received a direct commission from Christ to deliver His original message and to lead the effort in establishing His New Testament church (Acts 14:4). God used some of these men to write part of Scripture (God’s written Word). The apostles were the foundation stones of the church, and their message is preserved in the writings of the New Testament as the original, foundational testimony of the authentic and true message of Christ – a message that is valid for all people of all times. 
  2. All believers and churches are dependent on the words, message and faith of the first apostles as recorded in the book of Acts and in the apostles’ God-inspired New Testament writings. All generations of the church have the responsibility of obeying this God-given revelation and the privilege of testifying to its truth. The gospel – the “good news” and true message of Christ – given to the New Testament apostles through the Holy Spirit is the enduring source of life, truth and direction for the church. 
  3. All true believers and true churches show their genuine position within Christ’s body as they do the following: (a) They must agree with and earnestly strive to follow the New Testament teaching and revelation concerning Christ and His message (Acts 2:42). To reject the New Testament apostles’ teachings is to reject the Lord Himself (John 16:13-15; 1 Corinthians 14:36-38; Galatians 1:9-11). (b) They must continue the apostolic mission (being sent out with Christ’s message and authority to pioneer ministries throughout the world) by communicating the original New Testament message of Christ through faithful speaking, preaching and teaching in the power of the Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:8-14; Titus 1:7-9). (c)  They must not only believe the original apostolic message of the New Testament but also defend and guard it against all false representation and changes. The apostles’ original revelation from Christ as found in the New Testament can never be replaced or nullified (canceled, voided) by later revelation, testimony or prophecy (Acts 20:27-31; 1 Timothy 6:20).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  2. THE TWO … THEIR HOSTILITY … PEACE / EPHESIANS 2:14-17
  3. TO DO GOOD WORKS / EPHESIANS 2:10
  4. NOT BY WORKS / EPHESIANS 2:8-9
  5. THOSE … DIOBEDIENT / EPHESIANS 2:1-2
  6. THE FULLNESS OF HIM / EPHESIANS 1:22-23
  7. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  8. IN MY PRAYERS / EPHESIANS 1:16-20
  9. HOLY SPIRIT … A DEPOSIT / EPHESIANS 1:13-14
  10. SEAL … HOLY SPIRIT / EPHESIANS 1:13
  11. CHOSEN … PREDESTINED / EPHESIANS 1:11-12
  12. TO BRING UNDER ONE HEAD / EPHESIANS 1:10
  13. THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL / EPHESIANS 1:9
  14. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  15. IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1
  16. RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10
  17. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  18. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  19. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  20. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
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THE TWO … THEIR HOSTILITY … PEACE / EPHESIANS 2:14-17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 2:14-17

 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

THE TWO … THEIR HOSTILITY … PEACE / EPHESIANS 2:14-17

These verses clearly describe the “barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14) that historically separated Jews and Gentiles (people of all nations who are not Israelite or Jewish). This separation was based primarily on religion. But God has brought into unity people of all nations and backgrounds as they sought a personal relationship with Him (Ephesians 6:9; Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11). He did so by taking the focus off of His law as the basis for a relationship with Himself (Romans 3:28-30) and bringing our full attention to His gift of salvation by grace (unearned favor and love) through faith in Christ alone (Romans 9:30; Galatians 2:16). All true believers have peace with God (Ephesians 2:16-17) and each other because the basis of their faith is in what Jesus Christ did through His death and resurrection.

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. TO DO GOOD WORKS / EPHESIANS 2:10
  2. NOT BY WORKS / EPHESIANS 2:8-9
  3. THOSE … DIOBEDIENT / EPHESIANS 2:1-2
  4. THE FULLNESS OF HIM / EPHESIANS 1:22-23
  5. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  6. IN MY PRAYERS / EPHESIANS 1:16-20
  7. HOLY SPIRIT … A DEPOSIT / EPHESIANS 1:13-14
  8. SEAL … HOLY SPIRIT / EPHESIANS 1:13
  9. CHOSEN … PREDESTINED / EPHESIANS 1:11-12
  10. TO BRING UNDER ONE HEAD / EPHESIANS 1:10
  11. THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL / EPHESIANS 1:9
  12. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  13. IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1
  14. RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10
  15. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  16. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  17. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  18. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  19. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
Posted on

MUSIC MONDAY AUGUST 2025

LISTEN TO MUSIC MONDAY

Looking for worship music? We got you covered! Get your Worship on with Music Monday Brought to you by Jennifer Villareal. Jennifer posts a new song every Monday.

There’s never a bad time to listen to Guided By Grace Music Monday Playlist.

You can simply listen to Jennifer’s play list by going to YouTube and clicking on Guided By Grace Music Monday Playlist

What are you waiting for? It’s time to listen to some of the best worship music!

Guided By Grace Music Monday Playlist

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. MUSIC MONDAY JULY 2025
  2. MUSIC MONDAY JUNE 2025
  3. LISTEN WITH US ON MUSIC MONDAY
  4. MUSICE MONDAY BROUGHT TO YOU BY: JENNIFER VILLARREAL

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
Posted on

WELCOME AUGUST

AUGUST PRAYER

I pray that happiness be at your door. May it knock early, stay late and leave the gift of God’s peace, love, joy and good health behind. May you find refuge under the sheltering tree of God’s presence, protected and comforted by His unwavering love.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY NEW MONTH

Bible Study Tools I Use

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. JULY BLESSINGS
  2. JUNE PRAYER 2025
  3. HELLO MAY BLESSINGS
  4. PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2025
  5. PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH 2025
  6. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025
  7. THE GREATEST CHRISTMAS GIFT
  8. PRAYER FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER
  9. NOVEMBER HAPPY NEW MONTH!
  10. OCTOBER PRAYER
  11. LABOR DAY PRAYER
  12. WELCOME AUGUST
  13. JULY 4TH PRAYER
  14. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
Posted on

TO DO GOOD WORKS / EPHESIANS 2:10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

TO DO GOOD WORKS / EPHESIANS 2:10

Although we cannot be spiritually saved and made right with God by good works (Ephesians 2:8-9), God still desires that the lives of Christians be characterized by good works. It is part of what we are created to do. He has even prepared good things for us to do. We do not do these things to gain God’s favor, but to show our love and gratitude to God for the favor He has already shown us by His gracious gift of spiritual salvation through faith in Christ (Titus 2:14; 3:8). Our good works for God also provide an opportunity to influence others for Christ, showing them an example of His love and goodness and leading them to the point of receiving Christ’s forgiveness and new life for themselves (Matthew 5:14-16).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. NOT BY WORKS / EPHESIANS 2:8-9
  2. THOSE … DIOBEDIENT / EPHESIANS 2:1-2
  3. THE FULLNESS OF HIM / EPHESIANS 1:22-23
  4. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  5. IN MY PRAYERS / EPHESIANS 1:16-20
  6. HOLY SPIRIT … A DEPOSIT / EPHESIANS 1:13-14
  7. SEAL … HOLY SPIRIT / EPHESIANS 1:13
  8. CHOSEN … PREDESTINED / EPHESIANS 1:11-12
  9. TO BRING UNDER ONE HEAD / EPHESIANS 1:10
  10. THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL / EPHESIANS 1:9
  11. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  12. IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1
  13. RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10
  14. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  15. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  16. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  17. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  18. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
Posted on

NOT BY WORKS / EPHESIANS 2:8-9

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 2:8-9

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

NOT BY WORKS / EPHESIANS 2:8-9

One cannot be “saved” and gain a right relationship with God by good works, acts of love, devoted efforts to keep God’s commandments or any sort of religious routines. One can be spiritually saved only by God’s grace – His unearned favor, love and enablement. There are clear Biblical reasons for the fact:

  1. The unsaved (those who have not been restored to a personal relationship with God) are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1), under Satan’s influence and control (Ephesians 2:2), enslaved to sin (Ephesians 2:3) and under God’s condemning judgment (Ephesians 2:3).
  2. In order to be saved (restored to a right relationship with God), one must respond to and accept God’s provision of mercy through His Son, Jesus (Ephesians 2:4-5), be forgiven of sin (Romans 4:7-8), be made spiritually alive (Colossians 1:13), be freed from the power of Satan and sin (Colossians 1:13), be made a new creation (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17) and receive the inner presence of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39; 20:22). No amount of self-effort can accomplish these things. 
  3. Salvation comes to an individual by God’s gift of grace – His unearned favor that comes as a response to the person’s godly faith (Ephesians 2:5, 8). God’s gift of grace includes the following: (a) God calls people to repent (to turn from their own rebellious way, accept His forgiveness, surrender their lives to Christ and follow His purposes for them) and to accept His invitation to new life by faith in His Son, Jesus (Acts 2:38; Matthew 3:2). Along with this invitation comes the work of the Holy Spirit within a person, giving him or her the power and ability to respond to God. (b) Those who respond in faith and accept Christ as Lord and Savior – the Forgiver of their sins and Leader of their lives – receive additional grace. This allows them to be spiritually renewed, or “born again” (John 3:7), by the Spirit. In the process, the Holy Spirit comes to reside within them, also making available Christ’s invitation to be filled with the Spirit for additional power to communicate His message of forgiveness and new life to others (Acts 1:8; 2:38; Ephesians 5:18). (c) Those who become new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) receive continuing grace to live for Christ, resist sin and serve God’s purposes (Romans 8:13-14; 2 Corinthians 9:8). God’s grace operates within committed followers of Christ, giving them both the desire and the power to fulfill God’s good purpose for their lives (Philippians 2:12; Philippian 2:13). From beginning to end, salvation is by the grace of God.

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. THOSE … DIOBEDIENT / EPHESIANS 2:1-2
  2. THE FULLNESS OF HIM / EPHESIANS 1:22-23
  3. IN MY PRAYERS / EPHESIANS 16-20
  4. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  5. HOLY SPIRIT … A DEPOSIT / EPHESIANS 1:13-14
  6. SEAL … HOLY SPIRIT / EPHESIANS 1:13
  7. CHOSEN … PREDESTINED / EPHESIANS 1:11-12
  8. TO BRING UNDER ONE HEAD / EPHESIANS 1:10
  9. THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL / EPHESIANS 1:9
  10. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  11. IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1
  12. RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10
  13. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  14. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  15. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  16. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  17. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
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THOSE … DIOBEDIENT / EPHESIANS 2:1-2

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 2:1-2

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

THOSE … DIOBEDIENT / EPHESIANS 2:1-2

Ephesians 2:1-4 reveal several reasons why Christians should have great compassion and mercy for those who do not know Christ, who are still going their own way and are still trapped in their sins (resistance, opposition against God).

  1. All who are living apart from Christ are under the influence of “the ruler of the kingdom of the air,” Satan (Ephesians 2:2). Satan has blinded their minds to the truth of God (Ephesians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). They are enslaved to sin and the ungodly cravings of their sinful nature (Ephesians 2:3; Luke 4:18).
  2. Because of the spiritual condition of people who have not been transformed through a personal relationship with Christ, they cannot understand or accept the truth without God’s grace (His undeserved favor, love, help and enablement, Ephesians 2:5, 8; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Titus 2:11-14).
  3. Christians must see everyone from the Biblical perspective. They should view with compassion those who are caught up in immoral behavior and ungodly pride because such people are in spiritual slavery to sin and Satan (Ephesians 2:1-3; John 3:16). 
  4. Those who are without Christ are still responsible for their sins and offenses against God. That is because God gives every human being enough spiritual light and grace – even in their own consciences – that they can recognize God and turn to Him and escape their slavery to sin because of the freedom provided through Christ (John 1:9; Romans 1:18-32; 2: 1-16).

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Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. THE FULLNESS OF HIM / EPHESIANS 1:22-23
  2. IN MY PRAYERS / EPHESIANS 16-20
  3. HOLY SPIRIT … A DEPOSIT / EPHESIANS 1:13-14
  4. SEAL … HOLY SPIRIT / EPHESIANS 1:13
  5. CHOSEN … PREDESTINED / EPHESIANS 1:11-12
  6. TO BRING UNDER ONE HEAD / EPHESIANS 1:10
  7. THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL / EPHESIANS 1:9
  8. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  9. IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1
  10. RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10
  11. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  12. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  13. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  14. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  15. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  16. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace