We have completed week 4 of our 5-week series called from DIY to Renovation By Grace and move into the final days of this focus on Grace. Throughout the series we have explored what it means to recognize, name and claim God’s Grace in our daily life. We have lived in Ephesians 2 and read verses 1-10 and will return to where we began with 2.19-22 this week. In the coming months we hope this passage may provide a reference point for our community when a reminder about Grace is needed.
OUTLINE OF FROM DIY TO RESTORATION BY GRACE
January 13: Ephesians 2.19-22 From DIY
January 20: Ephesians 2.1-7 Rooted in Grace
January 27: Ephesians 2.8-9 Growing in Faith
February 3: Ephesians 2.10 Reaching in Love
February 10: Ephesians 2.19-22 to Renovation by Grace
Our worship this Sunday will be rooted in Ephesians 2.19-22 and we return to the phrase “members of the household of God” We would like to remind you of these words we shared with you from the first week of our series: Ignatius of Loyola, a sixteenth century priest who lived in Spain and founder of the Jesuits, composed a process of spiritual discernment for Christians who are seeking to find out what God intends for them. According to him, the most important rule is, “The love which moves me and makes me choose something has to descend….from the love of God.” (NIB vol xi p. 395) The love of God is Grace.
Dominant society would have us believe that we are to “go it alone.” We are “self-made.” We’re defined by our own successes and failures. Jesus offers a radical alternative. Instead of being self-made, we are divinely created. We are defined by Grace. Our worship series has invited us deeper into a reflection on Grace, the love of God which moves us and makes us choose something.
How would you describe your understanding of God’s Grace at this moment in time?
How does the direction that your life is heading affirm or contradict what you say is most important to you?
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