ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Eph. 2:1-10

Intro: Life is full of change, we encounter it every day. Some of it is good and some of it is well not so good. We see our children grow up, ourselves grow older and our bodies grow tired. With each change we see a difference, between what life was and what it is now, today. In our scripture Paul focuses on a difference the difference between what a person was before Christ and what a person is after Christ.

This passage is all about the difference that Jesus makes in the hearts and lives of fallen men. As God gives liberty this evening, I want us to look together at these verses and consider for a few minutes, All the Difference Jesus Makes.

I. v. 1-3 MAN’S SIN

A. v. 1 A Wretched Life – Dead in Trespass and Sin- Our condition by birth

B. v. 2-3a A Wayward Life –

(a) lifestyle

(b) conduct

(c) desires

C. v. 3b A child of Wrath – Guilty of everlasting death by the judgment of God.

D. "But God!" That is all that stands between the sinner and Hell this evening! Yet these two little words, "But God!" may just be the greatest two words in the entire Bible. From them, we find the supply for our need, blessings without end and glories beyond description. Not only do these verses speak of the Pitiful Nature Of Man’s Sin, but they also point out:

II. v. 4-6 GODS PROVISIONS

A. v. 4 Love – John 3:16 for God so loved the world.

(Ill. The world may not care if you live or die, but Jesus cares for you! He died to save you from sin and He lives to make you free!)

B. v. 5 Life –

(a) Quickened us

When Jesus comes in, He gives the believer "New Life" in Himself. This is what being "Born Again" is all about!

The life Jesus gives is no ordinary life! It is abundant, free, and everlasting!

C. v. 6 A Lift –

(a) We have been seated in heavenly places! Not physically, yet, but spiritually. We have an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

(b) Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we have fellowship with the lord.

III. v. 7-10 THE WORDS SECURITY

A. v. 7- Through the ages to come (Eternal security)

B. v. 8-9 – Saved by Grace through faith, a gift of God, not from works.

C. v. 10 – Gods creation, reborn through Christ, for good works, Gods intended way for us to walk.

Conc: No force on earth, great or small, has the awesome power to make the changes we have mentioned here tonight, Only the Grace of God! Yet, I am thrilled that God still loves old sinners! I praise His name that He can take men and women from they’re present condition, save them through grace and make something out of them for His glory! What a Saviour the redeemed have this evening! If your not saved then I invite you to come to Jesus tonight. He is still saving souls and making dead men live! Find out for yourself why we say, Jesus makes “All the Difference!" Child of God, I challenge you to live like you are saved! Celebrate what and who you are in the Lord Jesus this evening. Is your lifestyle, conduct and desire where it should be. If the Lord had dealt with your heart tonight, or if you just want to say thank you, then this altar is open. You come right now and the Lord will meet your need tonight!