The Blessing Of Salvation Series

The Blessing of Salvation

Ephesians 2:4-9; Titus 3:3-7; Matthew 28:20

Online Sermon:

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Life is a mysterious and yet profoundly beautiful journey. In our youth, we feel invincible, filled with dreams of freedom, independence, and the excitement of adulthood. We imagine owning our own cars and homes, setting our own rules, and enjoying the pleasures we believe adulthood brings. But as we grow older, we find ourselves reminiscing about our younger days—when energy was endless, and health issues seemed a distant concern—and wondering why we still feel so incomplete, as if we’re not as in control of our lives as we once thought we’d be. Adulthood brings not only the aches and pains of a body that’s aging but also reminds us of a deeper ache in our hearts that has always been there: a desire to be significant, to leave a legacy that truly matters. We try to fill this yearning with strong marriages, families, career successes, and well-planned retirements, but these can only go so far. God has placed within us a desire for an eternal perspective, a longing for something far beyond the fleeting pleasures of this world. Today’s message is about this truth: that we are made for a relationship with our Creator, for a purpose not rooted in ourselves but in His everlasting kingdom. In Christ, we find a salvation that frees us from the pursuit of temporary things and assures us a place in God’s family forever, grounded in the sacrifice of the One who gave His life for us.

As I share the Good News of Jesus Christ, take a moment to reflect on the life you are pursuing. Are the goals and dreams you chase built to endure, or are they bound by the limits of this earthly life, unable to stand the test of eternity? Have you been born again, becoming part of God’s family? If you are a follower of Christ, then honestly ask yourself: are you building for your own kingdom, or are you investing in God’s? Consider where your heart truly lies and the legacy you seek to leave—one that vanishes with time or one rooted in the eternal purposes of God.

Salvation by Grace Through Faith

Wilma Rudolph was born prematurely in 1940, weighing only 4.5 pounds, and faced numerous health challenges from the outset. She contracted polio at the age of four, which left her with a paralyzed leg. In those days, polio had no cure, and doctors informed her family that she would never walk again without support. Wilma also developed scarlet fever and pneumonia, further complicating her already frail health. Her mother, however, was determined not to give up on her, and with her family's support, Wilma began a relentless regimen of physical therapy to regain strength in her leg. The family made regular trips to a hospital that was miles away for specialized treatments, and her mother and siblings would assist her with exercises daily. After years of this grueling routine, she was finally able to remove her leg brace at the age of nine. By age 12, she was walking normally and even playing basketball with her siblings.

As she grew stronger, Wilma found a love for sports and joined her high school track team, where her talent quickly became evident. She trained relentlessly, motivated to overcome her physical challenges and become a world-class athlete. Her determination and hard work paid off when she was noticed by Tennessee State University's coach, Ed Temple, who invited her to train with his team. Wilma's breakthrough came in the 1960 Rome Olympics, where she achieved what many had considered impossible: she won three gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meters relay. She became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics and set world records along the way. Her achievements turned her into an international icon, proving that with perseverance and belief, even the most challenging barriers can be overcome.

Rudolph’s story is a powerful reminder of how dedication, support, and unyielding determination can help achieve greatness, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Her legacy continues to inspire athletes around the world, proving that no obstacle is too great when you have the courage to believe in yourself and work tirelessly toward your dreams.

I shared the story of Wilma’s life as a powerful illustration of human grit contrasted with the eternal gift of salvation. Wilma overcame tremendous physical challenges, winning gold that would one day fade. Yet, as remarkable as her determination was, it reminds us of the deeper truth: human grit can only accomplish so much. To understand this, let’s look at our condition before salvation. While few of us may experience Wilma’s physical suffering, we have all felt the spiritual pain of separation from our Creator. The Apostle Paul tells us that we all began “dead in our transgressions” (Ephesians 2:5), stricken by a disease—sin—that has no human cure. Sin separated us from God, earning us both physical and spiritual death. And unlike Wilma, who achieved her victory through her own strength, Paul reminds us that no amount of good deeds can bridge this gap. Even our best efforts—whether feeding the poor, visiting widows, or engaging in noble causes—fall short of God’s perfect holiness (1 John 1:5). But here is the beautiful truth: while Wilma had to strive tirelessly for her prize, we are offered the gift of salvation freely. As Paul writes, “it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Out of His great love, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ the moment we believed that Jesus bore our sins on the cross (Ephesians 2:4-5). This gift, unlike earthly prizes, endures for eternity.