7-14-13 Complete (1) – Salvation

Good morning and we are so glad you are here to worship with us. Today we are beginning a mini twoweek series in preparation for our Encounter Retreat in November. For those of you that have been in our church for a while you know what that is, but for those that have never been to one, let me explain, Encounter Retreat is an environment in which we prepare ourselves to encounter God. Sounds a little abstract doesn’t it? Don’t worry, besides the next 2 weeks there will be many more opportunities where we explained clearly to you what goes on during the retreat and why it is important that you participate, especially if you have never been.

I don’t know what comes to your mind when you hear the terms sin and salvation. At least for most of us when we first hear the word sin our immediate response would be “that’s not me.” I have not committed any crime nor have I ever been given a speeding ticket. So naturally when we hear the term salvation our next reaction would be “I don’t need it thank you, I am quite ok on my own.” But if you talk to enough Christians you will be surprised that every one of them consider himself/herself a sinner in need of a savior, and that savior’s name is Jesus. That somehow, when we confess our sins this Jesus can save us and deliver us to heaven so that at least we know where we are going when we end our lives here on earth.

Have you wondered then is that it? If so, then why are we going to church every Sunday and trying so hard to be a good person? If you have ever wondered then you are on the right track. I am here to tell you that’s not it, far from it. So let’s talk about what it means to be saved today.

Discussion Questions

1. When was the first time you ever heard of the name Jesus? What was the context, and what was your impression when you heard it?

2. How was the gospel first explained to you? Did you understand what it meant? What were some of your questions if you can recall?

3. Read Matthew 1:21. The meaning of Jesus is to save his people from their sins. If you have been to the encounter retreat, how have you been saved and restored?

4. How else in your life would you like Jesus to save you and restore you?