August 16, 2026

The Origins of True Life

Message Notes

The Pause Questions

Question #1: DEATH — Ephesians 2:1–3

“You were dead in your transgressions and sins…”

Where am I still trying to “Get Better” through my own effort rather than recognizing my need for the transforming power of Christ? What does Paul’s description of my life apart from Christ cause me to appreciate about the new life I have in Him?

Question #2: MERCY — Ephesians 2:4–5

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us…”

Do I truly believe that God loved me and extended His mercy to me when I was still undeserving, or do I subtly live as though I must earn His love? What do these verses reveal about the character of God?

Question #3: VICTORY — Ephesians 2:6–7

“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…”

What battle, failure, temptation, or circumstance am I currently fighting for victory rather than fighting from the victory Christ has already won? How might my perspective change if I truly lived from my position “in Christ”?

Question #4: IDENTITY — Ephesians 2:8–10

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus…”

What past failure, present struggle, or insecurity am I allowing to define me instead of embracing the truth that I am God’s handiwork? What does it mean for me personally that my salvation and identity are gifts of grace rather than something I have earned?

Question #5: WALK — Ephesians 2:10

“We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Since I have been saved by grace and created in Christ Jesus for good works, what is one specific way God may be calling me to “walk” in grace, holiness, forgiveness, love, or service this week?

Message Recording