The Gospel Changes Everything
Introduction
Good morning everyone! It’s so good to be with you all again. I honestly did not know if I was going to be able to make it and preach today because I was fighting off the flu. But in Jesus’ great kindness to me, I’m able to be with you all this morning.
Last week, we introduced our 8-week sermon series: Pillars and Values. This series will help us understand what it means to be a church community together.
Our five key values at King’s Cross are:
Gospel
Formation
Presence
Community
Renewal
This week, we begin with the Gospel—the foundation for everything we do as a church.
Why the Gospel Matters
The Gospel is at the core of our faith. It is the Good News of Jesus—the message that transforms lives, churches, and cities. Without the Gospel, our work as a church is meaningless.
Yet, many churches today lose focus. Over time, they become known for their programs, traditions, or culture rather than the power and beauty of the Gospel itself.
Today, we will explore Ephesians 2:1-10 to rediscover the Gospel’s life-changing power.
Exposition: Ephesians 2:1-10
1. The Gospel Reminds Us of Our Need for Salvation (Ephesians 2:1-3)
Our Condition Before Christ
Paul begins by reminding the Ephesian church of their condition before knowing Jesus:
Dead in Sin (v1): Paul describes them as spiritually dead, separated from God.
Enslaved (v2-3a): Before Christ, they followed the ways of the world and were influenced by Satan—the ruler of darkness.
Destined for Destruction (v3b): Because of sin, they were under God’s righteous judgment.
Augustine summarized humanity’s struggle as a battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil—a losing battle without Jesus.
A Word for Skeptics
You may wonder: Do I really need saving?
Many people appear to live happy and full lives without Jesus. Yet, beneath the surface, brokenness remains. We see it in celebrities who seem to “have it all” yet struggle with depression and addiction.
The reality? Sin leaves us empty—searching for purpose, fulfillment, and meaning that only Jesus can provide.
2. The Gospel Points Us to the Person of Salvation (Ephesians 2:4-7)
God’s Heart for Humanity
Paul highlights four things that God does for His people, all rooted in His love and mercy:
Made Us Alive (v5): Through Jesus, we are raised from spiritual death to life.
Raised Us (v6): Our status changes from slaves of sin to sons and daughters of God.
Seated Us (v6): We share in Christ’s victory over sin and death.
We Become Markers of Grace (v7): Our lives display God’s power and transformation.
Jesus: The Center of the Gospel
Everything we receive is through Christ. Paul repeats this over and over:
Made alive with Christ
Raised with Christ
Seated with Christ
The Gospel is not about us—it’s about Jesus. He is the Savior and Hero of the story.
A Message to the Church
The Church has one mission: to proclaim Jesus.
More than programs, we must offer Jesus.
More than coffee and doughnuts, we must offer Jesus.
More than worship music, we must offer Jesus.
People need Jesus. He alone can heal, restore, and save.
3. The Gospel Renews Us (Ephesians 2:8-10)
Salvation by Grace Through Faith
Paul emphasizes a crucial truth:
We are saved by grace through faith—not by works.
Grace (Charis): God’s undeserved favor despite our sin.
Faith (Pistis): Trusting in Christ alone for salvation.
Our salvation is God’s work from start to finish. We bring nothing to the table—Jesus has done everything.
God’s Masterpiece (v10)
Paul concludes with an incredible truth:
We are God’s handiwork (poiema)—His masterpiece.
We are re-created in Christ for good works.
Just as a potter shapes clay, God molds us through His grace and truth.
The Transforming Power of the Gospel
The Gospel is not just about salvation—it’s about renewal.
Addicts can be set free.
The broken can be restored.
The wounded can find healing.
The hopeless can find new life.
The Gospel Changes Everything
Paul’s message in Ephesians 2:1-10 is clear:
We are unable to save ourselves.
Only Jesus can save us.
God’s grace transforms our lives.
When the Gospel is at the center, everything changes.
Imagine if King’s Cross Church lived out the Gospel fully:
Addicts would be set free.
The homeless would experience Christ’s generosity.
The lonely and rejected would find a home.
Racism would be snuffed out.
Families would be restored.
When the Gospel is truly believed and lived, it changes lives, churches, and cities.
Applying the Gospel Today
The Gospel can change your life today.
1. If You Are Struggling with Sin
Call out to Jesus. Ask for freedom and grace to walk in victory.
2. If You Are Considering Walking Away from the Faith
Remember Jesus. He never promised an easy life, but He did promise to never leave you.
3. If You Are Not Yet a Follower of Jesus
Pray. Ask God to help you believe and receive His grace.
May we be a church centered on the Gospel, boldly proclaiming Jesus—the One who changes everything.
Spiritual Formation Challenge
If you struggle to fully surrender to Jesus, let us pray over you today.
The Gospel is the power of God for salvation. Will you receive it today?
