Am I Saved Through Faith or Works?
Group Leader Guide
Sermon Recap 🎬
In today's sermon, Pastor John Mark discusses the concept of salvation, emphasizing that it is based on grace received through faith, not on works. He introduces the importance of the five M strategy for spiritual growth: Membership, Maturity, Ministry, Missions, and Magnification, comparing it to a baseball diamond. Using the story of the Philippian jailer, Pastor highlights that salvation comes simply by believing in Jesus Christ and encourages everyone to embrace this gift. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that while good works cannot earn salvation, they are the natural response to it, stemming from a transformed life in Christ.
Ice Breaker 🧊
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, but it had to be a food you absolutely disliked as a child, what would it be and why?
Discussion Questions 💬
What does it mean to say that salvation is a gift by grace, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9?
John Mark emphasized that grace is the foundation of our salvation and that it's not something we can earn through works.
In what ways do you see people trying to earn God's favor or salvation, and how can you encourage them to understand grace?
According to this talk, how do the concepts of faith and works relate to each other?
Pastor explained that good works are not what saves us but are a response to being saved through faith.
Can you think of specific good works that you've done as a response to your faith? How did those acts influence your relationship with God?
Why do you think the Philippian jailer asked, 'What must I do to be saved?' and how does this question reflect the universal search for salvation?
Pastor shared the story of the jailer seeking salvation after witnessing the faith of Paul and Silas in prison.
How can you share the message of salvation with others who might be asking similar questions in their lives?
What is the significance of baptism in the journey of faith, as highlighted in the message?
John Mark mentioned that baptism is an essential part of membership in the church and follows the act of believing in Jesus.
If you have been baptized, how did that experience shape your faith journey? If you haven't, what are your thoughts about taking that step?
How does understanding that we cannot earn our salvation influence how we live our daily lives?
John Mark indicated that recognizing salvation as a gift affects our attitude towards sin and how we treat others.
Think of a recent situation where you might have struggled with feelings of inadequacy. How can the truth of grace change your perspective in similar situations?
Prayer 🙏
• Ask for prayer requests within the group.
• Pray for courage to share your faith with others this week.
• Ask God to help you identify specific ways to serve in your community.
• Seek His guidance to strengthen your relationship with Him through worship and study.
