Over four weeks, we’re taking a closer look at what it means for us to grow as a Ready Church. At FBG, we describe that readiness in four simple ways: Focused, Faithful, Prepared, and Looking. We want to be focused on the promise of Jesus’ return, faithful in our relationship with Him, prepared to be used by God, and looking for the people He has placed in our path to help find and follow Jesus.  This week, week three, we looked at what it means to be "prepared". 

Summary

On Sunday, Dr. Michael Sawyer helped us consider what it meant for FBG to be a ready church by focusing on being “prepared for every opportunity.” Drawing from Ephesians 2:1–10, Pastor Michael walked us through the movement from spiritual death to new life in Christ. He reminded us that salvation was entirely God’s gift of grace and mercy, not something we could earn through our own effort.

Because we had been made new in Christ, we were called to walk in the good works God had already prepared for us. Pastor Michael challenged us not to sidestep the opportunities God placed in our paths, whether they seemed large or small. He gave us three questions to help recognize those opportunities: What was already near us? What would not leave us alone? And what could only we carry?

He also helped us recognize some of the excuses that could keep us from responding, including, “I shouldn’t have to,” “It’s not my place,” and “Someone else will handle it.” When we gathered on Sunday, we were reminded that being a ready church meant being willing to notice where God was already at work and faithfully step into what He had prepared for us.

Pastor Michael closed by calling those who were still walking in sin to repentance and inviting all of us to actively walk in the good works God had designed for us, encouraged and supported by our church family.

Key Verses

• Ephesians 2:1-3
• Ephesians 2:4-7
• Ephesians 2:8-10
• Hebrews 10:24-25

Questions

• Read Ephesians 2:1-3 describes all people as spiritually dead before Christ. How does understanding that we were truly dead, not just sick or broken, change the way you think about your need for salvation?
• The phrase 'But God' in Ephesians 2:4 is described as the hinge point of all human history. What does that phrase mean to you personally, and how does it shape your daily perspective?
• Ephesians 2:8-10 makes clear that salvation is a gift, not something we earn. Why do you think it is still tempting for people to feel like they need to contribute to their own salvation, and how can we guard against that thinking?
• During our time together, we defined 'good' as 'moving in the direction God designed.' How does that definition help you evaluate the choices and opportunities you face each week?
• The sermon offered three questions to help identify the good works God has for you: What is already near you? What won't leave you alone? And what can only you carry? Which of these questions resonates most with you right now, and why? Spend the rest of your time together discussing specifically each of these three.

Life Application

This week, commit to asking God each morning to show you the good work He has already placed in your path that day. Use the three diagnostic questions from the sermon as a guide: What is already near me? What won't leave me alone? What can only I carry? When you identify that opportunity, do not sidestep it. At the end of the week, reflect on what happened when you chose to walk in that good work, and consider sharing it with someone in your small group or church community for encouragement.

Key Takeaways

• All people are born spiritually dead in sin and trespasses, and no human effort can change that condition. Only God, acting out of His great love and mercy, can bring a person from death to life through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5, CSB).
• Salvation is entirely God's gift of grace, not a result of works, so there is no room for boasting. Believers are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to walk in good works He prepared ahead of time (Ephesians 2:8-10, CSB).
• Good works are not optional extras for the Christian life. They are the natural outflow of being made a new creation in Christ, and believers are called to walk in them rather than sidestep them.
• God has already prepared specific good works for each believer. Three questions can help identify them: What is already near you? What won't leave you alone? And what can only you carry?
• Biblical community is essential for living ready. Gathering together with other believers provides the encouragement needed to remain faithful in walking out the good works God has placed on each person's heart (Hebrews 10:24-25, CSB).

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminder today that You have not only saved us by Your grace but have also created us for a purpose. You have gone before us and prepared good works for us to walk in, and we confess that too often we have stepped around them. Forgive us for the excuses we make and the opportunities we let pass by. As we leave this time together, stir our hearts to be attentive to what You have placed right in front of us. Give us the courage to stop the car, get out, and do the good You have called us to do. May every act of obedience point not to our own effort but to Your glory, Your grace, and Your mercy. We love You, Lord, and we trust You to lead us. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.