Scripture of the week

This week Rupert will be continuing our sermon series ‘In Christ’ with a talk  titled ‘Alive in Christ’.

This is a very familiar passage to many of us – but it is easy to skip to the part we know or love.  Take some time to read this passage slowly, perhaps a couple of times, taking in each word. As you read, ask yourself:

• What do you find difficult in this passage?  What does it challenge or disrupt in you?
• Where is there clarity in this passage?  What does it invite you in to?

‘As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’