Title: "The Invitation of Grace."

**Scripture**: *Ephesians 2:8-9*

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

**Sermon:**

We live in a world of striving—people working hard, doing everything they can to make something of themselves. But in the end, no matter how good we try to be or how much we do, it's never enough. There's always a sense of emptiness, a need for something more.

But here's the Good News: God doesn't ask you to earn His love. He doesn't require perfection from you. Salvation isn't something you work for; it's a gift freely given by the One who loves you beyond measure.

The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved by grace, not by anything we've done. Grace means "undeserved favor." God looks at you—not at your past, failures, or the masks you wear—but at *you*. And He says, "I love you. Come home."

Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross so that you wouldn't have to. Through His death and resurrection, He has made a way for you to be reconciled with God, forgiven, and receive eternal life. This isn't about religion or rituals; this is about a relationship—an invitation to walk with Jesus and find true peace, joy, and purpose.

Maybe you've tried to fill that emptiness with all kinds of things—success, relationships, possessions—but none satisfies. Only Jesus can fill the void in your heart, and only His grace can bring true freedom.

**Altar Call**:

So today, I'm asking you to stop striving and trying to do it all on your own. Jesus is standing at the door of your heart, knocking. All you have to do is open it and invite Him in.

If you're ready to receive this gift of grace, if you want to say yes to Jesus today, pray with me now:

"Lord Jesus, I recognize that I need You. I can't do this on my own. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again. I ask You to come into my heart, forgive me, and be my Lord and Savior. Thank you for being so gracious. Amen."

If you prayed that prayer, welcome to the family of God. Your new life starts today!

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