sermon illustration

The Universal Offer - Missional (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Source: Missional reflection80 words

If salvation were by works, missionaries would only approach the moral. But grace changes the math: "not by works" means ANYONE can receive it. The addict in the slum and the respected elder are equally invited. Missionaries to unreached peoples don't say "clean up first"—they announce gift. Lesslie Newbigin noted that grace is the missionary message: not "become worthy" but "receive what's offered." Ephesians 2:8-9 is the gospel we carry. It's available to everyone because no one could earn it.

Topics & Themes

universalgiftmissionaryofferanyone

Scripture References

Ephesians 2:8-9

Emotional Tone

hopejoygratitude

Audience

adults

Powered by ChurchWiseAI

This illustration is a preview of what our AI-powered ministry platform can do. ChurchWiseAI offers a full suite of tools built for pastors and church leaders.

Sermon Companion

Build entire sermons with AI — outlines, illustrations, application points, and slide decks tailored to your tradition.

Ministry Chatbot

An AI assistant trained on theology, counseling frameworks, and church administration to help with any ministry question.

Bible Study Builder

Generate discussion guides, devotionals, and small group materials from any passage — in minutes, not hours.

Try any app free for 7 days — no credit card required.

Get Started

More Illustrations for Ephesians 2:8-9

4 more illustrations anchored to this passage

🕊️prayerReformed

Intercessory Prayer: Progressive / Social Justice Lens Model for Community

Community-focused prayer in the Progressive / Social Justice Lens tradition.

Ephesians 2:8-9
🙏devotionalReformed

Daily Holy Spirit - Biblical Insight

This devotional encourages reflection on the role of the Holy Spirit in one's life, emphasizing the importance of responding with love and grace. It highlights the transformative power of engaging with the Holy Spirit, not only for personal growth but also for serving and bringing hope to others.

Ephesians 2:8-9
🙏devotionalReformed

Daily Holy Spirit - Story

This devotional reflection emphasizes the importance of engaging with the Holy Spirit to gain wisdom and respond with love and grace. It encourages believers to be transformed by their faith, allowing them to bring hope and healing to others in their lives.

Ephesians 2:8-9
🙏devotionalReformed

Daily Holy Spirit - Prayer

This devotional emphasizes the importance of engaging with the Holy Spirit to reflect God's wisdom and grace in our lives. It encourages believers to be a source of hope and healing in the world, highlighting the transformative power of faith not only for personal growth but also for serving others.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Related Illustrations

📖sermon illustrationReformed

The Whole World Means Everyone - Progressive (John 3:16)

When the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was drafted in 1948, Eleanor Roosevelt insisted on the word "universal"—not just rights for some nations, but for every human being. Critics said it was

universalinclusionworldJohn 3:16
adults
🎬movie analogyAnabaptist

Witness: Simple Lives, Wonderfully Made - Anabaptist (Psalm 139:13-16)

The Amish in Witness live simply—yet are fearfully and wonderfully made, no less than the powerful. Anabaptist theology emphasizes that Psalm 139 levels: every person is equally created, equally preci

equalitysimple livesdignity levelingPsalm 139:13-16
adults
💬theological quoteMainline

John Wesley on Universal Gift - Wesleyan (Romans 6:23)

"The wages are universal—all have sinned; death comes to all. But the gift is universal too—offered to all, available to all. God's grace extends to every person; eternal life is held out to everyone.

universalallofferedRomans 6:23
adults
Back to all illustrations