Sermons on The Church
The Greatest Mystery
Paul breaks off mid-sentence in the beginning of chapter 3 to recap and marvel over a profound revelation. This is Good News…perhaps we don’t realize how good. At the center of this text lies a great, deep mystery (the word ‘mystery’ is repeated three times): a mystery reserved for the body of Christ – His Church.
The Identity, Foundation, and Purpose of The Church
In Ephesians 2:19-22 we see Paul drawing vital conclusions about who we are as the Church. We are citizens of heaven and members of God’s family. In essence, we are the people of God. This is our fundamental identity, not other groups from which we find a sense of identity and belonging. As God’s people, we are built upon the foundation of His Word. And ultimately, the Christ revealed in it. The Church built upon this foundation can’t be shaken. This is important to remember as we live in a post-Christian world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity. Lastly, the Church is the dwelling place of God. We have the privilege of a holy God dwelling with us as His people. This should change how we view ourselves and each other as members of the Church.
The Glorious Nature of the Church
God has chosen the Church to be His people in the world. He has bestowed on them a special status and made them to be a set apart people. He has done this out of His own kindness and mercy through the gospel. The Church is to glorify him through worship and tell of His goodness to the world as a result of His kindness and mercy toward them in Christ. A people who were once not a people are now the people of God because of the Cross.
Jesus is the Great Divide
The dividing line in this world, as we make our way through is: Who if for Jesus? And who is against Him?
Members of One Another
Every part is responsible to do its job in order for the mission of the body, the church, to be carried out.