Sermons from February 2025
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.
Reconciled to God and One Another
In Ephesians 2:11-18 we learn of our previous separation from God, His people, and His covenant promises. However, God has done something marvelous in Christ. He has united those who were near (Jews) and those were far off (Gentiles) to Himself in Christ Jesus. As a result of the cross, Christians now have peace with God and peace with all those who are united to Him by faith. God has created one new unified humanity which is the Church. The unity we have as the body of Christ breaks down any walls and barriers that we commonly find in society. In Christ’s Church people of all different kinds now no longer have separation but instead a shared access to God. This is extremely important to remember as we live in a world that is extremely disunified. There is one answer to that disunity and it is the reconciliation with God and one another that is available through Christ Jesus.
Remember God’s Grace
In Ephesians 2:1-10 we find three helpful things to remember as Christians: our prior state, our salvation by God’s grace, and the good works God has recreated us to walk in. Apart from faith in Christ all mankind finds themselves in a grotesque state. Because of sin they are hopeless and helpless. This is the state we as Christian’s all once found ourselves in. This should cause us to walk in humility because there is only one reason we no longer find ourselves in that state. And that is God’s grace. While we were dead in our trespasses and sins God made us alive together with Christ. He saved us from our prior state along with the wrath we deserved and gave us new life through faith in Christ. This is a gift and should cause us to praise God as we remember His kindness towards us. We should also remember that He has re-created us to walk in the newness of life that He has planned for us. We do this not out of a desire to earn salvation, but because we already have salvation through faith in Christ.
Do You Know What You Have?
As we continue to study the Book of Ephesians, Paul reports on his prayers for the church at Ephesus. He desires that the recipients of his letter would have a precise and personal (“epignosis”) understanding of God Himself. Paul also records several truths that he wants his readers to KNOW. We should always be reminded of what we have in Christ Jesus.