Bible Text: Ephesians 4:18-29 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Ephesians | 10-13-2019 – The Mind of the Lost

Read Ephesians 4:18-19. Most Americans applaud advances in science, technology, literature and art, while our society unravels and families disintegrate (cf Romans 1:18-32; 1Timothy 4:1-6; 2Timothy 3:1-5.

Those who continually reject God’s revelation become depraved (cf. Titus 1:15-16).
Paul warns us not to live as those who are (2Timothy 3:5), “holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.”
Matthew 7:15-20, “they come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves,” indulging (2Peter 2:10, 12), “in the flesh in its corrupt desires,” “like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed.”
They are (Ephesians 4:18) “darkened in their understanding, excluded form the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart.” (Ephesians 4:19), “they, having become callous, they have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.” 2Timothy 3:12-13, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
Not every unbeliever will reach the extremes that Paul speaks of in Ephesians 4:18-19, but they are unwilling, or unable, to consider, or to appraise all of life by the truth and wisdom of God, as expressed in and through Jesus Christ. Why is this so?
2Corinthians 4:4, “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
See Galatians 6:7-10.
Ecclesiastes 2:24-26, “There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment with out Him? For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give it to one who is good in God’s sight.”
See 2Peter 1:2-4; Romans 12:2.
God is so gracious to provide everything we need to know Him, to be loved by Him, and to serve Him, while waiting for Him to bring us to heaven.
Colossians 1:13-16, “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.”
Colossians 2:8-10, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” 17, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” 23-24, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”
1Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”

Bible Text: Ephesians 4:17 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Ephesians | This is the sermon outline to help you follow along. The sermon notes are a click below.

10.06.19 ~ Ephesians 4:17, The Futility of Unbelief.

Paul tells us (Ephesians 4:17) not to live like the
Gentiles (1Corinthians 15:32-34), “If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’ Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God.”
Christ is the standard (John 3:36; 14:6; Romans 3:23; 5:8; 10:13).
Psalm 94:8-11, “Pay heed, you senseless among the people; and when will you understand, stupid ones? He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see? He who chastens the nations, will He not rebuke, even He who teaches man knowledge? The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are a mere breath.”
See Genesis 3:1-6…
What did God said to Adam about this tree?
Genesis 2:16-17, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.” (cf Genesis 3:7-20).
Adam lived for another 900 years (cf Genesis 5:5), but spiritually he was separated from life with God, as are all mankind (cf Genesis 3:21-24).
Ephesians 2:1-2, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.”
1Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” (Romans 6:23; 8:1).
1John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”
James 1:13-15, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings death.” Ecclesiastes 2:26, “To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven…” 12-13, “I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, “ The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”
Century after century men seek life’s pleasures, only to end up lonely and confused, full of sorrow and despair.
Has anything changed? No!
Galatians 6:7-10, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”
Philippians 4:12-13, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Bible Text: Ephesians 4:14-16 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Ephesians | These are the outline notes found in the weekly bulletin. There is a full sermon a click below.

9.29.19 ~ Ephesians 4:14-16, Growing up, in Christ…

Read Ephesians 4:14-16… God made to grow and develop physically. God also made us to grow and develop spiritually (see Joshua 1:8-9; Romans 12:1-2).
Children aren’t wise, but are foolish (Proverbs 22:15), “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.”
Growing up is painful, learning good and bad, comes through experiences with consequences and/or rewards.
Evil men try to lead astray and take the immature and ignorant captive, like a storm taking control of a sailboat.
Isaiah 57:20, “The wicked are like the tossing sea, for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up refuse and mud.”
Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Church of Scientology, Islam, TM, all seek to take captive unsaved and spiritually immature people (cf. 2Corinthians 4:4; John 8:44)
There is a growing increase of false teachers today:
2Timothy 3:12-13, “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
2Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”
Jesus said (cf. John 15:18) the world will hate those who follow Him, (cf. James 4:4), the world is not our friend; those who befriend the world are enemies of God.
Neither young children nor spiritually immature adults are capable of discernment (see 1Corinthians 2:14-16; 1Corinthians 13:11).
It takes discipline to mature in Christ.
Hebrews 12:11, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.”
Growing in Christ brings pain and struggle; but then, it also brings God’s peace, pleasure and power.
If we don’t stimulate growth among those in the church, we will end up with a big nursery full of babies.
Paul rebuked the Corinthians for their stunted spiritual growth (1Corinthians 3:1-2), “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able.”
Why was their growth so stunted?
1Peter 2:2-3, “like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”
We must grow in order to discern good from evil; or we may be deceived and dishonor God, while suffering stunted growth, due to poor diet and lack of exercise.
We must be rooted in the Word of God, in order to gain wisdom and understanding; as we s participate in a Bible believing and teaching church.
We are accountable to God, and to one another; as we grow up together under Christ, the Head of the Church.
Seek to honor God, to know and obey His will… growing and serving in the Body of Christ, encouraging one another, while living out and proclaiming the Message of Salvation through Jesus Christ alone..

Bible Text: Ephesians 4:7-13 | Pastor: Pastor Mike Hale | Series: Ephesians | These are the sermon outline notes to help you follow along as you listen. Click below for the entire sermon.

9.22.19 ~ Ephesians 4:7-13, Gifted for Service

Ephesians 4:7-8… God’s gift of grace in Christ, is likened to a warrior king (cf. Psalm 68:12, 18, 32-34) returning victoriously, parading the spoils of war and the captives, now freed by their king.
See 2Corinthians 2:14; Colossians 2:15…
Jesus defeated sin, death, and judgment, for all who trust in Him, forever set free from sin’s penalty.
See Galatians 3:22-26; 1Corinthians 15:55-57…,
Ephesians 4:9-10… Jesus left heaven to suffer death on our behalf, only to ascend back to heaven victoriously..
See Philippians 2:5-11
God provides all we need to know and to grow in our relationship with Him, and to enjoy our life on this earth, as we wait to be brought into heaven with Him.
The gifts given by Christ to individual believers, are for the mutual edification and common good of all believers.
Ephesians 4:11… Jesus gave gifted men to His church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-teachers.”
Are there any apostles or prophets today…NO!
Evangelists are now in place to proclaim the message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Pastor-Teachers are now in place to teach God’s Word, in order to prepare God’s people for works of service.
In 1Peter 5:1-2; Acts 20:17, 28 these men are referred to as: elders, overseers, shepherds.
Elder [presbuteros] Who the man is.
Overseer [episkopos] What the man does.
Pastor or Shepherd [poimen] How the man serves.
Their qualifications given 1Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9
Ephesians 4:12-13… Elders are to equip and exhort Christians to represent God on earth, and growing in our faith, we encourage one another to honor God.

Jesus Christ came from heaven, put on flesh [bled and died for us], conquering sin, death and judgment, forever.
Jesus provided every spiritual gift, that we might know, trust, and serve Him on this earth.
1Corinthians 12:4-7, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Colossians 2:6-10, “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.”
God loves you, but He is holy and just and therefore must punish sin; the only way to avoid punishment is to trust in God’s Salvation.
2Corinthians 6:1-2, “[I] urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain— for He says, ‘At the acceptable time I listened to you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.’ Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation.’”
If you aren’t sure that you are right with God, seek forgiveness right now, for God turns no one away.
Acts 2:21, “And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord [for the forgiveness of sins] will be saved.”

Bible Text: Ephesians 4:7 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Ephesians | There is no audio recording of this sermon because the power had gone out during a storm. It is never “dark Sunday” when worshiping Jesus, the Light of the World!

This is the outline from the bulletin insert to help follow along. Below are the full sermon notes.

9.15.19 ~ Ephesians 4:7, God’s Gift of Grace through Christ…

Ephesians 4:7… God is gracious to us through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-24) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
God (Ephesians 1:3), has given us “every spiritual blessing in Christ,” (see 1Peter 1:3-7; 2Peter 1:2-7).
See Ephesians 1:13-14… We are God’s possession. See Ephesians 2:1-9… We deserve and punishment,
but are granted forgiveness and eternally life, in Christ.
The Old Testament = Law, the New Testament = Grace (John 1:17), “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus
Christ.” (see Hebrews 10:1-10)
Romans 3:20, “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in [God’s] sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.”
Romans 11:32, “God has shut up [consigned] all in disobedience, so that He may show mercy to everyone.
D.L. Moody said, “The Law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out.”
The revelation of God (John 20:31) is given, “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”
God’s Word [Word of Truth] is our authority, the Holy Spirit [Spirit of Truth] is our teacher and Jesus Christ [the way the Truth and the Life] is our example.
People today are being told to cope with their bad habits, addictions, neuroses) instead of confessing their sins and changing their beliefs and behaviors.
The majority of pulpits today encourage quick fixes to life’s struggles and problems, instead of getting right with God (see 2Timothy 4:3-4; 1Peter 1:13-14).
The truth of God should bring conviction, leading to repentance, forgiveness and a right relationship with God.
Many in the church today call the confrontation of sin insensitive, intolerant, and even unloving.
Jesus Christ was God Incarnate and His message always included the sinner’s need to repent and obey God. Jesus’ message isn’t popular today; but it is the only way to receive God’s Grace.
We live in a world antithetical to the believers in Berea (Acts 17:11), “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”
Many in the church tolerate false doctrines and false teachers; while those who stand against them are called divisive, narrow minded, unloving.
The need for Christians to earnestly promote life with the Berean’s perspective has never been greater.
See Romans 12:1-2; 1Corinthians 15:58…
Christians you have been given everything they need to use for God’s glory and for the benefit of God’s people. We are to study and apply God’s Word to our lives.
1Peter 3:15, “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”
You have all you need to know, serve and trust God, for eternity — through Jesus Christ, the Giver of Gifts and the Provider of God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

9.15.19 ~ Ephesians 4:7, God’s Gift of Grace through Christ…
Ephesians 4:7… God is gracious to us through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-24) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
God (Ephesians 1:3), has given us “every spiritual blessing in Christ,” (see 1Peter 1:3-7; 2Peter 1:2-7).
See Ephesians 1:13-14… We are God’s possession. See Ephesians 2:1-9… We deserve and punishment,
but are granted forgiveness and eternally life, in Christ.
The Old Testament = Law, the New Testament = Grace (John 1:17), “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus
Christ.” (see Hebrews 10:1-10)
Romans 3:20, “by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in [God’s] sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.”
Romans 11:32, “God has shut up [consigned] all in disobedience, so that He may show mercy to everyone.
D.L. Moody said, “The Law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out.”
The revelation of God (John 20:31) is given, “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”
God’s Word [Word of Truth] is our authority, the Holy Spirit [Spirit of Truth] is our teacher and Jesus Christ [the way the Truth and the Life] is our example.
People today are being told to cope with their bad habits, addictions, neuroses) instead of confessing their sins and changing their beliefs and behaviors.
The majority of pulpits today encourage quick fixes to life’s struggles and problems, instead of getting right with God (see 2Timothy 4:3-4; 1Peter 1:13-14).
The truth of God should bring conviction, leading to repentance, forgiveness and a right relationship with God.
Many in the church today call the confrontation of sin insensitive, intolerant, and even unloving.
Jesus Christ was God Incarnate and His message always included the sinner’s need to repent and obey God. Jesus’ message isn’t popular today; but it is the only way to receive God’s Grace.
We live in a world antithetical to the believers in Berea (Acts 17:11), “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.”
Many in the church tolerate false doctrines and false teachers; while those who stand against them are called divisive, narrow minded, unloving.
The need for Christians to earnestly promote life with the Berean’s perspective has never been greater.
See Romans 12:1-2; 1Corinthians 15:58…
Christians you have been given everything they need to use for God’s glory and for the benefit of God’s people. We are to study and apply God’s Word to our lives.
1Peter 3:15, “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”
You have all you need to know, serve and trust God, for eternity — through Jesus Christ, the Giver of Gifts and the Provider of God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

Bible Text: Ephesians 4:3-6 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Ephesians | This is the outline to help you follow along. Full sermon notes are a click below.

9.08.19 ~ Ephesians 4:3-6, Walking in Christian Unity…

Last week (Ephesians 4:2) we studied four characteristics of our new name [Christians].
Humility
Gentleness
Patience
Showing tolerance for one another in love [agapao]. Ephesians 4:3… True unity is not created by us. See 1Corinthians 12:13, 20, 27…
Colossians 3:15-16a, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.”
Everything that relates to salvation, the church, and the kingdom of God, is based on the concept of unity.
Ephesians 4:4-6…
There is only one body of believers. There is only one Spirit–the Holy Spirit. There is only one hope of our calling.
1John 3:2, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”
There is only one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:12, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Romans 10:12, “For the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him.”
There is only one faith in true Christianity.
There is only one baptism, spiritual baptism, placing
us into the Body of Christ (Mark 1:7-8; John 3:1-6).
Water baptism is a believer’s public identification with and confession of Christ as Lord.
There is One God and Father of all.
Deuteronomy 6:4, “The LORD our God, the LORD is one!”
1Corinthians 8:6, “for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.”
We are one people under God, in Christ.
Do you belong to Jesus?
Romans 3:10-12, “it is written, ‘There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one.’”
Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:1, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 10:9-10, “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
What reason could you possibly have to continue rejecting forgiveness for all your sins (past, present, and future), and not only that , but the gift of eternal life in heaven with God, and all those who belong to Him?

Bible Text: Ephesians 4:2 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Ephesians | Here is the outline to help you follow along, but full notes are a click below.

9.01.19 ~ Ephesians 4:2, Living as Christians!

Read Ephesians 4:2… To be “completely humble” means, to live in a manner that expresses humility; whereas, the world exalts pride (see 2Timothy 3:1-5).
Christ is the standard by which everyone is judged.
2Corinthians 5:19, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.”
See Colossians 1:15-20; 2:8-10… See John 1:1-4, 14…
See 1John 1:5-7…
True humility forces us to see ourselves as sinners, leading us to repent and be saved.
See 1John 1:8-10…
We are to walk in subordination to God’s holiness.
See 1John 2:3-6…
Godly humility will produce gentleness, as we submit
our heart, soul, mind and strength to the Lord’s honor.
Scripture describes gentleness as power under control, meaning that we willfully place ourselves under God’s authority, in order to live and act in a way that pleases Him, and in fact exemplifies Him.
Colossians 3:12, “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Galatians 5:22, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
If we are (Ephesians 4:2), “completely humble and gentle,” we will relate to one another “with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love.”
The Greek word for patience here means “long- tempered,” long periods of struggle and tribulation can cause us to grow and mature in Christian character.
Here are a few examples:
Noah, was a preacher of righteousness, who, while building a large boat for 75-80 years, warned people to repent, or be killed in the coming flood. No one believed him, only Noah’s family was saved.
Abraham was promised numerous offspring, through whom everyone would be blessed; 25 years later his son Isaac was born; his son (Jacob) became the father of of Israel’s 12 tribes; one of which the tribe of Judah, God’s Son, came to bless everyone who believes in Him.
Paul learned humility, gentleness and patience through some very hard times (see 2Corinthians 11:24-27). He learned to trust in Christ (Philippians 4:12-13, 19).
Another distinctive of those who belong to Christ (Ephesians 4:2), is that, along with displaying humility, gentleness, and patience, we are to “bear with one another in love.”
This isn’t simply putting up with one another’s shortcomings or carrying one another’s burdens; but instead it is relating to one another out of love [agape].
True Christian character brings glory and honor to God, by expressing God’s love to those around us, as if we are serving the Lord Himself.
Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” 23-24, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

Bible Text: Ephesians 4:1 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Ephesians | These are the notes from the bulletin insert. There are full sermon notes on a click below.

08-25-2019 – Ephesians 4:1, Walking Worthy of Your Calling?

Read Ephesians 4:1… Paul urges Christians to live their lives as sons and daughters of God, by faith.
God’s children confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (cf John 1:12-13; Romans 10:9-10, 13).
In Ephesians 3:16-19 Paul prayed for us to be strengthened in our inner being by the Holy Spirit, so that our belief system and our behavior will begin to change.
Paul urges us (Ephesians 4:1) to live like we really are children of God, and that God’s Spirit is living in us (cf Romans 3:23; 6:23; Acts 2:38).
Jesus is (John 14:6) the Way to God, the Life from God, and the Truth about, God.
In order to mature as Christians, we must know and do what pleases God (Matthew 22:37-40; James 2:8; Romans 12:1-2; 2Timothy 3:16-17). Paul tells us to not conform to the ways of the world.
Peter tells us (1Peter 1:14-16) we should seek to be holy, as God is holy.
The only way to be holy is to accept God’s payment for sin, (see 1John 1:5-10; 1Peter 2:9); and to find out what pleases God and do it (see vHebrews 12:14; 2Timothy 1:8-10).
Ephesians 4:1 is an appeal for believers to walk worthy of the high calling we have received in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:6 says, “God raised us up… and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,” we are (v. 10) to “do good works” here on earth.
We have all we need (see Philippians 4:12-13).
Paul considers himself (Ephesians 4:1) “a prisoner for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Whether Paul was in jail or free, he appraised everything in relationship to Christ.
Paul was a willful prisoner and slave of Christ.
What keeps you in check, living in a manner that is pleasing to God?
Paul exhorts us, as God’s children, to obey Him.
Many Christians act as if they would rather not know what is expected of them in serving Christ with their life.
Romans 11:29 says “God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable” [i.e., unchangeable, unalterable, i.e., permanent, terminal, eternal].
As Christians, our calling is secure, eternal, and is from God. If you belong to God the Father through God the Son, being kept by God the Holy Spirit, I urge you to- live as His witnesses [as God’s slaves], proclaiming the message of salvation by grace, through faith, in Christ, to everyone who will listen.
1Corinthians 1:18-21, “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.’ Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.”
1Corinthians 1:26-31, “For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, ‘Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.’ ”

Bible Text: Ephesians 3:13-21 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Ephesians | This is the bulletin insert to help you follow along. The full sermon notes are a click below.

8.18.19 ~ Ephesians 3:13-21, What’s in a Name?

Read Ephesians 3:13… Paul doesn’t want them to lose heart over his temporary suffering (see 2Corinthians 4:8-9, 16; 11:24-28), but rather consider their eternity in heaven (see Romans 8:18; Philippians 1:12-14).
Read Ephesians 3:14-15… We have been given a new name (see John 3: 3, 5-6; 1:12-13).
Our most distant relative is God Himself.
Genesis 1:26, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.’”
Genesis 1:27, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
Genesis 2:7, “Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”
Genesis 2:18, “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.’”
Genesis 2:21-22, “So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man.
Christians are related to Abraham, not through his bloodline, but through his faith (see Romans 4:1-3).
Abraham (cf. Genesis 15:6) believed that God would give him numerous descendants (see Romans 4:19-25).
Abraham is the true spiritual father of all who trust and believe in Christ (Galatians 3:26-29).
The word Christian means adherent [close follower] of Christ (cf. Acts 26:28, becoming one; Acts 11:26, living as one; 1Peter 4:16, suffering as one).
Read Ephesians 3:16-19… Paul wants us to grasp and appropriate all we have in Christ (cf. 2Peter 1:1-3), not because of any inherent goodness, ancestral heritage, or could ever earn it, but because God loves us so much.
Paul prays for us to be strengthened in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, because we have confessed that Jesus is Lord, believing in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, making us God’s possession, God’s children.
Your Father in heaven has given you His name and all that you need, now and forever through Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:12-13, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Read Ephesians 3:20-21… Paul encourages us to have confidence in God “who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think,” and this is “according to the power that works within us,” through God’s Holy Spirit.
Everything we do individually, and corporately, in the Church, is for God’s glory, “throughout all generations, for ever and ever!”
Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”
And all God’s children said? Amen!

Bible Text: Ephesians 3:1-12 | Pastor: Pastor Mike | Series: Ephesians | Here is the bulletin insert to help you follow along. For full sermon notes, click below.

8.11.19 ~ (Ephesians 3:1-12) God’s Greatest Mystery, Christ in Us…

The Church is made up of every believer and follower of Christ (see Galatians 3:26-29), who are also part of God’s temple (see Ephesians 2:21-22).
Read Ephesians 3:1… Paul begins a prayer in verse 1, that doesn’t end until Ephesians 3:21.
Read Ephesians 3:2-7… Paul reminds the Gentile converts of what he already said about this Mystery. (cf Ephesians 1:9).
This mystery is Jews & Gentiles forming one spiritual body, in Christ.
Paul was made a minister [Greek, diakonos = “one who waits on tables”.
Read Ephesians 3:8-9… Paul preached Christ.
Romans 10:13-14, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?”
Galatians 1:15-16, “But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles…”
Read Ephesians 3:10-11… God’s purpose was to reveal and make known His plan, to all the “rulers and authorities in heavenly places,” (holy and unholy angels).
God’s eternal purpose is accomplished in Christ,(see Colossians 1:15-18).

Read Ephesians 3:12… The fullest expression of God’s mystery (see Hebrews 1:1-3; Ephesians 2:3-7).
Before Christ, only the High Priest could approach God and commune with God, in the Holy of Holies, on the Day of Atonement (see Leviticus 16:1-34).
But now every believer and follower of Christ may come before God at any time, anywhere, with total confidence, speaking with God about all things.
Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
This is indeed a great mystery, we have privileged access to God, our Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ.
God came to earth, put on flesh, provided forgiveness for sins, and eternal life for our souls; through the life, death, and resurrection of God’s Son, Jesus Christ
By His mercy and grace God brings to Himself all who trust and believe in Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord, making us fellow citizens in God’s kingdom, members of God’s own family– one body (the church), under one head (Christ)– that we might serve God on earth, while we wait to be joined with Him in heaven.
And all God’s people said, Amen!

8.11.19 ~ (Ephesians 3:1-12) God’s Greatest Mystery, Christ in Us…
The Church is made up of every believer and follower of Christ (see Galatians 3:26-29), who are also part of God’s temple (see Ephesians 2:19-22).
Read Ephesians 3:1… Paul begins a prayer in verse 1, that doesn’t end until Ephesians 3:21.
Read Ephesians 3:2-7… Paul reminds the Gentile converts of what he already said about this Mystery. (cf Ephesians 1:9).
This mystery is Jews & Gentiles forming one spiritual body, in Christ.
Paul was made a minister [Greek, diakonos = “one who waits on tables”.
Read Ephesians 3:8-9… Paul preached Christ.
Romans 10:13-14, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?”
Galatians 1:15-16, “But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles…”
Read Ephesians 3:10-11… God’s purpose was to reveal and make known His plan, to all the “rulers and authorities in heavenly places,” (holy and unholy angels).
God’s eternal purpose is accomplished in Christ,(see Colossians 1:15-20).

Read Ephesians 3:12… The fullest expression of God’s mystery (see Hebrews 1:1-3; Ephesians 2:3-7).
Before Christ, only the High Priest could approach God and commune with God, in the Holy of Holies, on the Day of Atonement (see Leviticus 16:1-34).
But now every believer and follower of Christ may come before God at any time, anywhere, with total confidence, speaking with God about all things.
Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
This is indeed a great mystery, we have privileged access to God, our Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ.
God came to earth, put on flesh, provided forgiveness for sins, and eternal life for our souls; through the life, death, and resurrection of God’s Son, Jesus Christ
By His mercy and grace God brings to Himself all who trust and believe in Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord, making us fellow citizens in God’s kingdom, members of God’s own family– one body (the church), under one head (Christ)– that we might serve God on earth, while we wait to be joined with Him in heaven.
See Revelation 21:1-5; 22:18-21… And all God’s people said, Amen!