Ephesians
Wide & Long/High & Deep
"Communication"
October 8, 2023
Without communication, relationships will never thrive. It is essential to express yourself and to be a listener. In our final sermon from Ephesians, we are challenged to take an honest look into our communication with God. Prayer is communicating with God. Do you pray? Will you pray? What does it look like to have a strong prayer life?
"Close the Door, Take a Stand"
September 24, 2023 • Ephesians 6:10–16
The spiritual realm is real. Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against something deeper and darker. As Christians, we must not associate with things of darkness. We are called to be light. Our souls must be searched to consider any doors in our lives that are open for the enemy to come and go freely. God calls us to be strong in His strength and power and to take a stand.
"Marriage Forum"
September 3, 2023 • Ephesians 5:21–33
Marriage is a gift from God, one of life's most incredible blessings. With this gift comes immense responsibility to do things the way that God has commanded us. It is beneficial for us to hear messages and stories from people who are on the front lines of life. Through their success and failure, Mario Davis and Tara Koetter walk us through what Biblical marriage looks like on a daily basis in their homes. This wide-ranging and practical conversation is sure to help your marriage, bring peace to your home, and be an encouragement to anyone - even those who are single or divorced.
"Sex, Money, Our Words & Alcohol"
August 27, 2023 • Ephesians 5:1–20
As Christians, there are biblical expectations for our lives. We are to be different from the world. The Apostle Paul addresses some of the most destructive sins that can infiltrate our lives and the church: -Sexual immorality -Greed -Filthy language -Drunkenness We are called to live with patient love and generosity, speak life-giving words, and be full of the Spirit.
"Do Your Part"
August 13, 2023 • Ephesians 4:1–16
Like the human body, the church is God's beautiful and complex creation. Paul encourages the Christians in Ephesus to do their part to keep the body growing in love and held together by everyone playing their role. We are all good at something. God has given us unique passions and skills to bring life to the church and our community. Are you available for Him to use?
"Unity Starts with Me"
August 6, 2023 • Ephesians 4:1–6
Nothing shows the world the realness of our faith in Christ more than being unified. But how do you do that? Is it really possible? In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells us there is only one way for unity to happen - we must be: -Humble -Gentle -Patient -Bearing with one another in love Is this easy? Absolutely not - but there is no other way.
"The Love of Christ"
July 30, 2023 • Ephesians 3:14–21
Often, when we need to be reminded of the width, length, height, and depth of the love of Christ. Paul prays a heartfelt prayer on his knees for the Ephesians that they would know this love to the fullest. His prayer serves as an example of how we should pray for ourselves and others. Additionally, this prayer gives us a greater awareness that we are not alone - God made us to experience the love of Christ together.
"The Church"
July 23, 2023 • Ephesians 3:1–13
A recent study said that "81% of Christians believe they can be a good Christian without belonging to a local church." This is an alarming statistic and shows why church attendance and engagement are dwindling in the United States. We must have our minds renewed. God has chosen the local church to share His love with the world and to display it even to those in the heavenly realms. The church is God's movement of people to spread the Gospel to everyone. What we do as a church matters because souls are at stake. This is why our belonging to a family of believers is so important: We are a part of God's eternal plan and purpose.
"We Who Are in Christ"
July 16, 2023 • Ephesians 2
One of the hallmarks of Christianity is our "oneness." All social, political, and any other labels we might have pale in comparison to the unity we have in Christ. We are Christ's followers first and foremost. The world is full of division and separation. As Christians, we get the joy of showing the world what it is like to get along with one another and show that reconciliation can happen.
"War or Peace?"
July 9, 2023
God has made peace with us through the Cross of Christ. This peace does not end there. This peace should extend to others and spill over into our relationship with others. The "wall of hostility" was broken down by the love of Christ. God was doing something new between the Jews and Gentiles: Bringing them together as one - a new humanity. This reconciliation between Jew and Gentile inspires us as we seek to live at peace with others. Ask yourself: "Do I bring peace where I go, or war?" "In my home, at work, do I bring tension or calm?" "Am I a uniter or a divider?" "Do I contribute to solutions, or am I a part of the problem?"
"From Death to Life for a Purpose"
July 2, 2023 • Ephesians 2:1–10
Our salvation is not the result of something we can do, achieve or earn. It is a gift of God. We can only receive and believe what God has done for us in Christ. Because of this gift, we have been brought from spiritual death to spiritual life. Paul explains that this is not the end, though. The life-changing work that God has done in us should move us to do the good work of His kingdom. We are God's masterpiece—His workmanship. Because of who we are in Him, our life should be full of the good work of His kingdom. Ask yourself this question: "What am I good at? What are my gifts and natural abilities?" That answer is there for a purpose in your life. Ask God if you don't know the answer, and He will reveal this to you.