October 27, 2024 • Pastor Tim Veenstra • Ephesians 6:10–18
At the close of his letter, the Apostle Paul sums up everything he has been communicating to the churches in Ephesus and the larger Asia Minor area. He gives a clear, repetitive message to the community of faith: “STAND.” There will be opposition from the enemy, so the response of the Church is to STAND. We're to put on the full armor that God makes available to us through His Son Jesus Christ and STAND!
Corruption of the Best
October 20, 2024 • Pastor Peter Damaska • Ephesians 5:1—6:9
If there was anyone in history who “called it like they see it,” we would agree the Apostle Paul fits the description. He is adept at describing Jesus, grace, human relationship, and deep truths about God’s love for His creation. His writings often give clear contrasts between the best and the worst in our world. But more than simply pointing out what’s wrong, Paul gives a message of accessible hope and doable practices for how to live out our everyday lives.
Called Out
October 13, 2024 • Pastor Tim Veenstra • Ephesians 4:1–16
In the first three chapters of Ephesians, we fix our gaze on what God has done. BUT GOD! These first three chapters set the stage for the last three chapters. In light of what God has done, we—the Body of Christ—are called to live a life worthy of that calling. Chapter four lays out practical implications for what it looks like to live as a part of the new society God is creating.
Life-Changing Discovery
October 6, 2024 • Pastor Peter Damaska • Ephesians 3
Paul's letter to the churches around the city of Ephesus repeatedly invites them to take a long look at the life-changing work of God. Jesus has done more than offer salvation from sin. His life and love have made a radical shift in how all things work together. Consider your favorite gadget or tool. Try to imagine your life without it. Just like how that device empowers your everyday existence, Paul communicates that Jesus is transforming our lives and our world.
Why the Walls?
September 29, 2024 • Pastor Tim Veenstra • Ephesians 2:11–22
It appears we can't help ourselves from creating division and building walls. Some do this to protect themselves, others do it to maintain power over others, and some may do it purely out of animosity. Whatever the reason, Christ’s life, death, and resurrection were meant to tear down walls and grant all access to the Father. So, Church, why the walls?
There is a Power
September 22, 2024 • Pastor Tim Veenstra • Ephesians 2:1–10
Where do we turn when darkness draws near, when our fleshly desires rage within, and when the enemy entices? There is a power. There is a power that reigns far above any other power, ruler, or authority. There is a power that can resurrect the dead. There is a power!
This is Our Story
September 15, 2024 • Pastor Peter Damaska • Ephesians 1:3–14
Chances are there are parts of your story that you love and, if you're honest, parts of your story you'd rather not bring out. There are parts of our story we broadcast through a team jersey, the car we drive, the ink on our skin, or the grey in our hair. Other parts of our story get tucked away in a journal, in a prayer, as a secret, or lost in memory.
God is a composer of a story. The Apostle Paul reminds the church in Ephesus, as well as believers today, that regardless of the story we've lived in our personal lives, all those in Christ share a common story with a common purpose.
Who Am I?
September 8, 2024 • Pastor Tim Veenstra • Ephesians 1:1–2
Introductions tell you a lot about a person. Introductions are an opportunity for you to give others insight into who you are. So, who are you? What makes you you? Whether using a social media bio, a meet and greet, or an autobiography, how do you identify yourself?
