Today’s message is the first in a series on benedictions. A benediction is asking God to bless someone. The sermon is based on Ephesians 1: 3-14 in which Paul asked God to bless the church at Ephesus. We are only entitled to these blessings if we have chosen Jesus as our Savior and Lord. (vs 3 says the blessings are “in Christ”). In John 14:6 Jesus teaches he is “the way” and no one comes to the Father except through him. Therefore, God’s blessings come as a part of our relationship with Jesus Christ.

What are these blessings?
1. We are chosen to become a child of God through adoption
2. We are forgiven of our sins (redemption = being bought back from death)
3. We receive an Inheritance through our faith
4. We are promised the Holy Spirit who gives us an inside out change. (Ezekiel 36:26 says a new heart, Jer. 31:31 promised the new covenant)

Don't just be content in your faith, seek out more blessings by asking God for them.