Ephesians
Unity From Chaos
Spiritual Warfare, Part 2
March 17, 2018 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 6:13–24
Today we finish our long journey through the Gospel movement in Ephesus and the subsequent letter Paul wrote to the church he once pastored there. As Paul finishes his amazing letter, he gives a beautiful and detailed description of exactly how we can go about becoming a fierce and dominating spiritual warrior, a warrior who cannot be bested by anything the enemy throws at us.
Spiritual Warfare, Part 1
March 10, 2018 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 6:10–12
War is horrible. It destroys. Of course, it is also true that war can rescue and redeem. Spiritual warfare is particularly painful, because most of the battles are not fought on a field somewhere far away. If you dare to live for Jesus, it will be a war fought on a daily basis. On the other hand, it is a battle, the outcome of which is already determined in Christ!
Making the Marketplace My Mission Field
March 3, 2018 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 6:5–9
Paul has been filling us with practical wisdom on how to be "one body in Christ" as we live out faith in all the unique relationships we have, and today is no different. Today we talk about the marketplace, and how we treat those around us where we work, play, live and go to school. Paul has a transformational idea. Do everything you do as if you were doing it directly for the Lord! If you do this, you can't go wrong.
One Big Happy Family!
February 24, 2018 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 6:1–4
We have been talking about being one in Christ. Nowhere is that more precious and rewarding than in the family unit … and nowhere is it more desperately needed. After examining the mystery of marriage last week, this week Paul gives a primer on making family work. Our families have the opportunity to paint a picture for the world of God's faithful fatherly love.
The Mystery of Marriage
February 17, 2018 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 5:22–33
Thinking about Jesus's life and how he fulfilled commands can help us gain clarity on how to do likewise. Searching for intersections between what God expects of us and Jesus's life gets us thinking more about his amazing life (as opposed to merely about principles to obey), and inclines us to give glory to the God-man for his perfect obedience on our behalf.
Children of the Light - Part 2
February 10, 2018 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 5:1–10
In our Ephesians study, Paul has been urging us to run to the light and stop acting like children of the darkness. Last week, it was a deeply personal plea about our attitudes and behavior. This week, it is a very public plea about our witness and impact on our generation. Paul says it is time for us to wake up and shine!
Children of the Light - Part 1
February 3, 2018 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 5:1–10
The last several verses in our Ephesians Series have been Paul's attempt to draw a clear distinction between two contrasting ways of life. Like discussing a photo and its negative image, Paul challenges us to be drawn to the light … To live as children of the light!
It's Laundry Day
January 27, 2018 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 4:22–32
Paul just finished telling us to put off the old corrupted self and put on the new man, created to be like Jesus! But what does that look like? Today, as if he were describing a new wardrobe, Paul goes into detail helping us understand what a new creature in Christ should look like! The virtues we must put on and the vices we must peel off determine our effectiveness at the daily task of transforming into Christ-likeness and proclaiming the Good News.
Changing My View … From the Inside Out
January 20, 2018 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 4:17–24
In today’s passage, Paul describes for the Ephesian believers a dramatic transformation he longs to see lived out in their lives. In Christ, in your true self, you are now going through a metamorphosis at a level deeper than even your DNA. You have been “born again,” born from above, and are becoming like Jesus. If not, something is very wrong.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
January 13, 2018 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 4:7–16
Today’s passage is one of the New Testament’s most beautiful expressions of how the church is supposed to function. It is a nuts-and-bolts level look into God’s design for the Body of Christ. Some things run on gas, some things run on electricity … but the church runs on grace. Specifically, the grace that Jesus distributes among his followers. When that grace is on display it produces the type of power that equips God’s people, edifies the whole body, and evangelizes the planet … the gift that keeps on giving!
A Thanksgiving Prayer
November 18, 2017 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 3:14–21
Paul shares with the Ephesians the details of a prayer he has been consistently praying for them. Today, that prayer is our focus as we ponder the many things that God offers us when we when we begin to pursue a life in Jesus.
God Moves in Mysterious Ways
November 11, 2017 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 3:1–13
Everyone loves a mystery, especially God, but the mysteries of God are not to entertain, instead they are to redeem. But, unlike cheap fictional mysteries, God is always true to His nature and His purpose. His nature is love and truth. His purpose toward us is redemption! Today we explore the amazing and mysterious story of how God is inviting humanity to meet Him at the cross, and find life.
The Peace Maker
November 4, 2017 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 2:14–22
Are you looking for some peace … a little break from the chaos? Jesus is our peace. In fact, Jesus is the only peace available that is capable of making a real difference in the chaos of this earthly life and beyond! Paul explains today in Ephesians 2:14-22.
Spiritual Refugees
October 28, 2017 • Pastor Jeff Beckett • Ephesians 2:11–14
Today’s passage is about refugees and walls and conflict. It turns out that every one of us stands on the wrong side of a wall of hostility before God without status or rights. Yet, Jesus did something amazing! To a world of selfish and violent people, He offered his life, His blood, to change our status. Now, in Christ, we are refugees no longer! We now have a home of our own! It is just not here.