In this sermon, Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher covers a detailed exposition of Ephesians 4:7-16, focusing on Christ's descent into the lower parts of the earth and ascent far above all heavens. He explains how Christ's actions were a gesture of possession over all authority in heaven and earth, and how He triumphed over enemies like death, hell, and spiritual wickedness in high places. The purpose of Christ's descent and ascent was to fill all things, and the spiritual gifts given to the church are part of this process of building and filling the body of Christ as a habitation for God. This sermon emphasizes the significance of Christ's work in reconciling all things to Himself and the believer's participation in this not only passively by their new identity in Christ, but actively through Christ's life and conduct within the church.
Christ's Descent & Ascent | Lesson 99
Ephesians
April 28, 2024 • Josh Strelecki • Ephesians 4:7–16
Christ Gave Grace Till | Lesson 100
May 5, 2024 • Josh Strelecki • Ephesians 4:7–16
In this sermon, Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher discusses Ephesians chapter 4, focusing on the spiritual gifts, the unity of the faith, and the edifying of the body of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's perspective, the nature of His will, and Christ's role in reconciling and gathering all things (and just what exactly that means). Lastly, he highlighted the role of the body of Christ in fulfilling God's glorious plan, the importance of Christ's presence, through the Spirit and Word, in the lives of believers, and the concept of eternal life as not just about continued existence but about fulfilling God's purpose.
Christ Led Captivity Captive | Lesson 98
April 21, 2024 • Josh Strelecki • Ephesians 4:7–16
What is it that Christ first descended into the lower parts of the earth, then ascended far above all heavens? It is that He would fill all things. When Christ ascended He led captivity captive and gave gifts to me. Christ's route of victory details His authority, power, and glory as well as provision to work all things according to His Father's will. and build a habitation of God through the Spirit. In this sermon Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher exposes the both the invisible realm in heaven and earth, the enemies there, and Christ triumph over them.
When Christ Ascended Up on High | Lesson 97
April 14, 2024 • Josh Strelecki • Ephesians 4:7–16
This sermon covers a detailed analysis of Ephesians 4:7-16, focusing on the concept of spiritual gifts given by Christ after His ascension and descent. Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher delves into the meaning of Christ 'leading captivity captive' and 'giving gifts to men', drawing connections to Psalm 68 and the Old Testament events surrounding the Ark of the Covenant. The discussion explores the depth and height of Christ's work, His victory over spiritual enemies, and the implications for believers being seated with Him in heavenly places. Also stressed in this sermon, the importance of not just knowing these truths intellectually but allowing them to impact daily life and walk worthy of the calling. The overall theme revolves around understanding the measure of Christ's gift and how it relates to the spiritual gifts given to the church.