After the lights go out in Ephesians 2:1-3, exposing the three big
problems in the universe, we find two glorious words – but God. In verse four the
lights are back on and we see God’s ways and God’s work to rescue the broken
world.
Paul declares to this church that they are doing great and so now he
prays for more. They are ready for all that God has to give to them theologically
and practically. Paul concludes by pointing to Jesus as the example of how all
these graces from God the Father are lived out.
Christ died for our sins and was raised on the third day; Paul would
say this declaration is the most important thing you could ever do. More
important than anything you have or anything you could be. Today, let's
examine what Jesus has done and praise Him for conquering the grave.
Ephesians is brilliant. It is the revelation or uncovering of the master
plan of Jesus to unite heaven and earth, Jews and Gentiles, for a lasting mission
of good works. The themes of Ephesians of adoption, heirs with Jesus, Spirit,
resurrection power and so many more enlighten the believer’s faith and equip
them for every good work.
It’s not difficult to find conflict in this world. But the greatest conflict in the world today is the battle for our minds. The good news is God can reframe our mind for spiritual success.
The end of 1 Thessalonians is the practical boots on the ground portion of this brilliant letter. It gives the church both its marching orders and the plan to construct a community that lives into its given righteousness.
The church at Thessalonica was freaked out about the end of days. Paul assures them of the return of Christ and then prepares them to live in the reality of His return.
The church at Thessalonica is told to not do sex like the people who don’t know God. Paul had previously instructed them to control their bodies in holiness and honor. We attempt to unearth the weapons that they would have used to exercise body control.
Ancient Greeks and Romans had a drastically different view of what was allowed sexually. The good news is the Gospel has redefined sex for the entire world and in its sunrise has protected the most vulnerable in a society.
Paul has to leave the new church quickly and has concerns about tough things he had said to them. Did they accept them? Reject? Were they mad at him? He sends Timothy and gets a refreshing answer to his relational doubt.
Spiritually mature Christians adjust their attitude and mindset onward; they have a forward looking mindset. We are to follow Paul’s and other mature Chrisitan's example of making spiritual things a priority in their lives by developing an upward perspective.
Amos is a prophet who uses his voice for the poor, used, and overlooked. He demonstrates that God cares about justice and gives us the hope of a coming King and Edenic Kingdom that will ultimately remedy the human problem.
Biblical Grit, which is defined in scripture as Christian steadfastness and endurance. This type of Christian grit is full of hope because it has at its core a faith that rests in God's promises, and is empowered by grace.
Restore: to bring back to or put back into a former or original state. There might not be a greater truth than God’s ability to restore. It goes further than forgiveness by renewing what was lost or broken. Joel 2 does a prophetic dive into the miraculous work of restoration.
Everyone knows the story of Jonah and the whale. However, most of our mental pictures are from Veggie Tales and distort the incredible message of this prophet. Jonah isn’t about Nineveh, whales or dying plants; it is a mirror for the reader's heart.
Bible Text: Luke 17:1-6; 1 John 5:3; Romans 12:18, 21, 13:1-4; 2 Corinthians 2:10-11; Hebrews 12:15; Matthew 6:15 | Preacher: Matt Heverly | Series: Ignorant?
Bible Text: Romans 6:23, Genesis 2:17, Isaiah 59:2, Psalm 66:18, Proverbs 6:32, I Peter 3:7, I John 3:4, I John 5:17, Romans 14:23, James 4:17, Genesis 4:4-8, Romans 7:15-17, Genesis…
