Podcasts about christ ephesians

In a world where we define ourselves by our jobs, roles, and accomplishments, it’s easy to forget the most important truth about our identity—we are children of God. In today’s prayer and devotional, Kristine Brown takes us to Ephesians 1 to rediscover what God says about who we are: loved, chosen, adopted into His family, and showered with His kindness. If life has worn you down and you’ve been living from a place of defeat instead of victory, this prayer will help you stand tall and confident in your God-given identity. Main Takeaways Your true identity is not found in titles, roles, or accomplishments—it’s found in being a child of God. Ephesians 1 reminds us that we are: Loved and chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4) Adopted into God’s family through Christ (Ephesians 1:5) Showered with God’s kindness, wisdom, and understanding (Ephesians 1:8) When we remember who God says we are, we can face challenges from a place of victory rather than defeat. God’s light floods our hearts so we can live with confident hope as His rich and glorious inheritance. Bible Verse Reference Ephesians 1:18 – “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.” Calls to Action Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for more daily encouragement rooted in Scripture. Share this episode with someone who needs a reminder of their identity in Christ. Read more devotionals on knowing your worth in God at Crosswalk.com. Leave a review to help more listeners discover God’s truth. Relevant Links & Resources Related article: What Does the Bible Say About Identity in Christ? Bible Study Tools – Ephesians 1 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Paul explained the mystery of God that has been revealed, "that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him"(Ephesians 1:10). This is a wonderful truth giving us all purpose, direction, and hope.

In this time of worship and reflection, we were reminded that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances. We considered how our perspective on prophecy and eternal judgment impacts the way we live right now. We reflected on the assurance of our identity in Christ, even when we feel unworthy, and we found encouragement to draw near to God in the face of rejection and pain. Through it all, we were led to fix our eyes on God's love, seek intimacy with Him, and live from a place of surrender and confidence in His view of us.

Date: August 3, 2025Speaker: Aaron Law

There is a lot of current discussion about living a healthy life and what contributes to that or conversely what causes health problems. Come Sunday and discuss what Paul has to say about building a healthy Body in our sermon "Building Up the Body of Christ" from Ephesians 4:8-16.

As we finish Chapter 4 we will see a list of what it looks like to live by our flesh, and in contrast, what a maturing believer in Christ will be doing instead, as they grow in Christ's likeness. Visit: abideatascadero.orgEmail: info@abideatascadero.orgInstagram: @abide.calvary_atascFacebook: @AbideCalvaryAtascadero

As a church, as individuals, and as families we need to learn how to grow up in our faith, moving from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity. As we have already seen in this series, the New Testament gives very practical teaching to help us grow up in Christ (Ephesians 4:12-14; 1 Corinthians 13:11). We see some more areas where we need to develop ourselves into mature leaders who can in turn develop other mature leaders.  1. We need to grow up in our behaviour (Philippians 4:5; Hebrews 12:14; Numbers 12:3; Matthew 18:15-17, 5:23-24) 2. We need to grow up in the way we speak (Psalm 19:14; 141:3; Ephesians 4:15; 1 Peter 3:15) 3. We need to grow in our humility (3 John 9; Matthew 23:5-7; 2 Samuel 15:1-6; Philippians 4:11-12; Matthrew 20:28) Apply  1. We need to grow up in our behaviour. Whilst it is normal for children to have tantrums, we do not expect them from adults. Yet, although they may look different to childhood tantrums, we can have tantrums as adults in different forms. Immaturity - throws tantrums if can't have own way: Every child can throw tantrums including shouting, throwing, stamping, sulking, withdrawing etc. In church life tantrums may also take the same forms and also include quitting a position of responsibility in protest at a perceived wrong or slight, refusing to go to meeting, or withdrawing tithes and offerings. We see this behaviour in the Bible: Cain was “very angry” and sulked rather than address his emotions, ultimately murdering his brother Abel. King Saul regularly threw spears at David out of jealousy. The Israelites in the wilderness demanded food and water, blaming Moses for all their problems and hardship. The prophet Jonah became angry and resentful, wishing to die because God showed mercy on Nineveh. So how do we receive correction from God and even from our spiritual leaders? Do we have a teachable heart that wants to learn and grow, or is there an independent or argumentative attitude? Has this changed over the years or are we still the same? Have we matured and learnt over time? You can easily recognise if you or others have conquered tantrums. A tantrum thrower gives off a disgruntled air and makes sure that you understand that they are like a simmering pot ready to boil over thinking you may give into their demands. When a parent holds the line, it is because they want to teach, correct and train the child. It can be the same when God allows us to go through a particular circumstance. Do we have spiritual maturity to see and learn from it, secure in our faith that God turns everything to good for those who love Him? Maturity - retains a gentle and quiet spirit: The contrast is seen when you have a gentle and submissive spirit, displaying the character of Jesus and showing mature trust in God (Philippians 4:5; Hebrews 12:14). Moses was known for his strong leadership, but was also described as being very meek (Numbers 12:3). Maturity means you can entrust your case to God and rest secure in His plans. If necessary, you will get others to help sort an issue out (Matthew 18:15-17). But a mature person will not be robbed of tranquillity just because everything is not going their way, rather they will seek the Lord for guidance and His wisdom to deal with conflict or difficult situations to ensure resolution and reconciliation is achieved (Matthew 5:23-24). Spiritual maturity means that we trust our leaders because we know their heart. We may not always understand every decision, but we know that they are for us not against us, and that our development is their priority.  2. We need to grow up in the way we speak. Whilst we know and expect limited vocabulary from children, we need to mature in how we use our words and speech.  Immaturity - limited vocabulary: For babies, it's saying ‘mama, dada'. In church life, it takes the form of the same prayers, the same basic words in evangelism, the same arguments about why you can't do something or move on. It can be self-centred rather than focussing on God's will for your life. The same prophecies, the same preaching year after year.  Maturity - developed speech: Mature Christians can be specific about what you are thanking the Lord for. We all have so much to be grateful for and the Lord loves to see us be thankful in all circumstances. The Psalms are a great example of this, and Paul's letters often overflow with expressions of gratitude to God for the churches and individuals serving the Lord. And our prophecy will develop into something more specific and well rounded. It is a great privilege to speak into people's lives, and we need to grow in faith and prayer to ensure we are speaking God's word and not words based on our own knowledge or opinion. When you speak in tongues, it is important to move beyond the repetitive or familiar patterns. Let there be variety and depth in your speaking, preaching, praying, and communicating. As you grow, move beyond the basic utterances and early beginnings, progressing into deeper and more mature expressions led by the Holy Spirit. Maturity of speech means that we think before we speak. We don't rush in but open our mouths with wisdom; this is pleasing to the Lord (Psalm 19:14; 141:3). How and what we speak is so important not only to our loved ones but to everyone (Ephesians 4:15). Mature speech means that we can more clearly communicate why you are a Christian, developing how best to share our testimony (1 Peter 3:15). 3. We need to grow in our humility. That means that we move on from being so self-centred and focussed on our own ego. Immaturity - attention seeking: An immature person always needs to be the centre of attention, where significance and security comes from your position. An immature person is only happy when all eyes are on them or will think up some stunt or tantrum to get attention focused on them (3 John 9; Matthew 23:5-7; 2 Samuel 15:1-6). Attention seeking can also manifest in being disruptive, bursting into tears, storming out, or always arriving late. Attention seekers place too much importance on being popular, fitting in with others, and having their ego stroked.  Maturity - able to be content in obscurity: We may not always understand the situation or circumstance we find ourselves in but we can always trust the Lord (Philippians 4:11-12). To trust is a decision and one that demonstrates our maturity in faith where you can work away from the limelight and your security does not depend on what profile you have. You can take your place in the body, however insignificant that place may seem. You do not feel the need to dominate nor to have the final word; your security is in God and His plan and protection. You truly follow the Lord's example. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, yet he came to serve not to be served (Matthrew 20:28). You do not expect special privilege because of who you or your family are, but you have a humble attitude. Jesus was the awaited Messiah, yet he rode on a donkey, ate with sinners, and loved to be with ordinary people. Jesus didn't hang out with just the wealthy, rather He loved each person the same and showed no favouritism. And we must always give God the Glory. Even when we have played our part, it is only because the Lord has given gifts and talents that we can do anything. Whatever role you have as part of the body of Christ, work hard at it and follow Jesus' example. We all need to come to this new level of maturity in our faith to move forward as individuals, as families and as a church. Not to look at the past, not to carry the arguments, disappointments or the same old ways of doing and dealing with things. To do God's will and walk in His ways, we need this renewing of our minds, to surrender our will and become obedient to Him in everything. To move from immaturity to maturity is not only a learning and a development but a decision. 

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ | Ephesians 3:8 | 27 July 2025 - Sunday Evening | Associate Pastor Tyler Candee

Rev. Peter Lebhar | July 27th, 2025 ________________________________________________ We're Incarnation Tallahassee! Visit our website! www.incarnationtlh.org/
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The post Unity in the Body of Christ – Ephesians 4: 1-16 appeared first on Red Village Church.

Sarah McCullough

In Ephesians 4:1–6, we see how the Gospel unites us not just to God, but also to one other. In this message, we will unpack how God desires His Church to maintain our love and unity. Not just for ourselves and one another, but also because of the powerful witness it is to the world. Part 14 Ephesians Series "Unity in the Body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:1-6) Pastor Bryan D. Edwards July 26 & 27, 2025

From Christ, the church body receives the gift of grace to work together to cause growth in faith, individually and collectively. Listen in to this week's message to learn His intended purpose and roles for His church.Visit: abideatascadero.orgEmail: info@abideatascadero.orgInstagram: @abide.calvary_atascFacebook: @AbideCalvaryAtascadero

Tim Houston

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

The discussion explores understanding God's will, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the necessity of being yoked to Christ for spiritual growth. It emphasizes separating human and divine nature, the sanctification process, and overcoming fleshly desires. The group reflects on spiritual warfare, divine dependence, and the importance of fellowship, concluding with hopeful anticipation for a new gathering space.Understanding identity in Christ is crucial for spiritual growth and avoiding blameOlder believers should deepen dependence on Christ and the Holy SpiritSpiritual warfare affects those in high positions in Christ (Ephesians 6)Metaphor of not mixing oil with water stresses separation of human and divine natureGrace and humility needed to receive Christ's love and truth (1 Peter 3:18, John 1:14)Sanctification involves separating fleshly desires; trials refine believers (Romans 8:28)Being yoked to Christ contrasts with being yoked to the flesh, which leads to blame and spiritual failure (Genesis 3, Matthew 6, Revelation 3)God's love and teaching protect believers from negative influencesThe struggle between flesh and spirit requires Holy Spirit guidanceOvercoming distractions and fleshly desires is essential for intimacy with Christ (Revelation 2:17, John 16:1)Lukewarm Christianity described as trying to be yoked to two masters simultaneouslySpiritual maturity increases dependence on God and intimacy with Him (Hebrews 4:1-3)Fellowship nurtures growth; group anticipates a new meeting space fostering communityClosing prayers reflect gratitude for Christ's sacrifice and ongoing spiritual journeyKey Scriptures: Ephesians 6, Hebrews 4 1-3, 1 John 3 1-3, 1 Peter 3 18, John 1 14, Romans 8 28, Genesis 3, Matthew 6, Revelation 2 17, John 16 1, Revelation 3, John 17 11-22, Ephesians 4 4-6

It's time to put off the clothes of the old you and leave them behind and put on the new ones of the person you have become in Christ. Tom Rubino | July 14th, 2025 ________________________________________________ We're Incarnation Tallahassee! Visit our website! www.incarnationtlh.org/
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Continuing in Ephesians, Pastor Ed preaches on verses 11-22 of chapter 2 on the topic of Unity amongst believers. We serve One God!

Pastor Dean preaches on being one in Christ.

CHRIST HONORED RELIGIOUS FREEDOMThere is no conflict between biblical principles and the civic principle of religious freedom. In fact, it is precisely because the United States was founded on biblical principles that religious freedom exists. Only governments rooted in Judeo-Christian  values allow such broad freedom. Most Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist governments do not allow religious freedom; therefore, countries such as Pakistan, India, and Tibet are, as a whole, intolerant of other religions. Atheistic governments, such as the former Soviet Union, have also proved to be antagonistic toward free religious expression.The concept of the freedom of religion is biblical for several reasons. First, God Himself extends a “freedom of religion” to people, and the Bible has several examples. In Matthew 19:16-23, the rich young ruler comes to Jesus. After a brief conversation, the young man “went away sorrowful,” choosing not to follow Christ. The salient point here is that Jesus let him go. God does not “force” belief in Him. Faith is commanded but never coerced. In Matthew 23:37, Jesus expresses His desire to gather the children of Jerusalem to Himself, but they “were not willing.” If God gives men the freedom to choose or to reject Him, then so should we.Second, the freedom of religion respects the image of God in man (Genesis 1:26). Part of God's likeness is man's volition, i.e., man has the ability to choose. God respects our choices in that He gives us freedom to make decisions regarding our future (Genesis 13:8-12; Joshua 24:15), even if we make the wrong decisions. Again, if God allows us to choose, we should allow others to choose.Third, the freedom of religion acknowledges that it is the Holy Spirit who changes hearts, not the government (John 6:63). Only Jesus saves. To take away the freedom of religion is to empower human government, with its fallible rulers, to determine the eternal destiny of every soul. But Christ's kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), and no one becomes a Christian by government fiat. We are made Christians by the grace of God through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). What the government does or does not do has no relation to the new birth (John 1:12-13; 3:5-8).Fourth, the freedom of religion concedes that, in the final analysis, it's not about religion; it's about relationship. God does not desire an external form of worship but a personal relationship with His children (Matthew 15:7-8). No amount of government control can produce such a relationship.The framers of the Constitution were God-fearing men making a sincere attempt to establish a new nation on biblical principles, including equity, justice, and liberty. One of the liberties they recognized as “inalienable and sacred” was the freedom of religion. Praise the Lord for such wisdom.Alexanderaalfano@lawalfano.com+1 (305) 450 8550 

Sweet Mama, whether it's toddler tantrums or teen outbursts, we all face those moments when our child's emotions feel bigger than we can handle.

Ephesians 4:21-24 New Living Translation   21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

One of the reasons Jesus died on the cross was to tear down the walls of hostility, not only between God and mankind, but between all humankind. Join us as we look at how and why Jesus did this for us. Visit: abideatascadero.orgEmail: info@abideatascadero.orgInstagram: @abide.calvary_atascFacebook: @AbideCalvaryAtascadero

Pastor Trent Griffith preaches from Ephesians 5:22–32, reminding us that loving Christ means loving what He loves—and Christ loves His church. True devotion to Jesus is shown through loving, serving, and sending the church. In a world prone to “dechurching,” we're called to remain rooted in Christ's body and engaged in His mission.

Transformative Truth:  Divine love is revealed and expressed by Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Paul prays (1) That God might strengthen us with power through his Spirit in our inner being (Ephesians 3:6-17a) (2) That we might have power to grasp the limitless dimensions of the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:17b-19) Divine Love is revealed and expressed by Father, Son, and Holy Spirit First, to live with an ever-increasing awareness of Divine Love, Consider: Triune love Exists    Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Deuteronomy 6:4) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  2 Corinthians 13:14 WBC doctrinal statement He (God) is inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all honor, confidence, and love. He eternally exists in three persons, who are equal in every divine perfection, and who execute distinct but harmonious roles in the work of creation, providence and redemption. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.  1 John 4:8  "It is common when speaking of the Divine happiness to say that God is infinitely happy in the enjoyment of Himself, in perfectly beholding and infinitely loving, and rejoicing in, His own essence and perfection..."  (Jonathan Edwards) And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;  and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." Matthew 3:16-17 Second, to live with an ever-increasing awareness of Divine Love, Consider: Triune love is Expressed "His self-giving affection for his image-bearing creatures and his unselfish concern for their well-being, that leads him to act on their behalf and for their happiness and welfare "  The God who is love - is the Father who sends his Son.   For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly (Son) Romans 5:6 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Father) Romans 5:8 And when he (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.... (John 16:8 ) Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  John 3:5  You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14, NLT Third, to live with an ever-increasing awareness of Divine Love, Consider: Triune love is Extended In other words, the shape of the Father-Son relationship (the headship) begins a gracious cascade, like a waterfall of love: as the Father is the lover and the head of the Son, so the Son goes out to be the lover and the head of the church. "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you," the Son says (Jn 15:9). And therein lies the very goodness of the gospel: as the Father is the lover and the Son the beloved, so Christ becomes the lover and the church the beloved. That means that Christ loves the church first and foremost: his love is not a response, given only when the church loves him; his love comes first, and we only love him because he first loved us (1 John 4:19) Divine Love is revealed and expressed by Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Lead Pastor, Pat Mulcahy continues our sermon series, "Ephesians: We Are God's Poem — In Christ".

Ever feel trapped by the limits of time and circumstances? What if your true story, your real identity, began before time itself? In this powerful episode of The Drive Bible Podcast, we explore the mind-bending and life-changing doctrine of God's timelessness.Discover how God exists outside of the time and space He created, and why this theological truth is incredibly practical for your daily life. Anchored in our key verse, Ephesians 1:4, we unpack what it truly means that God "chose us in Him before the foundation of the world." This isn't just abstract theology; it's the foundation for unshakable peace, profound security, and a redefined identity that can't be shaken by your present struggles.If you want to move from living based on what you can see to living based on the eternal, unseen reality you belong to, this episode is for you.

Learn Christ (Ephesians 4v20) by David Antwi

Many Christians today tend to have very low views of the Church. In fact, many people treat the Church like a pesky side effect of coming to Jesus. They want all the benefits that Jesus provides, without all the mess of belonging to the Church. But the Bible shows us a much different picture of the Church than we often hear. The Bible often makes reference to the Church as the Bride of Christ, and Ephesians 5:25 says that Christ "loved the church, and gave himself up for her." It also the Church which Christ said that he would build and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. No other institution has shares in either the promises or the presence of Christ like the Church. And here in this passage we see even more how essential the Church is to the life of a Christian. Paul uses this idea of the "body of Christ" as a metaphor for the church, and in that we see that to Christ and his Church are inseparably united. In other words, we can't have one without the other. We can't be united to Christ without also being united to his Church.This sermon was preached by Jackson Hankey at River City Church in Fargo, ND, on 4/24/2025.

  Understanding Christian Identity and the Power of Prayer based on the book of Ephesians and related scriptures. Key Themes: Gratitude and Thanksgiving: The importance of expressing thanks to God in all circumstances, recognizing the source of all blessings. Freedom and Sacrifice: Acknowledging the sacrifices made for earthly freedom and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for spiritual freedom. Divine Health vs. Healing: A desire to live in continuous divine health rather than moving from one healing to the next. Standing on Truth and Fighting for Beliefs: The necessity of holding firm to God's word despite opposing thoughts, feelings, or circumstances. The Power of Giving Thanks (Eucharisto): Connecting the Greek word for thanksgiving to grace and joy, and highlighting Jesus' practice of giving thanks before miracles. God's Abundance and Compassion: Illustrated through the feeding of the multitude, emphasizing focusing on what is available rather than lack. Victory Over Death (Physical and Spiritual): Demonstrated through the resurrection of Lazarus and the understanding of Christ's power. The Significance of Communion: Remembering Jesus' sacrifice and giving thanks for the freedom and new covenant established through his body and blood. Raising the Next Generation: The importance of older believers supporting families and teaching children God's word. The Church at Ephesus as a Model: Examining a historically significant and initially strong church, noting its characteristics and eventual decline in "first love." Christian Identity in Christ: Focusing on the spiritual realities and blessings believers possess through their union with Jesus as described in Ephesians. The Power of Confession and Declaration: Using voice-activated faith to bring spiritual realities into physical manifestation. The Workmanship (Poema) of God: Seeing believers as God's perfect and complete creations in their spirit. Paul's Prayers in Ephesians: Highlighting specific prayers for enlightenment of understanding/imagination and comprehension of the love of God. The Power Working Within: Recognizing the resurrection power of Christ dwelling in believers. Most Important Ideas/Facts: Gratitude as a Core Principle: The speaker repeatedly emphasizes the centrality of thanksgiving in the Christian life. "Such a heart of gratitude today." This is presented as a key to accessing God's promises and experiencing his glory. "Eucharisto is the original Greek word used that means thanksgiving. In each instance, Christ offers thanksgiving before a miracle is performed." Gratitude is linked to glory and receiving things from God. Identity in Christ is Found in Scripture, Particularly Ephesians: The main focus of the latter part of the briefing is on understanding who believers are in Christ, drawing heavily from Ephesians. This identity is presented as a spiritual reality that needs to be accessed and lived out. Ephesians is described as the "most powerful book in the New Testament" for new Christians because it reveals "how God sees you. You see your identity. You see your authority. You see your position in heaven." The speaker highlights several aspects of this identity: Blessed with all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3): "He has blessed us. It's done. It's past tense... Everything that Jesus died for is your spiritual inheritance. It's all there. It's in your spirit. We want to access it." This includes prosperity, peace, joy, deliverance, and healing. Chosen, Holy, and Blameless (Ephesians 1:4): "You're chosen. You're holy. You're blameless before the foundation of the world." This is God's perspective on believers, regardless of their current state. Adopted into God's Family (Ephesians 1:5): "This is aba daddy. He adopted you into his family... you had the same rights as every other child." Accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6): Using the Greek word "Charito," meaning highly favored or blessed by God, highlighting the same status as Mary. "You are God's beloved... God loves you not based on what you good thing you did or what bad thing you did. His love love is absolute and constant." Redeemed and Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7): Emphasizing that redemption and forgiveness are received through the blood of Jesus, not obedience, and are according to the "riches of his grace." Forgiveness is presented as continuous and covering all sins (past, present, future, omission). Obtained an Inheritance (Ephesians 1:11): "Your inheritance is everything Jesus did for you. The gifting, the anointing he put in you, his favor in your life, his desire to give you divine health." Sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13): The moment of salvation, where the Holy Spirit "vacuum-acked and sealed your spirit. Everything you ever need is already there." Raised Up and Seated in Heavenly Places with Christ (Ephesians 2:6): This position signifies being "seated above all powers, principalities, and spirits of darkness," leading to an identity that is "invincible," "more than a conqueror," and an "overcomer," not a victim. God's Workmanship (Poema) (Ephesians 2:10): Believers are the "masterpiece of God's creation," seen by God as "perfect, complete, lacking nothing" in their spirit. Possessing the Fullness of Christ (Colossians 2, referenced): The reality that "the fullness of Christ is already in you," meaning "Onethird of you is Jesus. Jesus and the Holy Ghost living within you." Accessing Spiritual Realities through Faith and Confession: The gap between the spiritual realities of identity in Christ and the believer's experience is bridged through renewing the mind with God's word and speaking declarations based on faith. "Now, the rest of our life is trying to activate everything God deposited inside of you. Getting your mind into agreement with your spirit. How do you do that? Well, you renew it by God's word." "Getting your body under submission. These are things that God wants us to do." "Faith is voice activated." Confessing "I am blessed" or reciting identity statements brings them to life. Philemon 1:6 is highlighted: "that the communication the expression the way you speak about your faith may become affected that word is powerful dynamic transformative by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus". The Power of the Resurrection Working Within Believers: The same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in believers, enabling them to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we think or ask (and imagine)." This power is connected to operating in Christian identity and fulfilling God's purpose. Overcoming Negativity and Focusing on Truth: The speaker shares personal anecdotes about battling negative diagnoses and thoughts, emphasizing the importance of not repeating them and instead focusing on God's word and promises. "You go to the doctors... they start throwing out all these diagnosis, and you just don't want to let them stick. See what I'm saying? You don't repeat them. You don't own them. You acknowledge something, but you don't let it stick." Martha's focus on the "lack" (Lazarus stinking) when standing before Jesus is used as an example of negative focus to avoid. The media and the world are described as "very dark stuff" and "very evil," contrasting with the truth of God's word. The Purpose of the Body of Christ and Ministry: The church community is essential for support, teaching the next generation, and helping believers overcome difficulties through prayer and prophetic gifts. The example of older women giving moms a break to teach children is mentioned. When individuals are struggling, "you need help from another Christian to pray you through." This is a purpose of the body of Christ "to lift you out of that problem and bring you into freedom." Prophetic gifts are seen as having the purpose "to set you free and to set you back on track for what God's doing." The Nature of God's Love: God's love is described as absolute, constant, and not dependent on human performance. It is a love that "lavishes" itself on believers, seeing them as beloved as much as Jesus. This love is both theological and experiential. Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3 is to comprehend "the width and length and depth and height of the love of God." Experiencing God's love through salvation, healing, deliverance, etc., leads to thankfulness. Conclusion: The message strongly emphasizes that Christian identity is not based on performance but on what God has already accomplished and deposited in believers through Jesus Christ. This identity, described in detail using passages from Ephesians, includes being blessed, chosen, holy, blameless, adopted, accepted, redeemed, forgiven, possessing an inheritance, sealed by the Holy Spirit, seated with Christ, and being God's masterpiece. Accessing and experiencing these spiritual realities is achieved through renewing the mind with God's word, speaking declarations of faith, and cultivating a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving. The power of God, specifically the resurrection power, resides within believers, enabling them to overcome challenges and fulfill God's purposes. The church community plays a vital role in supporting believers in this journey.

Recorded live on Sunday, April 27th, 2025.

Gifts of Christ (Ephesians 4:7) by David Antwi

Growing Up Into Christ (Ephesians 4 v14-24) by David Antwi

Throughout the Old Testament we find many promises of a great Messianic King who would bring about a great and everlasting kingdom. For example, in the book of Genesis we see in God's promises to Abraham that there would be a king that comes from him. In Genesis 49:10 we see that this king would come from the tribe of Judah and that the scepter would never depart from him… Elsewhere, in Isaiah Ch. 9, we read of a coming "Prince of Peace," and Isaiah says that "the government (the kingdom) shall be upon his shoulder," and that "of the increase of government and of peace there will be no end." That he will "rule on the throne of David and over his kingdom."Even further, we read in Daniel 7, in a vision of the coming Son of Man, that "to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples and nations and languages would serve him: his dominion would be an everlasting dominion and his kingdom would be one that shall not be destroyed." But who is this great King? In Ephesians 1:20-21, the Apostle Paul sees the risen Christ as the fulfillment of many Old Testament passages about the Messianic King and specifically as the fulfillment of Psalm 110. He says that the risen Christ has now been "seated" (enthroned) at the right of God in the heavenly places, where he is "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named." The risen Christ has inaugurated the kingdom of God that was spoken of in the Old Testament and he has been granted "all authority in heaven and on earth." (Matthew 28:18). Tune in to this episode to learn more!This message was originally preached by Jackson Hankey at River City's Thursday morning Bible study on 4/17/2025.

The War Is On: Are You Close Enough to Christ to Win Brother Larry's message centers on the biblical call to “draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). He challenges believers to move beyond merely agreeing with Jesus to obeying Him (Luke 6:46). Drawing near requires willingness, truthfulness, sacrifice, and faith (Romans 12:1–2; Hebrews 10:22). He reminds us that although we may fail at times (1 John 1:8–9), God's grace is always available through our great High Priest Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:14–16). However, we must not presume upon that grace by willfully sinning (Romans 6:1–2). Instead, as Isaiah did when he saw the holiness of God (Isaiah 6:1–5), we should humble ourselves and let God's presence reveal who we truly are. Drawing near means ongoing spiritual warfare, but victory is assured through Christ (Ephesians 6:10–12, 1 John 4:4).

Did you know that every person and everything in creation comes from God and belongs to Him? He is the Father of ALL—even those who haven’t realized it yet. Though many live in spiritual blindness, sin, and delusion, their true identity in Christ has already been established by grace. The question is—will they awaken to this reality? John 1:3 declares: “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being.” God’s relentless love and purpose embrace all creation, and His plan is to reconcile ALL things through Jesus Christ! In this powerful revelation, you’ll discover:
 * Why God is the Creator & Sustainer of ALL things (Colossians 1:16-17)
 * How ALL people are God’s children—whether they realize it or not (Malachi 2:10, Ephesians 3:14-15)
 * What it means for God to bring ALL THINGS together in Christ (Ephesians 1:9-10)
 * How to awaken to your true identity in Him
 * The power of reconciliation through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) Your inclusion in God’s love is already true OF you—now it’s time to awaken to it and experience it for yourself! What has partnering with God unlocked in your life? Share your stories in the comments, and let’s celebrate how He is working through us all! Don’t wait—click now and experience the breakthrough God has for you! Special Opportunity:
FREE “Protect Your Purpose Masterclass”: https://catherinetoon.com — don’t miss this chance to align with your God-given calling! Resources to Bless You: * "Marked by Love, Revised & Expanded Edition" (#1 Best Seller!): https://bit.ly/3UGeJBI * Get God, Male & Female? on Audible: https://amzn.to/49hzCIM * FREE “How to Hear God” eBook: https://bit.ly/3cTNb49 * FREE Chapter from Marked by Love: https://markedbylovebook.com/free-chapter/ * Explore more resources: https://catherinetoon.com Your support changes lives! Partner with us to spread this life-giving message. Your tax-deductible donations help reach more people: https://catherinetoon.com/support/. Stay Connected and Share God’s Love! * Facebook: @CatherineToonMD * Instagram: @catherinetoon * Twitter: @CatherineToonMD * YouTube: @CatherineToon, MD Like, Share, and Subscribe to support this message of hope. Every click helps spread God’s love to a hurting world. Thank you!

Transcript:Hello, this is Pastor Don Willeman of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective. Arguably, the Bible speaks of the church more as an organism than an organization. The Church is the very life of Christ—His breath, His Spirit, His Word giving the church its being and vibrancy. To the degree that the church is filled with Jesus's Spirit (see Ephesians 5:18 and Galatians 5:16-24), to that degree it is fulfilling its purpose and bearing fruit. However, this is not to say Christ has given no organizational structure for the church. Of course, He has. Christ gave “the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:9 ESV). But even the responsibility of these leaders is often given in organic (“body of Christ”) or agricultural terms. The church leaders are workers in God's field or vineyard—sowing the seed of the gospel, watering and tending its growth as hard-working farmers (2 Timothy 2:6). They are not so much manufacturing disciples, as they are applying good farming techniques and trusting God to cause the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). Similarly, church leaders are to shepherd the flock of God (another agricultural reference), following the manner of the Good Shepherd, laying down their lives for the sheep (John 10; 1 Peter 5). The upshot of all this is that we must be serious-minded about submitting ourselves to those God has appointed for our care. God never intended the church to be a “free-range farm.” No! We need to be present when the church meets, submitting ourselves to one another (Ephesians 5:21), not wandering like lost sheep, doing our own thing. We need to do our best to remain firmly planted in the structures God has provided through our local churches, not uprooting ourselves with every wind of change. God has appointed the structure of the church and its leaders for our good. Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective. “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.”~1 Corinthians 3:5-17 (ESV)

Immeasurably More // FramedEphesians 3:14-20 (ESV)“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”Here is Paul's Prayer• I pray that from His unlimited resources, He will empower you with inner strength - with deep fortitude - by his spirit.• As we trust in Him, Christ will take up residence in us (not just drop by every now and then).• Then our roots will grow down into the depth of God's love and will keep us strong.• And when it comes to understanding that love - may we know the scope of it and experience it. In this letter, Paul has continuously pointed us and all people to the generosity of God in Christ. • Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with every Spiritual Blessing in Christ• Ephesians 1:7-8 - Riches of Grace - lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding • Ephesians 1:18 - Riches of His Glorious Inheritance • Ephesians 2:5 - God is Rich in Mercy• Ephesians 2:7 - Incomparable Riches of His Grace• Ephesians 3:8 - Unsearchable Riches of ChristThis is Paul's prayer and mine for us today…That we may know, and in turn experience, and then lean in to and ultimately live out of this vast love of God. This love is expressed in John 3:16-17 (ESV)“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”This love is defined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (ESV) “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.”This love is given dimension here in Ephesians 3• Infinitely long and high and wide and deep - more so than we can ever understand fully…• And Paul says the love of God is “too great for us to understand fully.”• There is nowhere we can go that we are out of the scope of his presence and therefore nowhere we can go where we are out of the scope of his love, for “God is love” (1 John 4:8 and 16) and as the psalmist says in Psalm 139 “where can I go from your presence.”• Are we willing to allow this love of God to encapsulate us - to frame us - to define us? If not why not? Guilt, shame, doubt, etc.Are we willing to allow this love to transform us?When we take a look at people around us, we don't have an excuse to look at people outside of this frame. Are we willing to love even as we have been loved (John 13:34)? The love of God for humanity is infinitely long and high and wide and deep.So… here's a searching question for each of us…Who do we need to reframe? Where do we need to start?May our love and the way we live be the testament to the love of Christ and may his love lived out through us be the agent of transformation in our world. Our part really is to be awake to these truths, willing to live in and practice these truths and expectant of God to do the immeasurably more than we can even begin to imagine!

Christ has ascended! While Christians give a lot of focus to the death and resurrection of Christ, we nod our heads at His ascension. Yet, contained in the ascension of Jesus is His exaltation, coronation, and a revelation of His majestic supremacy! Join Nathan Johnson in this study of Ephesians 4:8–10 as we examine Paul's parenthetical statement about the majesty and preeminence of Christ Jesus in the context of Him giving gifts to the Church. He has ascended!------------» Take these studies deeper and be discipled in person by Nathan, Eric, Leslie, and the team at Ellerslie in one of our upcoming discipleship programs – learn more at: https://ellerslie.com/be-discipled/» Receive our free “Five Keys to Walking Through Difficulty” PDF by going to: https://ellerslie.com/subscribe/» For more information about Daily Thunder and the ministry of Ellerslie Mission Society, please visit: https://ellerslie.com/daily» If you have been blessed by Ellerslie, consider partnering with the ministry by donating at: https://ellerslie.com/donate/» Discover more Christ-centered teaching and resources from Nathan Johnson that will help you grow spiritually by checking out his website at: https://deeperchristian.com/