Podcasts about read ephesians

Can They Do It? What if your trust issues aren't about betrayal—but about disappointment? Sometimes the people we depend on just aren't capable of carrying the weight of trust. This week, we look at two very different kinds of people: one who breaks trust through insecurity and chaos, and another who builds it with loyalty, maturity, and humility. One had the position—but not the tools. The other had no crown—but had character. We're not just asking, “Can they be forgiven?” We're asking, “Can they be trusted again?” Because trust isn't just about intent—it's about capacity.  1 Samuel 20  Discussion topics Icebreaker - What's a small task or responsibility someone trusted you with that made you feel really honored?  (Ex: a sibling letting you borrow their car, a boss giving you a project, etc.)  Read Ephesians 4:26–27 - What does this verse teach us about handling offense and anger in relationships? Read 1 Samuel 20:30–33 -  Compare Saul's emotional response with Jonathan's. What do their reactions reveal about their character and capacity for trust?  Personal Reflection: Has there ever been a time when you placed trust in someone who didn't have the ability to carry it? How did that affect the relationship?  Deeper Dive: Have you ever broken someone's trust—not from bad intentions, but from lack of preparation, skill, or maturity? What would rebuilding that trust look like?   Check out our other audio series and video playlists that can help you find Jesus in every moment and then discover what's next

Introduction: How Do You Stop Hatred from Growing in Your Heart? (Matthew 5:21–26) By putting it to Death when it First Appears. (Matthew 5:21–22a) 1 John 3:15 – Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By refusing to Kill others with Destructive words. (Matthew 5:22b) Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. By seeking after Immediate Reconciliation. (Matthew 5:23–24) By remembering what's At Stake. (Matthew 5:25–26) 1 Corinthians 6:10 – ...nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 5:21-26What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Are you struggling with anger/hatred? How can you deal with it right now before it gets out of control?Read Ephesians 4:29 - What are some practical ways to control your mouth and keep corruption from spreading to others?Why is it so hard to admit your faults and ask for forgiveness?What are the consequences of giving yourself over to hatred and unforgiveness? BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Turn your Bibles to Matthew chapter 5 verses 21 through 26.Matthew chapter 5 verses 21 through 26.We live in a culture that is absolutely obsessed with murder.There are dozens and dozens of true crime podcasts that delve into the nitty-gritty detailsof the worst crimes imaginable.Who has ever listened to a true crime podcast?No shame.Just asking.There are seemingly thousands and thousands of TV shows that are centered around murderinvestigations.Let me just list a few.Blue Bloods, Only Murders in the Building, Criminal Minds, Chicago PD, Sherlock, Bones,Castle, The Rookie, Longmire, Colombo, Psych, Monk, Murder She Wrote, Diagnosis Murder.Then there are the franchises that have spun out an endless amount of added-on shows, right?Law and Order, Law and Order Special Victims Unit, Law and Order Criminal Intent, Law andOrder LA, Law and Order Trial by Jerry, Law and Order True Crime, Law and Order OrganizedCrime, NCIS, NCIS Origins, NCIS Los Angeles, NCIS Hawaii, NCIS New Orleans, NCIS Sydney,CSI, CSI Miami, CSI New York, CSI Los Angeles, CSI Vegas, CSI Cyber, CSI Sheboygan, CSI Wexford.Okay, wait.Those last two don't actually exist, but at the rate they're pumping out these spin-offs,you never really know.But millions of people tune into these kind of shows every single week to watch fictionalmurderers face justice.On top of these podcasts and TV shows, we even play a board game with children thatis all about murder.That board game is?Who has ever played Clue at some point in their lives?I don't want to explain the basic premise, right?Okay, three to six players, you're all trapped in a mansion and one of you murdered Mr. Bodie,who owned the mansion.Was it Ms. Scarlett, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, or ProfessorPlum?The whole purpose of the game is to figure out who is the murderer, what is the murderweapon, and what is the location of the killing?Again, this is a game for children.If the game can end with an accusation like this, Colonel Mustard in the conservatorywith a candlestick.Maybe you love playing this game growing up because you like to solve the mystery, assignthe blame for murder, and point the finger at made-up characters.But what if I were to tell you that every single person in this room is guilty of murder?This is in my opinion, it's not a suspicion, a hunt or an unfounded accusation.This is a clear and simple fact from the mouth of our Lord.According to Jesus Christ, we are all Colonel Mustard in the conservatory with a candlestick.And you may be thinking, "Taylor, I don't know about the person next to me, but I havecertainly never murdered anyone in cold blood."Well, you may be innocent of physically murdering, but there is no wiggling out of the realitythat you are guilty of spiritually murdering in your heart by hating others.And again, I know that some of you may be resisting what I'm saying already.You think to yourself, "I don't hate anyone.I am pleasant with everyone."I mean, sure, there are some people I intensely dislike.There are some people I vent about constantly.There are some people I avoid at all costs, and if I saw them in the grocery store, Iwould run in the opposite direction.But hey, that's different.Is it different?Maybe you are dressing up your hatred to make it look nice and acceptable when it is actuallycruel and dishonoring to the Lord.No matter who you are, how nice you may appear, you are not exempt from hatred.Because you have to understand that murder is not just an action.It is a state of heart in mind.We have been studying the Sermon on the Mount since February, and we are in the second sectionof our study, "The Heart of the Law."Last week, Pastor Jeff taught that Jesus Christ didn't come to abolish the law, but to perfectlyfulfill it through His life, death, and resurrection.And throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus demonstrates that the law is not skin deep.It actually drills down deep within you to your heart.Jesus cares about who you are on the inside.He is far more interested in the internal than the external.In Matthew 5, verses 21-26, Jesus exposes your greatest desires, fears, and innermostfeelings which you try to keep hidden away from others.Jesus pulls your anger into the light to show you how truly ugly, subtle, and destructiveit actually is.Jesus doesn't do this to humiliate you.He does this to help you.Jesus doesn't do this to condemn you, but to change you from the inside out.Because hatred cannot be allowed to fester.It will hollow you out on the inside, and it will hurt everyone around you.So how do you stop hatred from growing in your heart?Well, our passage for this morning offers four methods of extermination that will keepthe infection from spreading.Before we cover those, let's go to the Lord and ask for His help.Please pray for me that I will faithfully proclaim God's Word, and I will pray for youthat you will joyfully receive God's Word.Father, we thank you for this most important appointment of the week.We gather together as your people to worship you, to encourage one another, and to situnder the proclamation of your Word.Lord, I thank you that you watch over your Word to perform it, and that your Word accomplishesevery purpose for which you send it out.I pray this morning that you would do your work in our hearts and lives.We ask all this in Jesus' name.Amen.So how do you stop hatred from growing in your heart?The first method of extermination by putting it to death when it first appears.By putting it to death when it first appears.Let's read verses 21 through 22.Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, you shall not murder, andwhoever murders will be liable to judgment.But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment."So Jesus kicks off a pattern that we see six times in Matthew chapter five.You have heard that it was said, but I say to you.And at first glance, it may look like Jesus is changing one of the six commandments.It may look like he is erasing the original meaning and coming up with something brandnew.But as Pastor Jeff said last week, Jesus came not to lessen the law, but to elevate it.Jesus is not changing the sixth commandment.He is simply revealing something that has always been within it, but has been ignored.He is not contradicting God's word.He is contradicting the Pharisee and scribes incomplete interpretation of God's word.The religious leaders of Jesus' day thought and taught that the sixth commandment of,"You shall not murder," only applied to the physical acts of homicide in manslaughter.They put this commandment into a box and ignored its deeper meaning.And here is the heart of the sixth commandment.Do not give yourself over to unrighteous anger, which leads to the act of unjustly endingsomeone's life.Anger is the first domino in that chain reaction.The religious leaders limited the scope of God's command and the process they limitedits impact.By viewing the sixth commandment in this way, a religious leader could look at himself andsay, "Hey, I am perfectly keeping this commandment.I have never clubbed someone over the head.I've never pushed my neighbor off a tall building in a fit of rage.God must be so proud of me, but internally they are killing people by despising them,despising tax collectors, sinners, and Gentiles."In this passage, Jesus corrects the massive oversight of the men who should know the lawbetter than anyone else, but have missed the entire point.They have missed the heart.Jesus is saying, "Don't think you're safe and sound because you have no bodies buriedin your backyard.You were on the hook for a serious crime and heading for serious consequences if you havehatred and anger and bitterness buried in your heart."It's especially egregious to be angry with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.Why is that?You know, as a dad, it pains me to watch or read news stories about kids being bullied.But do you know what would be worse than watching strangers be mistreated, finding out thatone of my own kids is being bullied?Do you know what would be the worst of all?Discovering that one of my kids hates and actively tries to hurt his or her sibling.It grieves the heart of God to watch his children despise and attack one another.And John talks about this in his first epistle.He says, "Everyone who hates his brother is a what?A murderer.And you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him."At this point, you may be frustrated thinking, "Wait, so you're saying I can never be angrywith anybody, especially if he or she is a Christian.How is that possible?"To be clear, Jesus isn't saying that anger is always sinful.God gets angry.God hates sin and what it causes.Jesus got angry throughout the Gospels.As a human, it is impossible for you to not feel feelings of betrayal, of annoyance, andfrustration.Jesus isn't condemning anger in general.He is condemning a very specific kind of anger.In this passage, the word for anger in the Greek is orgizō.And this is a fuming, a boiling anger that is nurtured and intensified like a pot of wateron a stove.You keep dialing up the temperature, keep dialing up the intensity until it overflowsand scalds people.This kind of anger twists your heart.It distorts how you view other people.You may even danger about bad things happening to this person.You may want this person to get what's coming, to get what they deserve, to be publicly humiliatedand to feel the same exact pain that you feel.When you hate someone, you are communicating this message to the Lord.Lord, I don't care if that person dies and I want them out of my life for good.Now, you would never say that out loud, but that's what you're feeling in your heart whenyou harbor bitterness.Because that person is dead to you when you never ever want to see him or her ever again.In your book, it's like they've been wiped out of existence.It's like they've fallen off the face of this earth.That kind of anger is a spark that can be snuffed out or fanned into flame.It's challenging to put to death in its infancy, but it's way harder to kill once it's fullygrown and is out of control.And this principle holds true in every other area of life.If you had gone to the dentist, when you first noticed that tooth pain, you could have avoidedthe unpleasant and very expensive root canal.That small leak in your attic would have been much more manageable whenever it was a smalldrip, but now every single time that it rained, it's like a waterfall in your attic.Even care of your yard would have been much easier when you pulled weeds as they poppedup, but after months and months and years of neglect, there are weeds everywhere.In those moments, you noticed a problem, but you did nothing about it.You stuffed it down instead of honestly addressing the issue.Never turn a blind eye to your sin.Only when it comes to unrighteous anger and hatred, when you see that root of bitternesspop up, be relentless and pulling it out and throwing it away instead of giving it roomto breathe and to grow.When that urge to mentally curse someone out in your mind pops up, don't entertain it.Don't go down that ungodly route.Instead, choke out those thoughts with the word of God.If that person is a believer, pray for their sanctification.If that person is not a Christian, pray for their salvation.When a family member or friend fails you, trust me, they will fail you.Don't stew on the offense and tally up all the ways that person has let you down in thepast.Instead, run to the only one who has never and will never let you down.Go to God the Father so that you can choose patience and gentleness instead of pettinessand retaliation.When the desire to believe the worst about someone in this church enters your mind, willinglydecide to believe the best until proven wrong.Run down the stove of your anger before it hurts you and everyone around you.How do you stop hatred from growing in your heart?Second method of extermination by refusing to kill others with destructive words.By refusing to kill others with destructive words.So Jesus moves on from what's in your heart to what comes out of your mouth at the endof verse 22.He says this, "Whoever insults his brother will be liable to the counsel and whoeversays you fool will be liable to the hell of fire."Maybe this seems over the top to you.You may be thinking, "Really Jesus going before the Supreme Court and being thrown into hellfor insulting and slander?"Isn't that a bit severe?Well, maybe you won't think that if you understand what these insults actually mean.That word for insult in the Greek is "rokka" which means empty-headed or worthless.And that word for fool is "moros" from which we get which English word do you think?Moron.That's not just a cute, funny word.The New Testament uses that word to describe those who were outside the kingdom of God.So by labeling someone as "rokka" and "moros" you are saying you are a worthless and stupidwaste of space with nothing of value to offer anyone so you can go straight to hell forall I care.True Christians cannot lose their salvation by using their mouths for evil.But a person whose life is marked by this kind of vile speech should question the genuinenessof his or her faith and status in the family of God.How can you flip people off in traffic throughout the week and then passionately raise your armsand worship on Sunday?How can you unapologetically scream at your wife and your kids and then use that samemouth to pray to a heavenly Father who you were nothing like?How can you day after day at work belittle your colleagues, your coworkers, your employees,and then go to a small group and claim that you are a bold witness for Christ?How can you ruin the reputation of others with slander and then describe your reputationas above reproach in God-honoring?You cannot habitually kill others with your words and claim to love Jesus with your wholeheart.Your words say way more about you than the person you are speaking against.Please do not underestimate the impact and influence of your words.You can use your mouth to point someone to Christ or away from Christ.To smash them into a million pieces or to help put them back together again.You can use your mouth to give someone hope or to take away the little hope that someonehas.Listen to what the apostle Paul has to say about how you should and shouldn't speak inEphesians 4-29.Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such is good for building up as fitsthe occasion that it may give grace to those who hear.No corrupting talk.Corrupting brings the mental picture of something that is rotten and moldy.Imagine every single time you use your words in a negative way that this gross odor eaksout of your mouth and grosses out everyone around you.My wife and I were first married.We lived in a garage apartment above the house with a very nice Christian couple and theirson.We have almost no complaints about them.Great family, very kind to us.We had one small complaint.Once or twice a week they would make a meal that smelled horrible.The smell would go from the kitchen into the vents and finally into our apartment.I can't tell you how many candles we lit, how many balls of Febreze we sprayed to tryto fight off this odor.Somehow those defenses make it worse, doesn't it?The smell is kind of mixed together to create a horrible uber smell.It's been 11 years.I swear to you, I can still smell this meal in my house sometimes.I know that's not possible.My wife tells me I'm imagining it, but that smells so offended in my nose that it hauntsme in every season of life.You may be thinking, "Okay, what's the point of this random gross story?"Your corrupting words have the power to linger and haunt people for the rest of their lives.If I passed around a mic this morning and asked everyone to share the most hurtful thingsthat have been said to or about you, there wouldn't be a dry eye in this room.Now I want you to think about some of the most hurtful things you've ever said to orabout someone.Was it worth it?Do you stand by what you said or do you regret it?Just given a do over, would you say it all again or would you keep your mouth shut?Remember your answers to those questions when you were tempted to lash out at others withyour words.Recognize that you can never take your words back no matter how much you wish that you could.How do you stop hatred from growing in your heart?Third method of extermination by seeking after immediate reconciliation.By seeking after immediate reconciliation.So verses 23 through 24, Jesus switches gears to focus on how you should address the angerof others when you are at fault.Let's see what he has to say about next steps.Verse 23, "So if you were offering your gift at the altar and there, remember that yourbrother has something against you.Leave your gift there before the altar and go.First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift."Jesus places a high premium on resolving relational issues quickly and pursuing after reconciliationas soon as possible.He even puts it above sacrifice, which to Jews in the first century would have beenunthinkable.Being sacrificed is expected and commanded by God, but Jesus says it's more importantto be at peace with others around you.He's saying if you're making your sacrifice, leave it there, leave, go put this issue tobed and then come back to finish your sacrifice.This would be similar to us hearing, "Listen, if you're shopping at giant eagle, leave yourcart at the register and get out of there.If you're pumping gas, jump into your car and speed away and don't worry if the gasnozzle is dragging on the road behind you.If you're worshiping a church on Sunday, stop singing and track that person down.Resolve that unfinished business."Do you have unfinished business right now?Do you need to ask for forgiveness?Maybe you need to step out, make that call, send that text or even speed out of the parkinglot.If that's you, do it right now.Maybe you don't want to.Sadly so many of us demand apologies from others, but we're so bad at apologizing whenwe're wrong.Why is that?Because apologizing requires humility.You have to make yourself small and put yourself at the mercy of someone else.Do we naturally want to do that?None of us do, but it's commanded by our God and it is expected.It's way easier to cut ties and run than it is to admit your faults.That's why there are so many marriages that end in divorce.That's why there are so many friendships that are broken.That's why so many professing Christians leave their current church to go to anotherchurch down the street.Well, time for a fresh start.No one at this new church knows my dirty laundry or my history yet not yet.Give it a few weeks or months and you'll be looking for a new church yet again.It is far more appealing to the flesh to be totally unknown and completely unconfirmedthan it is to be fully known and lovingly confronted.Please stop pretending because Jesus is not fooled.Stop running away from those you've hurt because your problems will just follow you whereveryou end up.Do not be lazy and passive about reconciliation.Just like, yeah, yeah, I'll put that on my to-do list and get to it at some point.No, Jesus is saying, rip up your to-do list because nothing else matters.Do whatever is necessary to attempt to stifle that anger that is between you and the otherperson.How do you stop hatred from growing in your heart?Final method of extermination by remembering what's at stake.By remembering what's at stake.Maybe you're still unmoved by Jesus called a crush hatred and pursue after restoration.You know what God is calling you to do, but you just don't want to do it.You don't have any plans to make any changes or say sorry anytime soon.Well, thankfully, Jesus knows how stubborn you are.And he knows how stubborn I am.So he follows up his command with a very stern warning in verses 25 to 26.He says this, "Come the terms quickly with your accuser while you were going with himto court lest your accuser hands you over to the judge and the judge to the guard andyou be put in prison.Truly I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny."Let me bring this first century illustration into the 21st century.Imagine that you and your neighbor are fighting over a property line dispute.And during one argument, you get so angry that you viciously attack him.You were 100% guilty and there are witnesses to back up your neighbor's testimony.Your neighbor threatens to call the cops, to press charges and sue you if you do not apologize.But in that moment, you don't want to apologize.You want to defend yourself.You want to fight against your neighbor.You don't want him or her to have the satisfaction of beating you.But let's follow that to its logical conclusion.The cops come, you're arrested, you're put on trial and you have to go to prison andstay there until you are let out.And even then, you still have a lot of legal fees and you still have to pay out the lostsuit.Let me ask you, is there any upside to that option, option A?What do we think?No, it's all horrible.But thankfully, there's an option B. Throw yourself at the mercy of your neighbor.Ask for their forgiveness and seek after an agreeable solution.If you do that, your future is no longer filled with orange jumpsuits and public showers.Maybe thinking, well, thanks for the random legal advice, I guess.But what does this have to do with me?Well, here's the point.Hatred is a prison that you willingly lock yourself into.Hatred is a prison that you willingly lock yourself into.If you give yourself over to it, if you refuse to repent, there will be consequences in thislife.You will become very lonely and unpleasant to be around.You'll be known as the cranky guy or lady at church that everyone wants to love butdoesn't know how to.You'll be viewed as the human cactus.Everyone tries to hug you and bring you closer, but you just push them away and hurt themwith jabs.You will be trapped in a loveless marriage.Your children will wither away under your harshness and constant criticism.And you'll wonder one day why they don't visit anymore or call you to check in.Your friends will drop away like flies one by one by one because they're tired of youpicking fights and refusing to apologize.Let me ask you, is that the direction you want your life to take?Is that where you want to end up?And these final two verses, Jesus is focusing on the penalties you will face right now ifyou wrong others and never seek forgiveness.But over this past week, I couldn't help but consider the eternal penalty for unrepentanthatred and a continual refusal to seek after the forgiveness of Christ.Paul is crystal clear in 1 Corinthians 6 10 that revilers slanderers will not inheritthe kingdom of God.As I said earlier, some of you need to do some serious self examination.If you relentlessly feed this anger in your heart and it pours out from your mouth andthrough your actions, you may need to answer this really difficult question.Am I truly saved?Because true Christians choose to love instead of hate.A true follower of Christ wants to repent of sin, not wallow in sin.Someone who has experienced the forgiveness of Christ wants to extend that to others insteadof withhold it.Those who have been changed from the inside out say, "I'm sorry, will you forgive me?"Not "I'm sorry, but" or "I didn't do anything wrong."Because none of us are perfect in any of these areas.But you should be making progress day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year.Are you kinder, more loving, more forgiving now than when you first came to Christ?And if the answer is no, maybe you never truly came to Christ in the first place.If your honest answer to the question of "Am I truly saved?" is no, then your future isfar more terrifying than any earthly jail or prison.You are looking down the barrel of an eternity of being sentenced to a prison that is inescapableonce you are there.In hell, no one is released early or given visitation rights.But I have great news this morning.You don't have to be sentenced to that kind of eternity.There is still time to trust in Christ today.You don't need to carry that hatred or bitterness any longer.Those burdens will sink you both now and forever if you let them.Give those burdens over to Christ who was hated by the crowds that you could be lovedby His Father, who was rejected on the cross that you could be accepted, who bore the angrywrath that you deserve so you could be declared innocent.Jesus Christ has open arms this morning.He is calling you to run to Him.He is ready and willing.Are you ready and willing to run to Him and accept all that He has to offer?Let nothing hold you back from Christ because He will withhold nothing from you once youcome to Him with a sincere faith in genuine repentance.If your honest answer to the question of "Am I saved?" is yes, but you still wrestle withholding on to resentment and burning with anger, I have a few final words of encouragementfor you.You may have dug yourself into a pit of your own making.You keep digging and digging and digging with obsessive thoughts, unkind words, and stubbornness.But please listen to me.You only need to stay in that hole as long as you want to.Nothing and no one is keeping you there besides yourself.If you want to get to a better place, get over yourself and admit your neediness.Admit that you need God's help.Find yourself the truth instead of buying into your own lies.You should hold no grudges because God holds no grudges against you.You have nothing to prove to anyone because Jesus Christ already approves of you.You have no reason to repay evil for evil because the Bible says that vengeance belongsto the Lord.You have no defense for your hatred because you have received the greatest love imaginable.Let's spend some time with the Lord in prayer.Please close your eyes and bow your heads.Use this time to confess your sin to the Lord.To acknowledge how much you need Him to change.Stop putting on a show and be honest with your Father because He already knows whatyou're struggling with.The first step in finding a solution to your problem is admitting that you even have aproblem.Don't worry about what's for lunch.Don't worry about your busy day tomorrow, how your kids are doing in the back.Do business with God.Father, we come before you to confess our sin.Lord, all of us struggle with this in some way at some level, whether we want to admitit or not.And Lord, if there is someone in this room who doesn't know you, Lord, I pray that todaywould be the day of salvation.Today would be the day where they run to you and ask for forgiveness for the very firsttime.For the rest of us, Lord, would help us to recognize that we are already forgiven ofour hatred, that the eternal penalty for our sin has been taken away.But Lord, we are called to love you so much that we must hate our sin.Lord, help us to hate how we sin against you rather than hate others.Where we ask for your power, we ask for your strength to grow, to mature.I pray that we'd walk out of this room as lighter people after giving you the burdenof our hatred and anger.I ask all this in Jesus' name.Amen.

What is my calling and how do I put that into practice? God gave us a mission and then he gave that mission a church. We are his vessels to live out his mission and we do so through the different giftings that have been established by him. Not only do I have a role, I also have some additional practices to help ensure that more disciples are made on my journey.  Life Group Questions1. Spend the first 15 minutes of your group time adoring God with words of praise, the reading of a Psalm (Your choice), and end with singing together a worship song from YouTube. 2. Read Ephesians 4:1-2. Sit with the text and discuss your calling.3. Read Ephesians 4:11-13. Of the five offices described by Paul, which one do you find is most applicable to your calling/gifting?4. Read Ephesians 4:17-32. Sift through all that Paul says about the right behavior within the call that we have been given.  5. End with a time of prayer for: a) Your Daily Prayer Rhythm b) One Another c) The Lost of Yamhill County.

So many questions, so few answers. Why does Christ have to be a mystery? What do I do when I feel that God doesn't care or is paying attention to me? Some questions get answered and others we have to live in. Today, we explore why God withholds certain things from us and the foundation that we always fall back on in the waiting for his answers and explanations.  Life Group Questions:1. Reflect on your week and your daily prayer times with Jesus. Share one thing with your group about that time and how it helped you grow in Christ.2. Read Ephesians 3 and share your own reflections about what Paul writes.  3. Talk about a 'fork in the road' moment that you faced. After the dust settled in a trial, what was your response to God?4. How does living in the mystery of Christ help us make disciples?  5. What is the relationship between prayer and making disciples? Refer to Ephesians 3:14-21 and end your time together praying for family, friends, and the lost of Yamhill county.  

In this powerful follow-up to the series on biblical masculinity, Chris Hilkin continues unpacking what it means to be a man after God's own heart through the PRIME MEN acrostic. After Jerrad Lopes opens with a heartfelt update and thanks the Dad Tired community for their support, Chris teaches through the next key biblical traits of godly manhood: Intentional, Meek, Enduring, Moral, Empathetic, and Noble. With deep theological insight, biblical references, and real-life application, this episode challenges men to take spiritual leadership seriously—at home, in the church, and in the world.Bible Passages Mentioned:John 8 – Jesus and the woman caught in adultery1 Timothy 3:4-5 – Managing one's family wellEphesians 6:4 – Fathers training and instructing childrenGenesis 18:19 – Directing one's household in the way of the LordGenesis 3:6 – Adam's passivity in the Garden1 Samuel 3:11 – Eli's failure to discipline his sonsMark 5 – Jesus healing the bleeding woman2 Timothy 1:7 – Spirit of power, love, and self-controlProverbs 16:32 – Better to be patient than a warriorPhilippians 2 – Christ's humilityProverbs 24:16 – The righteous fall seven times but rise again1 Corinthians 16:13-14 – Be strong, courageous, and do everything in loveLuke 23 – Jesus carrying the cross1 Timothy 4:8 – Godliness has value for all thingsTitus 2:7-8 – Teaching with integrity1 Samuel 15 – Saul's disobedienceMatthew 4 – Jesus' temptationJohn 17 – Jesus interceding for his disciplesNehemiah 4:14 – Fight for your familiesPhilippians 4:8 – Whatever is noble, think about such thingsProverbs 22:1 – A good name is more desirable than richesMicah 6:8 – Do justice, love mercy, walk humblyActs 5 – Ananias and SapphiraJoshua 7 – The sin of AchanJohn 18 – Jesus on trial before PilateIsaiah 53:7 – Like a lamb silent before its shearersLuke 23:34 – Jesus forgives those who crucified HimDiscussion Questions:Which of the PRIME MEN traits (Peacemaking, Repentant, Intentional, Meek, Enduring, Moral, Empathetic, Noble) do you most naturally embody, and which one do you struggle with the most? Why?(Bonus: Print the list and literally highlight where you're strong and where you're bleeding, as suggested in the episode.)Read Ephesians 6:4. What does it look like for you, specifically, to take spiritual responsibility for your kids? In what ways have you been tempted to hand that role off to someone else?How have you misunderstood meekness in the past? What would it look like for you to walk in “power under control” this week?How does your private life reflect your integrity? Are there places in your life where you are “fractioned” or living in two different personas? What does integration look like for you?In a culture that values comfort and ease, what does it mean to endure like Jesus? How can you practically grow in endurance and perseverance when life gets hard?

God is God and He remains the foundation of our becoming a disciple and for making disciples. To become a disciple who makes disciples, we have to take the step of faith with Jesus and leave our past behind. We can begin the journey to discipleship today by renewing our faith, releasing our past, and remembering who we are IN Christ.  Life Group Questions1. Our semester theme is building a culture of Sabbath. What is God teaching you through your Sabbath?2. How would you describe “Grace”?3. Read Ephesians 2:8-10. How do you respond to God's grace?4. What do you understand about God's covenant with Israel? 5. Read Ephesians 2:14-18. Do you have a seat at the table?6. Read Romans 8:9-11. As a disciple of Christ, the Spirit of Jesus dwells in you. How does this empower you?

CD 1704 Position - Purpose - Power(March 2, 2025 P.M. Service)As we touched on lightly this morning, In this life that has been given to us by our Creator the Lord God Almighty we have a vacuum on the inside of us. We were created with that vacuum in order that we would hunger and desire for something greater than ourselves. If we do not seek the Lord, then the devil will come and fill that vacuum. You cannot stay neutral, you will either be full of the Lord or full of the devil. We will talk more about this vacuum in a future service.This evening we're going to learn about our position in Christ which reveals our purpose in Christ and helps us to receive the power from Christ to live his life through us! *Text: 2 Timothy 1:1-10 (KJV) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:Praise God He as our Father has given us His Grace through Jesus Christ from the foundation of this earth age! He saves us and calls us into His Holy calling, all by His grace! Speaking of salvation “position”:#1 Position*Read Luke 15:24 (KJV) For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.*Read Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Now see verse 6:*Read Ephesians 2:6 (KJV) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:Where is Jesus seated?*Read Colossians 3:1-3 (KJV) Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.We are seated on the right hand of power in Christ Jesus. So our “position” is not in question, rather our “position” is absolute in Christ Jesus! When we understand where we're living and operating from then it brings us to our second point our “purpose”:#2 PurposeSo I have a “purpose”? You mean there is more to this life than just getting by?How can I find my “purpose”?*Read Psalm 119:105 (KJV) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.Support the show

In this study, Bible teacher Dave Bigler (Iron Sheep Ministries), covers Leviticus 1.2-17.  This includes a close look at the Burnt Offering, what it was, how it was performed, and why.  Interesting subjects covered are the foundation for the term “scapegoat” as well as “holocaust.” Outline:01:33 - Leviticus 1.1-903:02 - Historical, cultural context of the text, who is the author and who is the audience?05:36 - What is a burnt offering?Gen 4.4 - Abel's offering MAY have been a burnt offering - not sureGen 8.18-21 - Noah and his family come out of the ark onto dry land, “Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.”Gen 22.2, “Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” - God provided a ram.Ex 10.24-29, Moses pleads with Pharaoh to let the Israelites go into the wilderness “to make burnt offerings to the Lord.” 12:06 - A Malawian perspective on owning a goat.  Hear from Pastor Edwin Thera in Malawi Africa on the value of a goat to a person living in a rural African village. 14:51 - Lev 1.3 - A male without defect.  The goat was to be without fault.  Mal 1.6-14 has harsh words from God for those trying to cheat God.16:40 - Jesus is our perfect sacrifice.1 Pet 1.18-19 tells us that Jesus is a lamb without blemish of defect.2 Cor 5.21 tells us that Jesus had no sin and was sacrificed for us. 18:07 - Lev 1.4 - “Lay Your Hand on its head; an atonement for you”19:09 - where does the term scapegoat come from?Leviticus Chapter 16 is all about the Day of Atonement, aka Yom Kippur. The high priest makes sacrifices for the nation of Israel; 1 Bull, 2 goats, and a ram.  The bull is offered for Aaron's own family & household.  One goat is sacrificed as a sin offering (Lev 4) and the ram is sacrificed as a burnt offering.  The second goat had all the sins of the people put on it and sent into the wilderness.  Jesus is our scapegoat!  Read Isa 53.6, Rev. 13.8 and Heb 10.10.22:00 - Lev 1.5 - “Splash the blood against the sides of the altar.” Lev 17.14 - the life of a creature is its blood22:40 -  Lev 1.9 - “burn all of it on the altar” - a burnt offering was fully consumed by the fire.  None of it was saved, or used for food by the priests, it was 100% a sacrifice to the Lord 23:01 - Where does the term Holocaust come from?  It is a Greek word “sacrifice by fire” - an offering completely burned by fire.  The word was appropriately chosen to describe the mass murder of +6mil Jewish people under the Nazi regime in Europe from 1941-45.  Before that, it was another term for the Israelite burnt offering, the holocaust offering.23:42 - Jesus is our burnt offering, he was fully consumed, and he gave up everything for us.  His entire life, from beginning to end.  Read John 10.14-1824:23 - what is the protoevangelium?25:43 - Lev 1.9 - An aroma pleasing to the Lord.  Read Ephesians 5:228:10 - Lev 1.10-13 - “From the flock”29:30 - Lev 1.14-17 - From the birds33:43 - Conclusions and application

CD 1695 “The Sign of the Snow”01-26-25 A.M. - “Secrets to Success – Week #3 SNOW” “Brother Jason” is putting these 3 verses on the PowerPoint screen: *Deuteronomy 29:29 (KJV) The “Secret Things” belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. *Daniel  2:28 & 12:9 (KJV) But there is a God in heaven that revealeth “secrets”, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.  Decree with me: Lord, we are closer to the end that ever before and I am ready for Your secrets! The Lord asked Job have you entered into My storehouse (treasures) of My “snow” in Job 38:22. But open up to Job 37 and Isaiah 55 for this morning's text:*Text Job 37:5-6 (KJV) God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend. 6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength. * Isaiah 55:10-11 (KJV) For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. . “Snow has fallen all over this winter, but it has fallen in record amounts in unusual place for  sign to God's people! "This will go down in history as the Gulf Blizzard of 2025." The state of Louisiana saw a record-breaking snow total of over 10 inches in the city of New Orleans. Not to mention  8.9" officially fell over Pensacola, Florida. But Mobile, Alabama experienced a historic snowstorm this week, with 7.5 inches of snowfall . This broke the city's previous record for snowfall, which had stood since 1895 - (The president in 1895 was Grover Cleveland, who was serving his second, non-consecutive term as the 24th president of the United States. He was a Democrat and is known for being the only president to serve two full terms that were not consecutive)!Decree with me: Lord I am ready to hear Your voice and speak Your Word out in faith!  I am ready to be changed from the inside out! I thank You Lord for Your “snow” from Your storehouse to my heart!Turn back with me to the Prophet Isaiah please: #1 God's GIFT*Read  Isaiah 55:1-2 (KJV) Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. *Read  Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.*Read Revelation 22:16-17 (KJV)  I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Support the show

Read Ephesians 5 today to remind yourself of the future miracles that God is going to do and already is doing in your life. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

What is your favorite image of peace from Scripture or real life? Read Isaiah 11: 1-9.What stands out to you in this passage?How does the image of the shoot from Jesse's stump inspire hope?What would it look like for a “child to lead them” in today's world? Read Jeremiah 23: 5-6.How does this reinforce Isaiah's vision of a righteous leader?What kind of hope does this bring during Advent? Read Micah 5: 2-5a.What does it mean that God chose Bethlehem, a humble place, for Jesus' birth?How does Jesus bring peace as described in this passage? Read Psalm 72: 1-7.How do justice and peace go hand in hand?What are ways we can reflect the values of God's kingdom? Read Luke 4: 16-21.How does Jesus fulfill Isaiah's prophecy in His ministry?How can we join Jesus in proclaiming good news to the poor and oppressed? Read Ephesians 2: 13-18.How does Jesus break down barriers to bring peace?What barriers do we see in our world, and how can we work to overcome them? Read Revelation 21: 1-5.How does Isaiah's vision of peace point to the ultimate fulfillment in Revelation?What hope does this passage give you as we wait for Christ's return?How does Isaiah's vision challenge us to live differently during Advent?What are small steps you can take this week to reflect Christ's peace and justice? Write down one “peace-building” action you will take this week—whether in yourrelationships, community, or personal life. Take a few minutes of silence to reflect on what it means to follow the child wholeads us.Prayer for the Week:Loving God,You are the root of hope and the source of peace. In this season of Advent, we thank Youfor the promise fulfilled in Jesus - who leads us with wisdom, justice, and compassion.We marvel at the vision of Your kingdom, where wolves and lambs live together, and alittle child leads the way. Help us to trust in Your promise of peace, even when the worldfeels broken and divided.Teach us to walk in the way of Your Son, to see others with His eyes of love, to act withHis heart of justice, and to embrace the peace only He can bring.May we be agents of reconciliation in our homes, our communities, and our world. Makeus bold enough to follow Your Spirit, humble enough to learn from the least, and faithfulenough to reflect the light of Christ in all we say and do.Fill us with the hope of Isaiah's vision, the joy of the angels' song, and the peace ofChrist's eternal reign.In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Shepherd, we pray.Amen.

Fill-in Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-219461.html CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION 1. In what ways do you think this statement could help people in our society, if they could start living it out? Our identity is received, not achieved. ~ Jonathan Holmes 2. READ Ephesians 1:3-14 [NLT] together. What seems to resonate most about your restored and God-given identity described in this passage? 3. If you were to preach to yourself these gospel truths about your union with Jesus (by faith), which of these 5 would you start with (and why)? Youre defined by Gods love, not by your flaws failures. Youre fully accepted as a child of God. You have a new purpose mission. Youre being transformed, not just fixed. You cannot be defined by earthly labels.

Fill-in Notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/39900/note-219461.html CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION 1. In what ways do you think this statement could help people in our society, if they could start living it out? Our identity is received, not achieved. ~ Jonathan Holmes 2. READ Ephesians 1:3-14 [NLT] together. What seems to resonate most about your restored and God-given identity described in this passage? 3. If you were to preach to yourself these gospel truths about your union with Jesus (by faith), which of these 5 would you start with (and why)? Youre defined by Gods love, not by your flaws failures. Youre fully accepted as a child of God. You have a new purpose mission. Youre being transformed, not just fixed. You cannot be defined by earthly labels.

The Christian Starter Pack, 6 of 6 from November 3rd, 2024 “All of us can find true rest in Christ.” by Ethan Labouff SUMMARY This sermon explores the concept of Sabbath and its relevance in our fast-paced, restless world. Guest speaker Ethan Labouff emphasizes that true rest can only be found in Christ, not in worldly pursuits. He challenges listeners to consider adopting Sabbath practices in their lives, not as a burdensome religious obligation, but as a gift from God for spiritual renewal and deepening one's relationship with Him. The sermon highlights the importance of abiding in Christ, recognizing the temporary nature of worldly work, and resting in the completed work of salvation. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Part of the Discover Discipleship series. Sermon by Pastor Nathan Alley The post Grow Up, People (Audio Beginning Missing, Please Read Ephesians 4:7-16) first appeared on Applewood Community Church.

The Christian Starter Pack, 4 of 6 from October 20th, 2024 “Jesus reshapes us to be like Him on His mission through the church.” Ephesians 4:1-16 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores the concept of church as an essential part of the Christian faith. It emphasizes that the church is not merely a building or institution, but a people called by Jesus to grow together and fulfill His mission. Pastor Michael explains that church is both a universal body of all believers (the Church) and local congregations (a church). He stresses that Jesus intentionally designed the church as a relational community where believers are reshaped to be more like Christ and equipped for His mission. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Can our unity truly transform the world? In this powerful message, Ps Peter challenges and invites us to become the answer to Jesus' prayer for unity among believers, referencing John 17:23, where Jesus prays for His followers to be 'perfected in unity.' We're reminded that our oneness as believers is meant to reflect the oneness of the Trinity, serving as a powerful testimony to the world. Ps Peter highlights two main hindrances to this unity: our culture's emphasis on individualism and our struggle to choose love in difficult situations. As we reflect on these challenges, we're encouraged to move from a 'weak group culture' to a 'strong group culture,' where we consider how our actions impact the community rather than just ourselves. This shift requires humility, surrender, and vulnerability – qualities that mirror Christ's own example. Ultimately, we're called to grow in self-awareness and take responsibility for our brokenness, seeking healing and transformation so that we can truly become one and reveal God's love to the world.Oneness in Biblical Context1. Jesus' redefinition of familial bonds to include all believers. How Jesus expanded the concept of family to encompass all who follow God's will, thereby creating a new spiritual kinship among believers.2. The obstacles presented by individualistic culture in achieving unity. The challenge of overcoming individualistic culture to achieve unity, advocating for practices that cultivate strong group culture and interdependent relationships within the church community.3. The importance of self-awareness and taking responsibility for personal growth. Encouraging us to recognise and address our own brokenness to foster unity and love within the community.Discussion Questions:1. What is one group or community you are a part of where you feel it has a strong group culture? 2. What has been your experience of individualistic culture? Reflections:Read Matthew 12:46-50How can we redefine our sense of community to align with Jesus' view of unity among believers?Read John 17:22-23What does it mean for us personally to contribute to the unity Jesus prayed for?Read Ephesians 3:10How can recognising the spiritual power of unity change the way we approach community interactions?Read John 13:34-35, In what ways can we actively choose love over self in our relationships? ‘Understanding love beyond the individual'.Read John 17:23What specific habits or attitudes contribute to achieving the oneness Jesus desires?Further Reading:Ephesians chapters 1-4Matthew 12:46-50John 13:34-35John 17:20-23Book 'Radically Restored' by Peter McHugh available to order https://linktr.ee/PeterMcHugh Thank you for joining us. We pray you were blessed.Needing pastoral support? http://flr.ms/ij Want to know how you can give? https://www.dayspring.com.au/giveConnect with us on:https://www.instagram.com/dayspringchurch/https://www.facebook.com/dayspringchurchhttps://www.youtube.com/@DayspringChurchAUListen to Dayspring Worship https://open.spotify.com/artist/331972RySiV4WcoYTTJHeB?si=4b8N7CVQT2ysAeBiMGr1BAhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/dayspring-worship/1035339614https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCQM5jWUvVAOxpvK7D571Q"

Read Hebrews 4: 14-16.1. What does the word “grace” mean to you?2. How is grace different than “mercy” that we discussed last week?How are they similar?3. Pastor Mick said one of his seminary leaders used to say, “Theanswer is always grace.” What do you think of that sentiment? Doyou agree? Why/why not?4. What do you think about the Wesleyan understanding of grace asPrevenient Grace, Justifying Grace, and Sanctifying Grace? What doeach of these forms of grace represent? How have you experiencedeach form of grace in your own life?5. What does it mean to “approach the throne of grace withconfidence”? Are you able to do that? Why/why not?6. Read Ephesians 2: 8-9. What does this passage mean to you?7. Read 2 Corinthians 12: 9. Have you ever felt like God has said thesame thing to you that God said to Paul? How does that make youfeel?8. Read 2 Corinthians 5: 17. How is God's grace “sufficient” to makeyou a new creation? What does life as a “new creation” look like?9. How might the Communion Table represent God's Throne of Grace?How should we come to this Table?10. Who is invited to the Table? Who made up the guest list?Prayer for the Week:Almighty God, we thank you for your grace. We thank you for the giftsof forgiveness and salvation that we could never earn, but freely receivethrough the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. We were once dead inour sins, but you have made us alive in Christ. Indeed, we are newcreations in Christ because of your grace. Remind us that you invite usto approach your throne of grace with confidence. You are the solutionto that God-shaped hole in our hearts. Give us ears to hear your stillsmall voice calling us to you. Give us wisdom and courage to respond toyou by surrendering our lives to you. And when we are afraid to reallydo this in earnest, remind us that your grace is sufficient and we neednot be afraid. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your amazing grace. Wepray all of this in the name of the One who makes it possible, Jesus theChrist, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, nowand forever. Amen.

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:1-4; 1 Peter 1:13-16Alvaro angrily stomped into the room. Papá looked up from his computer. "Tell Miguel to quit copying me!" said Alvaro, crossing his arms over his chest. "He's always following me around, and he tries to do everything I do." As Papá closed his laptop, Miguel rushed into the living room. He marched over to his brother and promptly crossed his arms too. "See what I mean?" said Alvaro as Miguel stared up at him."Miguel," said Papá, "give Alvaro a bit of space." Then Papá looked at Alvaro. "Miguel copies you because he wants to be like you."Alvaro frowned. "I don't like copycats.""You don't? Well, the Bible says we should all be copycats." Papá picked up his Bible from the coffee table and opened it. "Here," he said. "Read Ephesians 5:1 out loud for us."Alvaro took the Bible and looked at the verse Papá indicated. "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children," he read."What do imitators do?" Papá asked. Alvaro shrugged. Miguel shrugged too. "They copy," said Papá. "We're supposed to copy God." Papá smiled at the boys. "Miguel loves you, Alvaro, and he shows it by wanting to do the same things you do. That's the same way we show our love for God. Jesus lived a perfect life of love and sacrifice when He came to earth to die for our sins. We can't copy Him perfectly, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, who is helping us grow to be more like Him, we can imitate Jesus by showing others His love in our actions and attitudes."Alvaro scratched his head. Giggling, Miguel did the same. Then Alvaro gave his brother a quick, playful punch on the shoulder. Miguel punched back. He squealed as Alvaro tackled him, and together they fell to the floor, laughing.Papá laughed too. "Okay, you two. Miguel, no more copying Alvaro right now. Leave him alone for a while. And let's all remember to be imitators of God by trusting Him to help us copy Jesus." "Okay," Miguel said."Okay," Alvaro said with a mischievous grin. "Okay!" Papá chimed in, and they all laughed."–Carol A. deCesareHow About You?Do you get frustrated when others copy you? Do younger kids try to act like you by repeating what you say or imitating what you do? Often they do this because they look up to you. As God's children, we need to copy Him. He showed us His love by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Through the Holy Spirit, He will help us show that same kind of love to others so we can imitate Him.Today's Key Verse:Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. (NKJV) (Ephesians 5:1)Today's Key Thought:Be an imitator of God

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:1-4; 1 Peter 1:13-16Alvaro angrily stomped into the room. Papá looked up from his computer. "Tell Miguel to quit copying me!" said Alvaro, crossing his arms over his chest. "He's always following me around, and he tries to do everything I do." As Papá closed his laptop, Miguel rushed into the living room. He marched over to his brother and promptly crossed his arms too. "See what I mean?" said Alvaro as Miguel stared up at him."Miguel," said Papá, "give Alvaro a bit of space." Then Papá looked at Alvaro. "Miguel copies you because he wants to be like you."Alvaro frowned. "I don't like copycats.""You don't? Well, the Bible says we should all be copycats." Papá picked up his Bible from the coffee table and opened it. "Here," he said. "Read Ephesians 5:1 out loud for us."Alvaro took the Bible and looked at the verse Papá indicated. "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children," he read."What do imitators do?" Papá asked. Alvaro shrugged. Miguel shrugged too. "They copy," said Papá. "We're supposed to copy God." Papá smiled at the boys. "Miguel loves you, Alvaro, and he shows it by wanting to do the same things you do. That's the same way we show our love for God. Jesus lived a perfect life of love and sacrifice when He came to earth to die for our sins. We can't copy Him perfectly, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, who is helping us grow to be more like Him, we can imitate Jesus by showing others His love in our actions and attitudes."Alvaro scratched his head. Giggling, Miguel did the same. Then Alvaro gave his brother a quick, playful punch on the shoulder. Miguel punched back. He squealed as Alvaro tackled him, and together they fell to the floor, laughing.Papá laughed too. "Okay, you two. Miguel, no more copying Alvaro right now. Leave him alone for a while. And let's all remember to be imitators of God by trusting Him to help us copy Jesus." "Okay," Miguel said."Okay," Alvaro said with a mischievous grin. "Okay!" Papá chimed in, and they all laughed."–Carol A. deCesareHow About You?Do you get frustrated when others copy you? Do younger kids try to act like you by repeating what you say or imitating what you do? Often they do this because they look up to you. As God's children, we need to copy Him. He showed us His love by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Through the Holy Spirit, He will help us show that same kind of love to others so we can imitate Him.Today's Key Verse:Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. (NKJV) (Ephesians 5:1)Today's Key Thought:Be an imitator of God

Read Exodus 34: 5-9.1. What does the word “mercy” mean to you?2. Can you think of some ways others have shown mercy to you in thepast? How have you shown mercy to others? How has God shownmercy to you?3. Read John 8: 1-11 about the woman caught in adultery. How is thisan example of mercy?4. Pastor Mick talked about how we often want mercy for ourselves,but justice for others. What did he mean by that? Have you everfelt that way?5. Read Micah 6: 8. What does the Lord require? What does it looklike to live this way? Is it easy to “seek justice” and “love mercy” atthe same time? Why/why not?6. If we are made in God's image, why is it so hard to live in accordancewith Micah 6: 8?7. Read Ephesians 2: 1-10. What do the first three verses tell usabout ourselves? What does the rest of the passage tell us aboutGod's mercy?8. What does it mean to be “God's handiwork” in Ephesians 2: 10?How does this verse relate to Philippian 1: 6 and 2 Corinthians 5: 17?9. Read Matthew 5: 7 and James 2: 13. What do these verses teachus about the importance of mercy?Prayer for the Week:Almighty God, we are so thankful for your mercy. We confess that toooften we follow the ways of the world rather than your ways, by naturedeserving of wrath and being dead in our sin. But through your richmercy, you have made us alive in Christ. Indeed, we are new creationsin Christ, your handiwork which you are bringing to completion in eachand every one of us through the transforming power of your Holy Spirit.Help us to be all that you created us to be. Inspire and empower us totruly seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, O God. Wepray all of this in the strong name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with youand the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Just Fishing, 4 of 4 from September 22nd, 2024 “We grow personally as we invest in Jesus' family mission.” Acts 2, Ephesians 4 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores how personal growth in faith is intrinsically linked to investing in Jesus' family mission. It emphasizes the importance of community in the Christian journey, highlighting that while faith is personal, it was never meant to be private. The sermon draws parallels between the early church's practices and the call for modern believers to actively participate in ministry, equipping one another for God's work. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Mason Bramer teaching on Romans 12:11-13. Below are discussion questions from his teaching: What tends to dampen your zeal or distract your focus on Jesus? Why do you think these things have such power in your heart?  What is one practical step you can take to cultivating zeal for Jesus and orienting your focus around Jesus this week?  Read Ephesians 2:4-7. What does this reveal about God, and how should we apply Paul's call to generosity in our own lives?

The Vine is kicking off a new series- The Unhurried Life. In this first sermon, Mark introduces the series, explores Ephesians 5, and invites us to begin with an honest assessment. For additional resources, the daily devotional podcast, and other information, go to www.thevineaustin.org/unhurried DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What has been your experience with The Unhurried Life podcast? Is there an episode that has stayed with you? 2. How did you respond to this quote- “For many of us, the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we become so distracted, rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them.” 3. What are some fruit from the modern life that you believe are the most toxic for the soul? 4. Read Ephesians 5:8-19. Discuss this passage and what you notice- especially listen for a timely encouragement and challenge. 5. What is one thing you can do to move towards making the most of every opportunity? 6. Conclude by sharing some hopes for these next 8 weeks. What do you long to experience?

Finding Hope: Discovering Joy #RTTBROS #Nightlight Discovering Joy in God's Purpose "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." - Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) In the journey of life, few elements are as transformative and essential as a sense of purpose. When we align our lives with God's design, we often find that joy naturally follows. It's as if our Creator has embedded a spiritual GPS within us, and when we follow His directions, we arrive at a destination filled with meaning and contentment. Let's explore how discovering and living out our God-given purpose can be a source of deep, lasting happiness. The concept of purpose is deeply rooted in Scripture. From the very beginning, God created humans with intention, giving them specific roles and responsibilities (Genesis 1:28). Throughout the Bible, we see individuals finding fulfillment and joy when they embrace their God-given callings, from Noah building the ark to Paul spreading the Gospel. Our text speaks of joy coming from "a life well lived in accordance with our perceived purpose." This echoes the words of the Apostle Paul in Colossians 3:23-24 (KJV): "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." When we find our "cause," as the passage puts it - that purpose which energizes and motivates us - we tap into a source of joy that transcends circumstances. This purpose becomes the wind in our sails, propelling us forward even through challenging times. However, it's crucial to remember that our ultimate purpose is not self-defined, but God-defined. As we seek our specific calling, we must always align it with God's overarching purpose for all believers: to glorify Him and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). The joy that comes from living purposefully is not just a fleeting happiness, but a deep-seated contentment and enthusiasm for life. It's the kind of joy that can wake us up early and keep us up late, not out of stress or obligation, but out of passion and conviction. Application 1. Prayerful Reflection: Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal His purpose for your life. Listen for His guidance in Scripture, through wise counsel, and in the quiet moments of your heart. 2. Identify Your Gifts: Take inventory of the talents and abilities God has given you. How might these be used to serve Him and others? 3. Explore Your Passions: What issues or causes stir your heart? These might be clues to the purpose God has for you. 4. Start Small: Begin living purposefully in small ways. Look for opportunities to serve in your church or community that align with your gifts and passions. 5. Seek Wise Counsel: Discuss your sense of purpose with mature believers who know you well. They may offer valuable insights and encouragement. Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank You for creating each of us with a unique purpose. Help us to discern the calling You have placed on our lives. Give us the courage to pursue that purpose wholeheartedly, even when the path seems challenging. May we find joy in serving You and others through the gifts and passions You've given us. Let our lives be a testimony to Your goodness and grace. Guide us each day to align our will with Yours, finding fulfillment in living out Your purpose for us. In Jesus' name, Amen. Dig Deeper 1. Read Ephesians 2:10. How does this verse shape your understanding of your purpose? 2. Reflect on the life of Esther, particularly Esther 4:14. How did her embrace of God's purpose for her life lead to both challenges and joy? 3. Consider Romans 12:1-2. How does the renewal of our minds relate to discovering God's purpose for us? 4. Think of a time when you felt most aligned with God's purpose for your life. What characterized that experience? How did it affect your joy and sense of fulfillment? https://linktr.ee/rttbros

God loves you and He's with you, staying by your side, and fighting this battle for you and with you! So, when life hits hard and the enemy's attacks are relentless, go to God because He promises to be there for you. Remember, Jesus Christ has already defeated the devil and with Him, we will ultimately win! SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Holding On When You Want to Give Up By: Alexis A. Goring  “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” — 1 Timothy 6:12 NIV Life can be tough for everyone. Nobody has it completely easy. And if you're a follower of Jesus Christ then you know that you're also in a battle, because the devil doesn't want you to have the eternal life that Jesus offers.  Often, the devil's attacks are relentless. I know that we can become so worn down by the evil forces in this world that we feel like giving up. We might even allow ourselves to be attacked without fighting back. The Bible gives us weapons to use for this spiritual warfare and God hasn't left us without help. But lately, I've realized that I haven't been fighting as hard as I should. How often have I allowed the devil to beat me down while I stayed defenseless? It's very easy to listen to negativity and throw yourself a pity party. But in recent years, God helped me realize that I am not defenseless; I can actively and effectively fight back!  We have the power that raised Christ from the dead inside of us (Romans 8:11).  Let's exercise our authority as a Child of God and fight back with the Word of God! Ephesians 6:10-18 teaches us how to be prepared for this daily battle and to win with God on our side. It's called putting on and activating the Armor of God: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.” Isn't that a powerful promise to cling to? God has given us everything we need to defeat the enemy and to be victorious in Jesus Christ. I've learned to pray the Armor of God verses in the Bible at the start of every day. I've also learned some additional and practical steps to take to overcome attacks from the enemy.  Step One: Go to God. He is our Heavenly Father and stronger than Satan (our ultimate enemy). Read John 16:33.  Step Two: Ask Jesus Christ, our Savior, to pray for you. Read John 17:6-26. Step Three: Listen to Gospel music and worship God in song. Read 2 Chronicles 20:22. Step Four: Read the Bible and apply Scripture to overcome your struggle. Read 1 John 4:4. Step Five: Call a Bible-believing pastor, God-fearing friend, or Christ-following family member and ask them to pray for you. Read Ephesians 6:18. Step Six: Invest in Christian faith-based counseling services. Step Seven: Change your environment by going outdoors for a walk in nature.  One of my favorite Gospel music artists, Dr. Juanita Bynum, says sometimes you need to “praise your way through” dark times and spiritual attacks. Listen to her song “I Don't Mind Waiting” for the encouragement your heart needs. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/_hEiGEfm2uE?si=q0oZLbIXGHxNqph6 Another song that illustrates my devotional points today is “Hold On, Don't Let Go” by Richard Smallwood & Vision. I encourage you to listen to it too. Here's the link: (https://youtu.be/jmPhHNQGjK4?si=G6JBwslbssixvGu2) Remember: God loves you and He's with you, staying by your side, and fighting this battle for you and with you! So, when life hits hard and the enemy's attacks are relentless, go to God because He promises to be there for you. Remember, Jesus Christ has already defeated the devil and with Him, we will ultimately win! Intersecting Faith and Life: How does it feel to know that the Creator of the Universe fights for you and with you against attacks from the enemy?  Further Reading:  Proverbs 21:3 Psalm 119:160 1 Thessalonians 5:8 2 Corinthians 10:4 1 John 5:4 Also read:  “The Armor of God—What it Is and How to Use It” by Debbie McDaniel https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/praying-on-the-armor-of-god.html   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sermon Overview:God desires for us an increasing experience of what we have in Christ.  1. Peace2. Love with Faith3. Grace4. Love for the Lord JesusDigging Deeper:Read Ephesians 6:21-241. In verse 23, Paul prays for "peace". How have you experienced this peace in the context of the people of CrossWay?2. How does the Gospel bring this peace? 3. Though imprisoned, the Apostle Paul can still pray for peace. How can we experience a similar peace in our own lives, regardless of our circumstances?4. How did Brett explain the love for one another out of faith in Christ? 5. How does the Apostle express his love for the Ephesians in 21-22?6. In what areas of my life do you struggle to show genuine love to others? 7. How can I allow my faith in Christ to transform those areas to reflect His love more fully?8. We often talk about the saving grace of God. Brett taught that grace assures and empowers us. How does understanding grace in this way affect your daily life and interactions with others?9. Let's take a bird's-eye view of the book of Ephesians. Which verses from Ephesians have been life-changing for you? Which ones would you be willing to memorize and share with the group?Prayer

Sermon Overview: Stand against our spiritual enemies by praying for one another and for the gospel's advance.1. How to pray to stand against our spiritual enemies (v. 18)2. What to pray for to stand against our spiritual enemies (vv. 19-20)Digging Deeper:    Read Ephesians 6:18-201. How does this passage teach us how to pray?2. How does “supplication” differ from regular prayer? Can you give an example?3. One of Paul's prayer requests to the church was the ability to boldly proclaim the gospel (vv. 19-20). How is this instructive or challenging to you as you consider your own prayer life? 4. How can Paul's model to pray for boldness take life in our Gospel Community?5. Paul is asking the members of the church to pray for him. Unfortunately, we can be tempted to share only prayer requests about family, and friends. How comfortable are you to share or not share within the group a prayer request that involves you personally?6. What does Paul's request for boldness in proclaiming the gospel (v. 19) tell us about the importance of sharing our faith?7. What do you find challenging in your prayer life? How can we help and pray for you?8. How do you see the gospel being advanced around you, and how can we pray for your efforts in that direction?9. What do you think Paul wants the Ephesians (and us) to understand about the role of prayer in spiritual warfare?Prayer

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview: Stand against our spiritual enemies in the protection God has provided in the gospel.1. Why we need God's armor: we have spiritual enemies we must stand against. (vv. 10-13)2. How to put on God's armor: we must live out what he has given us in the gospel (vv. 14-17)Digging Deeper:Read Ephesians 6:10-171. Why do we need God's armor according to vv 10-13?  2. Why is it important to understand who our true enemy is according to verse 12?  3. It's easy to make too little of the devil (as Western society tends to do), or to make too much of him. Which do you find it tempting to do? What about our church? What are the dangers of making this mistake?4. Brett explained, “We have enemies who are spiritual, strong, evil, and scheming.” What does this mean? How aware are we of this, and to what extent are we ignoring it?   5. How did Brett relate God's strength to his armor?   6. How can we put on God's armor (vv 14-17) ? 7. Think about a time when you faced a temptation. How could each piece of armor have helped you in that situation?8. Which piece of the armor do you find most challenging to apply right now ? Why?   9. How can you practically put on each piece of the armor of God in our daily lives?10. How does this passage relate to Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Matt 4:1-11)?  11. How can we as a Gospel Community support each other in "putting on the whole armor of God"? Prayer

We have a remarkable chapter in Isaiah today; a number of its verses reflect some in the final chapters in Revelation that we read a few days ago.  They picture the ultimate time to come when the perfect age is reached and the whole world becomes a garden of Eden populated by perfected people.  This is what God intended from the beginning of creation with Jerusalem as the centre of worship,   In Isaiah we read “ … they shall call you the City of the LORD, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel … I will make you majestic forever, a joy from age to age.” [60 v.14,15]   Verse 19 also anticipates what is portrayed in Revelation 21 (v.22-27), “The sun shall no more be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light,  but the LORD will be your everlasting light …”    Isaiah's chapter ends with the words. “I am the LORD; in its time I will hasten it.” This is reflected in the use of the word “quickly” in Revelation, it occurs 3 times in its last chapter.  The leaders in the world today have been increasingly uncertain about the future. Many nations are in trouble: the physical nature of the earth is equally worrying them, ‘climate change' cannot be halted.  But, in particular, and this is what they are not concerned about, the spiritual darkness has become intense.  Note the 2nd verse of our Isaiah chapter, “ … behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise …”  In Matthew's Gospel we read the remarkable 5th chapter!  But note first that Jesus is not teaching the “great crowds (that) follow him” (last verse of ch. 4) but, “seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain and when he sat down his disciples came to him.  And he opened his mouth and taught them …” [v.1 & 2]  All of us who believe we are genuine disciples, or aim to be, must see this teaching as personally addressed to us. “Blessed are the meek (gentle), for they shall inherit the earth. (not heaven) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.  Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” [v.5-8]  The Gk word for ‘pure' is elsewhere in Matthew translated as ‘clean' (23 v.26; 27 v.59).  Are you cleansing your heart?  Read Ephesians 5 v.26.    But as well as cleansing, being meek, thirsting for righteousness and merciful, we must also remember Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons (and daughters) of your father who is in heaven.” [v.44,45]

Would you like to know about ten unique ways that your small group can worship together? Steve Gladen, Small Groups Pastor at Saddleback Church, pulls from his 25 plus years of small group ministry experience to encourage and equip listeners to lead healthier, growing and more effective small groups and small group ministries. In this episode, Steve and Dereksit down with special guest Troy Kennedy to discuss ten innovative ways that small groups can worship together.10 Ways to Worship in Your Small Group Brief discussion on definition of worship. Three questions to prompt response: Who is he? Who am I in relationship to Him? What has he done? 10 Ways to Worship in a Small Group - For the leaders - Before and during the worship time, always pray for God's guidance and presence to be felt among the group. Ask for wisdom in leading the group in worship. Every group dynamic is different and needs to be treated sensitively. Sing along with a favorite worship song with the text. Afterwords, discuss which parts of this song were most powerful or meaningful to you. After everyone has shared, sing along with it again. Read a passage of scripture (Start with John 15)  then offer gratitude prayer through what you discovered as a group.Festoon a passage of scripture - start with Psalm 23 (define "festoon")As a group read The Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 - Articulate to one another different sections in your own words. "Our father" "in heaven" "holy is your name" "for Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever, and ever." Use your own perspective on what these phrases are applied in your life right now.Read Revelation 4 & 5's scene from heaven then respond to what you read with one another.Pick a story from one of the gospels involving Jesus. (A good place to start is Luke 10:38-41) Read the passage through together. Then instruct everyone to imagine themselves in the story themselves. Who are they? What does it feel like? What time of day is it? What are the smells? Etc.… Have someone else then read the passage again, slowly, while everyone else is imagining themselves in it. Afterwords have group members share who they were in the passage, describing in detail, what day heard, saw and felt.Everyone write down 10 things, however, great or small, they are grateful for. And when everyone is done, offer prayers of gratitude in the form of popcorn prayer.After a reading from the Psalms enjoy a time of contemplative prayer using silence. Set a timer for 2 to 5 minutes. And during that silence have everyone focus on the goodness of God. Try to visualize yourself sitting quietly with Jesus across from you in the room. How is he looking at you? How does that make you feel? After this time of contemplation, share the experience, however, beneficial or awkward, it might have been.Read Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10-17. Then listen to or sing along with a favorite worship song in the group. Afterwords, go back to Ephesians 6, and identify which parts of the armor of God the song best represents.Have someone share a story in their faith journey where God came through for them. They may have been healed of some kind of malady. They may have had a relationship that was healed. They have felt protected in some way, etc.… while the group is listening to their story, have everyone write down three characteristics of God best exemplified in that story. Afterwords, share with one another your observations. And then offer a prayer of thanksgiving for God's character as it is revealed in that person's story.Have everyone go on some sort of hike or outing to a beautiful outdoor location. Enjoy God's majesty in nature and spend some time prayerfully thanking him as a group for what you see. Expand the worship experience by including elements like communion, foot washing, different body postures (kneeling, hands raised, eyes lifted up etc…) ★ Support this podcast ★

Sermon Overview: 1. In your work, exercise and respond to authority as a servant of Christ. 2. Obey those in authority over you as one serving Christ. (vv. 5-8)3. Do good to those under your authority as one accountable to Christ. (v. 9)Digging Deeper:Read Ephesians 6:5-91. What is challenging about obeying those in authority over us? Where do you need help?2. How does working for Christ challenge the tendency to overwork to please others?3. How does working for Christ challenge the tendency to view work as undervalued?4. The text encourages us to do good to those under our authority as one who is accountable to Christ. How does this look in verses 8-9?5. In your work, whose authority are you under? And who is under your authority?6. Do you see work as merely a necessary evil or as something that defines your meaning, worth, and identity? Why?7. How does viewing work as a way to serve the Lord change your perspective?8. How would you work for a boss who could see your work and the motives behind it at any time from anywhere, a boss who knows everything about you?9. How does your specific job do good to others, both inside and outside your organization? 10. How can you do your job to accomplish the most good?11. How can we encourage the members of our Gospel Community and our church from this text? Think kids, students, unemployed people, and spouses whose primary work is in the home?Prayer

Thank you for joining us as we continue digging into our Keeping it Real series on Ephesians.Read Ephesians 6.In chapter 6, Paul concludes with a key set of scriptures about how we are to stand firm in this new kingdom reality made available through Christ. He knew that for us to live as new creation people in unity with each other, we would need both the empowering of the Spirit to do so, and to be made aware of the enemy that would be working against us. That while this enemy would be working to prevent what the gospel is accomplishing through us, we are equipped with powerful armour in the Spirit to both fight off the enemy's schemes, and to stand firm in our faith. Firstly, Paul makes clear WHO our enemy is. It's not “flesh and blood”, it's the “spiritual forces of evil”. We are not fighting people, we are fighting the enemy named in scripture and by Jesus as Satan and his demons, and as Jesus explains in John 8:44, “he is a liar and the father of lies”. These scriptures reveal to us WHAT we as followers of Jesus are fighting. Lies! In the context of Ephesians, our enemy is working to destroy the work of the gospel in the people in Ephesus, as well as us today. He will use his lies to seek to disconnect us from God and one another, and cause us to question and walk away from who we are in Christ. It is here that Paul outlines the armour that we as believers have been given in Christ to withstand his schemes. The armour Paul lists, is the practical application of “putting on” the new self. Putting on the armour of God, is taking what is true of you as proclaimed in the gospel. Putting this truth into your heart - through the power of the spirit. Through the word and through prayer until they become new habits of the heart - new reflexes, new dispositions of the soul. This truth as it becomes a part of every fibre of our being, will have us both able to recognise our enemies tactics, and ready to fight off and stand firm in the truth of the gospel of Christ!REFLECTION QUESTIONS1. What themes stood out to you in Ephesians chapter 6? 2. If the enemy's main methods of attack are lies, what lies have you come into agreement with or have been battling with, that have caused you to feel disconnected from God? Disconnected from others? 3. What lies have and are causing you to question and walk away from who you are in Christ? 4. Looking back through the first three chapters of Ephesians - where and how do you need to believe the truth of the gospel to see the power of those lies you've identified broken off your life?"Thanks again for joining us. We pray you were blessed.Connect with us on:https://www.instagram.com/dayspringchurch/https://www.facebook.com/dayspringchurchhttps://www.youtube.com/@DayspringChurchAUListen to Dayspring Worship https://open.spotify.com/artist/331972RySiV4WcoYTTJHeB?si=4b8N7CVQT2ysAeBiMGr1BAhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/dayspring-worship/1035339614https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCQM5jWUvVAOxpvK7D571Q"

In this DA+3 Group Guide, you'll find key points and discussion questions to spark meaningful conversations with other dads. Explore insights on unplugging from technology, checking in with Jesus, expressing emotions physically, sharing Jesus stories, and more.   Key Takeaways   Check-in with Jesus: Pray about decisions, journal the voice of God, and pay attention to frustration flare-ups.  Get Outside: Take a break from technology and spend time in nature.  Read Ephesians 3:14-19: Pray that God would bring a word or phrase to you as you read these verses. Get a Baseball Bat and a Plastic Trash Can: Physically get out the heavy stuff.  Share Jesus Stories: Tell others when God has shown up for you.   John Eldredge   John Eldredge is an author, counselor, teacher, and the president of Wild at Heart. He and his wife, Stasi, have three sons and are proud grandparents. John loves all things beauty, nature, adventure, and more.    Key Quotes   5:45 - "Another resource, is a book, A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser. I've spoken about this book before around grief, but he has a metaphor of when there's something that flares up, a frustration flare up, or a heaviness, where is this coming from? He would say press into it further versus run away from it. So, instead of chasing the sunset, the sun is setting to the west. Instead of trying to stay in the sun, press into the darkness, is what his metaphor is. Press into the darkness, the areas of hurt, of heaviness, of frustration. Let's actually explore those a little bit with Jesus." 9:45 - "Palm trees roots intertangle with other palm trees roots to keep them from blowing over in a storm. They'll bend all the way over to the ground in a storm, but they won't actually snap off or die because their roots are entangled with each other. Maybe that's a promise for you guys, is as we grow brotherhood and grow friendships with other men, as we become DadAwesome by creating a community of men who are together, being that dad for their families but for each other, encouraging each other, praying for each other, holding each other accountable, that we could be rooted and established in God's love, rooted in community and in God's love."   Links from Today's Conversation   299 | Escaping Sedation, Meeting Jesus in Your Pain, and Sharing Fresh Jesus Stories (John Eldredge)  Aro Box A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through Loss by Jerry L. Sittser 304 | Pursuing Visions, Journaling Daily, and Hearing God's Prophetic Voice (Ken Helser) 30 Days to Resilient in the One Minute Pause App   Connect with dadAWESOME   Make a Donation to dadAWESOME Join the dadAWESOME Prayer Team Receive weekly encouragement by texting "dad" to 651-370-8618  

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview: Families, live wisely by fulfilling your God-given roles. 1. Children, honor your parents (6:1-3)2. Fathers (and mothers, too), bring up your kids (6:4)Digging Deeper:Read Ephesians 6:1-41. What does it mean for children to obey their parents “in the Lord” (v. 1)?2. Kids, what makes it hard for you to obey your parents?3. Kids, how does it affect you to know that obeying your parents pleases God?4. Kids, how is it motivating to know that there's a goodness God intends for your life as a result of your obedience?5. How might these verses apply to adults who have difficult relationships with their parents?6. Parents, especially dads, in what ways are you tempted to neglect your family? 7. By just looking at how time is used in your family, what would it communicate about what your family values and thinks is important?8. Spouses and friends in Gospel Community, how have you noticed the dads in your group leading their families well? Speak encouragement to one another.9. Parents, what are steps you can take to prioritize the spiritual nourishment of your kids? What have you done well? Where can you grow?10. What does it mean to “provoke”(v4) children, and what might that look like?11. How can children and parents seek forgiveness and healing when these instructions have not been followed in the past?12. How can our church community support families in living out these instructions?Prayer

Sermon Overview:Married Christians, in your use of and response to authority, imitate Christ and the church.1. Wives must respect their husbands' authority. (5:22-24)2. Husbands must love their wives sacrificially and for their spiritual good (5:25-33)Digging Deeper: Read Ephesians 5:22-331. Verses 22-24 and 33 refer to the respect for the Husband's authority.  How did the sermon help us understand this?2. Brett said, “Jesus modeled the headship, and headship conveys authority.” What did he mean by this?3. How is the Biblical view of submission different from the secular view?Consider Jesus's submission to the Father (his own identity and purpose didn't change as He submitted to the Father) versus one-sided dominance, individual autonomy, downplayed leadership, and loss of the wife's dignity. 4. Discuss what is implied and not implied in a wife's' submission to her husband5. According to verse 25, for what purpose did God give authority to Husbands?  6. What are the limits of a husband's authority? How can a husband sin or fail in exercising his authority?7. How does the way Christ loves the church (v. 25) inform how husbands should love their wives? 8. What can a husband do for the spiritual good of his wife? 9. What are some practical ways a husband can show sacrificial love to his wife and a wife can show respect and support to her husband?10. Reflect on a relationship in your life where you can apply the principles of sacrificial love and respect. How might this change the dynamic of that relationship?11. How can marriage build in us a servant's heart today? 12. Marriage can be challenging. Will you be willing to seek help, and if so, where can the spouses go for help/counseling?Hints: Elders, godly women and men 13. How/What do singles and those aspiring to marry prepare themselves to be good spouses within the church now? For example, by visiting or inviting a married family's home, learning from their struggles, and understanding the lessons from their marriage.14. How can we encourage/pray for husbands and wives of Crossway?Prayer

Thank you for joining us as we continue to dig into our Keeping it Real series on Ephesians.To dig deeper,Read Ephesians 5.Here's the big 10,000-metre-high snapshot of what Paul is saying in the first half of Ephesians chapter 5. We were made for love, to give love and receive love What kind of love? Christ-like, cross-shaped, sacrificial love. Therefore, we are to disentangle ourselves from anything that violates this love. Things like; unwholesome talk, sexual immorality, and greed, which is the relentless drive to need more. We are to disengage from acts that destroy community and engage in acts that build community. Paul wants us to come to the conclusion that this kind of life is impossible without being filled, and continually filled with the Spirit. One commentator phrases it this way, “let the Holy Spirit fill you”. It's about surrender, letting the Spirit permeate into every part of your life. Paul doesn't change the subject in chapter 5 but he does set aside the theology to get practical. Christ's death and resurrection changed everything and this means something. It means something to our relationships with each other, to our marriages, our households and how we relate in the workplace. Paul takes what we have learnt so far in chapters 1 through 4 about salvation, the gospel, the love of Christ and being spirit-filled; now he will map it out onto our vision of marriage. Paul is going to address the differences between how the genders practice mutual submission, and we can't ignore that. But, whatever comes next, in verses 22-33 has to be understood and framed by verse 21, “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”. Marriage then is about spirit-filled mutual submission. It's not an issue of whether or not women should submit to men, it's an issue of both men and women learning to submit to one another in marriage. The challenge that we have in our culture is that nobody views marriage as the giving up of my own rights for the sake of the other. Rather, marriage in our culture is about getting my needs met. Marriage in our world is not based on self-denial, but self-fulfilment. But Paul is saying, marriage only “works” to the degree that it embodies the pattern of God's self-giving love in Christ. Mutual fulfilment through mutual sacrifice. Paul concludes chapter 5 with a powerful revelation. The point of marriage is ultimately not to point to each other, it's to point to Jesus. This is the secret—that the gospel of Jesus and marriage explain one another.REFLECTION QUESTIONS1. Reflect upon the kind of acts that you have engaged in this week. Which ones are community building and which ones are community destroying? Is there anything that God is asking you to disentangle yourself from so that you may have greater freedom to walk in love? 2. Looking at this chapter, what does Paul see being filled with the Spirit leads to? 3. If you are a husband, what is something you can do today to that releases her into her redemptive fullness? If you are a wife, what is something you can do today to show honour and adoration to your husband?Thanks again for joining us. We pray you were blessed.Connect with us on:https://www.instagram.com/dayspringchurch/https://www.facebook.com/dayspringchurchhttps://www.youtube.com/@DayspringChurchAUListen to Dayspring Worship https://open.spotify.com/artist/331972RySiV4WcoYTTJHeB?si=4b8N7CVQT2ysAeBiMGr1BAhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/dayspring-worship/1035339614https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCQM5jWUvVAOxpvK7D571Q

Sermon Overview Be careful to live in a way marked by wisdom and the work of the Spirit.1. Wisely use time according to Christ's will. (5:15-17)2. Welcome the work of the Spirit. (5:18-21)Digging Deeper:Read Ephesians 5:15-211. Verse 16 says, "Because the days are evil".  How did the sermon help us understand this?  How does it inform our use of time?  2. Verse 17 calls us to understand the will of Christ. In this context, how can we identify Christ's priorities for our lives? And how do those priorities influence how we spend our time?3. Discuss wise and unwise ways of making the best use of your time for Christ.4. Consider your own use of time. How well does it line up with honoring and glorifying God? How are you using your time well? Where would you like to grow?5. When it comes to your time, where could you use encouragement, advice, or accountability?6. Verse 18 says, "be filled with the Spirit."  How is being filled with the Holy Spirit different from being under the influence of alcohol?7. How has Brett helped us understand the fullness of the Spirit in our lives?8. The verses 19-21 describe a life filled with the Spirit. What should we pursue together? 9. How is singing together beneficial for one another and glorifies God?10. Think about a member of our Gospel Community. Share a way they've been encouraging to you in your spiritual life. 11. What is challenging/encouraging in your submission to one another (marriage, parenting, servitude, Gospel Community, accountability)?  12. How does Christ's Submission to God fuel our submission to one another?Prayer

Discussion QuestionsSermon Overview:Pursue God-pleasing purity togetherBecause you are light in the Lord…Flee impurity of body, heart, and mouth (vv 3-7, 11a)Give thanks (v 4c)Bear fruit (vv 8-10)Expose evil in the world and one another (vv 11b-14)Digging Deeper:    Read Ephesians 5:3-14The passage describes two lifestyles, one that God's people should pursue and another that God's people should avoid. What are some of the descriptors used for each group?  There are at least three ways to approach a lifestyle of following God: (1) try really hard to obey, (2) ignore the commands or (3) allow the gospel to motivate you to obedience. What difference does it make which approach you take? What are the consequences? (for example, if one tries to follow these commands by trying really hard, it could lead to pride if they are achieved or self-hatred if they are not. If one ignores these commands, there's a grave warning at the end of verse 5.)We are light (vs. 8). Therefore we are called to flee impurity of body, heart & mouth (vv. 3-7, 11a).  From the aspects of impurity mentioned in this passage, by which can you find yourself most tempted?  Discuss what sexual purity and sexual immorality look like now. What are things the culture advocates as good and permissible that God would say is immoral? What are things that God would say is good that the culture would say is not good?As children of light, we are called to give thanks (v. 4c).  How is a thankful heart an antidote to covetousness / greed / idolatry?  Have you seen this reality play itself out in your own heart?  Please share. As children of light we are called to bear fruit (vv. 8-10).  In sharp contrast to the world, we are to live lives marked by what is "good and right and true.” (v. 9). What's the difference between living a life that merely seeks to avoid certain (bad) things, versus pursuing a life that proactively seeks to do certain (good) things (“bear fruit”)?  Bible-believing Christians often have a reputation for what we deny and reject, but not a matching reputation for gracious generosity towards others. Could that ever be true of you? How can you live in such a way that people realize that you love them as well as realizing that you live distinctively (even when that is unpopular)?Because we are light in the Lord, we are called to expose evil in the world and in one another (vv. 11b-14).  How did Pastor Brett help us think through what that might look like practically?  Given where he has you, how might God be calling you to live this out?  What might it look like to do this poorly?  What might it look like to do this well?  How can we encourage one another to do this well (in a way that is pleasing to God)?  Pursuing God-pleasing lives of purity and holiness is not something we can do well on our own. We need each other. What might it look like for your GC to be more intentional about pursuing holiness / purity together?  What might be a good next step toward that? Prayer

We're so glad you're here! We pray God encounters you wherever you're at. To dig deeper, Read: Ephesians 3 In chapter 3, Paul speaks of the mystery that has been hidden for generations. This mystery which was once hidden has now been revealed and we have been initiated into it. Paul writes this letter whilst imprisoned and he describes himself as prisoner of Christ Jesus. He sees himself as a prisoner for the Lord because his imprisonment was proof that God's marvellous plan was already at work. This mystery, this marvellous plan was that Jews and Gentiles have now been brought together into complete union through their union with Christ. Jews and Gentiles together are now co-heirs, co-members and co-sharers of all the promises of Christ. This mystery that God has now revelled is beautiful because of how radical it is, how beyond any human design it is. An undivided humanity, a people reconciled to Christ and reconciled to one another. As Paul continues to unpack the implications of this mystery we read that it is through the church that God makes known His manifold wisdom to the powers that be, spiritual and earthly. Manifold means many coloured, this body that Christ is creating is diverse. A unified church is a diverse church. In a divided and hurt world, a society in which there is not division preaches the manifold wisdom of Christ. Paul concludes Chapters 1-3 with a prayer. This prayer gives us insight into how Christ will accomplish this marvellous plan that has now been revealed, this new humanity. He prays that through the power of His sprit, believers would be strengthened so that Christ would dwell within their hearts. It is through this power and indwelling that we are able to have our roots go down deep in His love, firmly establishing us in His love. Then together as one family, one body we are able to begin to grasp together how far reaching His love is. This new creation, this unified body is only possible through divine power generating divine love. In light of of this mystery, this reconciled humanity which is empowered by His spirit and firmly established in His love, Paul prays “now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." Reflection Questions:What themes stand out to you in Ephesians chapter 3? Ask the Holy Spirit where in your life is He leading you into greater depths of unity among fellow believers. Where are there divisions in your life that He is asking you to surrender? As you reflect on how far reaching the love of Christ is, how does it influence your view and love for others? In your relationships, what does it look like to grasp together how wide, how long, how high and how deep the love of Christ is? What is a personal application you can make based on some of the truths revealed in this chapter? In other words, what does it look like for you to “live this out” in your daily life. Thank you for joining us. We pray this message blessed you. Needing pastoral support? http://flr.ms/ij Want to know how you can give? https://www.dayspring.com.au/give Connect with us on: https://www.instagram.com/dayspringchurch/ https://www.facebook.com/dayspringchurch Listen to Dayspring Worship https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCQM5_jWUv_VAOxpvK7D571Qhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/331972RySiV4WcoYTTJHeB?si=4b8N7CVQT2ysAeBiMGr1BA https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dayspring-worship/1035339614

RATE! REVIEW! SUBSCRIBE! Email me your thoughts, comments, and questions at caniberealpodcast@gmail.com Show Notes: ○ Romans 13 ○ Lesson 10: "It's All Love" ○ Verses 1-7: Pray for our leaders and government workers § Read 2 Chronicles 36: 17-23 § Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4 § Read Isaiah 61:8 □ "For I, the LORD, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them." ○ Verses 8-10: It is my obligation to love you § Definition of obligation: something (such as a formal contract, a promise, or the demands of conscience or custom) that obligates one to a course of action; something one is bound to (DUTY, RESPONSIBILITY) § Read "Life Lessons" from book § Read John 15: 9-17 § Read 1 Corinthians 13 § Read Colossians 3: 12-15 § 1 John 4:7-8 □ "Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love." ○ Verses 11-14: Get it together because Jesus is coming back soon! § Read Ephesians 5: 1-9 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

RATE! REVIEW! SUBSCRIBE! Email me your thoughts, comments, and questions at caniberealpodcast@gmail.com Show Notes: ○ Romans 12 ○ Lesson 9: "We Belong Together" ○ Read "Reflection" from book ○ Read Romans 12 § Verses 1-2: □ This is a convicting scripture! □ A question from the book for your own consideration: "The problem with a living sacrifice is that it keeps crawling off the altar." What does that say about our tendency to hesitate in surrendering ourselves to God? □ Makes me think of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: (context deals with sexual immorality, but applies to sin in general) ® "Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." □ But it is also encouraging because there is a promise attached to it (verse 2) § We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other (the Church, both local congregation and the Body of Believers worldwide) □ Read part of "Inspiration" from book □ We each have a role to play in advancing the Kingdom of God and to do the good that God had planned for us long ago (Ephesians 2:10) □ Read 1 Corinthians 12: 12-27 □ Read Ephesians 4:1-16 § From the book: "We lack obedience more than guidance" □ God has told us what to do. So now what? We need to walk in obedience…love God, love our neighbors, pray for our enemies and bless those who persecute us… Read Philippians 2:13 ◊ "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." ○ Read Romans 12:21 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

RATE! REVIEW! SUBSCRIBE! Email me your thoughts, comments or questions at caniberealpodcast@gmail.com ○ Romans 11 ○ Lesson 8: "Am I Called by God?" ○ Read "Situation" from book ○ Read Romans 11 § God wants ALL people to come back to him! That is why sent his Son, Jesus. ® Read John 3:16-17 ® "For this is how God loved the world: HE gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal lie. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. § Remember what we read last week in chapters 9 and 10: □ God made a covenant with the people of Israel, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Genesis) □ As Jesus said to the woman at the well in John 4:22- "…salvation comes through the Jews." □ But the true children of promise, the children of God are not necessarily descendants of Abraham… ® Read Galatians 3:26-29 § God's plan was for all of humanity to be reconciled back to him. So, "am I called by God?" -YES, you are! □ Read Romans 8:28-29 □ Read Ephesians 1:3-14 □ Read Titus 3:3-6 □ Read 1 Thessalonians 5:5, 9-11 ○ Read "Life Lessons" from book --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

RATE! REVIEW! SUBSCRIBE! Email me your thoughts, comments or questions at caniberealpodcast@gmail.com ○ Romans 9 & 10 ○ Lesson 7: "God's Plan" ○ Read Romans 9 & 10 § God's plan has been laid out from the very beginning! § I am going to share God's plan from different passages in scripture, but the point is the same! □ Read John 3: 16-21 □ Read Acts 2: 22-41 □ Read Ephesians 3: 6-12 □ Read Hebrews 10:10 (The Point) ® "For God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time." § God's plan was always for us to be reconciled back to him, for us to be back in right standing and relationship with him, as it was in the beginning in the Garden of Eden. That's it, that's the point! So what are you going to do? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rachel398/message

Becoming a believer; follower of Jesus Christ, isn't just about transformation but also transition. We no longer perceive and practice life from a position where we're in control of all we have. Instead, it's life under new management, governed by God's presence & influence. Because God created us where living under His management is the ONLY way to stay on top; get the most of everything in our lives.Focus Scriptures:Psalm 31:14-15Ephesians 5:1; 5:14-17How to give God my time:1. Imitate the life of Jesus2. Investigate before committing3. Operate from an eternal perspective4. Concentrate on doing God's willThis week's challenge:Read Ephesians 5:1-20 (2x)Memorize Ephesians 5:15-16Pray over each area of your lifeJournal & record God's words to you and your attitude about this area. Which area is your strongest & weakest?Share this message

Let's face it, we've all fell down the rabbit hole of an end time conspiracy at some point in our lives by now. Or maybe instead of a conspiracy, we sat through the a false teacher or prophet preaching a whole lotta of anti-biblical nonsense. Realistically, we will never be able to escape with the frenzy of conspiracies, false prophecies and heresies that drop every week on the internet. Nevertheless, it's important that we not be deceived, and the Word of God is here to guide us through all the lies and deception.   Read: Ephesians 4:11–15 (NKJV)   Resources for Reading the Bible https://www.gotquestions.org/ - Great for Bible questions https://www.blueletterbible.org/ - Get original Hebrew & Greek definitions to words used in english translations. https://www.bibleref.com/ - Get explanations on tough Bible verses https://courses.dts.edu/ - Free Bible courses from my seminary school    

Discussion Questions Week of: March 17, 2024 // Sermon Text: Ephesians 2:8-10 Scripture Memory Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul's letter.  Sermon Overview: The main idea of this week's sermon reminded us that God saves by grace, through faith, for good works.    Digging Deeper:     Read Ephesians 2:8-10  How are people saved? How are people not saved? (vv. 8-9)1  Grace is God's powerful favor for the undeserved. Why is it good to recognize that we are undeserving before God?   Eph. 2:10 teaches us that we have been saved "for good works.”  Why is it crucial to understand the difference between doing good works because we have been saved, and doing good works so that we might be saved?     How has God's grace changed your life on a practical level (e.g., think of your marriage, parenting, work, relationships, school, etc)?   How do you hope it will change your life more?   Think about your good works. Why do you do them? Are you tempted to do them out of guilt, shame, pride, or fear? What difference does it make if and when you do them out of love?2   Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”  As we “walk” in the good works God has prepared for us, and others see it, they may be tempted to praise us.  If / when that happens, what are some ways we can help them instead "give glory to (our) Father who is in heaven" for these evidences of his grace in our lives?    Is there anyone you hope will be changed by God's grace through faith? If so, pray for them and ask God to open a door to share with them the good news of Jesus Christ.  Prayer Requests:          

Discussion Questions:Scripture Memory Our church-wide scripture memory this year will be selected passages from Ephesians. This is a great opportunity to dive deep into the goodness God has for us from Paul's letter.  Sermon Overview The main idea of this week's sermon reminded us that God makes the spiritually dead alive. The passage describes God's method (vv. 5-6), God's motivation (vv. 4, 7), and God's masterpiece (v. 7) in making the spiritually dead alive.       Digging Deeper     Read Ephesians 2:4-7  The first two words of verse 4 (“But God….”), are perhaps among the most precious words in all the Bible. We were dead. We were utterly incapable of making ourselves alive. But God!  But God made us alive!   How might it change our perspective on the challenges of life if we were to wake up each morning utterly shocked that God has made us alive in Christ?    What habits might we want to put in place to remind us often of this precious truth?      According to verses 4 and 7, what aspects of God's character were the driving force in his making us spiritually alive?  Why do you think God wants us to know this?  How should this affect us?   In your own words, what does it mean to be “united with Christ”?   We all define our lives by something. We all create an identity. What are common ways you observe people defining their lives by?  In this passage, Paul unpacks an identity people can have when united to Jesus of being made alive, raised, and seated.    Why is this way of defining our lives far better than any other way? What makes it distinct from any other way of finding our identity?   [there's a wide range of answers here, but could include that: it's given to us, not   earned; it's dependent on what Jesus did, not what we can do, etc.]  Anyone who is a follower of Jesus has been raised up and seated with Jesus in the heavenly places now. How does that change your life now?  Part of being united with Jesus means being raised and seated with him. The implication is that we have power, through Jesus, over our own desires, over the influences of the world, and even over the devil.     How does Christ's power in you help you live for him this week? What is an area of your life you want to increasingly tap into that power?  Verse 7 tells us that God has made us alive so that he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace toward us in Christ.  Is it selfish or loving for God to want to display to us and the world the riches of his grace? How so?   Prayer Requests 

Discussion Questions:Sermon Overview:The main idea of this week's sermon was that because of our spiritual powerlessness, we needed to be saved by grace.    Digging Deeper:    Read Ephesians 2:1-3  It can be humbling to think of ourselves as having been spiritually dead before God made us alive in Christ. How did the sermon help you see the significance of the truth that you were spiritually dead?  Eph. 2:3 says “among whom we all once lived.” For some of us, it is very clear that at one time we were “following the course of this world.” Regardless of our testimony, and of when we trusted in Christ for salvation, why is it important for all of us who are in Christ to believe that what is written in these verses (Eph. 2:1-3) is true for each and every one of us?  What difference should this make in our lives?    In our spiritual deadness, we were held captive as we followed in the ways of the world (2:2a), the flesh (2:3a), and the devil (2:2b). Although we are now alive in Christ, we still find ourselves needing to fight the good fight of faith against the world, the flesh and the devil.  How are things different now?   How should this encourage us in the battle?    Because of the unmerited grace of God, we are no longer “children of wrath.”  Our destination is no longer one of eternal judgment, but of “pleasures forevermore” at God's right hand. What effect ought reflection on the contrast between our former destination and our current destination have on our hearts?     When we see unbelievers following “the course of this world,” how might calling to mind our own previous condition lead to greater compassion and urgency in our interactions with them? Prayer Requests   

Discussion Questions for: Ephesians 1:15-2:7: Read verses 15-16. How do you see the connection between faith in Jesus and love and thankfulness for others? Verse 17 talks about wisdom and revelation in knowing God. How has your understanding of God deepened over time? In what ways are you amazed by who He is? Verse 18 mentions “the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” What are the two possible interpretations of this phrase? How do they both complement each other? Verse 23 says the church is “the fullness of Him.” What does it mean to you to be a member of Christ's body and a part of His fullness? Read Ephesians 2:1-3. Then decide how it supports this statement: Your problem was not your behavior but your nature and your dead state in sin. Read Ephesians 2:4-5. What does it mean to you to be “made alive together with Christ”? Read Ephesians 2:6-7. How does being raised and seated with Christ affect your view of yourself, your relationship with God, and your approach to life's challenges?