Fellowshipmtz

Ephesians 4-6 - Introduction (Unity)

Ephesians 4:1

Today we turn the corner from the predominately DOCTRINAL portion of Ephesians (chapters 1-3), to chapters 4-6 where the emphasis lies on the church's response to all that GOD has done by grace in Christ and through the Holy Spirit (APPLICATION).

1 Samuel 7 - Hitherto ~ Henceforth

1 Samuel 7

Appropriate to New Year's Day, today's message highlights the faithfulness of GOD "hitherto" this very day!

A beautiful poem reminding us of God's steadfast faithfulness:

It fortifies my soul to know
That, though I perish, truth is so:
That, howsoe’er I stray and range,
Whate’er I do, Thou dost not change.
I steadier step when I recall
That, if I slip, Thou dost not fall.

Arthur Hugh Clough, 1819-1861

Luke 2:1-20 - O Come, Let Us Adore Him

Luke 2:1-20  /  Advent, Week 4: PEACE

Beside correcting several misconceptions concerning Jesus's birth, we pay particular attention to the SHEPHERDS in Luke's narrative.  Of the shepherds, John Calvin wrote: "Their zeal in glorifying and praising God is an implied reproof of our indolence, or rather of our ingratitude.  If the cradle of Christ had such an effect upon them, as to make them rise from the stable and the manger to heaven, how much more powerful ought the death and resurrection of Christ to be  in raising us to God?"

Ephesians 3:19b-21 - Filled with the Fullness of God (Praise God!)

Ephesians 3:19b-21

The goal of Paul's second prayer for the Gentile churches is that they would be "filled with all the fullness of God"!  Certainly, Paul IS NOT praying for Christians to become GOD -- that was the original temptation of the serpent (Satan) in the Garden.  Rather, Paul is praying for Christians (collectively, as the Church) to be entirely filled (controlled, subdued) by GOD's holiness & glory.

Ephesians 3:16-19 -- Strengthened with Power & Comprehending Christ’s Love

Ephesians 3:16-19

Paul's prayer for the Gentile church is NOT focused on some change of circumstances/externals (either for himself or them); but rather, he prays for a strengthening of their "inner being" -- i.e. their thinking, awareness, perception, comprehension, and attitude.  As GOD grants this request they will find that no matter their circumstances, they are not left shaken!

Ephesians 3:14-16 Prayer’s Foundation

Ephesians 3:14-16

"Our prayers do not get God to change His mind, of course.  They would be dangerous [disastrous!] if they could.  
But it is striking that these, or any other questions, do not seem to have deterred the Biblical writers from praying.  
On the contrary, the more aware they were of God's sovereignty or God's will, the more fervently they petitioned Him."
- James M. Boice  (1938-2000)

Ephesians 3:6-13 - What is the Gospel? the Mystery?

Ephesians 3:6-13

A couple of fundamental assertions (propositions):

1.  There is NO GOSPEL apart from Christ Jesus, as per 1 Corinthians 15:1-5
2.  Apart from Christ Jesus there would still be NEWS -- but the NEWS wouldn't be good (for sinners!)
   The NEWS would be the LORD is the Almighty Sovereign Ruler of Heaven & Earth.  His Kingdom is forever!
3. That NEWS is only good because of Christ Jesus. 
4. Sometime after the birth of the Church at Pentecost, GOD reveals, "to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit" 
   a mystery component to the Gospel.  And That is what we are discovering, learning about in Ephesians, chapter 3.

Ephesians 3:1-7 -- Gospel & Mystery

Ephesians 3:1-7

1) “Gospel” and “Mystery” are not equivalent, synonymous  words. 

2) “Gospel” is the more comprehensive term.  “Mystery” is a hidden feature (component) of the gospel.

3) The “gospel” was promised & preached long before the “mystery” was revealed by God.

Ontology ; and an Introduction to Ephesians 3

Ontology = the nature of being.  A very important topic pertaining to GOD, every individual, and the Church.

Ephesians 3:1(ff)

Beginning a new chapter in Paul letter (first delivered to Ephesus), Paul hardly gets started before he "interrupts" his main thought in order to clarify the importance of what he prays for the Gentile believers.

Guest Speaker: Brian Baker

John 17:13-19

Following the baptismal portion of the service, Brian Baker shared a shortish devotional message from Jesus's high priestly prayer!