New People, New Community - the message of Ephesians

Ephesians 6:10-24 There are many different ways of describing the Christian life (think ‘lying down in green pastures’, running a long distance race, working out in a gym), but in today’s message Paul describes it as a full-on battle. Why? Because we have a very formidable enemy in the the devil and his team looking for every opportunity to bring us down. He is clever, crafty and powerful, and will use the most devious tactics against us. He knows our…

Ephesians 5:22-33 In practical terms, what does it mean to be a Christian husband or wife? In these times of strident feminism and the redefining of traditional roles, what does a godly Christian marriage actually look like? To explore this question we must humbly and honestly hear what God says in Ephesians 5. Despite their cultural baggage, the words “headship” and “submission” are not dirty words when we truly understand how God applies them to marriage. In fact we miss…

Ephesians 5:1-20 Flowing on from the previous chapter, this message continues to give practical advice about how to live as a Christian. Paul makes it clear that there will be times when the Christian lifestyle needs to be distinctly different from those around us, especially in the area of sexual morality. And as we “walk in the light”, simply obeying God’s word, the sins of society will inevitably be exposed. Our part is to consistently and carefully take the opportunities…

Ephesians 4:17-32 What difference does becoming a Christian actually make? A massive difference according to the apostle Paul. And in today’s passage he explains what actually happens when a person comes to Christ. Along with a changing of our heart (attitudes) and the renewing of our mind (thinking), we begin living a whole new lifestyle. With the help of the Holy Spirit we “put off” the old sinful habits of the past and “put on” the new qualities of holiness.…

Ephesians 3:14-21 Most people have a “shopping list” approach to prayer (a literal or mental list). That’s fine, but what’s on that list? When Paul thought about the people in the church at Ephesus, many thoughts must have come to mind, but what he prayed for them in these verses is unexpected and very profound ……God’s power, God’s love, and the full measure of God’s presence within their lives. Compared with our puny, often self-centred prayers, I wonder what difference…

In this message we begin a new series on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.  He launches immediately into what one writer calls a “golden chain” of spiritual blessings that ought to thrill the heart of every Christian. How humbling it is to know that we have been chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven and given a glimpse of God’s eternal purposes!  And there are more in the next few verses!  May these wonderful truths drive us to our knees in gratitude and…