Do You Know What You Have?
As we continue to study the Book of Ephesians, Paul reports on his prayers for the church at Ephesus. He desires that the recipients of his letter would have a precise and personal (“epignosis”) understanding of God Himself. Paul also records several truths that he wants his readers to KNOW. We should always be reminded of what we have in Christ Jesus.
Spiritual Blessings: Inheritance in Christ
In Christ we have become God’s special possession. We exist for Him and His glory. We have become this because God in His sovereignty has predestined us to this end. As a result of knowing the God who controls all things and what He has done for us through the Cross we can trust Him. The more we know of His character and love for us the more we will enjoy him. The more we enjoy Him the more His name will be praised. This is the chief end of man, and this is why he has made us His. To enjoy Him and glorify Him. As a result of being God’s special possession, we have an inheritance to look forward to. He has given us His Spirit as a guarantee of this. Yet, we will ultimately obtain this when He completes his redemption of us and we inherit heaven. There we will fully enjoy God for all of eternity.
Spiritual Blessings: Redemption in Christ
God’s eternal purpose has always been to accomplish redemption. Before the foundation of the world, God the Father planned this. And at the cross, Christ accomplished it. Those who are united to Christ by faith presently have this redemption. This consists of freedom from the guilt of sin and freedom from sin’s mastery. We once were enslaved to sin but have been redeemed through Christ’s blood. This was previously a mystery. But at the cross, it has been revealed. What happened there was the focal point of all history where God sums up all things in Christ. Christians are to praise their Triune God for accomplishing this redemption and walk in light of it.
The Reality That Awaits Those Who Persevere
God’s Word gives us a picture of the New Heaven and New Earth. This is where God will dwell with His people for all of eternity. There the effects of the fall will be done away and the world will be renewed. We can trust this is to come because God who is sovereign over all of history promises it. This is promised to those who persevere and should motivate us to do so.
Hell & Hard Candies
Our Lord loves to give us good things. But He also hates evil, and despises the devil. Not even the smallest amount of sin can exist in God’s presence. So what is God going to do about it? What do we know? And what should our response to a text like Luke 16:19-31 be? In this sermon, Joe talks about hard candies…and a very difficult but real subject: Hell.
Ponder the Wonder of Christmas
Ponder the wonder of Jesus’ birth as the angelic announcement to humble shepherds reveals God’s glory, peace, and joy entering the world through the Savior.
The Saving & Audacious Faith of Rahab, the Harlot
God’s providence and the power of faith, as Rahab’s courageous act of hiding the spies and her declaration of faith in God lead to her protection and inclusion in His redemptive plan.
When He Appears
Abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink in shame at His coming.
The God Who Loves Nobidies
God displays His wisdom in the Church by calling the lowly to Himself. The message of a crucified savior seems foolish to the world. But to those who are called it is the power and wisdom of God. This turns the wisdom of the world upside down. To prevent anyone from being able to boast God calls the “nobodies” of the world to Himself so that no one may boast. He lavishes His love on these “nobodies” and radically transforms their identity in Christ so that He receives the glory. Paul calls us to remember who we were and that our salvation is all of grace from start to finish.
Trust in the Lord
Trusting in God is a privilege given to God’s children. Anchored by His love and mercy, a believer can find rest in the hope of the Lord