Posts

Showing posts from January, 2018

GOD’S GREATNESS AND OUR HUMAN NEED

Image
Eph 3:14-17 When you think of God’s greatness or goodness…… What comes to mind?  We sing about it and we say it often.  But do we fully understand this attribute of God?  Before we get into what Paul wants us to know this morning let’s take a few minutes to talk about the goodness of God.  The Bible defines God's goodness in two ways.  One has to do with His character ; the other focuses on His actions .  The goodness of God also refers to His perfections and His nature.  “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5  Its part of God’s eternal character “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” Nahum 1:7.  God’s goodness is declared to be universal “The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made” Psalm 145:9.  God’s goodness is manifested in His people “Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in

ENRAPTURED BY GOD'S GRACE

Image
Eph 3:7-13 There are some amazing words we read in this chapter penned by Paul.  For example: Gift Power Unsearchable Riches Mystery Church Eternal Purposes Christ Jesus Boldness Access Confidence Faith Glory When you hear these words and in the context of this portion of Paul’s letter what does your heart reveal about your relationship with Christ?  If you struggle to answer that question then please pay close attention with the hearts that yearn for Christ this morning. Here is a challenge for all of us, myself included!  For your discipline and growing…..go home and study these words in the scriptures and see what you come up with.  I can guarantee that you will be blessed doing this individually, as a couple or as a group.  The Gospel revealed is the unsearchable riches of God’s grace.  What does that mean when Paul expresses the truth of the gospel this way?  The unfathomable riches of Christ include all of God’s truth, all of God’

EXAMINING THE GENUINE CALL OF GOD

Image
Eph 3:1-6 A boy grows up in a wealthy family in a major city of a sophisticated culture. As a child he is immersed in the orthodox religion of his country and attends one of the most well-known worship centers in the land. In that setting he becomes a disciple under one of the most influential leaders of this tradition. He becomes a zealot for his faith, passionately devouring its teachings and passionately pursuing its enemies. And, then, something amazing happens. Somehow he becomes convinced the very persons he has been opposing were right about their faith. And through they are small in number and despised by his religious leaders and culture, this young man joins the ranks of those he had zealously opposed. He enters into a period of intense study, praying and fasting in order to fulfill a calling he believes he now has to take his new faith to others. In subsequent years, although his convictions and his actions cost him his reputation, his comforts, his freedom, and