Mark Wilkins continued this excellent series this morning in church. Taken from Ephesians 2, ‘God Quickens’.
Ephesians 2:1-10
The first 3 verses that Paul writes are quite difficult for us, stark and right to the point. We can refuse to accept that we’re heading in the wrong direction!
Romans 1:18 – The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness
We hide away from our sin…try to suppress it. We all believe there is something wrong with our world…that it’s not perfect. Why is it not right?
We like to blame the ‘bad’ people! ‘Put them all away!’ But who are the ‘bad’ people? Everyone has a different view on this. But it is not about US and THEM…we are all in the same camp. This is what Paul is saying to us here.
The Pharisees used to spout this belief…that they were good and everyone else was bad.
‘Dead’ in your transgressions and sins means that the connection between us and God through Christ is not there…we are rebels and failures, this is what Paul is saying. Why are we in that position? Three reasons:
- We have an enemy (devil)
- The world is against us (the systems and the values)
- ‘Us’ (Human nature, propensity to sin…addiction)
We can find easy to see why God would be angry with the devil and the world…harder for us to accept that God would be angry with us. Paul is saying that God is right and justified to be angry with us. We need to understand all of this (these first 3 verses) before we can fully accept and receive the next incredible truths.
Verses 4-6 – But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus
BUT! Paul changes the whole emphasis of this passage. Verse 4 turns this whole passage around! We now become alive in Christ…God sees us through Jesus.
‘God quickens’ – made alive, brought into a relationship with God through Christ.
Verse 7 – in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus
God lifts us up as great examples of his love and grace.
Luke 7:36-50
Here in this story Jesus brings to life what Paul is saying…it’s all about PEOPLE! This is an incredible picture of God’s love and grace…and the anger that is displayed in the hearts of the religious and judgmental.
We need to fully appreciate where we have come from and where we stand today. We have been forgiven so much…and we are ALL in the same boat.
Ephesians 2:8-10 – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do
Just like the woman in Luke7 there is a response from us…a heart of worship, a grateful people. We also begin to see people how God sees them…there is not good people and bad people.
Bad people don’t exist…just people that need Jesus.
We also must ourselves how God sees us…his workmanship, masterpieces! Made alive in Christ…God quickened people! Valuable and precious in God’s eyes.
Our response is ‘Good Works’…and this is not to keep God happy with us, but it is good works that flow out of our relationship with Him. We always ‘remain in Christ’…honouring him in everything that we do. And our desire is to go out and see other lives transformed by this great truth that we have heard today!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Ephesians 1
We started our new series in church today based on the book of Ephesians. Paul Benger shared an excellent message from the first chapter of Ephesians.
Ephesians 1:1-14
God’s ultimate purpose is to reconnect everything back to himself. This purpose is made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus but outworked by the Church.
Paul in Ephesians does not give us a small view of church but he has a high regard for the church. What kind of church do we see in Ephesians? What kind of Christian are we called to be?
We are no small and insignificant church…not a bedraggled bunch! We are the army of God…the people of God who are going to make a difference. Paul is excited by these truths as he shares this with the Ephesian church and with us!
In these opening verses of Ephesians 1 we see that God has blessed us…that he speaks good thinks over our lives.
What God has said…
Ephesians 1:3 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ
‘I will speak well of God who has spoken well of me’
‘Words’ are very powerful. What God has said over our lives is so important.
Joshua 14:8 – but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.
To be a church that partners with God we’ve got to believe his words about us…not what other people say about us.
Whose report will you believe? Will you accept what God has said about you?
Ephesians 1:4 - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight
God has looked down through eternity and chosen you and I. He has declared that he will have a people for himself.
(Vs13) And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit
All of God’s choices are accessed by us…through faith (the currency of Heaven). Let’s not hold back…by faith walk into all the things God has for us. He’s given us the green light! Go!
(Vs4-5) For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will
We’re adopted. We’re not here by accident. A child of God…his choosing! Our choice is to be a rebelious child or an obedient child.
(Vs7) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace
We are totally forgiven…completely redeemed! Brought back into relationship with God
(Vs9-10) And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Our ultimate purpose…laying the runway, declaring that ‘Jesus Christ is Lord’!
(Vs13-14) And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory.
Live awake not asleep to the purposes of God.
You are chosen. You are his son. You are forgiven. he will fulfil his purpose to bring all things under one head, Jesus Christ. We, the church, are to live for the praise of his glory.
What God sees…
Ephesians 1:15-23
God’s desire is to save people. To connect people to himself.
Paul prays…
So that they may know Him better (relationship with God)
Glorious inheritance (His inheritance in the church)
He sees God powerfully at work through the church
Jesus having all authority and power
What God sees… a relationship with you. His inheritance in the church. His power at Work. Jesus has authority. Church is the fulness of Christ…bringing out the God colours in our world!
Matthew 5:13-16 (MSG) – “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavours of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Ephesians 1:1-14
God’s ultimate purpose is to reconnect everything back to himself. This purpose is made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus but outworked by the Church.
Paul in Ephesians does not give us a small view of church but he has a high regard for the church. What kind of church do we see in Ephesians? What kind of Christian are we called to be?
We are no small and insignificant church…not a bedraggled bunch! We are the army of God…the people of God who are going to make a difference. Paul is excited by these truths as he shares this with the Ephesian church and with us!
In these opening verses of Ephesians 1 we see that God has blessed us…that he speaks good thinks over our lives.
What God has said…
Ephesians 1:3 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ
‘I will speak well of God who has spoken well of me’
‘Words’ are very powerful. What God has said over our lives is so important.
Joshua 14:8 – but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.
To be a church that partners with God we’ve got to believe his words about us…not what other people say about us.
Whose report will you believe? Will you accept what God has said about you?
Ephesians 1:4 - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight
God has looked down through eternity and chosen you and I. He has declared that he will have a people for himself.
(Vs13) And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit
All of God’s choices are accessed by us…through faith (the currency of Heaven). Let’s not hold back…by faith walk into all the things God has for us. He’s given us the green light! Go!
(Vs4-5) For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will
We’re adopted. We’re not here by accident. A child of God…his choosing! Our choice is to be a rebelious child or an obedient child.
(Vs7) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace
We are totally forgiven…completely redeemed! Brought back into relationship with God
(Vs9-10) And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
Our ultimate purpose…laying the runway, declaring that ‘Jesus Christ is Lord’!
(Vs13-14) And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory.
Live awake not asleep to the purposes of God.
You are chosen. You are his son. You are forgiven. he will fulfil his purpose to bring all things under one head, Jesus Christ. We, the church, are to live for the praise of his glory.
What God sees…
Ephesians 1:15-23
God’s desire is to save people. To connect people to himself.
Paul prays…
So that they may know Him better (relationship with God)
Glorious inheritance (His inheritance in the church)
He sees God powerfully at work through the church
Jesus having all authority and power
What God sees… a relationship with you. His inheritance in the church. His power at Work. Jesus has authority. Church is the fulness of Christ…bringing out the God colours in our world!
Matthew 5:13-16 (MSG) – “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavours of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
On Earth as it is Heaven
Fantastic day at CLC last Sunday. I spoke a message on us, the church, being the reflection of Heaven.
Jesus is the Light of the world and that light of life within us and it is our mission to light the world wherever we go.
The Message: Matthew 5:13-16, “Let me tell you why you are here…. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world.”
We are praying for the touch of Heaven, His will to be done. The touch of Heaven in us…in our church…that the light of Heaven can shine through us, our church, and so that in turn we become the reflection of Heaven.
Genesis 28:10-17
Heaven is where God is - ‘surely the Lord is in this place’.
The church…to be a gateway to heaven. A place where when people arrive they get that taste, that glimpse of what heaven is going to be.
Let us think about what Heaven will be like, helping us cement our desire to see God’s Heavenly will being done in our lives and in our church, and help us bring that ‘touch of heaven’.
Heaven…
It is ‘the place’ to be!
When we walk into heaven I am sure it will take our breath away. I believe that church should have the same impact. There should be a sense that when people come in they’ve stepped out of one place into another.
It is a place that is ‘irresistible’
I imagine heaven to be a place that is irresistible. In Psalms there are many references to wanting to be in the presence of God, it talks of thirsting, longing, desiring, yearning.
Psalm 84:2 - ‘My soul longs, yes, even faints, for the courts of the Lord…One day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere’.
Church needs to be more than just part of our weekly routine, and we need to challenge that thought in our lives. It’s the people of God, joining together in worship and adoration of God, bringing and experiencing a touch of heaven on earth.
Psalm 27:4 ‘One thing I ask Lord, that I will seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever’
It is a place of unity
In heaven there is a perfect unity. Trinity - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in perfect unity.
All of heaven is united in their worship and adoration of God.
Unity is such a crucial feature of a relevant church and something that we must pursue and guard jealously.
John 17:23 May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
It is a place of excellence
I believe that heaven is a place of excellence and precision.
In everything we do we need to strive for excellence, in how we fulfil our roles being fully committed in whatever we do…excellence in our attitudes and speech, full of positivity, hope and love, excellence in the presentation there should be no excuse for shabbiness or untidiness.
‘Anything will do’ - that attitude should be out of the window.
‘Excellence is never accidental’ - It will take work and effort but it’s worth it. Isaiah 66:1 - "Heaven is my throne, earth is my footstool. What sort of house could you build for me?”
It is a place of life and passion
I think heaven is full of passion. In your presence is fullness of joy Psalm 16:11
Revelation 8:1 - When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour!
It is a safe place
Revelation 21:3-4
But while we’re here on earth there are tears and there are sorrows. But when people come into this place, they need to experience the safety and security of heaven. We need to ensure that this house is a place where people can draw strength and find protection.
God wants to heal the hurting in people’s lives. As a church we are not here to judge people, we’re not here to condemn them, but our job is to cherish them - to lift the lives of people.
It is a place populated by a people with a Heavenly perspective
Philippians 3:20 - But our citizenship is in heaven.
We are strangers in this world…but already citizens of another.
BUT More than just citizens… ambassadors of that country… representatives.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 – (17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (18) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: (19) that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (20) We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
Jesus is the Light of the world and that light of life within us and it is our mission to light the world wherever we go.
The Message: Matthew 5:13-16, “Let me tell you why you are here…. Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world.”
We are praying for the touch of Heaven, His will to be done. The touch of Heaven in us…in our church…that the light of Heaven can shine through us, our church, and so that in turn we become the reflection of Heaven.
Genesis 28:10-17
Heaven is where God is - ‘surely the Lord is in this place’.
The church…to be a gateway to heaven. A place where when people arrive they get that taste, that glimpse of what heaven is going to be.
Let us think about what Heaven will be like, helping us cement our desire to see God’s Heavenly will being done in our lives and in our church, and help us bring that ‘touch of heaven’.
Heaven…
It is ‘the place’ to be!
When we walk into heaven I am sure it will take our breath away. I believe that church should have the same impact. There should be a sense that when people come in they’ve stepped out of one place into another.
It is a place that is ‘irresistible’
I imagine heaven to be a place that is irresistible. In Psalms there are many references to wanting to be in the presence of God, it talks of thirsting, longing, desiring, yearning.
Psalm 84:2 - ‘My soul longs, yes, even faints, for the courts of the Lord…One day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere’.
Church needs to be more than just part of our weekly routine, and we need to challenge that thought in our lives. It’s the people of God, joining together in worship and adoration of God, bringing and experiencing a touch of heaven on earth.
Psalm 27:4 ‘One thing I ask Lord, that I will seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever’
It is a place of unity
In heaven there is a perfect unity. Trinity - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in perfect unity.
All of heaven is united in their worship and adoration of God.
Unity is such a crucial feature of a relevant church and something that we must pursue and guard jealously.
John 17:23 May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
It is a place of excellence
I believe that heaven is a place of excellence and precision.
In everything we do we need to strive for excellence, in how we fulfil our roles being fully committed in whatever we do…excellence in our attitudes and speech, full of positivity, hope and love, excellence in the presentation there should be no excuse for shabbiness or untidiness.
‘Anything will do’ - that attitude should be out of the window.
‘Excellence is never accidental’ - It will take work and effort but it’s worth it. Isaiah 66:1 - "Heaven is my throne, earth is my footstool. What sort of house could you build for me?”
It is a place of life and passion
I think heaven is full of passion. In your presence is fullness of joy Psalm 16:11
Revelation 8:1 - When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour!
It is a safe place
Revelation 21:3-4
But while we’re here on earth there are tears and there are sorrows. But when people come into this place, they need to experience the safety and security of heaven. We need to ensure that this house is a place where people can draw strength and find protection.
God wants to heal the hurting in people’s lives. As a church we are not here to judge people, we’re not here to condemn them, but our job is to cherish them - to lift the lives of people.
It is a place populated by a people with a Heavenly perspective
Philippians 3:20 - But our citizenship is in heaven.
We are strangers in this world…but already citizens of another.
BUT More than just citizens… ambassadors of that country… representatives.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 – (17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (18) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: (19) that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (20) We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.
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