Back in the NT this week. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a great source of encouragement, especially in the times we find ourselves. Look at our inheritance in Christ.
Ephesians 1: Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight
9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints,
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might
20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Things to think about…
1. Paul makes a bold claim right from the start. He says “Paul an Apostle by the will of God”, Eph 1:1. We can put our name in there and say that we are Christians by the will of God. This is a point to rejoice, God’s will overtook our personal will and desires and He appointed us as His even before the foundation of the world Eph 1:4. But against the claims of some within Christendom, once the Apostle Paul died there were no more apostles appointed. Even he says he was appointed as “one untimely born”, 1Cor 15:8, because he was called as an Apostle after the ascension of Christ.
2. Look at the ‘spiritual blessings’ that Paul talks about in Eph1: 3. In vss 4-10 the only observable blessings are wisdom and insight, vs 8. We have had our sin forgiven, received redemption, had the mystery of the gospel revealed and therefore obtained an inheritance and received salvation – which is guaranteed. These are eternal blessings. This life is the wilderness; we are simply passing through on our way to the eternal Promised Land. Glory comes later. Paul says our predestination in Christ is a comforting truth Eph 1:5&11.
3. Paul gives thanks for the Ephesians because they have a name for loving and caring for other Christians, Eph 1:15. I praise God for the love we have for each other in our church. May that continue to spill out into the community, especially when there are seasons where some of us need extra comfort, support and grace.
4. Satan still roams around like a lion seeking whom he may devour and as such he continues to wreak havoc on the earth. So what does Paul mean when he says God has put all things under His feet, Eph 1:22? Even though Satan was defeated at the cross, there is a time, still in the future when the influence of Satan will cease. Praise God this truth was confirmed at the resurrection of Christ which is celebrated every Easter.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Sermon:-“Can we trust the bible as God’s word” – 1 Peter 1:15
a. Do you trust that the bible is the word of God? What role does your faith play in this, Heb 11:1?
b. What examples can you give and the evidence for trusting the bible through stories like Noah’s flood, Gen 6-9 and the Tower of Babel, Gen 11. What evidence do we see? Discuss.
c. How did the Hebrews copy the scriptures from one scroll to another and what effect did the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1948 have on trusting the accuracy of the old testament..
d. The NT has over 5600 Greek manuscripts, 10, 000 Latin manuscripts and 9000 manuscripts in other ancient languages from the Middle east. Why does this matter when we compare it to other ancient writings like Plato, Homer and Caesar’s Gallic Wars?
e. Jesus Christ is the Logos – the Word. Knowing the bible means knowing Him better. Discuss how you read/receive the word of God.
Prayer Points
1. Continue to pray and Andy in Ipswich hospital and for Sally as she continues to battle Alzheimer’s. Give thanks for Andy’s brother Tad and a loving husband and example of Christ – Richard.
2. The processing of our insurance claim and the repurchasing of equipment.
3. That those who are new to the church are encouraged and settle in well into the church.
4. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you saved.
5. Pray for Kids@church and our Youth group.
6. How you can serve in ministry this year.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Sunday was a great encouragement thankyou to all who served in the sound and worship team as well as the meeting afterwards. A long but blessed day.
2. Our insurance claim has been accepted. Now to buy and replace the equipment.
3. Young adult’s ministry – keep praying as this ministry grows.
4. Kids@Church ministry is a great blessing. Pray for Rosie and balancing her teaching, family and church worlds.
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Young Adults meeting at Dan and Mel’s house on Sunday after the service.
2. Remember to check your duty rosters for term 2.
3. Community Day Saturday 24th June at Church. More details to follow.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for May...
Q. 8. Who are they? A. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Bible References – Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; Jude 20-21.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
