Stone's Hill Community Church
Our series is called "Letters from Prison" - which is a study of Paul's prison epistles or letters. We've covered Philippians and Philemon. Now, we look at Ephesians!
Even though Paul is chained up in prison (Ephesians 6:20), he feels incredibly blessed—and he wants his Christian readers, then and now, to realize how incredibly privileged we are as well. This letter to the Ephesians is really nothing more than a description of the riches that we have in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul emphasized these riches a great deal: Ephesians 1:7 talks about the riches of His grace, at the end of the verse. Chapter 3:8 talks about the unsearchable riches of Christ. Chapter 3:16—the riches of His glory. So you have the riches of His grace, the riches of His glory and the riches of His Son. In other words, God is unloading all of His riches in the book of Ephesians. The vault is open! The word grace is used 12 times in this book. There are enough resources in heaven to… cover all past debts, present liabilities and future needs and still not diminish your account. That’s God’s plan.
This letter is about that... and it's about us...Welcome to "Ephesians". And welcome to Stones Hill Community Church and Online Notes!
Welcome!
We welcome you to Stone's Hill today!
A typical Stone's Hill service has music (feel free to sing out); some announcements (things that are upcoming that you can be a part of); a message out of the Bible (God speaks to us through his Word); and an opportunity for you to respond to the message (either immediately in the case of a decision that needs to be made OR in the future as you live out the message in your life.)
So relax and enjoy your morning! We're so glad you are here!
Ephesians 4:25-31 NIV
Ephesians 5:1-4 NIV
Ephesians 5:15-21 NIV
Letters from Prison - Ephesians 5:17-21
Everyone fills their life with something. Bank accounts. Sports. Adventure. Collectibles. Friends. Romance. Children. Accomplishments. Current events. Books. Alcohol. Beer bashes. Parties. What will you fill your life with? I know how Paul would want you to answer that question. How many live lives filled with the Spirit; where He occupies every room in your house? And if one chooses to not be filled with the Spirit, what will you be filled with? And if the church is not filled with the Spirit, who will be?
What does new life in Christ look like? What will happen if you are living the Spirit-filled life?
You’ll speak to one another. Approachable.
You’ll sing with one another. Joyful.
You’ll give thanks with one another. Thankful.
You’ll submit to one another. Respectful.
Summary: Approachable. Joyful. Thankful. Respectful. Sounds like a vision statement; my kind of family; my kind of church; my kind of party.
Sometimes people may ask: “Is that a Spirit-filled church?” Do you see the sensational happening: Miracles. Emotional experiences. Visions. Sensational prophecies.
Do you know what Paul says a Spirit-filled church is? It's actually pretty basic to everyday life. You’ll speak to one another, regardless of your differences. You’ll sing with each other and create a joyful, positive interactions. You’ll live in contentment and express gratitude. You’ll put others first and submit to spiritual authority in your life.
What are you filled with? Why don't you step into the "Jesus-Life" and be filled with Him?