Clearbranch UMC
ClearBranch is a United Methodist Church serving the Trussville/Argo area of northeast Jefferson County, Alabama. Our Mission is to ENGAGE people through relational ministry, to EQUIP disciples for Christ, and to EMPLOY their gifts through missions. The Vision of Clearbranch UMC is Transformed Lives offering the Transforming Love of Christ
Series: Imagine
Sermon Title: Imagine together
Key Scripture: Ephesians 3:6 (NRSV)
6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Big Idea: Working together works
HEIRS together
Ephesians 3:1-6a (NRSV)
Ephesians 3:1-6a (NRSV)
1 This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, 3 and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, 4 a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6a that is, THE GENTILES HAVE BECOME FELLOW HEIRS
PAIRED together
Ephesians 3:6b (NRSV)
Ephesians 3:16-19 (NRSV)
Ephesians 3:6b (NRSV)
6b members of the SAME BODY
Ephesians 3:16-19 (NRSV)
16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN LOVE. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, WITH ALL THE SAINTS, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
SHARE together
Ephesians 3:6b (NRSV)
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NRSV)
Ephesians 3:6b (NRSV)
6b and SHARERS IN THE PROMISE in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NRSV)
20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or IMAGINE, 21 TO HIM BE GLORY in the church and in Christ Jesus to ALL GENERATIONS, forever and ever. Amen.
Challenge Questions:
What are you asking Christ to reveal to you?
What are you asking Christ to reveal through you?
Who could be strengthened and blessed through your slip-ups, slack-ups, and successes?