Sermon Central
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Ephesians
Contributed by Jim Black on Jan 2, 2003 (message contributor)
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1. What Will We Be In 2003?
Contributed on Jan 2, 2003
At the outset of a new year it is helpful to be reminded of who we are as God’s church and what we are to be about doing. This introduction to the book of Ephesians provides just such a reminder!
What Will We Be in 2003? Ps. 90:12; intro to Ephesians Focus: At the beginning of a new year, we must be reminded of our purpose as a church to not become distracted- much of what Paul does to encourage the church in Ephesians. Function: To encourage the Washington St. church as Paul ...read more
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2. The Reason
Contributed on Jan 9, 2003
Though difficult, the call for Christians to live lives different than the world around us is based firmly in what God has done for us– He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ!
The Reason Ephesians 1:1-14 Focus: Though difficult, the call for Christians to live lives different than the world around us is based firmly in what God has done for us– He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ! Function: To encourage Christians to see how God has ...read more
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3. The Power
Contributed on Jan 18, 2003
Paul prays for the Ephesians to open their eyes to the source of their power. . . the salvation found in Christ!
The Power Ephesians 1:15-23 Focus: Paul prays for the Ephesians to open their eyes to the source of their power. Function: to open the eyes of our church to the incomparably great power found in Christ! Opener: Have you ever felt “empowered”? A friend of mine recently ...read more
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4. Dead Man Walking
Contributed on Jan 24, 2003
The beauty of the gospel is displayed as Paul contrasts life before Christ to life in Christ and reveals to his readers a future to look towards and apurpose to live for.
“Dead Man Walking” Ephesians 2:1-10 Focus: The beauty of the gospel is displayed as Paul contrasts life before Christ to life in Christ and reveals to his readers a future to look towards and a purpose to live for. Function: To lead the congregation up close to this huge passage where ...read more
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5. Our Peace
Contributed on Jan 30, 2003
Jesus has brought peace; destroying the walls between us and making his people ONE in him.
Our Peace Ephesians 2:11-22 Focus: Jesus has brought peace; destroying the walls between us and making his people ONE in him. Function: To encourage a church with the message of reconciliation in Jesus, vertically (with God) and horizontally (with fellow mankind. “Something there ...read more
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6. Mystery Revealed
Contributed on Feb 7, 2003
Focus: Paul’s mission was to reveal the fact that God has broken down the walls which divide and made all one in Christ; a mission which he also gives to the church.
Mystery Revealed Ephesians 3:1-3 Focus: Paul’s mission was to reveal the fact that God has broken down the walls which divide and made all one in Christ; a mission which he also gives to the church. Function: To challenge the church to take up Paul’s challenge to reveal the ...read more
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7. Surpassing Love
Contributed on Feb 15, 2003
Paul prays for the church that we would know the surpassing Love of God which empowers His people to live holy lives and to be the church!
Surpassing Love Ephesians 3:14-21 Focus: Paul prays for the church that we would know the surpassing Love of God which empowers His people to live holy lives and to be the church! Function: To illustrate the love of God from Scripture and challenge with the question: Do you know the ...read more
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8. Preserve Unity!
Contributed on Feb 20, 2003
God calls Christians to live a life worthy of their calling by preserving the unity of the Spirit among Christians.
Preserve Unity! Ephesians 4:1-16 Focus: God calls Christians to live a life worthy of their calling by preserving the unity of the Spirit among Christians. Function: To challenge Christians’ selfish tendencies towards division and strife& to re-examine how fervently we are striving ...read more
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9. Be Distinctive!
Contributed on Mar 1, 2003
Christians are to walk worthy of our call by being different from the world around us.
Be Distinctive! Ephesians 4:17-5:2 Focus: Christians are to walk worthy of our call by being different from the world around us. Function: To challenge & call Christians to holy living in their minds, speech and attitudes. Several years ago a good friend invited me to come and ...read more
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10. Be Pure!
Contributed on Mar 9, 2003
Christians are to walk worthy of our call by avoiding any hint of sexual immorality; different from the world around us.
Be Pure! Ephesians 5:1-20 Focus: Christians are to walk worthy of our call by avoiding any hint of sexual immorality; different from the world around us. Function: To challenge & call Christians to holy living in their sexual purity. What is it that makes gold . . . pure gold so ...read more
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11. Honor Marriage!
Contributed on Mar 14, 2003
Christians are called to submit to one another; to put the other’s will over & above your own out of reverence for Christ; especially in the marriage relationship.
Honor Marriage! Ephesians 5:21-33 Focus: Christians are called to submit to one another; to put the other’s will over & above your own out of reverence for Christ; especially in the marriage relationship. Function: To honor the institution of Christian Marriage. Open by recognizing ...read more
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12. Respect Authority!
Contributed on Mar 20, 2003
God calls Christians to respect authority out of respect for God. Paul illustrates how our submission plays out in the Parent-Child relationship as well as in our work relationships.
Respect Authority! Ephesians 6:1-9 Focus: God calls Christians to submit to one another and respect authority out of respect for God. Function: To illustrate how our submission plays out in the Parent-Child relationship as well as in our work world. When Celeste and I first ...read more
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13. Stand Firm!
Contributed on Mar 29, 2003
In his concluding exhortations to the Ephesians, Paul calls Christians to be strong and stand firm in their battle against evil.
“Stand Firm!” Ephesians 6:10-18 Focus: In his concluding exhortations to the Ephesians, Paul calls Christians to be strong and stand firm in their battle against evil. Function: To call Christians to active service against the evil of our world by trusting in the power of God. Just ...read more
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14. Pray Always!
Contributed on Apr 3, 2003
Paul calls Christians to utilize the most powerful ‘spiritual weapon’ they possess: prayer . . . ALWAYS!
Pray Always! Ephesians 6:18-24 Focus: Paul calls Christians to utilize the most powerful ‘weapon’ they possess: prayer . . . ALWAYS! Function: To encourage Christians to re-discover the power of prayer in their lives. The War Eph 6:12-17 12 For our struggle is not against flesh ...read more