This week’s message discusses the importance of spiritual change in the life of believers, emphasizing the need to move from a mindset shaped by the world to one aligned with God’s ways. Luke points out that many Christians live similarly to non-believers, demonstrating the need for transformation in thoughts, feelings, and actions. Drawing from Ephesians, he outlines a three-step process: putting off the old self, renewing the mind, and putting on the new self and ultimately, encouraging us to actively participate in our faith by recognizing what needs to change, renewing our minds through Scripture, and living out our faith in practical ways.

The sermon explores the transition from the theological teachings in the first three chapters of Ephesians to practical living in chapter four. Pastor Chris emphasizes that believers have an invitation to a lifelong journey of sanctification, which involves personal refinement and growth in Christ-like qualities such as humility, gentleness, and patience with one another. The goal of this journey is maturity in Christ, where believers work together as one body, each contributing uniquely to spiritual growth. Ultimately, the process of growth is fueled by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to continually transform and support one another in their faith journey.

This week’s message emphasizes the importance of not just knowing God intellectually but experiencing Him in a profound and personal way, as Paul prays for the church at Ephesus. The core of the message revolves around experiencing the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the love of Christ, and the fulfillment that comes from God. Pastor Chris concludes with a challenge to believe that the God of the impossible can truly do the impossible in our lives, encouraging a deeper relationship with Him.

This week’s message emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, highlighting that through the cross of Jesus, Jews and Gentiles are no longer separated but are united as one body in Christ. We are reminded that Jesus serves as the perfect Cornerstone upon which our faith and lives should be built, encouraging us to put aside differences and focus on our shared salvation.

We are warned against the distractions caused by division, which deter the church from fulfilling its mission to reflect God's glory and wisdom in our community. Finally, we are all urged to boldly enter God’s presence, inspire one another to love and good works, and maintain the unity that God desires for His church.

Today's message emphasizes understanding the Christian life as a transformative process. Pastor Chris drew from Ephesians 2:1-10, which depicts a journey from being spiritually dead in sin to being made alive in Christ by God's grace and ultimately living for His purpose. This spiritual rebirth isn't earned by works but is a gift received through faith. As a result, Christians are called to actively live out their new life, being examples of God's grace and doing the good works He planned. The message urges believers to not sit on the sidelines but to engage in life wholeheartedly for God's glory, embodying the change from death to life.

A Study through the book of Ephesians

As we heard in Sunday's message, our God is a faithful God. He has and will come through on His promises. We learned that by stepping into a relationship with Jesus, we are blessed to be a part of the "Family of God". In the Family of God, we get to see how our story and God's story intertwine. We get to live the exciting life of trusting in God's plan for our lives over our own.

This is exciting news! Not only do we get to be a part of His plan, but we also get to be guided by The Holy Spirit that He promised us. Each day we get to choose to be guided by our flesh or our Spirit, and this is a gift from God. This week, I encourage you to continue to trust in God's plan for your life, knowing that you have the Holy Spirit to help guide you in each step that you take!