Church Alive Weekly Sermon Videos

April 23rd, 2023 Speaker - Doug Reese Sermon Notes Jeremiah 18:1-6 18The word that came to Jeremiah from theLord:2“Arise, and go down tothe potter's house, and there I will let you hearmy words.”3So I went down tothe potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel.4And the vessel he was making of clay wasspoiled in the potter's hand, andhe reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do. 5Then the word of theLordcame to me:6“O house of Israel,can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares theLord.Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. 1. The potter forming the clay is a process. 1. Being molded into the image of Christ is a process. Romans 8:28-29 28And we know that for those who love God all things work togetherfor good,forthose who are called according to his purpose.29For those whom heforeknew he alsopredestinedto be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might bethe firstborn among many brothers. 2. Clay gets marred in His hands. 1. Things happen in life. 2. Hurts and disappointment mar us. 3. Everybody hurts. 4. Marred people put wear masks and guard themselves from hurt. 3. The Potter restored the clay. 1. Restoration is making something what it was supposed to be. 2 Corinthians 13:9 9For we are glad whenwe are weak and you are strong. Yourrestoration is what we pray for. Mark 11:25 25And wheneveryou stand praying,forgive,if you have anything against anyone, so thatyour Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Easter Sunday Speaker - Owen Mason Sermon Notes Luke 23:35-38 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” Luke 23:44-46 44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Luke 24:9-10 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, Luke 24-13-35 On the Road to Emmaus 13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread. 1. What has you going in the wrong direction? Luke 24:13-15 13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. Luke 24:20-21 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 2. Who knows your tomorrow? Luke 24:25-27 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 1 Peter 5:7-10 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 3. Jesus appeared and said “Peace to you!” Luke 24:36 36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”

April 2nd, 2023 FINDING WHO I AM IN CHRIST Children & Parents EPHESIANS 6:1-9 ESV Speaker - Owen Mason Sermon Notes Children and Parents 6Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.2“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),3“that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Bondservants and Masters 5Bondservants,obey your earthly masterswith fear and trembling,with a sincere heart,as you would Christ,6not by the way of eye-service, aspeople-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,7rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man,8knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord,whether he is a bondservant or is free.9Masters, do the same to them,and stop your threatening, knowing thathe who is both their Masterand yours is in heaven, and thatthere is no partiality with him. 1. Children and their relationship to parents. Ephesians 6:1-2 1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.2“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), Colossians 3:20 20Children, obey your parentsin everything, for this pleases the Lord. 2. Fathers are not to provoke their children. Ephesians 6:3 3“that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Deuteronomy 5:16 16“‘Honor your father and your mother, as theLordyour God commanded you,that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that theLordyour God is giving you. 2 Timothy 3:1-2 1 But understand this, thatin the last days there will come times of difficulty.2For people will belovers of self,lovers of money,proud,arrogant, abusive,disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3. What does Paul mean by bondservant? Ephesians 6:4-7 4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Bondservants and Masters 5Bondservants,obey your earthly masterswith fear and trembling,with a sincere heart,as you would Christ,6not by the way of eye-service, aspeople-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,7rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 4. Stay focused on Christ in all service. Ephesians 6:8-98knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord,whether he is a bondservant or is free.9Masters, do the same to them,and stop your threatening, knowing thathe who is both their Masterand yours is in heaven, and thatthere is no partiality with him. Ephesians 1:3 3Blessed bethe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessingin the heavenly places,

FINDING WHO I AM IN CHRIST Relationship Role of the Husband’s Love EPHESIANS 5:23-33 ESV Speaker - Owen Mason Sermon Notes 23Forthe husband is the head of the wife even asChrist is the head of the church, his body, and ishimself its Savior.24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submitin everything to their husbands. 25Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church andgave himself up for her,26that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her bythe washing of waterwith the word,27sothat he might present the church to himself in splendor,without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.28In the same wayhusbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.29For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church,30becausewe are members of his body.31“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, andthe two shall become one flesh.”32This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.33However,let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that sherespects her husband. 1. The husband is called to be the head. Ephesians 5:23 23Forthe husband is the head of the wife even asChrist is the head of the church, his body, and ishimself its Savior. Colossians 3:19 19Husbands, love your wives, anddo not be harsh with them. 2. The husband is to love as Christ does the church. Ephesians 5:25 25Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church andgave himself up for her, Devotional Books a. “Moments Together for Couples” by Dennis Rainey b. “Draw Close” by Joyce and Willard Harley c. “Mr. & Mrs. 365 Devotions for Couples” by Rob Teigen d. “The One Year Love Language Minute Devotional” by Gary Chapman e. “(Staymarried)” 30 minute weekly devotional” by Michelle Peterson 3. Husbands are to give sacrificially for their wives. Ephesians 5:26-29 26that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her bythe washing of waterwith the word,27sothat he might present the church to himself in splendor,without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.28In the same wayhusbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.29For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 1 Peter 3:7 7Likewise,husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weakervessel, since they are heirs with youof the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. 4. Cleave to their wife. Ephesians 5:31 31“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, andthe two shall become one flesh.”

March 19th, 2023 FINDING WHO I AM IN CHRIST Relationship Roles EPHESIANS 5 ESV Speaker - Owen Mason Sermon Notes Wives and Husbands 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bod- ies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 1. Marriage is symbolic for Christ’s relationship to the church. Ephesians 5:24 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Ephesians 5:32 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. Colossians 3:18 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Titus 2:5 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 1 Corinthians 11:3 3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. 2. Submission starts with Christ. Biblical Submission in marriage is the disposition to follow a husband’s authority and a loving re- sponse to yield to his relationship. It is an attitude that says “I delight for you to take initiative in our family. I am glad when you take responsibility for things and lead with love. I don’t flourish when you are passive and when I have to make sure the family works.” Genesis 3:16 16 To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.” John 13:12-17 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. Mark 10:42-45 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” James 4:7 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 1 Peter 3:1-6 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your re- spectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— 4 but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. 5 For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submit- ting to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. Jude 4-8 4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this con- demnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. 5 Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Je- sus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day — 7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual im- morality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.8 Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones. 3. God established the family structure. Ephesians 5:22-24 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Ephesians 5:28 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 4. Respect your husband. Ephesians 5:33 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. What submission does not mean: a.) It does not mean you agree with your husband about everything. b.) It does not mean you cannot discuss your thoughts. c.) It does not mean a wife has no influence. d.) It does not mean putting the will of your husband before the word of God.

March 12th, 2023 FINDING WHO I AM IN CHRIST Walking Out Righteousness EPHESIANS 5 ESV Speaker - Owen Mason Sermon Notes Walk in Love 5Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.2Andwalk in love,as Christ loved us andgave himself up for us, afragrantoffering and sacrifice to God. 3Butsexual immorality and all impurity or covetousnessmust not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.4Let there beno filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking,which are out of place, but insteadlet there be thanksgiving.5For you may be sure of this, thateveryone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.6Let no onedeceive you with empty words, for because of these thingsthe wrath of God comes uponthe sons of disobedience.7Thereforedo not become partners with them;8forat one time you weredarkness, but now you are light in the Lord.Walk as children of light9(forthe fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),10andtry to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.11Take no part in theunfruitfulworks of darkness, but insteadexpose them.12Forit is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.13But whenanything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,14for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, andarise from the dead, andChrist will shine on you.” 15Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,16making the best use of the time, becausethe days are evil.17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand whatthe will of the Lord is.18Anddo not get drunk with wine, for that isdebauchery, butbe filled with the Spirit,19addressing one another inpsalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,20giving thanks always and for everything to God the Fatherin the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,21submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 1. As believers, we sometimes walk in sacrificial love. Ephesians 4:1 1I therefore,a prisoner for the Lord, urge you towalk in a manner worthy ofthe calling to which you have been called, Ephesians 45:1-2 1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.2Andwalk in love,as Christ loved us andgave himself up for us, afragrantoffering and sacrifice to God. 2. What is my biggest daily battle? Ephesians 5:3-5 3Butsexual immorality and all impurity or covetousnessmust not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.4Let there beno filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking,which are out of place, but insteadlet there be thanksgiving.5For you may be sure of this, thateveryone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Philippians 2:14 14Do all thingswithout grumbling ordisputing, 3. Are you wise in your walk? Matthew 5:14-16 14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.15Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.16In the same way, let your light shine before others, sothatthey may see your good works andgive glory to your Father who is in heaven. Ephesians 5:14-17 14for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper,
andarise from the dead,
andChrist will shine on you.” 15Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,16making the best use of the time, becausethe days are evil.17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand whatthe will of the Lord is. John 3:19-20 19And this is the judgment:the light has come into the world, andpeople loved the darkness rather than the light becausetheir works were evil.20For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light,lest his works should be exposed.

March 5th, 2023 FINDING WHO I AM IN CHRIST Live Life In Christ EPHESIANS 4 ESV Speaker - Owen Mason Sermon Notes The New Life 17Now this I say andtestify in the Lord,that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do,in the futility of their minds.18Theyare darkened in their understanding,alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due totheir hardness of heart.19Theyhave become callous andhave given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.20But that is not the way youlearned Christ!—21assuming thatyou have heard about him andwere taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,22toput offyour old self,which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt throughdeceitful desires,23andto be renewed in the spirit of your minds,24and to put onthe new self,created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 25Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of youspeak the truth with his neighbor, forwe are members one of another.26Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,27andgive no opportunity to the devil.28Let the thief no longer steal, but ratherlet him labor,doing honest work with his own hands, sothat he may have something to share with anyone in need.29Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may givegrace to those who hear.30Anddo not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,by whom you were sealed for the day ofredemption.31Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.32Be kind to one another, tenderhearted,forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 1. We, in Christ, are to strengthen one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 24Andlet us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, andall the more as you seethe Day drawing near. 2. We are not to be as the unbeliever. Ephesians 4:17-19 17Now this I say andtestify in the Lord,that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do,in the futility of their minds.18Theyare darkened in their understanding,alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due totheir hardness of heart.19Theyhave become callous andhave given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. Paul states this about the unbeliever: a.) Darkened in understanding b.) Alienated from God c.) Hardened in their heart d.) Unfeeling and uncaring e.) Given over to sensuality 3. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Ephesians 4:20-24 20But that is not the way youlearned Christ!—21assuming thatyou have heard about him andwere taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,22toput offyour old self,which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt throughdeceitful desires,23andto be renewed in the spirit of your minds,24and to put onthe new self,created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Romans 6:16 16Do you not know that if you present yourselvesto anyone as obedient slaves,you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 2 Peter 1:3 3His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of himwho called us tohis own glory and excellence, 1 Corinthians 10:13 13No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.God is faithful, andhe will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Romans 6:6 6We know thatour old selfwas crucified with him in order thatthe body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 4. Put away sinful behavior. Ephesians 4:25-29 25Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of youspeak the truth with his neighbor, forwe are members one of another.26Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,27andgive no opportunity to the devil.28Let the thief no longer steal, but ratherlet him labor,doing honest work with his own hands, sothat he may have something to share with anyone in need.29Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may givegrace to those who hear. Bitterness - Hebrews 12:15 15See to it that no onefails to obtain the grace of God; that no“root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; Wrath – angry outbursts or rage Anger – mounting frustration Clamor – brawling Slander – words with intent to harm Malice – making a plan to act out harm Ephesians 4:32 32Be kind to one another, tenderhearted,forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

February, 19th, 2023 EPHESIANS 4 ESV Calling Of Revival Speaker - Owen Mason Sermon Notes Unity in the Body of Christ 4I therefore,a prisoner for the Lord, urge you towalk in a manner worthy ofthe calling to which you have been called,2with allhumility andgentleness, withpatience,bearing with one another in love,3eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit inthe bond of peace.4There isone body andone Spirit—just as you were called to the onehope that belongs to your call—5one Lord,one faith,one baptism,6one God and Father of all,who is over all and through all and in all.7Butgrace was givento each one of usaccording to the measure of Christ's gift.8Therefore it says, “When he ascended on highhe led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended intothe lower regions, the earth?10He who descended is the one who alsoascendedfar above all the heavens, that he mightfill all things.)11Andhe gave theapostles, the prophets, theevangelists, theshepherdsand teachers,12to equip the saints for the work of ministry, forbuilding upthe body of Christ,13until we all attain tothe unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God,to mature manhood,to the measure of the stature ofthe fullness of Christ,14so that we may no longer be children,tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness indeceitful schemes.15Rather,speaking the truth in love, we are togrow up in every way into him who isthe head, into Christ,16from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped,when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. The New Life 17Now this I say andtestify in the Lord,that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do,in the futility of their minds.18Theyare darkened in their understanding,alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due totheir hardness of heart.19Theyhave become callous andhave given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.20But that is not the way youlearned Christ!—21assuming thatyou have heard about him andwere taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,22toput offyour old self,which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt throughdeceitful desires,23andto be renewed in the spirit of your minds,24and to put onthe new self,created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. 25Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of youspeak the truth with his neighbor, forwe are members one of another.26Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,27andgive no opportunity to the devil.28Let the thief no longer steal, but ratherlet him labor,doing honest work with his own hands, sothat he may have something to share with anyone in need.29Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may givegrace to those who hear.30Anddo not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,by whom you were sealed for the day ofredemption.31Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.32Be kind to one another, tenderhearted,forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Romans 8:29 29For those whom heforeknew he alsopredestinedto be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might bethe firstborn among many brothers. 1. What should be seen in our lives? Ephesians 4:1-2 1I therefore,a prisoner for the Lord, urge you towalk in a manner worthy ofthe calling to which you have been called,2with allhumility andgentleness, withpatience,bearing with one another in love, a.) Humility – How we view ourselves in light of God’s word. b.) Gentleness – How we respond when we are persecuted. Matthew 11:29 29Take my yoke upon you, andlearn from me, for I amgentle and lowly in heart, andyou will find rest for your souls. c.) Patience – How we respond when others fail or bother us. d.) Empathy – bearing with one another in love. Quote by Rupertus Meidenius, a Lutheran Theologian: “Let us in the essentials maintain unity. In the non-essentials keep liberty and in all things keep charity.” 2. Seven truths keep us unified. One Body, One Spirit, One Hope, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One GOD Ephesians 4:66one God and Father of all,who is over all and through all and in all.7 1 Corinthians 15:19 19If in Christ we have hopein this life only,we are of all people most to be pitied. Titus 2:13 13waiting for our blessedhope, theappearing of the glory of our greatGod and Savior Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 5For although there may beso-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”—6yetfor us there is one God, the Father,from whom are all things and for whom we exist, andone Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things andthrough whom we exist. Jude 1:3 3Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about ourcommon salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to youto contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. 1 Corinthians 12:13 13Forin one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slavesor free—andall were made to drink of one Spirit. Isaiah 43:10-11 10“You are my witnesses,” declares theLord, “andmy servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. 11I, I am theLord, and besides me there is no savior. John 1:12-13 12But to all who did receive him,who believed in his name,he gave the rightto becomechildren of God,13whowere born,not of bloodnor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. 3. We all have been given spiritual gifts to use for Christ. Ephesians 4:7-13 7Butgrace was givento each one of usaccording to the measure of Christ's gift.8Therefore it says, “When he ascended on highhe led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended intothe lower regions, the earth?10He who descended is the one who alsoascendedfar above all the heavens, that he mightfill all things.)11Andhe gave theapostles, the prophets, theevangelists, theshepherdsand teachers,12to equip the saints for the work of ministry, forbuilding upthe body of Christ,13until we all attain tothe unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God,to mature manhood,to the measure of the stature ofthe fullness of Christ,

February 5th, 2023 EPHESIANS 2:11-22 ESV One In Christ Speaker - Owen Mason Sermon Notes Ephesians 2:11-22 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. 1. Gentiles are given hope by Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 2. Where do we find real peace? Ephesians 2:14-16 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. Romans 3:20-23 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Philippians 4:6 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 3. We are joined together as the Body of Christ. Ephesians 2:17-22 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the house-hold of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 3:1-11 1For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 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. 7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly plac-es. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, What is the mystery? The Church Age. Acts 13:1-3 1Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. 1 Timothy 4:14 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Ephesians 4:1 1I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, Ephesians 3:20 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,

It doesn't matter how many times we fall down in our Christian walk. It's what we do afterword. Are we going to let others cripple us with their words or actions? Will we clam up and go into hiding? Jesus wants us to take us through our hard times and not dwell on them. He wants us to FINISH STRONG!

Christmas can sometimes be prioritized by the wrong things; Too much travel, High electric bills, presents, and Fruitcakes just to name a few. Jesus's birth was about a little baby born in a manger and destined to save us all, and to have a relationship with the one true living God! We get all wrapped up in the trivial things of Christmas, that our focus is taken off of the real reason for the season! Jesus came to remind us that we are not alone, He loves us, and wants to be the center of our lives!

No matter your current situation, this is a time to rejoice in Christ.

God wants you to know that you are valued.