The Work of the Kingdom of God

Friday, February 20, 2026

So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

Healthy, growing churches are composed of healthy, growing believers seeking to fulfill the mission of Christ in the world.  When people believe they are doing something special they will surprise you with their willingness to serve and sacrifice.

For the Church to be Effective we need to:

Come Together – Only when we come together can we overcome all the obstacles that can keep the Church from being effective.  Unified we can come together to work as one, toward one purpose – doing God’s work. God’s people working together in unity produce amazing results.   The task that Christ calls us to, calls us to each other.  It is bigger than any of us - it is a shared responsibility.  

We do not have equal gifts, but we can have the same commitment – God gifts us all differently so our gifts will be different, but our commitment has to be equal.  We will solidify our unity by giving from our hearts.  Our commitment will show not in just being present to worship together, but in how we give – financially and with our talents and time.  The measure of a gift is not measured from the head but from the heart.  It is a gift of love and trust.  The real test of whether a person trusts God is most often how they handle what brings them security.  For us, it is most in the financial area of our lives.

Worship Together – Working together creates a social bond but worshipping together creates a spiritual bond.  We must make church a priority and set the example for our families, so they see how important it is to worship in a community with other believers.  Too many things can come between us and our commitment to worship.  Maybe it is time to review whether our children see our commitment to worship equal to other commitments in our lives.

Do the Right Thing in the Right Way - 

God’s plan is for His people to work side by side in unity to accomplish His work. No one is left out, but all have a part!  There is fellowship like no other when you work side by side to accomplish a great task. When God assigns a task, He also designates a method.  God has a plan as well as a purpose for us – both individually and collectively as a fellowship.  That means for lay people as well as staff.  Some of North Side’s most successful ministries have been the products of the burden, vision and coordination of members.

Finish What God Started – God wants us to celebrate the accomplishments we finish as a body of believers.  All glory goes to God, but He does want us to rejoice in His work being accomplished and for the part we are privileged to -play in it.  Anyone can make a commitment – the ones who change the world are those who keep them.

Not any one of us can do the task alone that God calls the church to do, but together we can see a great things accomplished!   Every stone we lay provides a foundation for the next generation.  They will remember how we worked together as a church and they will build off the foundation we leave for them so they can also accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God.

Breaking Down Walls

 Thursday, February 19, 2026

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Ephesians 2:13-18

Breaking Down Walls

When we  look at the world today we can see much division and hostility - from families, in society, and even in churches sometimes. Paul is speaking to the Jewish and Gentile believers in Ephesus and they knew first hand about dividing walls. The Gentiles had been the "outsiders" because they were not God's chosen people, but Jesus changed that for all of us. Now Jewish and Gentile believers were worshipping together in the same church. 

Just like the Gentiles in verses 11-12, we were outsiders when we were dead in our sin. We were without God in the world, without promise, without citizenship, and without hope.  But now… Jesus changes everything. His shed blood brought Jews and Gentiles together, brought Gentiles near to God and into the family of God, and brought sinners out of death into a life in him. 

Sunday Pastor Jim told us he brought us all into community in three actions:

“Made both groups one…” – The ground at the cross is common for all – Jew and Gentile alike. Salvation makes the playing field level – it is the same for all. There is no difference between any of us when we come to the cross. His mercy and forgiveness are the same for all. 

“Tore down the dividing wall of hostility…” –There was a wall of division between Jews and Gentiles. There were also walls in the temple that still stood at the time Paul wrote this. There were parts of the temple that only the high priests and other priests could go in. These walls kept people separated from God. Jesus breaks down all walls of separation and brings peace where there once was chaos. He welcomes all his children with open arms, no longer strangers but family. 

“Made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations…” - Jesus ended the strife caused between the Jews and Gentiles because the Gentiles did not keep the law.  Jesus paid the debt for our sins fulfilling the law for us, we are reconciled by the cross. 

The Jews and Gentiles were brought together in peace through the finished work of Jesus on the cross. All of us are brought together as one through the cross. There is no “us” and “them” and there are no outsiders, and we all have the same access to God. 

Our heavenly Father has kicked down the dividing walls of hostility. He has brought us all together on level ground and made us one together in him, no longer strangers, but family. He is our peace, putting death hostility. We do not have to be on the outside any longer. With his death on the cross and resurrection we can be reconciled to him and to others.

What dividing walls of hostility in your life need to come down? In relationships or in your heart? 

Outsiders

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands. At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:11-12 CSB

Without Christ

We are in week three of the series called We Are The Church – A Study In Ephesians. In this series Pastor Jim is walking us through what church is, our part as Christians in the church and as the church in the world. Our key truth is, The church is not a destination, but a base of operation. Church is not where we are to quietly live out our days as a believer, but instead it is a launchpad where we are equipped, encouraged, supported, loved, taught, and sent out to do the work God has called us to do as his church – to go out and spread the Gospel far and wide. 

Ephesians begins with Paul reminding the church in Ephesus of their adoption into the family of God. Chosen by the Father, adopted through Jesus, and sealed with the Holy Spirit forever. The church, or the family of God, is bound together in the Gospel regardless of any worldly boundaries such as Jews and Gentiles. Paul reminds them that in the shed blood of Jesus Christ those boundaries disappear. The last half of chapter 2 begins with another reminder to the Ephesians of who they were and their previous state when they were without Christ. 

Outsiders - 

Paul reminds the Gentiles that they were once outsiders, excluded from the promises of God, strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope, and without God in the world. He reminds them of a time when they were far from God, separated by a wall of hostility. The idea that Gentiles were not circumcised indicated to Jews that they did not have five privileges given to the nation Israel.

Without Christ, the Gentiles were:

Excluded from the citizenship of Israel… Being a citizen of Israel was deeply connected to Israel’s political and religious identity. They were looked at as foreigners with no connection to the people of God.

Foreigners to the covenants of promise… The Gentiles were not part of the promise of covenant made with Jewish people. They were left out of these arrangements. 

Without hope… Without Christ and the mercy, forgiveness, and salvation he brings there is no hope. No relationship with him translates into an eternity separated from God and no life after death. They were not looking for a Messiah. In fact, they had no hope of a Messiah coming one day because they were strangers to that covenant of hope. A believer’s hope is based on the promises of God, of which they were excluded. 

Without God in the world… The Gentiles did not know God like the Jewish people did. They thought of God in heaven – separate from the world.  

Even though the Gentiles were once outsiders, excluded from the promises and covenant of God’s chosen people, living without hope and purpose, that was not their destiny.  This story mirrors the Gospel, in that before Christ saved us, all of us were like the Gentiles – outsiders, separated from God. But because of the shed blood of Jesus it does not have to stay that way. 

Without spiritual blessings. Without light. Without peace. Without rest. Without safety. Without hope. Without a spiritual heritage or a covenant promise. This is what it looked like for the Ephesians to live without hope and without God, and the same is true for us. Because of Jesus we can know true belonging and hope. We were dead in our sin, but God made us alive together with Christ.

A Unified Body With A Unified Purpose

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents.  Philippians 1:27

A Unified Body With A Unified Purpose

Paul was in prison when he wrote Philippians. He was writing to encourage the churches he had planted as he faced judgement which could lead to his execution – for spreading the gospel. He wanted them to know that even if he could not be there with them, he was still doing his part in prison witnessing, and he expected them to continue to work in unity to advance the Gospel.     

Paul’s message was to the church in Philippi, but it is our message too. The Gospel is still going strong and being advanced every day, despite so many trying to stop it. God will not be stopped and as His children we are called to be a part of the movement of His story of grace, redemption, and eternal life. The church, which is the body of believers, is called to be unified and proclaim His Gospel. Paul gave us some instructions on how we can do that. 

Standing firm in one spirit…

Paul wanted to know that the Philippian church stayed together as one body, without becoming fragmented. He wanted them to have unwavering faith and there is strength in numbers. As long as they were standing firm, like soldiers, together, they could help one another and encourage each other in sharing the Gospel. We are to be unified in standing firm in one spirit. 

 With one mind…

For the church to be effective in spreading the Gospel, they have to agree on what they are all sharing. If they are all telling people different things it will cause people to not trust what they are hearing. Most importantly, we are to have one mind – the mind of Christ. How we are living our lives and the words we are using should reflect our belief in Jesus. The words we use to share the Gospel with others should line up with what the Bible says is truth.    We are to be unified with one mind, thinking like Christ and sharing the one true Gospel with everyone we can. 

Striving side by side…

We are to work together, side by side, as a team with each other. There is work involved in sharing the Gospel. It is more that just showing up for church and Bible study. It means extra effort and stepping out of our comfort zones. It is a personal “struggle” as well as a corporate “striving.” Unity as we work side by side, together for the same goal. 

And not frightened in anything by your opponents … 

Because our fearlessness is not merely human courage, God has given us this fearlessness ultimately through salvation in Christ. So that those who oppose us as Christians will come to realize that they are opposing God. – Andrew Williamson

This is a call to boldness as well as fearlessness. Paul was asking them to be bold in their faith, not deterred by anything that might cause them to hesitate. He didn’t want them to be intimidated by enemies of the faith and the devil. Fear and intimidation are weapons of the devil but we have weapons too and they are more in number and way more powerful than what the devil has. We have the power of all mighty God on our side, who goes before us, behind us, and beside us. We are enveloped in His power and goodness. 

Together we can stand firm, with one mind, one purpose, and strive together in unity spreading the Gospel.  

A Fellowship For All People

  Monday, February 16, 2026

Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. Romans 15:1-2

 A Fellowship For All People

God has really called us into a simple task...SERVICE to others.  God as our Master has given a single order...Serve others as Christ served.  The thing that seems to intervene in our service to others is our feeling of personal rights.  It is not like the Bible did not expect this to be a problem.  Many scriptures speak of the attitude that must accompany Godly service...an attitude of selflessness. Here lies the real problem...the heart of a man.

Paul strikes a powerful blow to us in our feeling of personal rights in this chapter of Romans.  There is an ongoing hunger in the life of every person for acceptance.  It is what drives us into social order and relationship.  The fact that you regard me as worthy of your presence, love and support validates me as long as you are accepting me as I am and not as I am “ACTING.” 

The call of God to Christian service involves the responsibility of Christian patience with others.  To "bear the weaknesses" does not mean to solve their problems.  God never made us responsible for another man's burden.  To "bear" in this passage is a word that means to endure patiently.

God is dealing with every individual at their personal pace of growth.  The fact that someone does not agree or does not act properly does not mean they are less than you.  When someone says, “that is just the way I am", they may be sharing a place of weakness rather than personality.

A major problem for these people was cultural differences and expressions of worship. Paul told the church at Rome, Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.  (Romans 14:1-4)  

Methods of ministry and worship are varied but we are all responsible to God.  The key to the need outlined is "not pleasing ourselves". The course of self-denial is the only course for the believer.  Anytime that you can serve God and always get your way, you can know that you have lost somewhere the servant spirit that is sensitive to others.  The Christian is most pleased with himself when others are benefited.  

This is a good word for all believers seeking a fellowship that is for all people.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 

 

We Are The Church: A Study in Ephesians “A Call for Peace"

 

We Are The Church: A Study in Ephesians
“A Call for Peace"

Ephesians 2: 11-22 (CSB)

 

-     Key Truth: The local church is not a destination but a base of operation.

Main Question: What does it mean to be a part of the church and who makes up this community of faith? 

1.        We were once outside of community. (vs. 11-12) 

Paul spells out their separation in four phrases:

a.         “Excluded from the citizenship of Israel…"

b.         “Foreigners to the covenants of promise…”

c.         “Without hope…”

d.         “Without God in the world…”

2.        Christ brings us into community. (vs. 13-18)

Three actions:

a.         “Made both groups one…” (vs. 14a)

b.         “Tore down the dividing wall of hostility…” (vs. 14b)

c.         “Made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations…” (vs. 15a)

Two results:

a.         “Create in himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace…” (vs. 15b)

b.         “Reconcile both to God in one body through the cross by which he put the hostility to death…” (vs. 16)

3.        Biblical community pursues the mission of God. (vs. 19-22)

After the Message: 
Read Ephesians 2:11-22. What is the state of an unbeliever? What happened when God intervened through His Son, Jesus? How then are we to relate together as the new community of faith called the church.

 

 

On Display For The World To See

Friday, February 13, 2026

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:1-8

An Authentic Influence 

Just as we learned from Paul that our lives are the Gospel on display to the world, the body of Christ is also the Gospel on display for the world to see. Every day we go to work and school, and we influence people in ways we never even know. As Christians, we should be careful of how we are acting in front of others. Everyone is an “influencer” today with the social media platforms that we have. You can be whoever or whatever you want to be and we can make our lives appear perfect when they are really not. The world today does not need more people who look perfect. The world today needs authentic Christians to share an authentic love from an authentic God.  

The world wants authentic Christians, but not self-righteous Christians. Displaying righteousness is the furthermost thing from authenticity. People, especially those who are not churched, can see through a Christian who is displaying their righteousness before others in order to be seen by them. Jesus is telling us to not brag on ourselves when we do something for His kingdom. When we give to the needy or do anything else of service, we should be discreet about it, not boastful. When we boast about our own deeds, we are like the hypocrites in the synagogues at the time when Jesus was teaching this message. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. When we do things for the applause of men, that is the extent of our reward – their attention and applause. The reward we get in Heaven from our Heavenly Father is so much better. Our actions as Christians should only be about pleasing God. When we are seeking attention or applause for a deed, we are seeking to please people. 

They wanted glory for themselves instead of glory for God. Everything we say and do should be for the glory of God and not ourselves. - But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. We may feel the need to be seen but the only one who truly matters sees everything you do.  We may feel undervalued or not appreciated because no one may see or know what we have done, but if we are doing it for God’s glory He sees and knows. 

The same thing applies to our prayer life. We don’t have to pray flowery prayers with big words in public to impress God. The Jews in Jesus’ day prayed in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. But Jesus said, But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. God knows what we need before we even ask it. Jesus said to go into your (prayer) room (or closet), and shut the door so there is no one else there – just you and God. 

The word room here is the ancient Greek word that was used for a storeroom where treasures were kept. The time we have with our Heavenly Father is a treasure, and He loves us so much that He counts our prayers as treasures. There is not a better word that we can use for the most private moments that we spend with God – moments where we lay our hearts bare before Him, and He cares and He loves us with the most authentic, unconditional love. 

In our personal lives and as a member of the church, in order for us to use our influence well for the kingdom, we must remember how not to use it, and to live with authentic integrity, character, moral purity, graciousness, and truthfulness. Only when others see authenticity, vulnerability, and truthfulness in our lives will they believe the good news we have to share. 

The Right Way

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.  Matthew 7:13  

The Right Way
We all need directions in life whether we want to admit or not to get where we want to go. Jesus gave us some insight as to our itinerary through life. People are in such a hurry to get to the next place, the next appointment, the next event that they miss a lot of life.  It is easy to get lost if you don’t pay close attention to the direction you are going.                                       

Salvation and sanctification did not just "happen" to those who "flow" with others but to those who "seek". Christ gives clear instruction to beware following the easy way while disregarding its inevitable end.  It is important to remember that there is a difference between the Christian and the world.  Below are some reasons why the way of the world is so appealing to so many people.  

The Way of the World v.13b 

·         It's Availability - "the gate is wide" We are born into it - It requires no seeking or desiring - it is natural. The wide path is the one most traveled. It is the easy path.  You do not have to do anything to walk this path. Apathy puts you on it. If you have not chosen to leave it you are in it. 

·         It's Ease of Following - "the way is broad" It is spacious, easy, no restriction.  You don't have to try to be bad.  Those on this way have the bumper sticker "If it feels good do it".

·         It's Company - "there are many who enter through it" If you like to travel with the crowd you will go this way. You will never seem alone.  It provides a feeling of security and pleasure.  A falsehood is "If most people do it, it must be the best thing to do and it is okay" People on this road use each other for it is a self-centered life.  Most on the "broad way" don't like the road or the crowd - they just don't know how to leave it.  A certain truth is if you have to "do wrong" to "feel-good" then something is wrong.

·         It's End - "leads to destruction"   Most people don't look where they're going.  A very important question for all of us today is “If you get where you’re going, where will you be?”   Nowhere is this question more important than when it is related to eternity.  At some point all of us will come to the end of our road.  Jesus said, if you find yourself on this road you will find yourself at this destination. 

The wide paths have many ways that you can take and stay on the path.  Some will travel down Substance Abuse street. Some it will walk down Pride Avenue. Others will travel down Materialism Way. Some will travel down Sexual Sins Estate road. Some will take Hate Street or they will walk down Murder Avenue. Many will walk down Apathy lane.

The point is, you don't have to do anything to ruin your life. As a matter of fact that's how you ruin it, by not doing anything.  Most people don't care where they are going just as long as the way is spacious and filled with pleasure and friends. An example is leading hogs into a pen by giving them exactly what they want. They never look to see where they are going. People today are the same way.  

Don’t fall into the easy path that leads to destruction.  Be intentional and live your life with purpose. Consider carefully the decisions you make and the path you choose to follow.

There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12

What Is Your Story?

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 CSB

What Is Your Story? 

Who does not love a good do-over? Everyone has parts of their story that they wish they could erase. As Christians, we get the most important do-over of all.  We get a whole new identity in Christ. We become a new creature in him, the old is washed away. The old is washed away – forgiven – redeemed. Even though we might not like parts of our past, it is still a part of our story. God uses everything that has happened in our lives for our good and his glory. It is important for us to remember what we have been saved from (dead in sin) as well as what we have been saved to (new life in Christ – saved for good works). 

Sharing our story with others is a key component in sharing the Gospel. Telling our story of redemption – how we came to know Christ and how he changed us – is important for others to hear. It is a point of connection with people, and especially those who may be caught up in some of the same actions as you were before you were saved. It helps us connect with one another at the most vulnerable level, a desperate need to be saved.

Here are some good points to include when sharing your story: 

Your Life Before Christ – This is a very important element of our testimony because it may be the part that our one can most identify with. When they know that we were lost and very different before we came to know Christ, they may feel more comfortable. There are things in all our pasts that others do not know about us and may find hard to believe. It may be embarrassing to you, but it is good for those you are sharing with to see the difference Jesus Christ has made in your life. Remember you are not that person, but you are a new person in Christ.

How You Encountered Christ – How did you come to ask Jesus Christ to be your Savior? Where were you? How old were you? What were the circumstances? What did you hear? What was it that brought you from death to life? Were you at church? Were you with a friend? Were you at camp? What do you remember about that day? 

Your Life Since Christ Made You New – How is your life different since Jesus saved you? God has saved us from the curse of sin and brokenness in order that we might live for His glory.  We are to be changed people who lived changed lives. Our changed lives can help change other people’s lives. We were created for that purpose. 

Our faith is Christ Jesus and his work in our lives is on display for the world to see as we join in his good works happening all around us. Our testimony is the Gospel in living, breathing form. This is what we were created for - created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. Write out your story, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Surrender to Christ and be obedient to sharing your story when the Holy Spirit urges you.

Created in Christ Jesus For Good Works

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 CSB

 

Being once dead in our sin we are now saved by grace through faith – a gift from God for all who will believe. What comes next for the church, the body of Christ, after we have been raised to new life? We have a very specific and important calling as believers and as the body of Christ.

Created For Good Works

We are not saved by our good works, since Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient for our redemption, but we are saved for good works. Each day we wake up, there are good works God has for us to do. We get the privilege of discovering them and being a part of his good works as we live out our life every day. One aspect of these good works is our faithfulness to share the good news of Jesus where we live, work and play. We should never (but we do) get so busy in our everyday lives that we forget the intentionality it takes to share Christ’s love with others. Our sharing the Gospel does not make God love us any more than he already does, does not make us "more saved," nor does it earn us any points or extra favor in his eyes. But as we live and love like he did and point others to him in all we say and do, we are living out the purpose and calling for which we were created. 

The gospel is good news because without it we have no hope. We are sinners and deserve nothing but death. And we have absolutely no hope of saving ourselves. This is why urgently need to be sharing the Gospel. Hope is in short supply in this world these days. People need to hear that there is hope in a Living God. He is our only hope. This is our calling in him – the good works he has created us to do in him. We are to be salt, light, truth, hope, and all that the Gospel is to a lost and dying world. We are his hands and feet, his ambassadors, and his disciples who are called to go out from the church – our base of operation – and make disciples. 

The last thing Jesus said to His disciples before He ascended to heaven was to go and make disciples. He sent the disciples out to the ends of the earth to spread His good news and lead others to Him. Those new believers could then go and make disciples. We may not be at the ends of the earth today, but right where we are we can shine the light of the Gospel into dark places so the world can see the glory of the Lord through us. In all we do and say, living and loving like Jesus, we are pointing others to him, or away from him as we go. 

God has a plan for us. We were created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do. Before we were born he knew every step we would take. He loves us, redeemed us, raised us up and has a plan and purpose for our lives in him. Pray God would reveal to you the good works he has for you to walk in today.   

God's Rich Mercy and Great Love For Us

Monday, February 9, 2026

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.  For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:1-5 CSB

 

God's Rich Mercy and Great Love For Us

We are in week three of the series called We Are The Church – A Study In Ephesians. In this series Pastor Jim is walking us through what church is, our part as Christians in the church and as the church in the world. Our key truth is, The church is not a destination, but a base of operation. Church is not where we are to quietly live out our days as a believer, but instead it is a launchpad where we are equipped, encouraged, supported, loved, taught, and sent out to do the work God has called us to do as his church – to go out and spread the Gospel far and wide. 

In chapter 1 we learned who we are in Christ and some of the benefits and gifts of being a child of God. Now in chapter 2 Paul gives the most important message of all – how do we become a child of God? What does salvation in Christ look like and how does it change us?

Paul begins chapter 2 with the truth of our spiritual condition before Christ – And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. v1-2 Before we become believers we were living in our sinful and fleshly desires, having no part of God but following the ways of the devil. Our only hope was to be rescued by the only One with the power to raise us from the dead and give us new life. God is the only one who can rescue us from a life dead in sin and give us new life. We cannot do this for ourselves. Apart from that rescue and new life, we have eternal separation from God.   

But God - But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! v4

Verse 4 tells us how we become a part of the church – the body of Christ. It is only through the grace of God that we are saved -raised from the dead of our sin to new life in him. There is nothing we can do to earn it – it is purely a gift we are to receive and believe which leads to repentance, salvation, relationship with him, and eternal life. 

Because of God’s rich mercy and great love for us, He saved us. We don't deserve it and never will. He forgave us and washed our sins away, making us a new creation in Him. Grace is a gift given by God, with no expectation of anything in return. If is free to us at no cost, but grace cost the giver. God sacrificed His own son so we could know His grace, receive His grace and live in His grace. Once we receive His grace, it is ours forever. It does not expire, and God does not take it back. It is a forever gift to us. 

The most important way salvation changes us is that we were dead and now we are alive! Going from death to life brings a whole cascade of changes into our lives. We are a new person in him. Our lives should reflect his glory, grace, love, and kindness to everyone around us. Our lives should tell his story of saving grace and loving kindness. 

Are you still “dead in your trespasses and sins” or have you been saved by grace through faith? If you have been saved, think about that moment of salvation? Give God thanks for His great mercy and grace in your life? How are you living out that salvation by participating in God’s Kingdom work every day? If you need to know Christ, text TRUST to 72318. 

We Are The Church: A Study in Ephesians “Alive in Christ”

 

We Are The Church: A Study in Ephesians
“Alive in Christ”

Ephesians 2:1-10 (CSB)

 

-     Key Truth: The local church is not a destination but a base of operation.

Main Question: What does salvation in Christ look like and how does it change us? 

1.        Our Past (vs. 1-3) 

Three compelling influences that directed their past:

a.         The world (vs. 2a)

b.         The devil (vs. 2b)

c.         The flesh (vs. 3)

 

2.        Our Transformation (vs. 4-9)

God's saving initiatives are to be found in...

a.         His mercy  (vs. 4a)

b.         His great love (vs. 4b)

c.         His rich grace (vs. 5, 7, & 8)

d.         His kindness to us in Christ Jesus (vs. 7)

3.        Our Calling (vs. 10)

After the Message: 
Read Ephesians 2:1-10. Are you still “dead in your trespasses and sins” or have you been saved by grace through faith? If you have been saved, think about that moment of salvation? Give God thanks for His great mercy and grace in your life? How are you living out that salvation by participating in God’s Kingdom work every day? If you need to know Christ, text TRUST to 72318.