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Richard Peifer shares his life in the 7th Day Adventist Church as he struggled to be good enough for God. On the outside he wore a mask of invincibility and perfection, but on the inside he knew better. The harder he tried, the more obvious it became that he could not succeed at living the Christian life.

"This session concludes our teaching on Ephesians. As Paul met with the Ephesian elders he said "I am here to testify to the gospel of God's grace". Ephesians is a book all about the grace of God. It ends with grace as well. It is God's grace that equips us to live abundant, productive lives. We have been placed into the body called the "church". In this body, we belong to one another - one in Christ. This grace empowers us to love Jesus Christ with an incorruptible love. It is not corrupted by the world, nor does it deteriorate. It is living and growing and animated by God's love for us.

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Cisco asks about homosexuality. If we are born sinners, then why do preachers say that someone can't be born gay. Our condition apart from Christ is as sinners, spiritually dead. Without Christ, the only thing we know to do to find meaning and purpose is through sin. Identity is not found in sexuality; it is found by being born again spiritually - becoming a child of God. Dennis asks about the judgment seat of Christ where we are rewarded for what we've done either good or bad. Isn't that contrary to the New Covenant? Danny asks about the Holy Ghost. Were the early believers filled with the Holy Ghost at the moment they believed? William asks if the enemy was already on earth before he created man?

"We're talking about relationships in light of the fact that we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Love needs to be the compelling force in all relationships. In Ephesians 6 Paul is addressing those who are married, those who are fathers and those who are slave or master. The gospel of Jesus Christ dignifies all human beings and all are raised to the identity of child of God by God's action toward them through Christ. The admonition is to allow your new identity to shape your actions toward other people.

"Our relationships can become very frustrating if they are not anchored in the grace of God. The love of God is to control us in every relationship we have. It is God's love that becomes the motivating factor in all our relationships. To be filled with the Spirit means this - submission one to another. It's how Jesus lived his life - constant submission to his Father. These admonitions regarding marriage, parent/child relationship, and our work relationships are relationships of love - anchored firmly to the grace of God.

"How do we live as a child of God? Ephesians 5:8-21 tells us. It is all based on a foundation of the grace that saved us. If we separate grace and how to live, we will become legalistic and performance based. It is the grace of God that saves us, it is the grace of God that moves in us today. It is about God's grace from start to finish. We experience that grace by faith. This passage uses a wonderful contrast - "At one time, but now". At one time you were in the dark, but now you are a child of light. In other words, there is something different about us now that we are in Christ.

"Jesus Christ offered himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Because the power of Christ lives in us, we have been equipped to live lives of love. We are connected to God the Father and our identity is derived from Him. Let thanksgiving replace sexual immorality, impurity or covetousness. Let your life be a fragrant offering of thanksgiving for all Christ has done. You are now in the light. Walk as children of light.

"Ephesians 2:1-3 is a passage of contrast. Once you come to Christ, you are to put off (renounce) the old man. In other words, to count yourself dead to sin, which was your former way of life. Instead, you put on (display) the new you which was created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

"The Christian walk is marked by humility, gentleness, patience, love and the bond of peace. We are unified as one body with one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of all. Grace has been given to each one according to the measure of Christ's gift. This grace enables and empowers us to live in unity and grow together in the fullness of Christ.

"The Apostle Paul kneels before the Father and this prayer that he prays, reveals that Jew and Gentile have become one in Jesus Christ. The mystery that was hidden in God is now revealed. The church of Jesus is a family, brothers and sisters in Christ. A new covenant life that is lived by His Spirit through our inner being. Know that Christ indwells in our hearts by faith and personally know the love of Christ. This love that surpasses knowledge is for you and you can be filled with the fullness of God.