In today's sermon on Ephesians 3:14-19, we read Paul's prayer for the Ephesians to grasp the mystery of God's goodness. The emphasis is on God's unlimited resources and the encouragement to seek more from Him. We are urged to desire a deeper experience of God's love. The passage parallels the greatest commandment, emphasizing strength, soul, mind, and love. The prayer is for the congregation to be filled with the fullness of God, seeking a life saturated with His presence and blessings.

This week, we're delving into Ephesians 3:1-13, unraveling the mystery of God revealed through Jesus. As we explore the fulfillment of numerous prophecies by Christ, we come to understand the intricate plan God had in place throughout history. We'll grasp the cosmic significance of the church and its role in proclaiming God's goodness to believers and the spiritual realms. We'll reflect on Paul's example, encouraging each other to prioritize others for the sake of the Gospel. Let's remind ourselves of the profound impact of the cross and allow the Gospel to naturally lead us to care deeply for others.

This week, we look at spiritual death and God's transformative grace. Reflecting on Ephesians 2:1-3, we acknowledge our universal brokenness and enslavement, emphasizing that we were all once spiritually dead. There is a stark contrast between living in the flesh and living in Christ. Being a Christian isn't just about the afterlife but experiencing new life now. We're reminded to view others not as enemies but as people in need of life. The world tends to be a place of despair, with a real enemy at work.

But God's love and mercy make us alive with Christ and offer incomparable grace. We live in gratitude, knowing that salvation is a gift, not earned. We stress the importance of maintaining hope amid worldly challenges, living out our new life, and being ready to share the reason for our hope.

This week we look at the importance of prayer and the content of our prayers. Emphasizing that our prayer lives have often been influenced by a consumerism culture, leading us to pray for small and material things, almost treating God like Santa Claus. Instead, we ought to shift our prayers towards a desire for spiritual growth and transformation. The focus is on changing our identities and understanding ourselves as God sees us. Pray for a deeper knowledge of God and a higher spiritual view rather than just seeking changes in our circumstances. This passage also underscores the accessibility of understanding scripture, encouraging us to read the Bible and ask God for wisdom and insight. The core message revolves around placing Jesus above all things, recognizing that He is higher and more significant than any worldly concern. It calls for a shift in priorities, with a desire for more of Jesus and less of ourselves, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of our faith and God's plan.

Every Super Hero is a normal person who then gets extraordinary power. The new life we have in Jesus gives us the ability to love and care for others. We have a role as the hands and feet of Jesus. There are so many around us who need help, even just a little encouragement can go a long way. Ask God, and be on the lookout for opportunities to help others.

This week, we explore a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. He talks about their adoption as children of God, stressing that this adoption is a permanent and profound transformation. This challenges the idea that everyone is automatically a child of God and highlights the importance of a personal relationship with God through salvation.

Paul also mentions that believers are co-heirs with Christ and shares in God's glory. We explore that our eternity begins at the point of salvation, urging us to live in alignment with our relationship with God.

We should perspective, emphasizing that salvation is not just about what happens after death but how we live our lives now, focusing on knowing and glorifying God.

Have you ever felt that need for pitch-black darkness to sleep in? In a world filled with artificial light, the value of light as a commodity from ancient times becomes more apparent. The sun, moon, and stars were the primary sources of light. In our exploration of the names of God, we've now reached Jehovah 'Ori, signifying God as our light.

David recognized the significance of light, describing the Lord as his light and salvation in Psalm 27. In the New Testament, John also equated Jesus with light, emphasizing His role as the light of the world. This means that by following Jesus, we find direction, confidence, and purpose, guiding us through the darkness of the world. As children of the light, we carry this divine light to illuminate the path for others, exposing hidden struggles and sins. We are bearers of the divine light, showing the way to hope and righteousness in a world full of darkness.

This week, we delve into the name "Jehovah-Raah," which means "the Lord my Shepherd." We discuss how God's role as our Shepherd implies guidance, protection, and provision. It emphasizes the need for trust in God's guidance, especially in uncertain times, and encourages us to find contentment and blessings in His care. We're reminded to live in the present, allowing God to lead us, and to find rest and peace in His presence. Psalm 23 serves as our guide as we look at what it means to have God as our Shepherd.

This week, we reflected on Cloud's Creek's 235-year journey in Oglethorpe County. We acknowledged that it is staying focused on God's mission that has sustained us. From our inception after the Revolutionary War to navigating through historical challenges, God's enduring grace has been our anchor. We marveled at His unwavering love and faithfulness, which motivates us to stay devoted to His mission. Our mission involves connecting people with God through the gospel, nurturing spiritual growth, and serving within and outside the church. On this special anniversary, we renew our dedication to the mission of Connect, Grow, and Serve.