The church was born as the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples at Pentecost, a large crowd gathered, the gospel was proclaimed, and the rest is history. God is still in the business of building his church as people are filled with the Holy Spirit, committed to the gospel, and being devoted to the things of the Lord with one another. 

Scripture: Acts 2

God's grace is unmerited favor that he bestows to save sinners and bring them into a relationship with him, but there is so much more to grace. It rescues us, causes us to anticipate Christ's glorious return, and it brings about transformation in our lives.

Scripture: Titus 2:11–14

The truth of Scripture should have a powerful impact on our lifestyle. People in Crete were defined by sinful speech, broken families, beast-like behavior, and gluttony. Many claimed to know God but denied him by their deeds. Titus 2:1–5 provides exhortations for men and women to live a life that accords with sound doctrine. 

Scripture: Titus 2:1–5

We are easily led astray by the wrong kind of influencers, and we want to follow people only because of strength, success, and innovation. Scripture shows us that there is so much more to leadership than that. Anyone church that wants to call itself a church will have elders leading it who meet God's specific qualifications, and those who are led will seek to follow their example.

Scriptures: Titus 1:5-9

Romans 9:19–29 continues Paul argument that God is merciful to whomever he chooses and that God hardens whomever he chooses. Human beings need to remember their lowly state before God and acknowledge that he is the one who holds us in his hands, shaping us as the potter shapes the clay. God's mercy shines gloriously against the backdrop human wickedness.

Scriptures: Romans 9:19–29

Our total depravity makes it impossible for us to seek God and walk in his ways. We need God to make us alive spiritually through his grace. God chooses to make people alive, calling them to salvation in an effectual way.

Passage: Ephesians 2:4–9

Sin has infected every single human being. It is important to know how our sin has broken a relationship with our sovereign God. No one seeks him, and as a result we make a mess of our lives. Only when we understand this bad news can the good news of God's grace have any appeal to us.

Scripture: Romans 3:10-18

We often forget how transcendent God is, and try to think of him and related him as if he was on our level. We need to see God as high and lifted up and our hopelessness before him, unless he makes a way for our salvation. 

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-7

The apostle Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians by explaining his faithful messenger and summarizing the message of the epistle. God calls all of the saints to do the work of ministry to encourage the hearts of their brothers and sisters.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:21-24

Paul encourages the believers in Ephesus to take up the armor of God by praying constantly in the Spirit, making prayer and supplication for others. Pray for not only ourselves, but for others, helps supply, equip, and strengthen believers in the spiritual war and can unleash a great power in their lives to make them bold ambassadors for the gospel.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18-20