You say you’ve been saved… but have you actually left your old life behind?

In this message from Ephesians 4:17–32, Pastor David Johnson explores what it really means to follow Jesus after salvation. While Christ completely forgives our sin and makes us new, many of us continue living with one foot in the past—held back by old habits, old identities, old wounds, and old ways of thinking.

The Apostle Paul calls believers to make a clean break with the old life by throwing off the old nature, renewing their minds, and putting on the new life found in Christ.

If you’ve ever struggled with recurring sin, shame, anger, bitterness, fear, or feeling pulled back into who you used to be, this message is for you.

In this message you’ll discover:

• Why salvation changes your identity before it changes your behavior

• What Paul meant by “throw off your old nature”

• How to recognize the “ropes” that still pull you toward your past

• Why freedom isn’t about trying harder—but letting go

Three practical steps to experience lasting spiritual growth:

Seek the Truth

Drop the Rope

Live Like Him

Jesus didn’t simply forgive your past—He made you new. Now it’s time to leave the old life behind.

Scripture:

Ephesians 4:17–32

Romans 8:11–14

Colossians 3:1–10

Hebrews 12:1–2

2 Corinthians 5:17

If this message encouraged you, consider subscribing, sharing it with a friend, and joining us as we continue our journey through the book of Ephesians.

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What happens after you become a Christian?

For many people, salvation is viewed as the finish line—our sins are forgiven, heaven is secure, and now we simply wait. But that’s not the picture the Bible gives us.

In Ephesians 4:7–16, the Apostle Paul reveals that salvation is actually the beginning of something much bigger. Jesus doesn’t simply rescue us from our past—He transforms us from the inside out, fills us with His Spirit, places us into His Church, and empowers us to become who we were created to be.

You were never meant to follow Jesus alone.

In this message, we’ll explore:

What Paul means by the “gift” Christ gives every believe.

Why salvation is about transformation, not just forgiveness

The purpose of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers

Why spiritual maturity always happens in community

How God designed every believer to play a unique part in His Church

What life looks like on the other side of salvation

Whether you’re exploring Christianity, new to faith, or have followed Jesus for decades, this message is a reminder that God’s work in your life didn’t stop when He saved you—it had only just begun.

Scripture:

Ephesians 4:7–16

2 Corinthians 5:14–21

John 3:16–17

1 Corinthians 12

If this message encouraged you, we’d love for you to subscribe, share it with a friend, and join us in person or online each week as we continue studying the book of Ephesians.

Highlands Church

Following Jesus Together.

Through Every Generation | Ephesians 3 | Ps. David Johnson

At Highlands Church, we believe following Jesus isn’t just about what we believe — it’s about how we live. In this message, Taylor Schultz walks through Ephesians 4:1–6 and explores what it means to “walk worthy” of the calling God has placed on our lives.

This sermon dives into:

What it means to live a life worthy of God’s calling

The biblical idea of “walking” as a lifestyle of following Jesus

How humility, patience, gentleness, and unity reflect the character of Christ

Why community and the Church matter in spiritual growth

Learning to recognize and respond to God’s voice

Leaving behind old patterns and putting on a new nature in Christ

Key Scriptures:

Ephesians 4:1–6

Colossians 3:12–15

Matthew 25:14–30

1 Corinthians 12:13

Whether you feel spiritually energized, exhausted, distracted, or uncertain about what God is calling you into, this message is a reminder that God is still speaking — and He’s inviting each of us to follow Him together.

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What if the church isn’t Plan B?

In Ephesians 3, Paul reveals one of the most breathtaking truths in all of Scripture: before the foundations of the world, God had a dream. A dream of one forever family united in Christ. And through Jesus, that dream has become reality.

This week, we explore God’s eternal plan, the mystery revealed through Christ, and the incredible truth that every believer is part of God’s dream come true. Together we’ll discover why the church was always God’s plan, how His love has shaped human history, and what it means to live within His purpose today.

Big Idea: God always keeps His promises. What He starts, He finishes. Because He is faithful, His dreams come true.

Scripture: Ephesians 3

In This Message:

• The mystery of God’s plan revealed through Christ

• Why the church was always God’s eternal purpose

• God’s dream of a forever family

• Trust → Understand → Experience

• Living as God’s dream come true

• The width, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love

Key Verses:

Ephesians 3:10-11

Ephesians 3:16-21

Philippians 1:6

1 Corinthians 1:8-9

If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear that they are deeply loved by God and invited into His forever family.

In Week 4 of our Ephesians series, we explore one of the most powerful truths in the gospel:

Jesus didn’t just come to forgive sin.

He came to form a new family.

In Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul reminds us that through the cross, Jesus broke down every wall that separated people from God and from one another. What was once divided has now been made one in Christ.

No longer strangers.

No longer outsiders.

No longer alone.

Through Jesus, we have been welcomed into the forever family of God.

This message explores:

• The historical divide between Jews and Gentiles

• Why Jesus is called the “True Israel”

• How the cross destroyed hostility and separation

• What baptism means for our identity

• Why our identity in Christ comes before every other label

• What it means to truly live like family in the Church

Scripture References:

• Ephesians 2:11-22

• Galatians 3:26-29

• John 15

• Romans 5

• 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.

You can also go deeper with us through the “After Sunday” podcast available on YouTube and Spotify.

Highlands Church exists to help people find and follow Jesus.

#Ephesians #Church #Jesus #Christianity #BibleTeaching #Faith #Gospel #HighlandsChurch #FamilyOfGod

Your past is real… but it is not final.

In week three of our series through Ephesians, we walk through one of the most hope-filled passages in all of scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10. In this message, we discover the overwhelming mercy and grace of God that meets us in our brokenness and gives us brand new life through Jesus.

No matter where you’ve been, what you’ve done, or what still tries to define you… God is not finished with your story.

In this message we explore:

• Why the past can feel so powerful

• The meaning behind “But God…” in Ephesians 2

• Mercy vs. grace

• What it means to be made alive in Christ

• Why you are called God’s masterpiece

• How Jesus redeems broken stories for His glory

The gospel reminds us that we are not trapped by who we once were. Through Jesus, there is freedom, purpose, identity, and a future filled with hope.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

Ephesians 2:1-10

Romans 5:6-10

Lamentations 3:22-23

If this message encouraged you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.

——

Highlands Church

Following Jesus Together

#Ephesians #ChristianSermon #Grace #Mercy #Jesus #BibleTeaching #Faith #Christianity #Gospel #Hope

What if God never intended your faith to stay shallow?

In week two of our series through Ephesians, we explore Paul’s powerful prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23 and discover God’s invitation to go deeper with Him. Beyond surface-level religion… beyond routine… beyond comfort… God is calling us into a living relationship marked by hope, identity, intimacy, and power through the Holy Spirit.

In this message, we unpack:

• The “hope” we’ve been given through Jesus

• What it means to be God’s glorious inheritance

• The same power that raised Christ from the dead now living in us

• Why many believers settle for shallow faith

• Practical ways to draw near to God and grow deeper spiritually

No matter where you are in your faith journey, God wants to reveal Himself to you personally and bring you beneath the surface of faith.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

Ephesians 1:15-23

Romans 8

Hebrews 6

James 4:7-8

2 Timothy 1:7

If this message encouraged you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.

——

Highlands Church

Following Jesus Together

#Ephesians #ChristianSermon #Faith #BibleTeaching #HolySpirit #Hope #Jesus #Church #EphesiansStudy #Christianity

What if your story didn’t start when you were born…

What if it started before the world even existed?

In this opening message from our new series through the book of Ephesians, we look at one of the most powerful truths in all of scripture—that God chose you, loved you, and made a plan for your life before creation itself.

This isn’t random.

This isn’t reactive.

This is intentional, personal, and rooted in love.

Ephesians 1 shows us that we’ve been adopted into God’s family, sealed with His Spirit, and given a purpose that goes far beyond this life. We’re not just living ordinary days—we’re living inside the unfolding story of eternity… the history of heaven.

And now the question becomes:

What story is your life telling?

Scripture References:

Ephesians 1:1–14

Philippians 4:4–7

2 Timothy 1:9

Colossians 3:16–17

Revelation 21:1–7

At Highlands Church, we are all about helping people find and follow Jesus. We believe your life matters, your story matters, and God is not finished with you yet.

If this message encouraged you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Stay Connected:

Website: www.highlandsla.com

Instagram: @highlandschurchla

The Middle Of The Mission | Matthew 28 | Ps. Trenton Mueller