We all have gifts. King Jesus gave gifts to His Church so that the fullness of God might continue after His ascension. These gifts are for the building up and strenghtening of the church for works of service so that we, as the Body of Christ, might be healthy, grow, and mature! What is your gift?

Apostle - One who is sent (church planter)

Prophet - One who speaks the truth of God into places of power and injustice.

Evangelist - One who naturally tells the story of the Gospel in a compelling way, having people join the cause - the Kingdom of God!

Shepherd - One who cares for a local people, making sure there is health and safety in a specific place. (This is often the role of a local pastor.)

Teacher - One who opens up the Scriptures and explains what they mean. One who connects the heart to the mind so that the Church can know God more fully.

All of these working together creates a healthy Church. All are necessary and not ONE single person can fulfill all of them!

Ephesians 4 is a turning point in this letter to the Church. It switches from prayers and theological statements of who God is to the practical instructions that Churches are called to be and do!

Our next sermon, 4:7-16, goes into even more detail about the gifts and graces each of us has as we grow into a healthy & mature body of Christ!

Ephesians 3:14-21.

"Are we so willing to fall in love with God that everything else is crucified?" Pastor Vito.

What is our response to the deep deep love that God has for us? What are we willing to give up to love God more fully and love our neighbor more ?

The Church is a dwelling place of God where differences and distinctions no longer define us through the power of Christ. In Christ there are no strangers or foreigners. This is where we all begin. It's easy to put up walls and defend ourselves, but Jesus saving act on the cross tears down all walls. The Temple curtain itself was torn into signifying the availability for ALL to come to God!

...The Body of Christ!

We are starting a new series in the book of Ephesians and dig into this letter as Paul gives instructions for the church. There are many images of the Church and we are going to explore many of them.

Pastor Vito finished our series in Romans. When we repay evil for evil, we conform to this world, but when we repay evil with genuine love, even for the unlovable and enemies, God's kingdom breaks in. This genuine love truly transforms lives. May we be the kind of people that doesn't seek revenge, but loves and prays for our enemies.

If you'd like to participate in worship through giving, you can go to lovingtonnaz.org. Click on the green GIVE tab on the top right-hand corner.

Thanks and have a blessed day!

David Reed preached a vivid sermon on the Good Samaritan, bringing it to life in very real ways.