Christians are to live according to their new identities in Christ, by taking off the old self which is self-orientated, and putting on the new self, which is God-orientated and focused on building others up in love.

Having been united in one new body in Christ, we now see how the body grows into maturity through the proper working of all its parts. The diversity of the body is essential for its ongoing unity and growth. What this means is that you are needed and have an essential part to play if God's church is to grow into what he intends it to be.

Now that the momentous mystery of the gospel grafting the Gentiles to Christ has been revealed, what is Paul's prayer for the Ephesians? It boils down to the basics: pray, read your Bible, go to church. But, we still see that these are not arbitrary actions, rather they are powerful proof of the glory of the gospel.

Paul now outlines his own role as the one called by God to announce God's good news to the gentiles. We see God's great plan of salvation revealed, and his wisdom displayed as he gathers his church.

Having been reconciled to God by his grace, we now see how we are also reconciled to one another. No longer are there any insiders or outsiders, all are united in one new family through faith in Christ Jesus.

As we continue in Ephesians we come to an amazing passage about the Grace of God toward us in Jesus. It begins with a diagnosis that we may not like to hear, that we are by nature spiritually dead. But from this bleak state God intervenes to lift us out of the grave to live a new life in his grace. 

As we continue in our series in Ephesians, we hear Paul's prayer for the Ephesian churches. He is filled with thanksgiving for their faith and love, and as he prays for them he asks for the greater blessings of a deeper knowledge of God and his promises. As we explore Paul's prayer points, we will learn a lot about priorities in prayer and God's plan for us.

Today we start the Book of Ephesians. God's people are blessed in Christ by being chosen by God, redeemed through Jesus, and selected by the Spirit to bring God glory.

As Jesus leads us in singing Psalm 96 - we commit ourselves to the worldwide mission of proclamation of the saving sovereignty of God our King, whose coming as judge will be celebrated by all creation.

As Jesus leads us in singing Psalm 92, we delight to praise God together and realign our hearts, so that we will continue to flourish through our lives and into eternity.