The Bible teaches there are four ways to seek the power of the Holy Spirit:

First, immerse yourself in God’s Word.
Second, believe in the promises of God’s Word.
Third, ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit.
Fourth, obey the Spirit working in your life.

Today, we pray for an infilling of the Holy Spirit that Christ may take up residence in our hearts, that our inner being may be fully alive, deeply animated, set on fire for all that is… and all that is to come.

Is the cross of Christ, that broke down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, powerful enough to break down the walls among those of us who have been brought near to God? Is there still power in the body and blood of Jesus for us today?

To people who may feel far off or strangers to deep immersion in Christian community, what is most inviting is the living testimony of people in that community who can share what it was like to live AT ONE TIME a certain way BUT NOW in Christ.

First: It’s Not About You. It’s About Jesus
Second: God Elected (Chose) You.
Third: Election is an incentive for us to live holy lives filled with the Spirit.
Fourth: God adopted you; you are God’s possession.
And Fifth: You, Your Life, and History are not meaningless.

The Father has lavished with a feast of blessings. He has chosen us, loved us, redeemed us, enlightened us, and endowed us in Jesus Christ. As we begin this series on the book of Ephesians, let us marvel in our inclusion in the master plan of God’s restoration project for the cosmos.