As the culture wars rage Christians are upset at the loss of our Christmas freedoms. Now it’s ‘Happy Holidays’ not ‘Merry Christmas’. But maybe God’s dismantling that culture to return His people back to the majesty of a tale we’d never have written ourselves. Slowly weaning us off our addiction to nostalgia which does nothing but bury the story, and do little to retell it. To brush away the old boughs of holly, tinsel, fake snow & twinkling lights to recover the biblical Jesus once more.

Today we look at what it means to be adopted into the family of God by way of the final sacrifice of Jesus! Two gifts, adoption & forgiveness reconcile us to the Father!

In this series we’re looking with anticipation at the reality of God becoming flesh at Christmas with a particular focus today as to what it means that Christ made His dwelling among us.

When John wrote his gospel, he intended for the whole book to be read through the lens of John 1:1. Today we study why that is so important.

As God calls these people back to the true heart of worship, He warns them not to be spiritual imposters. To do the things they need to do just to gain blessing, and not for the joy of having God’s presence among them.

In spiritual drift, personal desire eclipses worship and we do not practice the presence of God. God lovingly confronts our waywardness. Our only acceptable response is repentance leading to faithful obedience. God draws us back to our dual purpose of worship and mission where we find satisfaction. The end goal of mankind is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever - eternal worship! Our time limited call is ‘mission’ - to make God known among all peoples.

Worship requires heart evaluation. Sometimes personal desire takes priority over God, and He confronts our errancy, drawing us back to purpose and the actions which further it.

Ephesians Part 5

Ephesians (sermon 4 of series)

Ephesians 3