Summit Ridge Church

In this retelling of Hagar's story from the book of Genesis, pastor Jeremy digs into the practical ramifications that included many aspects we might not immediately consider upon a first reading. The sins of Abraham and Sarai/Sarah along with the suffering of Hagar are worth considering more closely, especially when we realize that the Lord was using their circumstances to write his story of redemptive salvation. "Resurrection only comes after death" and it is from the descendant of Abraham, Jesus, that the Lord would provide ultimate redemption for those who believe.

Because of who God is and what he has done, what does it look like to live out our Christian lives in real time? This passage in Ephesians 5 reminds us that our relationship with God matters. As we are filled more and more by the power and presence of the Spirit of Jesus, and as we walk with the Lord daily, our spiritual life with God does not remain on the fringe of life, but in the center of our life. Walking closely with God brings about wise living filled with goodness, righteousness, truth, care for others and a worshipful heart.

How can we remind ourselves of God's love when faced with temptations and challenges? Ephesians 5 teaches us that having a good moral life is not the path to holiness. Rather, we are to flee from sexual immorality, greed and sins of the tongue because Christ gave himself to us out of love. Our response to his sacrifice should be a changed and holy life, rooted in love, knowing that God's love is so much greater than we can comprehend.

How can the concept of 'putting off' and 'putting on' discussed in Ephesians be practically applied in your daily life as a believer? Reflecting on anger, how can you cultivate righteous anger in response to injustices while avoiding sinful expressions of anger? Considering the the impact of words on the heart, how can you engage in regular self-reflection and confession to ensure your words align with God's standards? Here, in this passage of Ephesians 4, Paul addresses these issues in order that we, as believers, might not grieve the Holy Spirit.

There are several adjoining themes of the Lord's personal and powerful lovingkindness and wisdom found in Psalm 34. Blessing, protection, salvation and redemption can be found in Him for those who fear Him. We worship "YAHWEH" for He is our good God who comes near and He gives life to the wise. Wisdom comes through repentance, turning from evil and seeking the Lord; redemption to those who take refuge in Him.

What is the trajectory of your spiritual life? Are you following the ways of the world or the path that Jesus would define for you? Are you truly a believer in Christ? If so, does your life demonstrate the work of the Holy Spirit? Our text in Ephesians today argues that followers of Christ will live differently as a result of walking with Jesus.

Sometimes, we need to go back to basics, especially when we consider how the church is gifted to function in unity. The middle of Ephesians, chapter 4, calls the church to consider things like, "What is church?" or "What is the purpose of church?" or "What is God's intent for the church?" and "When they gather, what should be their drive and focus?" Unity, spiritual growth and the equipping of the saints are indicators of a healthy church.

As we continue our study of Ephesians, we now transition into the second half of Paul's letter. Whereas chapters 1-3 laid out the foundation of our faith, chapters 4-6 encourage us how to live that out in a culture that is hostile toward Christ and his followers. This first part of chapter 3 calls its hearers to humility, gentleness, patience, love and unity among all believers.

How big is your God? What about when it comes to prayer specifically? In this section of Ephesians, we learn of Paul's prayers for the church. Here, he prays for them to be strengthened by God's power and to understand the immensity of Christ's love. And also that they would be filled with God's fullness. What if we prayed like this?