Summit Ridge Church

The book of Ephesians tells us as Christians who we are and how we should live out our faith. As we continue our study of Ephesians, Chapter 1, we're encouraged to know that we are united with Christ and our identity is firmly rooted in Him. Believers are "adopted" into God's family, have an inheritance in Him and are "sealed" by the power of the Holy Spirit. As such, we are blessed to live like children of the King rather than orphans who have no saving relationship to the Lord.

How do we come into looking at God's word without just viewing it as some sort of technical manual or checklist for life? As we continue our study in Ephesians, Chapter 1, we find that God's word is entirely personal based upon a relationship between the Lord and those whom He loves; to those whom He has chosen "before the foundation of the world."

Paul’s letter to the Colossians is only 4 short chapters arranged into three sections that provide a logical framework from which to learn truth, to maintain a right perspective on it, and then to act on it accordingly. For us as believers, to set our minds on heavenly things, specifically Christ himself, is to behave in a way that is obedient and reverent toward God, brings honor to the Son, and results in a practical rootedness in the right kingdom; the heavenly one, not the earthly one.

What is a Christian? As a Christian, how do we live life now? That is what the Book of Ephesians is addressing for us. As we continue our study in Chapter 1, we find that being a Christian is not about checking off a list of arbitrary things that we need to believe. Rather, it is about a relationship with a person; God himself.

This message concludes our series in the Book of Ezekiel with the prophet's vision of "living water" flowing from the new temple, reminding us of the waters of Eden's garden while anticipating the Messiah. As we celebrate the resurrection this Easter morning, we also are reminded that Jesus Christ is the new living water and the true source of life; now and forevermore.

Ezekiel 40-46 represents Ezekiel’s final vision and message to the nation of Israel who were exiled to Babylon. This is a challenging text that reassured God’s people of how the Lord would return and remain present among them, even after their sin brought severe consequences into their lives. Just as Ezekiel envisioned the return of God’s holy presence into the temple, we see a picture of our ultimate redemption in Jesus Christ whose Spirit lives in God’s people today; ourselves being the new temple of the living God.

Ezekiel 38 and 39 are two of the most debated, misunderstood and discussed chapters of Ezekiel. Many nations and people have been identified as Gog throughout Christendom. But is identifying who Gog is the point of the passage? Pastor John expounds these chapters of scripture and directs us to the ungirding truth - The power of Gog crumbles at the Sovereignty of the LORD.

Ezekiel 34-37 marks a significant transition in the text. While the first half of Ezekiel's prophecy is wrought with warning, judgement, and the desolation that results from God's wrath, these chapters begin to shed light on the Lord's promises. Specifically, the LORD promises to meet Israel with its greatest needs - someone to lead them, enliven them and save them from the misery of their own making. Listen to Pastor John as he sheds light on God being our Shepherd, our Spirit and our Savior.

Ezekiel 33:21 is a sobering verse. After God had warned Jerusalem, repeatedly, He finally exacts His warning: Jerusalem's destruction. What does this tell us about the character of God? What does this tell us about His word? Before proceeding the passages of Ezekiel which tell of God's restoration, reconciliation and redemption, Pastor John takes a week to pause and consider this humbling truth - God says what He does and He does what says. May it cause us to consider the trajectory of our lives as we ponder what His word says to us.

Ezekiel 33 marks a transition in the prophet. While the chapters leading to it are almost exclusively about God's judgement against sin and evil, chapter 33 is where God begins lifting the veil on His promised hope. The situation: Jerusalem is about to be overtaken by Babylon and the word of the Lord comes to Ezekiel again. God pleads with his people to repent of their wickedness that they may turn and find life in him. While this will not come to pass, God's judgement will. Pastor John forces us to ask some very difficult questions - What is repentance? What does it look like? Do we actually repent in our lives or merely act out a disingenuous worldly grief? What does it look like when we do repent? There is always hope. This hope is that God promises to renew our lives when we turn from our sin and look to Him.