We sometimes think becoming a Christian is something that has to take a lot of time and effort. As we consider what we believe, it can be easy to feel as if we’re somewhere between “not a believer” and “someone saved by Christ.”

But the Bible gives us a different interpretation: we are either strangers to this world and God’s kingdom, or we are fully citizens of it. And when we profess faith in Christ, we undergo a wonderful, instant change in this identity that doesn’t depend on how smart, experienced, or moral we are.

Let’s look at how 1) until we believe in Christ, we are alienated to God’s world, and 2) becoming a Christian is a change in our citizenship.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 16, 1993. Series: Salvation From the Outside In. Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22.

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When we think of what it means to be holy, many of us think of a perfect person who never does anything wrong. And if the apostle Paul says that we are being shaped to be holy, how could we ever live up to such a standard?

The Bible, thankfully, gives us a bigger definition of the word. To be holy means to be wholly his—someone who has reoriented their priorities around God and his glory even as they make mistakes. Join us as we examine how we, too, can be stones that make up what Paul calls a holy temple of God.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 9, 1993. Series: Salvation From the Outside In. Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22.

Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

In the Book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul calls Christians stones of a holy temple “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets…” But what does it really mean that these figures of the early church are our foundation, and why is it important?

By studying the apostles and prophets’ teachings in the Word of God, we make sure the church is built on a solid basis for a unity that cannot be found anywhere else. Join us as we explore 1) what this foundation is, 2) why it is the foundation, 3) how we can make sure we are laid on the foundation.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 2, 1993. Series: Salvation From the Outside In. Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22.

Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

One of the biggest questions the Bible answers is, “If human beings have been separated from God, how can we be in his presence again?” The good news is this: from the days of Adam and Eve to our own lives today, God has been working out a plan that allows us to dwell with him once again.

The apostle Paul describes us as building blocks that make up a new temple—one which God himself inhabits. What does this nearness to God mean for the way we think about him and live our lives?

Join us as we see why 1) we should always have full assurance to draw near to God, and 2) we can think of everything we do as the offering of a sacrifice.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on April 25, 1993. Series: Salvation From the Outside In. Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22.

Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

Being part of a church doesn’t mean we’re part of an audience. Rather, each of us is a building block that plays a crucial part in making up the whole.

The apostle Paul explains this when he says we as Christians are stones that build a holy temple—stones that must enjoy unity, connection, and intimacy if we are to hold together. And if we rely on Jesus Christ as our cornerstone, we can immerse ourselves in true community even when it takes sacrifice.

Let’s explore how 1) we are all stones that make up a holy temple, and 2) see that we now have access to the presence of God.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on April 18, 1993. Series: Salvation From the Outside In. Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22.

Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on April 4, 1993. Series: Salvation From the Outside In. Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22.

Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on March 14, 1993. Series: Salvation From the Outside In. Scripture: Ephesians 2:18.

Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on March 7, 1993. Series: Salvation From the Outside In. Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-18.

Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

When we consider what it means to be “close to God,” it’s likely we think of the religious as near to him and non-churchgoers as far away. But Paul tells us that no matter how close we seem, we are all equally estranged from God until we call Christ our Savior.

As the Book of Ephesians points out, the real question of whether we are Christians or not is not how good we are or how often we pray. The real question is: have we been brought near by the blood of Christ?

Let’s look at how 1) those far from God tend to avoid him, 2) how those near to him do the same in different ways, and 3) how the blood of Christ reconciles both with the Lord.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on February 28, 1993. Series: Salvation From the Outside In. Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-18.

Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.