Welcome to The Church

Introduction

Next Steps class

Review - Eph 2:1-10

All are dead

But God raised us up

Created for good works

Title: Welcome to “The Church”

Text: Ephesians 2:11-22

Our Past Position

Christ’s Part in our position

Our Present Position

Our Past Position (vv.11-12)

Formally

Ephesians 2:2 NASB95

2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.

Remember (v12)

Strangers

No hope - No God

Uncircumcision vs Circumcision

Covenant with Abraham (Gen 17:1-14)

Council at Jerusalem (Acts 15:5-11)

Christ Part in Our Position (vv.13-18)

But Now…In Christ (vv4-7)

Peace

barrier

Exalting Jesus in Ephesians (Christ Has Made Us One (2:14b–16)) While Paul was writing this letter, there was a literal wall standing in the temple that excluded the Gentiles.

abolishing

Enmity - enemy, hostile, dislike, disagreement

Col 2:16-22.

Galatians 2:20–21 NASB95

20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”

one new man (v15)

Galatians 3:28 NASB95

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:10 NASB95

10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—

Access (v18)

Ephesians 2:18 “18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.”

Does God hear the prayers of unbelievers?

Our Present Position (vv.19-22)

No Longer

Strangers

Aliens

But, you are

Fellow Citizens

of God’s household

Exalting Jesus in Ephesians Members of God’s Family (2:19b)

The church is not a building we go to or an event we attend. The church is family, living life together on mission. Be careful not to treat the church as a hotel—visiting a place occasionally, giving a tip if you are served well. Rather, see the church as part of your Christian identity, and understand that we all have a role in God’s household.

holy temple - dwelling of God

1 Corinthians 3:9 NASB95

9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.

1 Corinthians 3:16 NASB95

16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

1 Peter 2:5 NASB95

5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The Church is important to God...

Ephesians 5:25 NASB95

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

Exalting Jesus in Ephesians Let Us Elevate Our Concept of the Local Church

We show we are part of the universal church by identifying with a tangible people locally. Is this not what we do in our union with Christ? We live out spiritual union with Christ visibly. In the same way, we should live out our union with other believers visibly. Identify yourself with a people. Avoid being a “ninja Christian,” just slipping into a worship service and leaving without a trace. Be a family member instead.