Oceanside United Reformed Church Unknown

We continue through Paul's letter to the Ephesian churches with-Paul's conclusion to his argument that the Gentiles -non-Jews- are full members of the people of God. This was God's ancient mystery that's now revealed through the apostle's ministry. --GOD'S MYSTERY -VV. 1-6-- -PAUL'S MINISTRY -VV. 7-13-

GOD'S COVENANT HAS A FOUNDATION-GOD'S COVENANT SERVES A PURPOSE- GOD'S COVENANT REQUIRES ACTION

We again open up Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus this morning with Paul's first prayer in this book. What is prayer-- Why is it necessary-- What are the kinds of things we should ask based on Paul's example-- --A THRIVING CHURCH--A PRAYING APOSTLE--ENLIGHTENED TO KNOW GOD - -KNOWING GOD'S CALLING- -KNOWING GOD'S RICHES- -KNOWING GOD'S POWER

We continue through Paul's letter to the Ephesian churches with another passage that flows out of his praise - prayer in chapter 1. We'll hear everything great about the good news- how it changes our relationship with God and each other, as well as calls us to access our newfound status as the people of God. --REMEMBER YOU WERE -FAR OFF- -VV. 11-12- Separated...-Alienated...-Estranged...-Hopeless...-Godless---REVEL IN BEING BROUGHT -NEAR- -VV. 13-18- --You who once were far off have been brought near--By the blood of Christ--The horizonal or social aspects of this nearness--The vertical or theological aspects of this nearness--For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father--RESPOND TO YOUR NEW ACCESS -VV. 19-22- Metaphor- you are citizens of a city-Metaphor- you are a house

We continue our survey of the Bible with the prophecy of Zephaniah. He's the last pre-exilic prophet we've looked at. His message is one of judgment and hope- two great themes of the Bible.

This text reminds us to make sure we are ready for the return of Christ. --THE CIRCUMSTANCES AROUND JESUS' RETURN- THE CAUTION TO BE PREPARED-THE CHARACTERISTICS OF BEING PREPARED