Ephesians

Twin Cities Grace Fellowship

A look into the things ordained before the world unto the Christians glory!

  1. 6D AGO

    Loving Christ Sincerely | Lesson 163

    In this final message from Ephesians 6:19–24, Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, highlighted Paul’s remarkable prayer request from prison—not for release or physical deliverance, but that utterance would be given to him to boldly make known the mystery of the gospel. The sermon traced how this focus appears across Paul’s prison epistles and how, even in chains, his chief concern was that Christ be magnified in his body, whether by life or by death. It also drew attention to how his boldness emboldened others, how men like Tychicus faithfully carried his letters and reports between assemblies, and how the spiritual welfare of the saints brought real comfort and joy to Paul’s heart, illustrating the deep, practical fellowship of the body of Christ. The message closed by emphasizing Paul’s last line in the epistle: “Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.” Loving Christ in sincerity was defined as an unmixed, genuine devotion shaped by the truth of Ephesians 1–3 and lived out in the worthy walk of Ephesians 4–6. Strelecki reviewed those core doctrines—the counsel of God before the world began, the believer’s identity in Christ, the mystery of Jew and Gentile in one body, the heavenly vocation of the church, and the provision of the whole armor of God—showing that they are not abstract ideas but truths meant to permeate every relationship and circumstance of life. His expressed desire as Pastor-Teacher is that this local church would be marked by such sincere love for Christ, walking as children of light, standing firm in the evil day, and living now in a way that reflects who they already are in Him.

    1h 10m
  2. FEB 8

    Praying Always in The Spirit Pt. 4 | Lesson 162

    Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, emphasized that prayer is not a mere scheduled “prayer time,” but an ongoing, vigilant participation in spiritual warfare. Teaching from Ephesians 6:18, he explained faithfulness in prayer as keeping our hearts “in the Spirit with all diligence,” recognizing enemies both within (our wrong thoughts, doubts about God’s forgiveness, vain humility) and without (the world’s ideas, influences, and pressures). Using Christ’s agony in Gethsemane and the disciples’ failure to watch and pray, he showed how easily believers can grow dull, distracted, or spiritually asleep, and how prayer is God’s means to keep us alert, guarded, and strengthened in the inner man. He also described the fullness of prayer as the Word and Spirit moving from mere knowledge into action—Christ dwelling in our hearts by faith so that His love “which passes knowledge” is actually lived out. Drawing from Ephesians 1–3 and 4–6, he urged believers not to stop at right theology, but to let prayerful meditation on God’s truth produce concrete obedience: serving others, meeting needs, interceding for all saints, bearing infirmities, and walking as children of light. In sum, Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, called the church to be a praying people—continuing instant in prayer, watching with all perseverance—so that we neither ignore the battle nor waste our completeness in Christ, but glorify God by actively doing His will.

    1 hr
  3. JAN 18

    Praying Always in The Spirit Pt. 3 | Lesson 161

    In the sermon, Pastor Josh Strelecki explores the significance of prayer as a vital component of a Christian's spiritual life, emphasizing its role in communication with God and its connection to understanding His character. He highlights the significance of Ephesians 6, which addresses the armor of God, focusing specifically on the integration of prayer with the Word of God, identified as the sword of the Spirit. Pastor Josh discusses the essentials, features, frequency, and fullness of prayer, describing it as a sincere and intelligent dialogue with God rather than a mere ritual or obligation. He explains that prayer allows believers to express adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving, ultimately fostering a deeper fellowship with God, especially through understanding the completed work of Jesus Christ. Pastor Josh further elaborates on the frequency of prayer, encouraging believers to engage in continuous communication with God, as reflected in passages like 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which advises Christians to "pray without ceasing." He points out that prayer is an ongoing dialogue that can be undertaken at any time and is not confined to specific locations or circumstances. By examining Old and New Testament scriptures, Pastor Josh illustrates how seeking God's face—His character and glory—enriches the understanding and appropriation of God's will. He encourages the faithful to remain vigilant in prayer, especially during spiritual battles, and to utilize prayer as a means of seeking God’s comfort, strength, and guidance, ultimately enhancing their walk of faith.

    54 min
  4. JAN 11

    Praying Always in The Spirit Pt. 2 | Lesson 160

    Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, explores the multifaceted nature of prayer within the framework of Ephesians 6, particularly emphasizing its connection to the "sword of the Spirit" or the Word of God. He delves into the theme of prayer, taking an expansive view to establish a biblical theology that spans from creation to the present. Strelecki highlights six crucial aspects of prayer, characterized by alliteration with the letter F: fundamentals, features, frequency, fullness, faithfulness, and forms. He stresses that prayer signifies a unique form of communication between humans and God, rooted in humanity's creation in God's image. This connection provides the groundwork for prayer as an expression of worship and a means to deepen one's relationship with God. By examining scripture, Strelecki underscores various elements and features of prayer such as adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving. He encourages believers to approach prayer with a sense of reverence, acknowledging God's greatness and character before presenting their requests. Furthermore, he reassures that confession in prayer doesn't question one's forgiveness but enhances relational dynamics with God by acknowledging personal sins and weaknesses. Supplication is seen not just as making requests but as intertwining God's provisions into one's life, while thanksgiving ties the other elements together, ensuring a rich and vital prayer life. Strelecki implores believers to engage earnestly in prayer, affirming it as life-giving and strengthening one's communion with God.

    1h 6m
  5. JAN 4

    Praying Always in The Spirit | Lesson 159

    Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, delves into the subject of prayer, highlighting its significance and foundational aspects within the Christian life. Focusing on Ephesians 6:18, he argues against the notion of viewing prayer as merely a duty, emphasizing instead the privilege and honor it is to communicate with God. Strelecki stresses the connection between the Word of God and prayer, encouraging believers to adopt a biblical theology of prayer. He shares his personal journey and challenges, particularly how his understanding of prayer shifted when learning about dispensationalism and right division. Despite these challenges, he encourages believers to pray freely and embrace the open line of communication with God, who desires a relationship with His children, just like a loving parent wants to hear from their children. Strelecki further emphasizes that believers have unprecedented access to God through Jesus Christ, pointing out that prayer is a form of worship and an acknowledgment of both God's all-sufficiency and our dependency on Him. He explores various aspects of prayer, such as the role of words in communication with God and the privilege of access bought by Christ's sacrifice. Addressing prayer's fundamental connection to mankind's creation in God's image, Strelecki underscores the transformative power of prayer, urging the congregation to move beyond mere knowledge of spiritual truths to active engagement, seeing prayer as a mechanism for participating in God's work. He challenges listeners to examine their prayer lives, encouraging them to be both the recipients and agents of answered prayers, embodying the teachings of scripture in every facet of life.

    1h 6m
  6. 12/28/2025

    The Sword of The Spirit | Lesson 158

    In his sermon, Pastor Josh Strelecki expounded on the significance of the "sword of the Spirit," which he identified as the Word of God, emphasizing its crucial role in the spiritual armor provided for believers. He highlighted that while other pieces of armor serve both defensive and offensive purposes, the sword of the Spirit is distinctly offensive, designed to combat spiritual adversaries effectively. Pastor Strelecki elaborated on the nature of spiritual warfare, noting that the battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness, requiring weapons that are not carnal but divine. He stressed the importance of wielding the Word of God skillfully and with discernment, comparing it to the Roman sword, which required rigorous training and precision. By understanding the Word's power and applying it to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart, believers can stand firm against the devil's wiles. Pastor Strelecki also encouraged believers to engage deeply with Scripture through reading, studying, meditating, and believing in the Word of God, emphasizing that its strength lies in its ability to transform the inner man. He pointed out that the sword of the Spirit is sharper than any two-edged sword, capable of reaching the soul and spirit and serving as a discerner of the heart's thoughts and intents. He urged the congregation to value this divine weapon, protect it from neglect, and use it to pull down strongholds in their minds. Furthermore, Pastor Strelecki highlighted the importance of wielding this sword in unity with other believers, strengthening the body of Christ to fight the good fight collectively. In conclusion, he prepared to transition into discussing the role of prayer, connected with the Word of God, as part of the believer's spiritual arsenal.

    1h 3m
  7. 12/14/2025

    The Helmet of Salvation | Lesson 157

    Josh Strelecki, Pastor-Teacher, delves into Ephesians chapter 6, specifically focusing on the "helmet of salvation" within the context of the whole armor of God. Emphasizing the dual role of each piece of armor as both defensive and offensive, he argues that the helmet represents the hope of future salvation, a critical aspect for protecting and equipping the mind in spiritual battles. Strelecki underscores that this hope transcends present circumstances, offering comfort and strength by anchoring believers in the ultimate purpose and plan of God in Christ. He elaborates on the erroneous interpretations around being "chosen" and "predestinated," clarifying that God’s primary purpose transcends salvation from sin, aiming instead for His creation to be presented holy and blameless before Him. Drawing from various scriptures, including Ephesians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Romans, Strelecki highlights how the hope of salvation provides enduring joy, peace, and comfort, enabling believers to withstand spiritual attacks and remain steadfast. This hope, deeply rooted in the revelation of God’s eternal purpose through Jesus Christ, serves as a powerful tool for confronting the wickedness of the present world. By focusing on this future assurance, believers are encouraged to remain diligent in their spiritual walk, allowing their understanding of their identity in Christ to transform how they live moment by moment. Ultimately, Strelecki exhorts his audience to let this profound hope shape their inner strength, fostering faith, hope, and charity in their lives.

    1h 3m

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A look into the things ordained before the world unto the Christians glory!