Ephesians 2:1-10, "Square One" (8.27.23)
In this passage, we examine the basics of salvation according to Paul.

In this passage, we examine the basics of salvation according to Paul.
We are commissioned to go to our own Rome, emboldened by the love of the church, ready to endure all suffering for the sake of Christ, and expecting God to open the hearts of the Gentiles.
When lost at sea, we escape fear by putting down our anchor on the hope of God's promises.
God's sovereign goodness assures us that even though temptation comes and the fear of death rises among us, He will bring us safely home.
The power of God is credible in his saving sinners, sanctifying his people, helping the weak, and persuading men by the truth of the word.
Our steadfastness in the Christian life does not revolve around personal safety and security, but the ultimate goal of testifying as a witness to the risen Christ and resting in the sovereignty of God.
Paul is sent to Felix in Caesarea to plead his case further, where he goes head to head with Tertullus of the Jews, sticks to his original testimony, and even evangelizes Felix himself.
The Lord stood by Paul while he was given the opportunity to testify to the Sanhedrin, even though he accidentally rebuked the high priest, caused a violent dissension among the Pharisees and Sadducees, and was secretly plotted against by the Jews.
Paul defends himself before the angry mob, telling of his former zeal as a Jew, how he miraculously met the Lord Jesus and was baptized, and his commission to take the Gospel to the Gentiles.
Truth can get lost to preference, and truth can get lost to the preservation of tradition...So what we have to represent to the world is salvation through Jesus Christ.
Paul presses on to Jerusalem only to meet ore believers along the way who would unsuccessfully try to dissuade him from going forward.
Paul finishes his farewell speech with an emotional charge to pay careful attention to the flock of God, to be alert against false teachers, to work hard in helping the weak, and then prays for them as he departs.
Paul gives a final charge to the Ephesian elders, reminding them of how he lived among them, his ultimate purpose in life, and his innocence in preaching the whole counsel of God.
The church is encouraged and built up when we invest in meaningful time together, worshiping on the Lord's Day, and seeking the priorities of the Kingdom above all else.
The church prevails over the noise of the world by observing the strategies of wicked men and overcoming them with the noble order of truth and peace.
Our ultimate allegiance belongs to the Kingdom of God because His Spirit is in us, His word is at work among us, His power is on display in the church, and Jesus is proven to be a better prize than any other kingdom could afford.
While our devotion to Christ requires us to make tough choices along the way, it's these hard decisions that will produce lasting fruit and build up Jesus' church.
Longevity in gospel labor requires faithful friends who will support us, a persevering spirit when times get hard, and trust in the faithful God who will protect His own.
"...and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15, ESV).
The Lord models prayer for us in this familiar passage.
In this Easter sermon, we see Jesus' reaction to death and dying.
Jesus sweat drops of blood to restore the garden of Eden, to overcome temptation, and to wake up the sleepers.
He comes to judge the world in righteousness, showing forth his authority, divine forbearance, and the glory of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Provoked by the amount of idolatry in Athens, Paul reasons with them concerning Jesus and is given the opportunity to preach about the revelation of God and purpose of man in the Areopagus, inviting all men to repent before the judgment of Christ.
The missionary team makes their journey to Thessalonica and Berea, where their reasoning that Jesus is the Christ of the Old Testament, explained from the Scriptures, divides the townspeople and stirs up more persecution.
The Lord sends an earthquake to shake the prison, giving Paul and Silas an opportunity to share the gospel with the jailer, who then received the Word of the Lord along with all his family.
Elders should shepherd their churches freely, eagerly, and by example to please Christ, the Chief Shepherd.
Paul and the ministry team sail directly to Macedonia where the Lord sovereignly saves a Gentile worshiper and removes a troublesome spirit who was harassing them, which lands Paul and Silas in prison.
Paul moves on to Derbe and Lystra where he invites Timothy to join them on the second missionary journey, directed by the Spirit of Jesus.
Paul and Barnabas had agreed to return to the previous church to strengthen them, but plans changed after a sharp disagreement arose regarding Mark, causing them to separate.