In the second half of Ephesians 2 Paul turns to consider how our common share in God’s riches through Christ tells us how we relate to one another in one body. In this rich paragraph he demolishes any other notion of lasting unity, showing how an eternal unity between believers has been forged through the cross. An important message to consider in a divisive season; we invite you to join us in reflecting on this beautiful aspect of the gospel!

Join us as we consider “works” and their place in the Christian life. We are encouraged with the reality that they are an “end” and not a means. We are NOT called to trust in our grip on Christ, but rather to trust in His grip on us.

As Paul draws the first chapter of his letter to a close he names the things for which he prays. Full of thankfulness for the Ephesians, he prays above all that they might grow: in grace, in knowledge, in understanding of all that God has done for them in Christ. And in the face of all that might frighten and trouble them he reminds them of Christ’s power and dominion. To God be the glory!

Join us as we consider Ephesians 1:11–14, exploring the profound themes of inheritance, predestination, and the Holy Spirit’s seal. These powerful verses offer a glimpse into the Lord’s plan and purpose for believers, giving us hope and encouragement.

Predestination. Adoption. Redemption. Forgiveness. Grace. Praise. Join us as we continue to make our way through a paragraph full of wonder, as Paul speaks of our salvation in Christ and cannot help but spill over into doxology. How do we draw comfort and encouragement now from the knowledge that we are chosen in Christ? How does the adoption Paul describes calm our doubts and our fears? And how can we do other than sing from the heart in response to this wonderful news?

Continuing in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians we next consider 1:3–4. Only two verses, and yet there is so much to say! Paul seems to lose the thread of his own thought as he piles on reason upon reason upon reason through the paragraph for why we should bless God (verses 3–14 comprise a single sentence in Greek). As he begins to unpack every spiritual blessing in Christ, he begins with election. Why is it good news that we are chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world? What is it that we are chosen for? Join us as we explore Paul’s thought together!

We started our next Bible study series tonight, embarking on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Join us as we consider what on the surface appears to be a rather mundane greeting and yet is actually so much more.

→ Samuel Review – Handout ⃪ Tonight we reviewed the… read more

Census, pestilence, sacrifice, curtains. Why does the book of Samuel draw to a close in such an odd way? How does the ending shape what we make of David? How does it contrast him with Saul on the one hand, and point forward to Jesus on the other? Join us as we wrestle with a perplexing conclusion.