Spirit Life Church-MN

”I Am Alive”: April 28, 2019
Ephesus Series - Pastor Jeff Ferguson
 
Ephesians 1:3 (NASB) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.
In Christ, I AM Chosen - Adopted - Forgiven - Valuable - Marked.
 
1. You Were Dead!
Ephesians 2:1 (NLT)
Once you were dead because [by reason] of your disobedience and your many sins.
Ephesians 2:2-3 (NLT)  You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very [sinful, fallen] nature, we were subject to God's anger [children of wrath], just like everyone else.
2. God Made You Alive
Ephesians 2:4-6 (NLT)  But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) 6 For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.
 
Ephesians 1:20-21 (NLT) God raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at His right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.
3. You Are God’s Masterpiece!
Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT) For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
“You Were Created On Purpose For A Purpose!” - Chris Hodges
  So we can do the things He planned for us...  [Eph. 2:10]
Titus 2:14 (NLT) He [Christ] gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to [zealous - most eagerly desirous of] doing good [beautiful] deeds [acts of service].
God created and saved you for the very purpose of doing good [God] works!
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. [BUT we can boast about God!]
 
REMEMBER [don’t forget] You Were!
Separated from Christ! [empty]
Excluded from the Commonwealth [citizenship, community] of Israel’s blessing!
Strangers [foreigners] to the covenant promises!
You lived in this world without hope and without God!
 
BUT NOW!
You have been brought near to God - through the blood of Christ!
You have access to the Father through the Spirit of promise!
You are no longer strangers and aliens but citizens of heaven!
You have become God’s house, His dwelling place!

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