WEBVTT

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 Good evening, it's great to be with you this evening.

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 If you've got a Bible, I'd like to open it at Ephesians chapter 1 and verses 1 to 14.

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 Ephesians chapter 1 and verses 1 to 14.

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 We're going to be looking at that tonight.

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 You need to forgive me, I'm loaded with the cold and my eyes are watering like mad.

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 So if you see me bringing out this hanky and wiping my...

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 It's either because I'm sweating like mad or because my eyes are watering like mad.

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 Ephesians chapter 1, is this too loud? Is this alright?

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 Ephesians chapter 1 verses 1 to 14.

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 Paul writes, this is the word of God.

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 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

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 to the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus.

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 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

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 who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

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 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world,

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 that we should be holy and blameless before him.

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 In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ,

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 according to the purpose of his will,

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 to the praise of his glorious grace with which he blessed us in the beloved.

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 In him we have redemption through his blood,

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 the forgiveness of our trespasses,

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 according to the riches of his grace,

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 which he lavished upon us in all wisdom and insight,

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 making known to us the mystery of his will,

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 according to his purpose,

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 which he set forth in Christ

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 as a plan for the fullness of time

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 to unite all things in him,

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 things in heaven and things on earth.

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 In him we have obtained an inheritance,

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 having been predestined according to the purpose of him

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 who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

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 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ

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 might be to the praise of his glory.

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 In him you also,

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 when you heard the word of truth,

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 the gospel of your salvation,

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 and believed in him,

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 were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

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 who is the guarantee of our inheritance

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 until we acquire possession of it,

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 to the praise of his glory.

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 Amen.

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 This is God's word.

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 Let me just pray before we look at this.

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 Father, we come before you,

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 Lord, humbled and in awe of who you are.

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 Father, we thank you so much that

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 even though we are fallen, sinful creatures,

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 Father, we're here tonight

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 only because of your grace and your love

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 which you've shown us through your Son.

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 Heavenly Father, we thank you that you are a God who speaks to us

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 and so, Father, we pray that you would speak

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 through your word to us tonight

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 and encourage us and build up our hearts

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 and help us to stand firm in our faith.

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 In Jesus' name we pray.

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 Amen.

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 A TV programme, Doctor Who.

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 I'm sure most of you know what it is

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 and will have watched it at some point in your life.

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 The few times I've watched it myself,

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 the TARDIS, the Doctor's time travel machine,

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 has totally fascinated me.

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 And it's fascinated me because from the outside,

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 the TARDIS just looks like any other police telephone box.

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 There's nothing unusual about it,

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 nothing impressive about it,

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 nothing significant.

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 From the outside,

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 it just looks like an old, ordinary police telephone box.

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 But it's not until the doctor opens the door

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 and you get to go inside

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 and see that it's not just an old police telephone box,

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 but it's something far greater than that.

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 It's not until your eyes are opened

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 and you get to see inside

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 that you get to see the significance of it,

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 that it's much more than an old police telephone box.

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 Well, friends, in a similar way,

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 it's the same with the church and the gospel, isn't it?

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 The church and the gospel

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 often don't look that impressive, do they?

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 Often it doesn't look as if the gospel

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 is making much impact in the world,

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 nor does it always look as if God's plans

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 and purposes are being worked out.

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 And it certainly doesn't seem as if the church

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 is where the action is really happening, does it?

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 But Paul has written his letter

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 and certainly the first half of this letter

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 to encourage and strengthen the Ephesian believers

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 by reminding them of the riches

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 they have been blessed with in Christ.

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 God's plans and purposes are being worked out in this world

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 despite the fact that how it looks to us at times.

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 God's plans and purposes are being worked out in this world

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 through the gospel to unite all things in Christ.

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 And the church is where God is displaying this

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 and making known his manifold wisdom

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 to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

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 And so Paul in this passage

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 blows the Ephesian believers away

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 with what God the Father has done for them in Christ.

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 He sets out before them God's eternal plans

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 and purposes for the universe.

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 He leads them in praising God

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 for his glorious work in them

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 and for uniting them to Christ by grace.

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 And he's writing to remind them

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 and encourage them that they are part of God's plans

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 and purposes because of their union with Christ.

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 And he does that because he knows

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 that we're prone to forgetting

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 and prone to getting discouraged

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 and disheartened by the lack of sight that we have.

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 Now Paul went to Ephesus

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 during his second missionary journey

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 and he stayed there around two and a half years.

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 Ephesus was a huge place

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 with a big population and a lot of wealth.

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 It was also a place full of dark magic arts

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 and idol worship.

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 And there was a massive idol worshiping community

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 in Ephesus who worshipped the goddess called Artemis.

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 Now Artemis had supposedly fallen from the sky

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 and people thought that she was from heaven,

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 a god, the saviour of the world.

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 But in reality it was just a massive rock

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 which they carved the goddess out of.

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 But not only was the idol worshipped,

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 it was also used for profit by some people.

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 They made smaller shrines

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 and sold them onto the people in Ephesus.

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 So they could worship not only at the temple

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 but at home as well.

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 But through the preaching of the gospel

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 by Paul and others,

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 the word started to take root

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 and bear fruit in Ephesus.

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 People were turning from the idol

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 to serve the true living God.

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 And because of this,

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 the people who made a living

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 from selling Artemis merchandise

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 started losing profit

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 and eventually started a riot because of it.

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 Luke writes in Acts 19 verse 23,

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 about that time there arose

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 no little disturbance concerning the way.

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 In other words,

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 it was mad mental mayhem.

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 There was no little disturbance there.

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 But in the midst of all that chaos,

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 a church was started.

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 And now sometime after all that

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 and after Paul had left Ephesus

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 and now in prison,

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 he's writing this letter

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 to encourage and build up

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 the believers in Ephesus

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 who are finding their Christian life

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 hard and difficult

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 in their present surroundings,

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 feeling weak and inferior

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 to the massive

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 and impressive-looking idol Artemis

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 looming over them in the background.

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 This goddess who was worshipped

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 by more than 50,000 people

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 in Ephesus and even further abroad.

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 Compared to the small

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 and not-so-impressive community

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 of believers who follow Jesus,

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 they felt intimidated and small.

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 At times they could hear

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 the deafening chants of the thousands

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 who would go to the temple

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 and proclaim,

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 great is Artemis,

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 great is Artemis,

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 great is Artemis.

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 And I wonder how they felt

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 when they heard those chants

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 and I wonder what they thought too.

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 Perhaps,

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 have we got this right?

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 Is this really God's plan?

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 We seem so small

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 and weak,

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 but they look so big

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 and strong.

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 Is this really

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 where the action is?

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 They probably felt

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 how a lot of us feel today.

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 intimidated,

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 disheartened,

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 and discouraged.

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 Today we are in a similar position

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 in the church,

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 although our contexts

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 are a bit different.

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 We don't have a massive temple

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 looming over us

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 and intimidating us.

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 But we live in a similar society

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 full of idolatry,

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 immorality,

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 a world that is totally against

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 the gospel of Jesus Christ

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 and his church.

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 We live in a similar position

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 where it's very easy

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 to get discouraged,

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 disheartened,

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 and down

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 because the church

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 can look very insignificant

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 and unimpressive

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 in comparison to the world.

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 In comparison to the impressive

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 looking things

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 the world offers

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 is the gospel

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 doesn't always seem

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 to be making much impact,

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 does it?

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 It doesn't seem like

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 this is where the action

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 really is.

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 The church doesn't seem

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 to be significant

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 or impressive

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 in the world's eyes.

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 if you went outside now

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 and told someone

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 you could take them

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 somewhere where the real action

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 in the world is happening

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 and you brought them here,

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 they would think

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 you're having a laugh,

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 wouldn't they?

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 They would think

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 you're half your nut.

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 They would say

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 you've got to be joking

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 the church.

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 Jesus,

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 there's no way

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 this is where the real action

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 is happening.

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 It's out there in the world.

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 It's certainly not here.

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 Nothing's happening in here.

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 Friends,

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 we also might be tempted

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 to think this

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 at times as well

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 throughout our Christian lives.

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 I know I am.

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 Like the Ephesians

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 we can be tempted

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 to think that action

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 is in more impressive

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 looking things

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 and places.

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 But as I said,

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 Paul has written this letter

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 to these discouraged,

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 disheartened,

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 downed believers

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 to encourage them

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 and strengthen them.

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 He wants them to stand firm

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 in their faith

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 to be built up

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 and to know God better.

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 He wants his readers

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 to have their eyes opened

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 to the unseen realities

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 and blessings

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 of being in Christ

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 and to see that God

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 really has blessed them

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 with every spiritual blessing

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 through their union

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 with Christ.

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 And this letter's here

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 for us also

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 to encourage

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 and strengthen

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 our hearts

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 so that we stand firm

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 in our faith

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 and to remind us

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 that the church

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 really is

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 where the action is.

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 look at verse 10.

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 Verse 10's a key passage,

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 key verse in this passage.

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 Through the gospel,

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 God is working

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 to unite

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 all things

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 together

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 in Christ,

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 things

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 in heaven

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 and things on earth.

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 Being in Christ,

00:11:09.759 --> 00:11:10.779
 being joined together

00:11:10.779 --> 00:11:11.419
 with Christ

00:11:11.419 --> 00:11:12.659
 is where the action

00:11:12.659 --> 00:11:13.759
 truly lies,

00:11:13.879 --> 00:11:14.159
 friends.

00:11:14.820 --> 00:11:16.559
 Because in and through Christ,

00:11:17.240 --> 00:11:18.240
 God is working

00:11:18.240 --> 00:11:19.159
 for his glory

00:11:19.159 --> 00:11:20.600
 and declaring

00:11:20.600 --> 00:11:21.179
 to the world

00:11:21.179 --> 00:11:22.319
 and his universe

00:11:22.319 --> 00:11:23.879
 his power,

00:11:24.639 --> 00:11:25.120
 authority

00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:26.480
 and reign.

00:11:27.699 --> 00:11:28.339
 And Paul says

00:11:28.339 --> 00:11:28.899
 that statement

00:11:28.899 --> 00:11:29.639
 12 times

00:11:29.639 --> 00:11:30.459
 in this passage.

00:11:31.339 --> 00:11:32.100
 In Christ,

00:11:32.259 --> 00:11:32.799
 in him,

00:11:33.179 --> 00:11:34.379
 through Jesus Christ,

00:11:34.379 --> 00:11:35.379
 in the beloved,

00:11:36.219 --> 00:11:36.860
 to ground us

00:11:36.860 --> 00:11:37.500
 and affirm us

00:11:37.500 --> 00:11:38.000
 in our faith

00:11:38.000 --> 00:11:38.719
 because Jesus

00:11:38.719 --> 00:11:39.980
 is the centre of all

00:11:39.980 --> 00:11:41.600
 that God is doing.

00:11:42.759 --> 00:11:43.699
 And to be in Christ

00:11:43.699 --> 00:11:44.959
 or to be united to him

00:11:44.959 --> 00:11:46.139
 means to have

00:11:46.139 --> 00:11:47.279
 a personal relationship

00:11:47.279 --> 00:11:47.679
 with him.

00:11:47.799 --> 00:11:48.519
 It belongs to him

00:11:48.519 --> 00:11:49.340
 to be joined

00:11:49.340 --> 00:11:50.500
 to him

00:11:50.500 --> 00:11:51.500
 and to look at him

00:11:51.500 --> 00:11:52.220
 as saviour

00:11:52.220 --> 00:11:53.600
 and Lord.

00:11:54.419 --> 00:11:55.299
 It's a bit like marriage

00:11:55.299 --> 00:11:56.199
 as Paul tells us

00:11:56.199 --> 00:11:56.960
 in chapter 5

00:11:56.960 --> 00:11:57.699
 where two people

00:11:57.699 --> 00:11:58.480
 become one

00:11:58.480 --> 00:12:00.360
 and are joined together.

00:12:00.500 --> 00:12:01.419
 They are united

00:12:01.419 --> 00:12:01.960
 as one

00:12:01.960 --> 00:12:02.620
 and share

00:12:02.620 --> 00:12:04.019
 in each other.

00:12:04.860 --> 00:12:05.399
 And so it is

00:12:05.399 --> 00:12:05.899
 with us

00:12:05.899 --> 00:12:06.779
 in Christ.

00:12:07.019 --> 00:12:08.399
 And because of that union

00:12:08.399 --> 00:12:09.980
 we share in all

00:12:09.980 --> 00:12:11.179
 the eternal blessings

00:12:11.179 --> 00:12:12.240
 in him.

00:12:13.360 --> 00:12:14.519
 There's no greater union

00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:16.159
 that we can have

00:12:16.159 --> 00:12:17.259
 than having union

00:12:17.259 --> 00:12:17.860
 with Christ.

00:12:17.980 --> 00:12:18.679
 And what better way

00:12:18.679 --> 00:12:19.279
 to encourage

00:12:19.279 --> 00:12:20.399
 the disheartened believers

00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:20.980
 in Ephesus

00:12:20.980 --> 00:12:22.059
 than telling them

00:12:22.059 --> 00:12:23.860
 they are in Christ.

00:12:25.059 --> 00:12:25.819
 They are part

00:12:25.819 --> 00:12:26.480
 of the action.

00:12:26.980 --> 00:12:27.700
 Whether they feel it

00:12:27.700 --> 00:12:28.039
 or not

00:12:28.039 --> 00:12:29.299
 or even at this point

00:12:29.299 --> 00:12:30.100
 realise it,

00:12:30.659 --> 00:12:31.299
 they are part

00:12:31.299 --> 00:12:32.580
 of God's eternal plans

00:12:32.580 --> 00:12:33.279
 and purposes

00:12:33.279 --> 00:12:34.779
 for this world

00:12:34.779 --> 00:12:36.419
 because of the simple fact

00:12:36.419 --> 00:12:38.980
 that they are in Christ.

00:12:39.080 --> 00:12:39.779
 Because God

00:12:39.779 --> 00:12:40.659
 had set them apart

00:12:40.659 --> 00:12:41.419
 and chosen them

00:12:41.419 --> 00:12:42.460
 in him.

00:12:42.460 --> 00:12:44.259
 the action

00:12:44.259 --> 00:12:44.980
 isn't in the more

00:12:44.980 --> 00:12:45.460
 impressive

00:12:45.460 --> 00:12:46.220
 or successful

00:12:46.220 --> 00:12:47.519
 realities around us

00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:48.300
 in the world.

00:12:48.460 --> 00:12:49.100
 Celebrities

00:12:49.100 --> 00:12:50.259
 or other religions

00:12:50.259 --> 00:12:51.500
 that more people

00:12:51.500 --> 00:12:52.080
 follow.

00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:53.980
 Successful businesses

00:12:53.980 --> 00:12:55.259
 people with money.

00:12:57.060 --> 00:12:57.720
 The real action

00:12:57.720 --> 00:12:58.220
 is happening

00:12:58.220 --> 00:12:58.860
 in the thing

00:12:58.860 --> 00:12:59.780
 that the world hates

00:12:59.780 --> 00:13:01.580
 and the unimpressive

00:13:01.580 --> 00:13:03.320
 thing in the world's eyes.

00:13:03.440 --> 00:13:03.820
 The action

00:13:03.820 --> 00:13:04.320
 is happening

00:13:04.320 --> 00:13:04.940
 right here

00:13:04.940 --> 00:13:05.639
 in the church

00:13:05.639 --> 00:13:07.340
 through the gospel

00:13:07.340 --> 00:13:08.300
 of Jesus Christ.

00:13:08.299 --> 00:13:10.500
 What better way

00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:11.159
 to build us up

00:13:11.159 --> 00:13:11.859
 and to help us

00:13:11.859 --> 00:13:12.719
 stand firm

00:13:12.719 --> 00:13:14.059
 in the midst of pressure

00:13:14.059 --> 00:13:14.879
 to stand firm

00:13:14.879 --> 00:13:15.479
 in our faith

00:13:15.479 --> 00:13:17.439
 than to hear

00:13:17.439 --> 00:13:18.599
 of the great blessings

00:13:18.599 --> 00:13:19.339
 and realities

00:13:19.339 --> 00:13:21.859
 of being in Christ.

00:13:22.979 --> 00:13:23.839
 So let's look

00:13:23.839 --> 00:13:25.259
 at this amazing beginning

00:13:25.259 --> 00:13:26.779
 to Paul's letter

00:13:26.779 --> 00:13:27.379
 together then.

00:13:27.459 --> 00:13:27.919
 Begin to be

00:13:27.919 --> 00:13:28.659
 in awe and wonder

00:13:28.659 --> 00:13:29.500
 of the blessings

00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:30.959
 we have received

00:13:30.959 --> 00:13:31.719
 in Christ

00:13:31.719 --> 00:13:32.479
 and through our union

00:13:32.479 --> 00:13:32.839
 with him.

00:13:34.219 --> 00:13:34.919
 Well first of all

00:13:34.919 --> 00:13:35.519
 Paul begins

00:13:35.519 --> 00:13:36.299
 with his usual

00:13:36.299 --> 00:13:37.059
 greeting

00:13:37.059 --> 00:13:38.099
 in his letter

00:13:38.100 --> 00:13:38.500
 and greets

00:13:38.500 --> 00:13:39.300
 the Ephesian believers

00:13:39.300 --> 00:13:40.019
 here in a very

00:13:40.019 --> 00:13:40.639
 encouraging way

00:13:40.639 --> 00:13:41.360
 and addresses them

00:13:41.360 --> 00:13:42.440
 as the saints

00:13:42.440 --> 00:13:44.120
 who are in Ephesus

00:13:44.120 --> 00:13:44.740
 verse 1

00:13:44.740 --> 00:13:45.240
 he writes

00:13:45.240 --> 00:13:46.560
 Paul an apostle

00:13:46.560 --> 00:13:47.340
 of Christ Jesus

00:13:47.340 --> 00:13:48.460
 by the will of God

00:13:48.460 --> 00:13:49.820
 to the saints

00:13:49.820 --> 00:13:50.720
 who are in Ephesus

00:13:50.720 --> 00:13:52.019
 and are faithful

00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:53.120
 in Christ Jesus.

00:13:53.460 --> 00:13:53.980
 Grace to you

00:13:53.980 --> 00:13:54.700
 and peace from God

00:13:54.700 --> 00:13:55.120
 our Father

00:13:55.120 --> 00:13:56.980
 and the Lord Jesus Christ.

00:13:58.340 --> 00:13:59.220
 Now in Paul's letters

00:13:59.220 --> 00:13:59.800
 when he says

00:13:59.800 --> 00:14:00.560
 to the saints

00:14:00.560 --> 00:14:01.360
 and faithful

00:14:01.360 --> 00:14:02.060
 in Christ

00:14:02.060 --> 00:14:03.160
 are those sanctified

00:14:03.160 --> 00:14:03.639
 in Christ

00:14:03.639 --> 00:14:04.360
 he means those

00:14:04.360 --> 00:14:06.120
 who have been set apart

00:14:06.120 --> 00:14:07.560
 those who are holy

00:14:07.559 --> 00:14:08.579
 because of what God

00:14:08.579 --> 00:14:09.979
 has done for them

00:14:09.979 --> 00:14:10.919
 those who are possessed

00:14:10.919 --> 00:14:11.579
 by God

00:14:11.579 --> 00:14:13.059
 and indeed that is

00:14:13.059 --> 00:14:13.819
 what Paul goes on

00:14:13.819 --> 00:14:14.819
 to expand on

00:14:14.819 --> 00:14:15.919
 in the rest of the passages

00:14:15.919 --> 00:14:16.799
 he goes on to tell them

00:14:16.799 --> 00:14:17.759
 how this came about

00:14:17.759 --> 00:14:19.819
 and the same can be said

00:14:19.819 --> 00:14:21.039
 of all those

00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:21.639
 who are trusting

00:14:21.639 --> 00:14:23.019
 and have put their faith

00:14:23.019 --> 00:14:23.579
 in Christ

00:14:23.579 --> 00:14:24.899
 as saviour

00:14:24.899 --> 00:14:26.019
 they are called saints

00:14:26.019 --> 00:14:27.019
 holy ones

00:14:27.019 --> 00:14:28.479
 set apart

00:14:28.479 --> 00:14:29.299
 by God

00:14:29.299 --> 00:14:30.019
 through Christ

00:14:30.019 --> 00:14:32.439
 but we are not saints

00:14:32.439 --> 00:14:33.679
 in the sense

00:14:33.679 --> 00:14:33.959
 that

00:14:33.959 --> 00:14:35.019
 some think of saints

00:14:35.019 --> 00:14:35.840
 Paul doesn't mean

00:14:35.840 --> 00:14:36.899
 those eerie pictures

00:14:36.899 --> 00:14:37.480
 of guys

00:14:37.480 --> 00:14:39.399
 in stained glass windows

00:14:39.399 --> 00:14:40.899
 who are made out

00:14:40.899 --> 00:14:41.539
 to be almost

00:14:41.539 --> 00:14:42.199
 unhuman

00:14:42.199 --> 00:14:43.399
 and spiritual giants

00:14:43.399 --> 00:14:43.960
 people who

00:14:43.960 --> 00:14:45.319
 no one can relate to

00:14:45.319 --> 00:14:46.860
 and who make us

00:14:46.860 --> 00:14:47.460
 feel crushed

00:14:47.460 --> 00:14:48.139
 because we think

00:14:48.139 --> 00:14:48.799
 we'll never be

00:14:48.799 --> 00:14:49.720
 as spiritual as them

00:14:49.720 --> 00:14:51.960
 that's not what

00:14:51.960 --> 00:14:52.620
 Paul means here

00:14:52.620 --> 00:14:53.480
 when he says saints

00:14:53.480 --> 00:14:54.120
 Paul means

00:14:54.120 --> 00:14:54.899
 they are saints

00:14:54.899 --> 00:14:56.120
 in the sense

00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:56.799
 of what God

00:14:56.799 --> 00:14:58.100
 had done for them

00:14:58.100 --> 00:14:59.860
 it's real people

00:14:59.860 --> 00:15:00.659
 Paul is saying

00:15:00.659 --> 00:15:01.199
 this to here

00:15:01.199 --> 00:15:02.879
 people who struggle

00:15:02.879 --> 00:15:04.319
 who fall

00:15:04.320 --> 00:15:05.740
 and people

00:15:05.740 --> 00:15:06.800
 who are sinners

00:15:06.800 --> 00:15:07.600
 and so often

00:15:07.600 --> 00:15:07.960
 wander

00:15:07.960 --> 00:15:09.180
 it's people like us

00:15:09.180 --> 00:15:11.020
 which Paul says

00:15:11.020 --> 00:15:12.480
 are the saints

00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:15.020
 they are the spiritual ones

00:15:15.020 --> 00:15:17.100
 every Christian

00:15:17.100 --> 00:15:17.920
 past, present

00:15:17.920 --> 00:15:18.480
 and future

00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:19.120
 are saints

00:15:19.120 --> 00:15:20.560
 everyone who is in Christ

00:15:20.560 --> 00:15:21.980
 is a saint

00:15:21.980 --> 00:15:22.560
 it's not just

00:15:22.560 --> 00:15:23.540
 the spiritual elite

00:15:23.540 --> 00:15:25.540
 and so Paul goes on

00:15:25.540 --> 00:15:26.000
 to explain

00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:26.720
 how they became

00:15:26.720 --> 00:15:27.220
 the saints

00:15:27.220 --> 00:15:27.860
 in Ephesus

00:15:27.860 --> 00:15:29.640
 in the rest of the passage

00:15:29.640 --> 00:15:30.540
 look at verse 3

00:15:30.540 --> 00:15:31.540
 being in Christ

00:15:31.540 --> 00:15:32.100
 means you

00:15:32.100 --> 00:15:33.759
 have every spiritual

00:15:33.759 --> 00:15:34.840
 blessing

00:15:34.840 --> 00:15:36.320
 Paul writes

00:15:36.320 --> 00:15:37.080
 blessed be the God

00:15:37.080 --> 00:15:38.080
 and Father of our Lord Jesus

00:15:38.080 --> 00:15:38.399
 Christ

00:15:38.399 --> 00:15:39.399
 who has blessed us

00:15:39.399 --> 00:15:40.680
 in Christ

00:15:40.680 --> 00:15:42.360
 with every spiritual blessing

00:15:42.360 --> 00:15:44.159
 in the heavenly places

00:15:44.159 --> 00:15:45.899
 if you're here

00:15:45.899 --> 00:15:46.779
 as a Christian

00:15:46.779 --> 00:15:47.639
 tonight

00:15:47.639 --> 00:15:49.320
 it doesn't matter

00:15:49.320 --> 00:15:50.220
 how long you've been one

00:15:50.220 --> 00:15:51.100
 it could be 5 minutes

00:15:51.100 --> 00:15:51.840
 5 years

00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:53.620
 or even 50 years

00:15:53.620 --> 00:15:55.259
 every spiritual blessing

00:15:55.259 --> 00:15:56.680
 is yours

00:15:56.680 --> 00:15:57.340
 in Christ

00:15:57.340 --> 00:15:58.360
 you have been given them

00:15:58.360 --> 00:16:00.000
 you have them all

00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:01.259
 God the Father

00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:01.960
 has blessed you

00:16:01.960 --> 00:16:02.519
 abundantly

00:16:02.519 --> 00:16:03.419
 with everything

00:16:03.419 --> 00:16:04.860
 that you need

00:16:04.860 --> 00:16:06.840
 but note what Paul

00:16:06.840 --> 00:16:07.360
 means here

00:16:07.360 --> 00:16:08.019
 is not that

00:16:08.019 --> 00:16:08.659
 in Christ

00:16:08.659 --> 00:16:09.379
 we have been

00:16:09.379 --> 00:16:10.059
 or will be

00:16:10.059 --> 00:16:10.480
 blessed

00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:11.100
 with every

00:16:11.100 --> 00:16:12.519
 material blessing

00:16:12.519 --> 00:16:13.539
 again

00:16:13.539 --> 00:16:14.200
 it's not what

00:16:14.200 --> 00:16:14.980
 some people say

00:16:14.980 --> 00:16:15.279
 today

00:16:15.279 --> 00:16:16.559
 come to Jesus

00:16:16.559 --> 00:16:17.320
 and everything

00:16:17.320 --> 00:16:17.960
 will be great

00:16:17.960 --> 00:16:18.419
 and you'll have

00:16:18.419 --> 00:16:18.799
 health

00:16:18.799 --> 00:16:19.580
 wealth

00:16:19.580 --> 00:16:20.299
 and prosperity

00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:20.960
 we all know

00:16:20.960 --> 00:16:21.620
 that's nonsense

00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:22.059
 don't we

00:16:22.059 --> 00:16:22.940
 because some of us

00:16:22.940 --> 00:16:24.299
 who are here tonight

00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:25.659
 are skint

00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:27.720
 some of us

00:16:27.720 --> 00:16:28.919
 don't have the best health

00:16:28.919 --> 00:16:30.479
 and some of us

00:16:30.479 --> 00:16:31.419
 are not prospering

00:16:31.419 --> 00:16:31.719
 are we

00:16:31.719 --> 00:16:34.039
 but that's not to say

00:16:34.039 --> 00:16:35.419
 that God doesn't bless us

00:16:35.419 --> 00:16:36.479
 now in particular ways

00:16:36.479 --> 00:16:36.879
 he does

00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:38.360
 but that's not

00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:39.439
 Paul's concern here

00:16:39.439 --> 00:16:41.319
 so what does Paul

00:16:41.319 --> 00:16:41.799
 mean here

00:16:41.799 --> 00:16:42.319
 when he says

00:16:42.319 --> 00:16:43.240
 we have been blessed

00:16:43.240 --> 00:16:43.959
 in Christ

00:16:43.959 --> 00:16:44.500
 with every

00:16:44.500 --> 00:16:46.039
 spiritual blessing

00:16:46.039 --> 00:16:48.259
 well it's not

00:16:48.259 --> 00:16:49.120
 material blessings

00:16:49.120 --> 00:16:49.679
 it's so much

00:16:49.679 --> 00:16:50.620
 more glorious

00:16:50.620 --> 00:16:51.219
 than that

00:16:51.219 --> 00:16:52.379
 the spiritual blessings

00:16:52.379 --> 00:16:53.299
 that Paul is talking

00:16:53.299 --> 00:16:53.819
 about here

00:16:53.819 --> 00:16:55.079
 are in the rest

00:16:55.079 --> 00:16:55.819
 of the passage

00:16:55.819 --> 00:16:57.039
 but notice

00:16:57.039 --> 00:16:58.459
 that these blessings

00:16:58.460 --> 00:17:00.080
 are in the heavenly places

00:17:00.080 --> 00:17:01.820
 literally the heavenlies

00:17:01.820 --> 00:17:02.920
 which is not heaven

00:17:02.920 --> 00:17:05.220
 but the unseen realm

00:17:05.220 --> 00:17:06.460
 where the spiritual powers

00:17:06.460 --> 00:17:07.380
 and authorities dwell

00:17:07.380 --> 00:17:09.600
 they are unseen realities

00:17:09.600 --> 00:17:11.319
 which we have received

00:17:11.319 --> 00:17:11.940
 through our union

00:17:11.940 --> 00:17:12.500
 with Christ

00:17:12.500 --> 00:17:13.759
 which is important to know

00:17:13.759 --> 00:17:15.400
 and be reminded of

00:17:15.400 --> 00:17:16.700
 because we don't always feel

00:17:16.700 --> 00:17:18.380
 or necessarily see

00:17:18.380 --> 00:17:19.900
 the blessings visibly

00:17:19.900 --> 00:17:20.960
 but nevertheless

00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:21.920
 they are still

00:17:21.920 --> 00:17:22.460
 realities

00:17:23.120 --> 00:17:25.120
 all the great riches

00:17:25.120 --> 00:17:25.660
 that Christ

00:17:25.660 --> 00:17:26.819
 have been given to us

00:17:26.819 --> 00:17:27.879
 because we have been

00:17:27.879 --> 00:17:28.379
 united

00:17:28.379 --> 00:17:29.679
 to him

00:17:29.679 --> 00:17:31.480
 Christians are the most

00:17:31.480 --> 00:17:32.220
 blessed people

00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:33.119
 who walk this earth

00:17:33.119 --> 00:17:34.240
 and I hope that

00:17:34.240 --> 00:17:35.960
 encourages you tonight

00:17:35.960 --> 00:17:37.379
 if you're a Christian

00:17:37.379 --> 00:17:37.859
 here tonight

00:17:37.859 --> 00:17:38.480
 you're the most

00:17:38.480 --> 00:17:39.579
 blessed person

00:17:39.579 --> 00:17:41.159
 who walks this earth

00:17:41.159 --> 00:17:44.039
 well in the rest

00:17:44.039 --> 00:17:44.579
 of the passage

00:17:44.579 --> 00:17:45.319
 we see what these

00:17:45.319 --> 00:17:46.079
 blessings are

00:17:46.079 --> 00:17:47.500
 look at verse 4

00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:49.339
 where Paul encourages us

00:17:49.339 --> 00:17:50.519
 with a past blessing

00:17:50.519 --> 00:17:52.899
 we have been lovingly chosen

00:17:52.900 --> 00:17:55.080
 and adopted in Christ

00:17:55.080 --> 00:17:56.640
 all the blessings

00:17:56.640 --> 00:17:57.980
 of salvation are ours

00:17:57.980 --> 00:18:00.240
 because God has chosen us

00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:00.940
 in Christ

00:18:00.940 --> 00:18:02.360
 before the dawn of time

00:18:02.360 --> 00:18:03.519
 before the world

00:18:03.519 --> 00:18:04.160
 was created

00:18:04.160 --> 00:18:06.360
 even before the foundation

00:18:06.360 --> 00:18:07.600
 of the world

00:18:07.600 --> 00:18:08.640
 that's a mind-blowing thing

00:18:08.640 --> 00:18:09.220
 to think about

00:18:09.220 --> 00:18:09.720
 isn't it?

00:18:10.800 --> 00:18:12.160
 God had his mind

00:18:12.160 --> 00:18:13.259
 before any of us

00:18:13.259 --> 00:18:14.259
 were even born

00:18:14.259 --> 00:18:15.240
 or thought of

00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:16.620
 before anything

00:18:16.620 --> 00:18:17.640
 was ever made

00:18:17.640 --> 00:18:19.259
 when it was just God

00:18:19.259 --> 00:18:20.040
 Father, Son

00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:21.319
 and Spirit

00:18:21.319 --> 00:18:22.659
 he had chosen us

00:18:22.659 --> 00:18:23.279
 in Christ

00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:24.019
 how can that be

00:18:24.019 --> 00:18:24.599
 you might think

00:18:24.599 --> 00:18:25.639
 because God is God

00:18:25.639 --> 00:18:26.639
 and well that's the wonder

00:18:26.639 --> 00:18:27.960
 and majesty

00:18:27.960 --> 00:18:28.859
 of God's sovereignty

00:18:28.859 --> 00:18:29.460
 and election

00:18:29.460 --> 00:18:30.000
 isn't it?

00:18:30.639 --> 00:18:31.440
 and the more you think

00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:31.799
 about it

00:18:31.799 --> 00:18:32.480
 the bigger and bigger

00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:33.079
 it gets

00:18:33.079 --> 00:18:34.519
 we can never here

00:18:34.519 --> 00:18:35.420
 and now I don't think

00:18:35.420 --> 00:18:36.339
 fully understand

00:18:36.339 --> 00:18:37.159
 or take that in

00:18:37.159 --> 00:18:39.339
 but simply to be in awe

00:18:39.339 --> 00:18:40.299
 wonder

00:18:40.299 --> 00:18:41.180
 and praise of it

00:18:41.180 --> 00:18:42.639
 and I think that's

00:18:42.639 --> 00:18:43.659
 what Paul wants to happen

00:18:43.659 --> 00:18:44.339
 as we read this

00:18:44.339 --> 00:18:45.659
 he wants us to be in awe

00:18:45.659 --> 00:18:46.940
 and wonder

00:18:46.940 --> 00:18:48.599
 and amazement of God

00:18:48.599 --> 00:18:50.719
 but notice that

00:18:50.719 --> 00:18:52.240
 this is not a mechanical thing

00:18:52.240 --> 00:18:53.579
 God doesn't just

00:18:53.579 --> 00:18:54.740
 randomly choose people

00:18:54.740 --> 00:18:55.740
 he doesn't put his hand

00:18:55.740 --> 00:18:56.799
 in a hat full of names

00:18:56.799 --> 00:18:57.599
 and pick one out

00:18:57.599 --> 00:18:59.439
 and that's the next person

00:18:59.439 --> 00:19:01.000
 nor does he see

00:19:01.000 --> 00:19:01.699
 something in us

00:19:01.699 --> 00:19:02.679
 that makes him think

00:19:02.679 --> 00:19:03.719
 we deserve such

00:19:03.719 --> 00:19:04.579
 electing grace

00:19:04.579 --> 00:19:05.659
 and mercy

00:19:05.659 --> 00:19:06.619
 and to be adopted

00:19:06.619 --> 00:19:07.459
 into his family

00:19:07.459 --> 00:19:08.899
 if we think that

00:19:08.899 --> 00:19:10.240
 there's something good in us

00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:12.199
 that would make God choose us

00:19:12.199 --> 00:19:13.319
 and we've got the wrong

00:19:13.319 --> 00:19:14.039
 end of the stick

00:19:14.039 --> 00:19:14.459
 friends

00:19:14.459 --> 00:19:15.819
 as we find out

00:19:15.819 --> 00:19:16.579
 in chapter 2

00:19:16.579 --> 00:19:18.199
 we are dead in our trespasses

00:19:18.199 --> 00:19:18.699
 and sins

00:19:18.699 --> 00:19:20.139
 without hope

00:19:20.139 --> 00:19:21.259
 and enmity with God

00:19:21.259 --> 00:19:22.039
 and disobedient

00:19:22.039 --> 00:19:23.000
 to all his ways

00:19:23.000 --> 00:19:24.220
 and what

00:19:24.220 --> 00:19:25.619
 following the prince

00:19:25.619 --> 00:19:26.679
 of the power of the air

00:19:26.679 --> 00:19:27.960
 who is Satan

00:19:27.960 --> 00:19:29.220
 that was

00:19:29.220 --> 00:19:30.500
 and is the sad state

00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:31.159
 and predicament

00:19:31.159 --> 00:19:32.659
 of being outside of Christ

00:19:32.659 --> 00:19:35.399
 sorry my nose

00:19:35.399 --> 00:19:36.220
 is running now

00:19:36.220 --> 00:19:38.559
 that's bogging in it

00:19:38.559 --> 00:19:40.919
 so there was

00:19:40.919 --> 00:19:41.799
 and is nothing

00:19:41.799 --> 00:19:42.220
 in us

00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:42.699
 that God

00:19:42.699 --> 00:19:43.319
 can

00:19:43.319 --> 00:19:44.339
 or could see

00:19:44.339 --> 00:19:45.599
 that would make him

00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:46.519
 want to choose us

00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:48.799
 so what did make him

00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:49.699
 want to choose us

00:19:49.699 --> 00:19:51.059
 well we see it here

00:19:51.059 --> 00:19:51.379
 don't we

00:19:51.379 --> 00:19:52.879
 look at verses 4

00:19:52.879 --> 00:19:53.779
 and 5 again

00:19:53.779 --> 00:19:55.839
 it was his love

00:19:55.839 --> 00:19:57.220
 for us

00:19:57.220 --> 00:19:58.819
 someone said

00:19:58.819 --> 00:20:00.079
 predestination

00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:00.959
 rightly understood

00:20:00.959 --> 00:20:02.019
 as the most comforting

00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:03.299
 and enriching

00:20:03.299 --> 00:20:03.779
 and thrilling

00:20:03.779 --> 00:20:04.480
 of all truths

00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:05.199
 he goes on to say

00:20:05.199 --> 00:20:06.179
 what an answer this is

00:20:06.179 --> 00:20:06.899
 to the rootlessness

00:20:06.899 --> 00:20:07.639
 of life

00:20:07.639 --> 00:20:09.299
 for a man to discover

00:20:09.299 --> 00:20:10.339
 that in Christ

00:20:10.339 --> 00:20:11.039
 he is rooted

00:20:11.039 --> 00:20:12.199
 and grounded

00:20:12.199 --> 00:20:13.500
 in everlasting love

00:20:13.500 --> 00:20:14.660
 to get through

00:20:14.660 --> 00:20:15.740
 to ultimate reality

00:20:15.740 --> 00:20:17.019
 and find not nothingness

00:20:17.019 --> 00:20:19.059
 but a smiling father

00:20:19.059 --> 00:20:20.059
 who has lovingly

00:20:20.059 --> 00:20:21.119
 chosen him

00:20:21.119 --> 00:20:23.200
 it was God's will

00:20:23.200 --> 00:20:24.920
 it was God's purpose

00:20:24.920 --> 00:20:26.140
 and it was to the praise

00:20:26.140 --> 00:20:27.519
 of his glorious grace

00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:29.279
 to shower upon us

00:20:29.279 --> 00:20:30.279
 his love and choosing

00:20:30.279 --> 00:20:31.680
 predestining

00:20:31.680 --> 00:20:33.319
 and adopting us

00:20:33.319 --> 00:20:35.619
 and his purpose

00:20:35.619 --> 00:20:36.759
 and result in all this

00:20:36.759 --> 00:20:37.759
 was for us

00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:38.160
 was that

00:20:38.160 --> 00:20:39.319
 we would be holy

00:20:39.319 --> 00:20:40.859
 and blameless

00:20:40.859 --> 00:20:41.619
 before him

00:20:41.619 --> 00:20:43.619
 scandalous thing

00:20:43.619 --> 00:20:44.199
 about all this

00:20:44.199 --> 00:20:44.479
 friends

00:20:44.479 --> 00:20:45.259
 is not that God

00:20:45.259 --> 00:20:46.139
 has predestined

00:20:46.139 --> 00:20:46.639
 elected

00:20:46.639 --> 00:20:47.500
 and adopted

00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:48.539
 some in his kingdom

00:20:48.539 --> 00:20:50.159
 but that one day

00:20:50.159 --> 00:20:50.859
 you believer

00:20:50.859 --> 00:20:52.539
 who deserve nothing

00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:53.259
 but wrath

00:20:53.259 --> 00:20:54.239
 and judgment

00:20:54.239 --> 00:20:55.599
 will stand before God

00:20:55.599 --> 00:20:56.539
 and because of these

00:20:56.539 --> 00:20:57.679
 things you have received

00:20:57.679 --> 00:20:59.159
 and been blessed

00:20:59.159 --> 00:20:59.859
 with in Christ

00:20:59.859 --> 00:21:00.799
 and through your union

00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:01.239
 with him

00:21:01.239 --> 00:21:02.919
 you will be welcomed

00:21:02.919 --> 00:21:04.000
 by your heavenly father

00:21:04.000 --> 00:21:04.839
 with open arms

00:21:04.839 --> 00:21:06.659
 you will be welcomed

00:21:06.659 --> 00:21:08.799
 into your heavenly father's home

00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:10.619
 because you have been chosen

00:21:10.619 --> 00:21:11.960
 and adopted

00:21:11.960 --> 00:21:12.779
 in Christ

00:21:12.779 --> 00:21:14.700
 isn't that great

00:21:14.700 --> 00:21:17.720
 secondly

00:21:17.720 --> 00:21:18.419
 verses 8

00:21:18.419 --> 00:21:19.579
 and 7 and 8

00:21:19.579 --> 00:21:21.159
 Paul encourages us

00:21:21.159 --> 00:21:22.279
 with a present blessing

00:21:22.279 --> 00:21:23.619
 we have been graciously

00:21:23.619 --> 00:21:24.379
 redeemed

00:21:24.379 --> 00:21:26.059
 and forgiven

00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:28.240
 not only has God

00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:29.419
 lovingly chosen us

00:21:29.419 --> 00:21:30.200
 and adopted us

00:21:30.200 --> 00:21:30.759
 he's also

00:21:30.759 --> 00:21:32.659
 graciously redeemed us

00:21:32.659 --> 00:21:33.879
 through Christ

00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:35.279
 Paul writes

00:21:35.279 --> 00:21:35.899
 in him

00:21:35.899 --> 00:21:36.480
 we have

00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:37.899
 notice the present tense there

00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:39.040
 we have

00:21:39.040 --> 00:21:39.980
 redemption

00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:40.860
 through his blood

00:21:40.860 --> 00:21:41.880
 the forgiveness

00:21:41.880 --> 00:21:42.880
 of our trespasses

00:21:42.880 --> 00:21:43.940
 according to the riches

00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:44.759
 of his grace

00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:46.660
 with which he lavished

00:21:46.660 --> 00:21:47.160
 upon us

00:21:47.160 --> 00:21:47.880
 in all wisdom

00:21:47.880 --> 00:21:49.240
 and insight

00:21:49.240 --> 00:21:50.980
 friends

00:21:50.980 --> 00:21:52.019
 the world sees the cross

00:21:52.019 --> 00:21:53.140
 as being one of the most

00:21:53.140 --> 00:21:54.440
 foolish things

00:21:54.440 --> 00:21:55.380
 to have ever happened

00:21:55.380 --> 00:21:56.400
 they don't want a saviour

00:21:56.400 --> 00:21:57.180
 who looks weak

00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:59.019
 who is unimpressive

00:21:59.019 --> 00:21:59.800
 and had to die

00:21:59.800 --> 00:22:00.460
 to save them

00:22:00.460 --> 00:22:01.880
 the world wants someone

00:22:01.880 --> 00:22:02.759
 who is strong

00:22:02.759 --> 00:22:03.540
 who looks strong

00:22:03.540 --> 00:22:04.680
 and impressive

00:22:04.680 --> 00:22:06.960
 someone who looks powerful

00:22:06.960 --> 00:22:08.059
 who can overcome

00:22:08.059 --> 00:22:09.319
 anything

00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:10.940
 and conquer

00:22:10.940 --> 00:22:13.039
 but they can't see

00:22:13.039 --> 00:22:14.019
 that the cross of Christ

00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:15.960
 is where the power

00:22:15.960 --> 00:22:16.620
 of God is

00:22:16.620 --> 00:22:18.319
 it's there the wisdom

00:22:18.319 --> 00:22:19.200
 of God is shown

00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:20.539
 Paul says in 1 Corinthians

00:22:20.539 --> 00:22:21.559
 1 verse 18

00:22:21.559 --> 00:22:22.600
 for the word of the cross

00:22:22.600 --> 00:22:23.240
 is folly

00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:25.019
 to those who are perishing

00:22:25.019 --> 00:22:27.140
 but to us who are being saved

00:22:27.140 --> 00:22:28.259
 it is the power of God

00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:30.420
 God in sending

00:22:30.420 --> 00:22:31.220
 his son Jesus

00:22:31.220 --> 00:22:32.100
 and him dying

00:22:32.100 --> 00:22:33.420
 on the cross

00:22:33.420 --> 00:22:34.160
 in our place

00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:34.820
 with his blood

00:22:34.820 --> 00:22:35.660
 being poured out

00:22:35.660 --> 00:22:36.440
 and him hanging

00:22:36.440 --> 00:22:37.880
 on the cross

00:22:37.880 --> 00:22:38.820
 there the pure

00:22:38.820 --> 00:22:39.400
 and just

00:22:39.400 --> 00:22:40.540
 wrath of God

00:22:40.540 --> 00:22:41.660
 was laid

00:22:41.660 --> 00:22:42.220
 and directed

00:22:42.220 --> 00:22:43.140
 straight upon him

00:22:43.140 --> 00:22:44.700
 but it wasn't

00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:45.620
 for his own sake

00:22:45.620 --> 00:22:46.860
 that he died

00:22:46.860 --> 00:22:48.120
 or for his own sin

00:22:48.120 --> 00:22:50.680
 it was in our place

00:22:50.680 --> 00:22:52.900
 it was our shame

00:22:52.900 --> 00:22:53.360
 he took

00:22:53.360 --> 00:22:55.060
 and it was our sin

00:22:55.060 --> 00:22:56.200
 which was laid upon him

00:22:56.200 --> 00:22:57.960
 and what happened

00:22:57.960 --> 00:23:00.700
 when we walk away free

00:23:00.700 --> 00:23:03.480
 we stand before the Lord

00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:04.220
 justified

00:23:04.220 --> 00:23:04.840
 holy

00:23:04.840 --> 00:23:05.600
 and blameless

00:23:05.600 --> 00:23:06.960
 in his sight

00:23:06.960 --> 00:23:08.620
 the God

00:23:08.620 --> 00:23:09.120
 who we were

00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:10.440
 created by

00:23:10.440 --> 00:23:10.940
 and for

00:23:10.940 --> 00:23:11.900
 and created to know

00:23:11.900 --> 00:23:13.360
 but were alienated from

00:23:13.360 --> 00:23:14.600
 and ignorant of

00:23:14.600 --> 00:23:16.259
 whose word we disobeyed

00:23:16.259 --> 00:23:17.039
 and rebelled against

00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:17.940
 we have now been

00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:19.000
 reconciled to him

00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:21.220
 through Christ's death

00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:22.180
 and the cross for us

00:23:22.180 --> 00:23:24.460
 it's breathtaking to think

00:23:24.460 --> 00:23:24.900
 is it not

00:23:24.900 --> 00:23:25.600
 that the God

00:23:25.600 --> 00:23:26.799
 that we offended

00:23:26.799 --> 00:23:27.740
 and rebelled against

00:23:27.740 --> 00:23:28.740
 gave up himself

00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:31.079
 to be a ransom for us

00:23:31.079 --> 00:23:31.980
 that's what it means

00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:32.640
 to be redeemed

00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:33.299
 to have redemption

00:23:33.299 --> 00:23:33.980
 it means to be

00:23:33.980 --> 00:23:34.960
 bought with a price

00:23:34.960 --> 00:23:36.319
 it means to buy back

00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:38.240
 what is rightfully yours

00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:40.220
 and what a cost

00:23:40.220 --> 00:23:41.460
 it costs

00:23:41.460 --> 00:23:42.059
 what a price

00:23:42.059 --> 00:23:42.980
 it costs

00:23:42.980 --> 00:23:43.359
 to God

00:23:43.359 --> 00:23:44.680
 who lovingly chose us

00:23:44.680 --> 00:23:46.140
 and adopted us

00:23:46.140 --> 00:23:48.160
 cost him his own son

00:23:48.160 --> 00:23:50.700
 this grace

00:23:50.700 --> 00:23:51.700
 which has been lavished

00:23:51.700 --> 00:23:52.220
 upon us

00:23:52.220 --> 00:23:52.900
 Paul tells us

00:23:52.900 --> 00:23:54.000
 brought us this redemption

00:23:54.000 --> 00:23:55.440
 through his blood

00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:56.680
 the forgiveness

00:23:56.680 --> 00:23:57.819
 of our trespasses

00:23:57.819 --> 00:23:59.500
 every command

00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:00.299
 that God gave us

00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:01.179
 that we walked over

00:24:01.179 --> 00:24:02.460
 every loving thing

00:24:02.460 --> 00:24:03.859
 that he did for us

00:24:03.859 --> 00:24:04.779
 that we despised

00:24:04.779 --> 00:24:05.379
 and rejected

00:24:05.379 --> 00:24:07.179
 every trespass

00:24:07.179 --> 00:24:07.819
 that we made

00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:08.599
 has been forgiven

00:24:08.599 --> 00:24:09.460
 in Christ

00:24:09.460 --> 00:24:11.119
 and again

00:24:11.119 --> 00:24:11.899
 hopefully

00:24:11.899 --> 00:24:13.639
 and I prayerfully

00:24:13.639 --> 00:24:14.659
 hope

00:24:14.659 --> 00:24:16.019
 that that helps

00:24:16.019 --> 00:24:16.399
 someone

00:24:16.399 --> 00:24:17.839
 here tonight

00:24:17.839 --> 00:24:20.439
 again helpfully

00:24:20.439 --> 00:24:21.200
 someone said

00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:22.619
 by his death

00:24:22.619 --> 00:24:23.159
 on the cross

00:24:23.159 --> 00:24:24.299
 Christ has justly

00:24:24.299 --> 00:24:25.240
 purchased his back

00:24:25.240 --> 00:24:26.139
 for God

00:24:26.140 --> 00:24:26.740
 at the cost

00:24:26.740 --> 00:24:27.480
 of his own blood

00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:28.960
 he has dealt

00:24:28.960 --> 00:24:29.440
 with our guilt

00:24:29.440 --> 00:24:30.300
 to bring his pardon

00:24:30.300 --> 00:24:31.120
 he has overcome

00:24:31.120 --> 00:24:32.200
 the cosmic forces

00:24:32.200 --> 00:24:32.820
 of darkness

00:24:32.820 --> 00:24:33.480
 which bound

00:24:33.480 --> 00:24:34.380
 and enslaved us

00:24:34.380 --> 00:24:35.380
 he has died

00:24:35.380 --> 00:24:35.880
 to the reign

00:24:35.880 --> 00:24:36.259
 of sin

00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:37.120
 that mastered us

00:24:37.120 --> 00:24:38.320
 and has risen

00:24:38.320 --> 00:24:38.880
 in triumph

00:24:38.880 --> 00:24:39.740
 over all his

00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:41.160
 and our enemies

00:24:41.160 --> 00:24:41.880
 he was

00:24:41.880 --> 00:24:43.240
 our great exchange

00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:45.060
 as the hymn says

00:24:45.060 --> 00:24:45.900
 bearing shame

00:24:45.900 --> 00:24:46.780
 and scoffing rude

00:24:46.780 --> 00:24:47.860
 in my place

00:24:47.860 --> 00:24:48.780
 condemned

00:24:48.780 --> 00:24:49.680
 he stood

00:24:49.680 --> 00:24:51.280
 sealed my pardon

00:24:51.280 --> 00:24:52.040
 with his blood

00:24:52.040 --> 00:24:53.300
 guilty

00:24:53.300 --> 00:24:53.740
 vile

00:24:53.740 --> 00:24:54.220
 and helpless

00:24:54.220 --> 00:24:54.539
 we

00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:55.180
 spotless

00:24:55.180 --> 00:24:55.539
 lamb

00:24:55.539 --> 00:24:56.039
 of God

00:24:56.039 --> 00:24:56.480
 was he

00:24:56.480 --> 00:24:57.259
 full atonement

00:24:57.259 --> 00:24:57.960
 can it be

00:24:57.960 --> 00:24:59.700
 hallelujah

00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:00.599
 what a saviour

00:25:00.599 --> 00:25:01.900
 in him

00:25:01.900 --> 00:25:02.680
 we have redemption

00:25:02.680 --> 00:25:03.480
 through his blood

00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:04.819
 the forgiveness

00:25:04.819 --> 00:25:06.839
 of our trespasses

00:25:06.839 --> 00:25:09.039
 again

00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:10.160
 a good friend

00:25:10.160 --> 00:25:11.079
 sent me this one day

00:25:11.079 --> 00:25:12.160
 God took the place

00:25:12.160 --> 00:25:12.759
 of the guilty

00:25:12.759 --> 00:25:14.620
 enduring in himself

00:25:14.620 --> 00:25:15.460
 the condemnation

00:25:15.460 --> 00:25:16.019
 for sin

00:25:16.019 --> 00:25:17.720
 when a cry

00:25:17.720 --> 00:25:18.620
 went up before him

00:25:18.620 --> 00:25:19.759
 that sin must be covered

00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:21.180
 he gave himself

00:25:21.180 --> 00:25:23.200
 in Christ Jesus

00:25:23.200 --> 00:25:24.000
 God almighty

00:25:24.000 --> 00:25:24.880
 came and took

00:25:24.880 --> 00:25:25.840
 our human nature

00:25:25.840 --> 00:25:27.240
 precisely in order

00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:28.160
 to put himself

00:25:28.160 --> 00:25:30.120
 in a position

00:25:30.120 --> 00:25:30.660
 where he had

00:25:30.660 --> 00:25:31.420
 blood to shed

00:25:31.420 --> 00:25:32.460
 and a soul

00:25:32.460 --> 00:25:33.460
 to pour out to death

00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:34.279
 to redeem us

00:25:34.279 --> 00:25:36.620
 friends in here

00:25:36.620 --> 00:25:38.220
 in Christ

00:25:38.220 --> 00:25:39.100
 here tonight

00:25:39.100 --> 00:25:40.519
 you have that

00:25:40.519 --> 00:25:40.940
 now

00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:43.660
 you who are in Christ

00:25:43.660 --> 00:25:44.200
 and have been

00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:45.140
 united to him

00:25:45.140 --> 00:25:46.480
 have that now

00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.720
 redemption

00:25:47.720 --> 00:25:49.240
 and forgiveness

00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:50.060
 in Christ

00:25:50.059 --> 00:25:53.159
 finally we can see

00:25:53.159 --> 00:25:54.679
 in verses 11 to 14

00:25:54.679 --> 00:25:55.960
 Paul encourages us

00:25:55.960 --> 00:25:57.319
 with a future

00:25:57.319 --> 00:25:57.980
 blessing

00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:58.879
 of a guaranteed

00:25:58.879 --> 00:26:00.419
 inheritance

00:26:00.419 --> 00:26:03.919
 I read a story

00:26:03.919 --> 00:26:04.259
 once

00:26:04.259 --> 00:26:05.240
 on the internet

00:26:05.240 --> 00:26:07.000
 two homeless guys

00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:07.639
 who used to

00:26:07.639 --> 00:26:09.740
 live in a cave

00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:10.200
 in Hungary

00:26:10.200 --> 00:26:11.059
 they used to walk

00:26:11.059 --> 00:26:12.240
 the streets

00:26:12.240 --> 00:26:13.519
 looking for scrap metal

00:26:13.519 --> 00:26:13.940
 that they

00:26:13.940 --> 00:26:14.899
 could sell

00:26:14.899 --> 00:26:15.659
 for pennies

00:26:15.659 --> 00:26:17.399
 but this pair

00:26:17.399 --> 00:26:17.960
 of penniless

00:26:17.960 --> 00:26:18.519
 down and outs

00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:19.139
 this article

00:26:19.140 --> 00:26:20.280
 described them

00:26:20.280 --> 00:26:20.640
 one day

00:26:20.640 --> 00:26:21.120
 when roaming

00:26:21.120 --> 00:26:22.200
 the streets

00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:23.200
 were approached

00:26:23.200 --> 00:26:23.920
 by a stranger

00:26:23.920 --> 00:26:24.840
 and were told

00:26:24.840 --> 00:26:25.540
 that they had just

00:26:25.540 --> 00:26:26.040
 inherited

00:26:26.040 --> 00:26:27.720
 a four billion

00:26:27.720 --> 00:26:29.200
 pound fortune

00:26:29.200 --> 00:26:30.000
 from a relative

00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:30.420
 of theirs

00:26:30.420 --> 00:26:31.220
 who just died

00:26:31.220 --> 00:26:32.780
 and you can imagine

00:26:32.780 --> 00:26:33.360
 their reaction

00:26:33.360 --> 00:26:33.820
 can't you

00:26:33.820 --> 00:26:35.080
 they were overjoyed

00:26:35.080 --> 00:26:36.540
 well friends

00:26:36.540 --> 00:26:37.080
 we were like

00:26:37.080 --> 00:26:38.060
 those pair

00:26:38.060 --> 00:26:39.320
 of penniless

00:26:39.320 --> 00:26:40.080
 down and outs

00:26:40.080 --> 00:26:41.460
 before we had

00:26:41.460 --> 00:26:41.780
 nothing

00:26:41.780 --> 00:26:42.900
 we were so poor

00:26:42.900 --> 00:26:43.720
 before God

00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:44.540
 we had the scraps

00:26:44.540 --> 00:26:45.220
 of this world

00:26:45.220 --> 00:26:46.559
 but now

00:26:46.559 --> 00:26:47.279
 because Christ

00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:48.019
 died for us

00:26:48.019 --> 00:26:49.299
 and because

00:26:49.299 --> 00:26:49.860
 of our union

00:26:49.860 --> 00:26:50.279
 with him

00:26:50.279 --> 00:26:51.000
 we have a

00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:51.980
 glorious inheritance

00:26:51.980 --> 00:26:53.759
 but that

00:26:53.759 --> 00:26:54.299
 inheritance

00:26:54.299 --> 00:26:54.680
 friends

00:26:54.680 --> 00:26:55.240
 is not a

00:26:55.240 --> 00:26:55.839
 four billion

00:26:55.839 --> 00:26:56.640
 pound fortune

00:26:56.640 --> 00:26:57.420
 it's better

00:26:57.420 --> 00:26:58.160
 so much

00:26:58.160 --> 00:26:58.960
 better than that

00:26:58.960 --> 00:27:00.279
 look at verse

00:27:00.279 --> 00:27:00.640
 11

00:27:00.640 --> 00:27:02.440
 in him

00:27:02.440 --> 00:27:03.880
 we have obtained

00:27:03.880 --> 00:27:04.559
 an inheritance

00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:05.220
 having been

00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:06.039
 predestined

00:27:06.039 --> 00:27:06.759
 according to

00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:07.339
 the purpose

00:27:07.339 --> 00:27:07.799
 of him

00:27:07.799 --> 00:27:08.240
 who works

00:27:08.240 --> 00:27:09.140
 all things

00:27:09.140 --> 00:27:10.079
 together

00:27:10.079 --> 00:27:11.480
 according to

00:27:11.480 --> 00:27:11.980
 the counsel

00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:12.640
 of his will

00:27:12.640 --> 00:27:14.579
 now the

00:27:14.579 --> 00:27:15.140
 inheritance

00:27:15.140 --> 00:27:15.620
 that some

00:27:15.620 --> 00:27:16.240
 get today

00:27:16.240 --> 00:27:17.240
 is just

00:27:17.240 --> 00:27:17.900
 stuff which

00:27:17.900 --> 00:27:18.380
 will all

00:27:18.380 --> 00:27:18.700
 decay

00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:19.299
 it will all

00:27:19.299 --> 00:27:19.839
 perish

00:27:19.839 --> 00:27:20.819
 and will one

00:27:20.819 --> 00:27:21.539
 day fade away

00:27:21.539 --> 00:27:22.079
 there is no

00:27:22.079 --> 00:27:22.500
 guarantee

00:27:22.500 --> 00:27:23.500
 that it will

00:27:23.500 --> 00:27:23.920
 last

00:27:23.920 --> 00:27:24.319
 one day

00:27:24.319 --> 00:27:24.720
 it will be

00:27:24.720 --> 00:27:25.120
 gone

00:27:25.120 --> 00:27:25.960
 and be

00:27:25.960 --> 00:27:26.420
 spent

00:27:26.420 --> 00:27:27.420
 that four

00:27:27.420 --> 00:27:28.000
 billion pound

00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:28.460
 that those

00:27:28.460 --> 00:27:29.299
 two homeless

00:27:29.299 --> 00:27:30.079
 guys inherited

00:27:30.079 --> 00:27:30.720
 will one day

00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:31.140
 be gone

00:27:31.140 --> 00:27:31.599
 either they

00:27:31.599 --> 00:27:32.120
 will spend

00:27:32.120 --> 00:27:32.339
 it

00:27:32.339 --> 00:27:33.980
 or they

00:27:33.980 --> 00:27:34.480
 will die

00:27:34.480 --> 00:27:34.700
 and it

00:27:34.700 --> 00:27:35.059
 will go to

00:27:35.059 --> 00:27:35.680
 someone else

00:27:35.680 --> 00:27:36.099
 and they'll

00:27:36.099 --> 00:27:36.680
 spend it

00:27:36.680 --> 00:27:37.680
 it isn't

00:27:37.680 --> 00:27:38.099
 guaranteed

00:27:38.099 --> 00:27:38.500
 really

00:27:38.500 --> 00:27:38.900
 is it

00:27:38.900 --> 00:27:40.519
 but look

00:27:40.519 --> 00:27:40.799
 at the

00:27:40.799 --> 00:27:41.240
 Christians

00:27:41.240 --> 00:27:41.779
 inheritance

00:27:41.779 --> 00:27:43.180
 look at the

00:27:43.180 --> 00:27:43.859
 inheritance of

00:27:43.859 --> 00:27:44.339
 those who are

00:27:44.339 --> 00:27:45.200
 in Christ

00:27:45.200 --> 00:27:45.660
 in verses

00:27:45.660 --> 00:27:46.960
 13 and

00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:47.480
 14

00:27:47.480 --> 00:27:49.079
 in him

00:27:49.079 --> 00:27:49.759
 you also

00:27:49.759 --> 00:27:50.180
 when you

00:27:50.180 --> 00:27:50.559
 heard the

00:27:50.559 --> 00:27:50.920
 word of

00:27:50.920 --> 00:27:51.259
 truth

00:27:51.259 --> 00:27:52.200
 the gospel

00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:52.559
 of your

00:27:52.559 --> 00:27:53.099
 salvation

00:27:53.099 --> 00:27:53.920
 and believed

00:27:53.920 --> 00:27:54.399
 in him

00:27:54.399 --> 00:27:55.480
 were sealed

00:27:55.480 --> 00:27:55.879
 with the

00:27:55.879 --> 00:27:56.240
 promised

00:27:56.240 --> 00:27:56.879
 Holy Spirit

00:27:56.879 --> 00:27:57.420
 who is a

00:27:57.420 --> 00:27:57.940
 guarantee

00:27:57.940 --> 00:27:59.139
 of our

00:27:59.139 --> 00:27:59.819
 inheritance

00:27:59.819 --> 00:28:00.960
 until we

00:28:00.960 --> 00:28:01.379
 acquire

00:28:01.379 --> 00:28:02.460
 possession of

00:28:02.460 --> 00:28:02.899
 it to the

00:28:02.899 --> 00:28:04.019
 praise of

00:28:04.019 --> 00:28:04.599
 his glory

00:28:04.599 --> 00:28:06.039
 friends

00:28:06.039 --> 00:28:06.740
 this inheritance

00:28:06.740 --> 00:28:07.420
 of ours

00:28:07.420 --> 00:28:08.899
 in Christ

00:28:08.899 --> 00:28:09.680
 is guaranteed

00:28:09.680 --> 00:28:11.099
 when we

00:28:11.099 --> 00:28:11.500
 heard the

00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:11.839
 gospel

00:28:11.839 --> 00:28:13.119
 and believed

00:28:13.119 --> 00:28:14.000
 in Christ

00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:14.519
 we were

00:28:14.519 --> 00:28:14.819
 sealed

00:28:14.819 --> 00:28:15.959
 by the

00:28:15.959 --> 00:28:16.359
 promised

00:28:16.359 --> 00:28:17.000
 Holy Spirit

00:28:17.000 --> 00:28:17.599
 and given

00:28:17.599 --> 00:28:18.199
 the promise

00:28:18.199 --> 00:28:18.599
 of this

00:28:18.599 --> 00:28:19.240
 inheritance

00:28:19.240 --> 00:28:21.319
 the Holy Spirit

00:28:21.319 --> 00:28:22.000
 is a stamp

00:28:22.000 --> 00:28:22.599
 of approval

00:28:22.599 --> 00:28:23.159
 on our lives

00:28:23.159 --> 00:28:23.659
 and the seal

00:28:23.659 --> 00:28:24.219
 by which

00:28:24.219 --> 00:28:24.919
 we will

00:28:24.919 --> 00:28:25.459
 receive

00:28:25.459 --> 00:28:26.559
 our inheritance

00:28:26.559 --> 00:28:26.759
 inheritance

00:28:26.759 --> 00:28:28.319
 but what is

00:28:28.319 --> 00:28:29.000
 this inheritance

00:28:29.000 --> 00:28:30.759
 well really

00:28:30.759 --> 00:28:31.539
 it's all the

00:28:31.539 --> 00:28:31.980
 blessings

00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:33.379
 that Paul's

00:28:33.379 --> 00:28:34.240
 spelled out

00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:34.599
 for us

00:28:34.599 --> 00:28:35.319
 here in this

00:28:35.319 --> 00:28:35.839
 passage

00:28:35.839 --> 00:28:37.399
 but simply

00:28:37.399 --> 00:28:37.759
 put

00:28:37.759 --> 00:28:39.119
 it's eternal

00:28:39.119 --> 00:28:39.599
 life

00:28:39.599 --> 00:28:40.899
 that's what

00:28:40.899 --> 00:28:41.460
 Jesus said

00:28:41.460 --> 00:28:41.879
 himself

00:28:41.879 --> 00:28:42.240
 didn't he

00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:42.759
 in John's

00:28:42.759 --> 00:28:43.139
 gospel

00:28:43.139 --> 00:28:44.159
 all who

00:28:44.159 --> 00:28:44.720
 come to me

00:28:44.720 --> 00:28:45.379
 will receive

00:28:45.379 --> 00:28:46.159
 eternal life

00:28:46.159 --> 00:28:47.359
 and just as

00:28:47.359 --> 00:28:47.899
 that eternal

00:28:47.899 --> 00:28:48.839
 life is found

00:28:48.839 --> 00:28:49.179
 in him

00:28:49.179 --> 00:28:50.279
 so is

00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:50.839
 our eternal

00:28:50.839 --> 00:28:51.480
 security

00:28:51.480 --> 00:28:52.639
 because we

00:28:52.639 --> 00:28:53.019
 have been

00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:53.759
 predestined

00:28:53.759 --> 00:28:54.259
 by the will

00:28:54.259 --> 00:28:54.539
 of him

00:28:54.539 --> 00:28:54.960
 who works

00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:55.759
 all things

00:28:55.759 --> 00:28:56.940
 according to

00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:57.420
 the counsel

00:28:57.420 --> 00:28:58.740
 of his will

00:28:58.740 --> 00:28:59.700
 and what is

00:28:59.700 --> 00:28:59.960
 the will

00:28:59.960 --> 00:29:00.460
 of the father

00:29:00.460 --> 00:29:00.900
 who sent

00:29:00.900 --> 00:29:01.339
 his son

00:29:01.339 --> 00:29:02.579
 what Jesus

00:29:02.579 --> 00:29:03.059
 said in

00:29:03.059 --> 00:29:04.039
 John chapter

00:29:04.039 --> 00:29:04.500
 6

00:29:04.500 --> 00:29:05.099
 this is the

00:29:05.099 --> 00:29:05.539
 will of him

00:29:05.539 --> 00:29:05.920
 who sent

00:29:05.920 --> 00:29:06.140
 me

00:29:06.140 --> 00:29:06.900
 that I

00:29:06.900 --> 00:29:07.400
 should lose

00:29:07.400 --> 00:29:07.960
 nothing

00:29:07.960 --> 00:29:09.099
 of all

00:29:09.099 --> 00:29:09.400
 that he

00:29:09.400 --> 00:29:09.799
 has given

00:29:09.799 --> 00:29:10.079
 me

00:29:10.079 --> 00:29:10.980
 but raise

00:29:10.980 --> 00:29:11.279
 it up

00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:11.500
 in the

00:29:11.500 --> 00:29:12.019
 last day

00:29:12.019 --> 00:29:13.740
 that's how

00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:14.299
 it's guaranteed

00:29:14.299 --> 00:29:14.859
 friends

00:29:14.859 --> 00:29:17.119
 all this

00:29:17.119 --> 00:29:17.420
 we have

00:29:17.420 --> 00:29:17.879
 received

00:29:17.879 --> 00:29:18.819
 in Christ

00:29:18.819 --> 00:29:20.000
 and because

00:29:20.000 --> 00:29:20.339
 of our

00:29:20.339 --> 00:29:20.680
 union

00:29:20.680 --> 00:29:21.660
 with him

00:29:21.660 --> 00:29:23.240
 isn't that

00:29:23.240 --> 00:29:23.879
 so encouraging

00:29:23.880 --> 00:29:24.540
 to be reminded

00:29:24.540 --> 00:29:24.920
 of

00:29:24.920 --> 00:29:26.180
 doesn't that

00:29:26.180 --> 00:29:26.740
 build us

00:29:26.740 --> 00:29:27.680
 up in our

00:29:27.680 --> 00:29:28.020
 faith

00:29:28.020 --> 00:29:29.760
 there's nothing

00:29:29.760 --> 00:29:30.460
 greater to hear

00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:30.780
 is there

00:29:30.780 --> 00:29:31.460
 than God

00:29:31.460 --> 00:29:32.700
 the father

00:29:32.700 --> 00:29:33.160
 in love

00:29:33.160 --> 00:29:33.920
 sent his son

00:29:33.920 --> 00:29:34.380
 to die

00:29:34.380 --> 00:29:35.100
 on the cross

00:29:35.100 --> 00:29:36.300
 to shed his

00:29:36.300 --> 00:29:36.560
 blood

00:29:36.560 --> 00:29:37.260
 so that we

00:29:37.260 --> 00:29:38.140
 his rebellious

00:29:38.140 --> 00:29:38.640
 creation

00:29:38.640 --> 00:29:40.380
 might be united

00:29:40.380 --> 00:29:40.760
 to him

00:29:40.760 --> 00:29:41.440
 through his son

00:29:41.440 --> 00:29:41.980
 and receive

00:29:41.980 --> 00:29:43.120
 eternal blessings

00:29:43.120 --> 00:29:45.320
 we constantly

00:29:45.320 --> 00:29:46.360
 need reminded

00:29:46.360 --> 00:29:46.680
 of that

00:29:46.680 --> 00:29:47.080
 don't we

00:29:47.080 --> 00:29:48.500
 of the effect

00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:48.980
 the gospel

00:29:48.980 --> 00:29:49.420
 has had

00:29:49.420 --> 00:29:49.900
 on our own

00:29:49.900 --> 00:29:50.240
 lives

00:29:50.240 --> 00:29:50.740
 why

00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:51.440
 because as I

00:29:51.440 --> 00:29:51.860
 said at the

00:29:51.860 --> 00:29:52.160
 beginning

00:29:52.160 --> 00:29:53.540
 often we don't

00:29:53.539 --> 00:29:54.379
 see the effect

00:29:54.379 --> 00:29:55.420
 the gospel

00:29:55.420 --> 00:29:56.079
 is having

00:29:56.079 --> 00:29:56.579
 in our world

00:29:56.579 --> 00:29:57.200
 which makes us

00:29:57.200 --> 00:29:57.700
 think that the

00:29:57.700 --> 00:29:58.359
 gospel is having

00:29:58.359 --> 00:29:59.399
 no effect

00:29:59.399 --> 00:29:59.799
 at all

00:29:59.799 --> 00:30:01.859
 but here just

00:30:01.859 --> 00:30:02.480
 like when the

00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:03.079
 doctor opens

00:30:03.079 --> 00:30:03.420
 the door

00:30:03.420 --> 00:30:04.059
 of the TARDIS

00:30:04.059 --> 00:30:04.480
 and you get

00:30:04.480 --> 00:30:05.079
 to go inside

00:30:05.079 --> 00:30:05.700
 and see

00:30:05.700 --> 00:30:06.720
 that there's

00:30:06.720 --> 00:30:07.460
 a much bigger

00:30:07.460 --> 00:30:07.879
 picture

00:30:07.879 --> 00:30:10.460
 it's much bigger

00:30:10.460 --> 00:30:10.899
 than what you

00:30:10.899 --> 00:30:11.279
 think

00:30:11.279 --> 00:30:13.659
 so Paul does

00:30:13.659 --> 00:30:14.659
 here and reminds

00:30:14.659 --> 00:30:15.460
 the Ephesians

00:30:15.460 --> 00:30:16.379
 and us

00:30:16.379 --> 00:30:17.940
 of the glorious

00:30:17.940 --> 00:30:18.819
 blessings we

00:30:18.819 --> 00:30:19.539
 have received

00:30:19.539 --> 00:30:20.700
 in Christ

00:30:20.700 --> 00:30:21.399
 to remind us

00:30:21.400 --> 00:30:21.860
 that God's

00:30:21.860 --> 00:30:22.460
 plans and

00:30:22.460 --> 00:30:22.800
 purposes

00:30:22.800 --> 00:30:23.680
 are being

00:30:23.680 --> 00:30:24.120
 fulfilled

00:30:24.120 --> 00:30:25.200
 in this

00:30:25.200 --> 00:30:25.560
 world

00:30:25.560 --> 00:30:26.880
 through the

00:30:26.880 --> 00:30:27.300
 gospel

00:30:27.300 --> 00:30:28.860
 God's

00:30:28.860 --> 00:30:29.480
 plans and

00:30:29.480 --> 00:30:29.860
 purposes

00:30:29.860 --> 00:30:30.440
 to unite

00:30:30.440 --> 00:30:31.160
 all things

00:30:31.160 --> 00:30:31.720
 in Christ

00:30:31.720 --> 00:30:32.380
 things in

00:30:32.380 --> 00:30:32.620
 heaven

00:30:32.620 --> 00:30:33.860
 and things

00:30:33.860 --> 00:30:34.440
 on earth

00:30:34.440 --> 00:30:35.080
 are being

00:30:35.080 --> 00:30:35.660
 worked out

00:30:35.660 --> 00:30:37.080
 and friends

00:30:37.080 --> 00:30:37.480
 where's the

00:30:37.480 --> 00:30:38.040
 evidence of

00:30:38.040 --> 00:30:38.300
 that

00:30:38.300 --> 00:30:39.880
 well it's in

00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:40.240
 the church

00:30:40.240 --> 00:30:40.680
 isn't it

00:30:40.680 --> 00:30:41.300
 it's in the

00:30:41.300 --> 00:30:41.800
 church where

00:30:41.800 --> 00:30:42.360
 lives have

00:30:42.360 --> 00:30:43.060
 been changed

00:30:43.060 --> 00:30:44.280
 and transformed

00:30:44.280 --> 00:30:45.060
 by the gospel

00:30:45.060 --> 00:30:45.700
 just as we've

00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:46.100
 looked at

00:30:46.100 --> 00:30:47.259
 lives which

00:30:47.259 --> 00:30:47.580
 have been

00:30:47.580 --> 00:30:48.160
 blessed by

00:30:48.160 --> 00:30:49.120
 every spiritual

00:30:49.120 --> 00:30:49.640
 blessing

00:30:49.640 --> 00:30:50.640
 in the heavenly

00:30:50.640 --> 00:30:51.320
 places and

00:30:51.320 --> 00:30:51.660
 have been

00:30:51.660 --> 00:30:52.580
 truly united

00:30:52.580 --> 00:30:53.460
 to Christ

00:30:53.460 --> 00:30:55.500
 my friends

00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:56.120
 I know at

00:30:56.120 --> 00:30:56.900
 times it

00:30:56.900 --> 00:30:57.600
 doesn't seem

00:30:57.600 --> 00:30:59.000
 like the gospel

00:30:59.000 --> 00:30:59.720
 is having much

00:30:59.720 --> 00:31:01.320
 impact on the

00:31:01.320 --> 00:31:02.080
 world around us

00:31:02.080 --> 00:31:02.520
 I know we

00:31:02.520 --> 00:31:02.940
 aren't seeing

00:31:02.940 --> 00:31:03.720
 many coming to

00:31:03.720 --> 00:31:04.320
 Christ in our

00:31:04.320 --> 00:31:05.500
 churches every

00:31:05.500 --> 00:31:07.160
 week but

00:31:07.160 --> 00:31:08.200
 nevertheless every

00:31:08.200 --> 00:31:09.240
 time we preach

00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:10.740
 proclaim and

00:31:10.740 --> 00:31:11.720
 share the gospel

00:31:11.720 --> 00:31:12.560
 although we can't

00:31:12.560 --> 00:31:13.060
 see it

00:31:13.060 --> 00:31:14.980
 God is at work

00:31:14.980 --> 00:31:16.880
 God is at work

00:31:16.880 --> 00:31:17.720
 every time we

00:31:17.720 --> 00:31:18.460
 talk to somebody

00:31:18.460 --> 00:31:19.840
 about Jesus

00:31:19.840 --> 00:31:20.440
 Christ and

00:31:20.440 --> 00:31:21.680
 about the

00:31:21.680 --> 00:31:22.980
 gospel every

00:31:22.980 --> 00:31:25.019
 time so

00:31:25.019 --> 00:31:25.500
 brothers and

00:31:25.500 --> 00:31:26.039
 sisters be

00:31:26.039 --> 00:31:26.720
 encouraged and

00:31:26.720 --> 00:31:27.140
 don't be

00:31:27.140 --> 00:31:28.600
 deceived by

00:31:28.600 --> 00:31:29.319
 the lack of

00:31:29.319 --> 00:31:30.039
 sight that we

00:31:30.039 --> 00:31:30.600
 have take

00:31:30.600 --> 00:31:31.840
 courage and

00:31:31.840 --> 00:31:32.779
 boldly proclaim

00:31:32.779 --> 00:31:33.720
 and keep on

00:31:33.720 --> 00:31:34.840
 sharing the

00:31:34.840 --> 00:31:35.579
 gospel of Jesus

00:31:35.579 --> 00:31:36.700
 Christ in this

00:31:36.700 --> 00:31:37.640
 world because as

00:31:37.640 --> 00:31:38.340
 we do this

00:31:38.340 --> 00:31:40.559
 as we proclaim

00:31:40.559 --> 00:31:41.279
 the gospel of

00:31:41.279 --> 00:31:42.079
 Jesus Christ in

00:31:42.079 --> 00:31:42.579
 this world

00:31:42.579 --> 00:31:44.559
 God's plans and

00:31:44.559 --> 00:31:45.460
 purposes to unite

00:31:45.460 --> 00:31:46.779
 all things in

00:31:46.779 --> 00:31:49.019
 Christ are being

00:31:49.019 --> 00:31:51.259
 fulfilled to the

00:31:51.259 --> 00:31:52.519
 praise of his

00:31:52.519 --> 00:31:53.319
 glorious grace

00:31:53.319 --> 00:31:54.059
 let me pray

00:31:54.059 --> 00:31:58.079
 heavenly father

00:31:58.079 --> 00:31:58.639
 we thank you so

00:31:58.639 --> 00:31:59.160
 much for these

00:31:59.160 --> 00:32:01.099
 promises that

00:32:01.099 --> 00:32:01.980
 Paul spells out

00:32:01.980 --> 00:32:02.700
 for us here in

00:32:02.700 --> 00:32:03.579
 Ephesians 1

00:32:03.579 --> 00:32:04.339
 father we thank you

00:32:04.339 --> 00:32:05.039
 so much that you

00:32:05.039 --> 00:32:07.180
 have united us to

00:32:07.180 --> 00:32:08.539
 your son and

00:32:08.539 --> 00:32:09.240
 father we thank you

00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:09.859
 for the encouragement

00:32:09.859 --> 00:32:11.299
 that we have from

00:32:11.299 --> 00:32:12.079
 that that we are

00:32:12.079 --> 00:32:12.920
 part of the big

00:32:12.920 --> 00:32:14.039
 plan your

00:32:14.039 --> 00:32:15.480
 eternal universal

00:32:15.480 --> 00:32:16.640
 plan to unite all

00:32:16.640 --> 00:32:17.680
 things in Christ

00:32:17.680 --> 00:32:18.460
 things in heaven

00:32:18.460 --> 00:32:19.759
 and things on

00:32:19.759 --> 00:32:20.980
 earth and father

00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:22.319
 we praise you for

00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:23.420
 these great blessings

00:32:23.420 --> 00:32:24.740
 in Christ's name we

00:32:24.740 --> 00:32:26.380
 pray amen