Woodcreek Church

Paul ends the letter to the Ephesians by encouraging believers to stand firm in the midst of the spiritual war we are engaged in. Kevin points out 5 things God wants us to know from this text. Ephesians 6:10-24

Paul continues to give specific examples of how Christians should submit to one another out of reverence for Christ by discussing the relationships that exist between children and parents as well as slaves and their masters. Ephesians 6:1-9

Having encouraged the Ephesians to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, Paul now begins to give specific examples of what that looks like in relationships. For husbands and wives it looks like love and respect. Ephesians 5:22-33

In the fifth of five "therefore, walk" pairings Paul instructs the Ephesians to walk in wisdom. This includes being wise, understanding the will of the Lord, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:15-21

Paul continues to instruct Christians in how their belief should translate into behavior. In this passage he talks about walking in love and walking in light. Living this way means imitating God and avoiding sinful conduct and conversations. Ephesians 5:1-14

You can't have unity if you don't understand the divide.

The message of Ephesians pivots from what God has done in Christ, to what we should do in light of Christ. The overarching goal of walking in a manner worthy of our call in Christ is to be the unified, diverse, manifestation of Christ in the world. Ephesians 4:1-16

Having been joined together through the death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul prays that God would strengthen the Ephesian Christians, Jews and Gentiles, to understand and experience the limitless love of God, be filled by it and reflect it. Ephesians 3:14-21

In Ephesians 3:1-13 Paul interrupts a prayer for the Ephesians in order to make sure they understand the mystery of the gospel, his role as a minister of this gospel and the results of the gospel. It was radical then and it still is! Ephesians 3:1-13

Peace will never come through human treaties or peace accords. Real and lasting Peace will only come through a person - Jesus Christ. In this passage Paul describes the great doctrine of reconciliation and the peace and unity that comes with it. Ephesians 2:11-22

In the first part of Ephesians chapter 2, Paul explains how BEFORE GOD we were spiritually dead and children of wrath. BUT GOD is rich in mercy and love and made us alive in Christ. This was done FOR GOD to show his grace and for us to do good works. Ephesians 2:1-10

Because of the Ephesians’ faith and love, Paul gives thanks for them and prays that they would know God better. Specifically, he wants them to know their hope, value and power in God. Understanding these things will help us live more like Christ. Ephesians 1:15-23

God gives his children every spiritual blessing through the work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and He does this according to His purpose and for the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:1-4

Introduction to Paul's letter to the Ephesians, which we will be studying for the next four months.

A look at the story from Marks Gospel of the paralytic man and his friends. It is the faith of the paralytic man's friends that get him before Jesus. What is your faith pushing you to do to get your friends before Jesus? Mark 2:1-12

The shepherds were unexpected guests for the birth of Jesus. God called them to be part of the celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world. After seeing what God had done, they told others and praised and glorified God. How can we do the same? Luke 2:8-20

Joseph was told by angels to do difficult things and his faithfulness is seen in his obedience. How was he able to move from being fearful to being faithful? How can we do the same in our lives? Matthew 1:18-25, 2:13-15, 19-23

Mary was favored by God, not because of something she did or even deserved. There were also other virgins in Nazareth. But in his grace God favored and chose her. Her response was one of humble belief and worship. What about you? Luke 1:26-46

The Church is the hope for the world because Jesus has entrusted to us the mission of sharing His Gospel and making disciples. But the hope of the Church is the promised return of Jesus. This week we look at our blessed hope and why it matters. Acts 1:10-11

The Church and the State (governments) are two authorities that have been instituted by God for the good of all people. They have different roles and responsibilities. How is the Church to relate to the State? Romans 13:1-7 and others

Communion and Baptism are practiced to remember how we have been brought into God's story through our participation in the New Covenant, a promise from God that believing in His Son brings eternal life. Romans 6:3-11; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

We not only have a spiritual gift but also a Spiritual Gift responsibility. 1 Cor. 12:4-11,28 Rom. 12:6-8, 1 Peter 4:10-11

How should the church be led? Although there are many kinds of leaders in the church, the New Testament talks specifically about elders: a plurality of Godly men who shepherd the church. This week we will look at who they are to be and what they are to do. Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-5, Hebrews 13:17

We have a Christian responsibility to love one another. Sometimes this is demonstrated through care. Other times it is demonstrated through correction. We will look at our responsibility, the motivation, the goal and the process of loving correction. Hebrews 12:4-11, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus said that the world would know that we are his followers by our loving one another. How do we love one another? We will consider two aspects of loving one another: care and correction. In Part 1 we will look at examples of how we care for one another. John 13:34-35 and others