Sermon - "Citizens of the New World" (Ephesians)

On Sunday, Rev. Joshua Patty preached on Paul's letter to the Ephesians, where the apostle describes how Christians begin to experience heaven on earth.  In contrast to a world that consistently divides people into groups where some are "in" and some are "out," though Christ God has created a single group for all of the faithful. The main demonstration of this is the end of the division between Jew and non-Jew, but it extends to other groups and identities as well.  If people want to be faithful Christians, they need to seeing beyond the barriers and divisions that humans say exist between them -- because such divisions will not exist in heaven.

That said, Christians still need to find ways to live on earth, which means that they must cope with these very divisions and their challenges.  In many ways, Christians need to claim their heavenly identity -- their citizenship in God's new world -- while still living on earth.

Click here to listen to the sermon.

You can also listen to the related Communion meditation.

Ephesians, Day 6

A Day to Catch Up  

If you've had a busy week, today you have a chance to play catch up on any of the selections of Ephesians you might have missed.
 Click to open the information for any of this week's readings.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday
Friday

Share Your Thoughts

A good way to remember something you've recently read or done is to talk about it or to write it down.  Take a few minutes to think about this week's Bible readings.

• If you like to journal, reflect on the passage that surprised you the most or the one that was the most emotional to read.
• Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor about something you've read this week.
• Join the discussion of the Godsway 66 Facebook page.

Get Ready for Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Joshua Patty will preach on Ephesians tomorrow at Eastgate Christian Church in Independence, MO.  Join us for the sermon or check back here for the recorded sermon.

Ephesians, Day 5 Readings

Mutual Accountability & Encouragement for This World      

Today's first reading makes some people uncomfortable as it is the source of the instruction "women, submit yourselves to your husbands."  For centuries, this verse has been used to support patriarchy among Christians.  Interestingly, though, this is a misapplication of this verse, which follows another instruction: "submit to each other."

This is a vision of mutual accountability, where Christians of all genders, ages, and social statuses encourage each other, support each other, and lovingly teach each other how to be better Christians.  By living in this way, they will be better citizens of the new world God is creating.

Read Ephesians 5:21-6:9  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading offers some final encouragements to Christians as they keep living in this world, before they can live in the new world God is creating.  While God is preparing Christians for a new world, they still must live on earth, with all of its brokenness.  In fact, life on earth poses a threat to Christians trying to live in a new way, and Christians should be prepared for struggle (even war) against the powerful forces of this world.  They should also have faith that God has equipped them for this fight.

Read Ephesians 6:10-24  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ephesians 5:21-6:24 today.

Ephesians, Day 4 Readings

A New Way of Living for a New World     

Today's reading offers some practical descriptions of the way that Christians should live as they become citizens of God's new world.  Christians must make a sharp break with their old lives, turning their backs on their current vulgar lifestyles -- no more lying, cheating, lusting, backbiting ways.  Instead, filled with God's truth and love, they must live as children of the light: embracing all as God embraces all, seeking God's truth, and living in peace.  What is more, there is the possibility that others might see their behavior and recognize God's truth for their own lives.

Read Ephesians 4:1-5:20  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ephesians 4:1-5:20 today.

Ephesians, Day 3 Readings

God's New World as a Mystery    

Today's reading continues to describe the new world promised by God to the church.  In some ways, this new world is a mystery which is known and understood only by God.  However, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, God is slowly revealing this mystery to Christians -- unveiling a mystery that has been present, but kept a secret, throughout all of history.

By following the teachings of Jesus together in the church, God is revealing this wonderful new world to Christians -- a glimpse of the glorious eternal future for everyone who will live in heaven.

Read Ephesians 3:1-21  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ephesians 3 today.

Ephesians, Day 2 Readings

A New World, United    

Today's reading continues to describe the vision of a new world which God is creating through Jesus Christ.  Unlike the kingdoms of earth, this world will be united.  There will be no outsiders and insiders, no VIPs and others.

The first proof of this unity -- this oneness -- of Christians is in God's abolition of the division between Jews and Gentiles.  Through Jewish law, non-Jews were considered separated from God, but through Jesus, all people are near God.  And if so, then all people can become citizens of the new world God is preparing.

Read Ephesians 2:1-22  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ephesians 2 today.

Ephesians, Day 1 Readings

The Spirit of the Church    

Today's reading is the beginning of the letter to the church in Ephesus.  It begins with a description of the spirit that fills and inspires the church through Jesus Christ.  While God's purposes begin with forgiveness, the scope of what God has in store for the church is much larger than salvation.  The inheritance that Christians claim through Jesus Christ is a glory and a life beyond earthly possibilities.  (The rest of the letter will attempt to describe this new life.)

Read Ephesians 1:1-23  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Ephesians 1 today.

Ephesians, Overview

Godsway 66, Book 49 - Ephesians  

Ephesians provides a broad vision for what God is doing through Jesus Christ -- nothing short of beginning a new world.  In some ways, this new world remains a mystery which is slowly being revealed to faithful Christians.

However, the reality of this new world explains the importance and the purpose of the church.  It is an outpost in this world for people who will be citizens of God's new world.  In the church, people can grow in the knowledge of God's truth and begin to live as God expects them to live in the new world -- honestly, lovingly, and peacefully.  In this new world, everyone has an important and equal place.

In the meantime, Christians need to do two main things.  They need to grow in their faith so that they live, more and more each day, as citizens who will be at home in this new world.  They do this together: encouraging each other and teaching each other when they make mistakes.  And Christians need to defend against the evil ways of this world -- not only by avoiding the sins they used to commit, but recognizing that Christians face explicit attacks from the evil forces of earth.