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Good morning. Welcome to Seoul Bible Church. It's a joy to have you with us today. This is the second Sunday of the month, and as you can see, we have a table prepared, ready to share the gospel with our community, with our neighborhood outreach. We well know that some people have a schedule conflict, but whether you go, or go home, we do ask that you be in prayer, that the Lord would use this outreach to bring forth fruit. We know that when the harvest is gathered, both those who pray, those who water, and those who plant the seed all receive their reward from the Lord. Yes, everyone, the activity of the Bokum Jeondo is not only to spread the Bokum, but also to give water to the people who come to Jeondo-do, and also to pray on top of that. It's all done in cooperation, so please cooperate. We did hear from the Bolins this week, and we rejoice to see that they had the opportunity to witness to a Taiwanese couple in West Virginia. So let's pray for fruit from that. The Virgils are also on furlough, and while they were out, they also shared the gospel, and two people came to know the Lord as a result of their outreach, Fernando and Anna. So praise the Lord for two souls that came to Christ. The reveals will be going through Michigan, Virginia, and South Carolina. So let's be praying for their ministry in these three states. Well, our hymn of meditation and preparation this morning, you'll find on the back of your bulletin. You can see on the welcome page. This will be hymn number 232. Mrs. Hendrickson will play We have three verses in there. Please notice especially verses one and three as she plays those two verses. so so and and and and and and It's wonderful to know the King of Kings has a crown for his children. Last week we looked at Revelation 2 and 3. We saw the reward that God gives to overcomers. As Jesus spoke to the seven churches of Revelation, he began each of his addresses by saying he knew them. So in your bulletin this morning, as you read these two verses of Revelation 2, 18 and 19, you will see that Christ knows His Church of Thyatira. And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write, These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like a flame of fire, his feet are like fine grass. I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works, and the last to be more. We're going to sing a song of consecration, hymn number 448. We will sing verses one and four together. Verses one and four. Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end. We'll stand to sing verses one and four. ♪ Whose broad stripes and bright stars ♪ ♪ Through the perilous fight ♪ ♪ O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? ♪ ♪ With banners on the sky ♪ ♪ The bombs bursting in air ♪ ♪ Gave proof through the night ♪ ♪ That our flag was still there ♪ ♪ God bless our native land ♪ ♪ The home of the brave ♪ ♪ The home of the brave ♪ ♪ The home of the brave ♪ Well, we've been in Ephesians for a good while. Let's see what Jesus said to the church of Ephesus in Revelation chapter 2 verses 1 through 7. To the angel of the church in Ephesus write, the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand The one who walks among the seven golden lampstands says this, I know your deeds, and your toil, and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false, verse three, and you have perseverance, and have endured for my name's sake, and have not groaned. It is of choice how they react when they are near you. You, who hold the seven stones in your right hand and walk among the seven pillars of gold, know that I do not tolerate those who are evil and test those who are not, knowing your strength, hard work, and patience, and I know that you have endured and are not lazy for the sake of my name. versus fourth or sixth, but I have this against you, that you have loved first love. Therefore, remember from where you have fallen and repent, and do the deed you did at first, or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place unless you repent. Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Verse 7. He who has an ear Let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him whoever overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in paradise. We rejoice to see Julie back with us today. It's good to see you in good health again. Let's now go to the Lord in prayer. Our Father in heaven, we rejoice that you are the God of your church. Lord, you are our God and our Father. We thank you. Lord, not only are you our God and our Father, but you have sent Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior. And yet there's more. You have given your Holy Spirit as the seal of our inheritance. Lord our God, we rejoice that you are our God. We belong to Jesus and he belongs to us. Father, we pray that you would meet with us today. Allow us to see your glory. Help us to see Jesus as we study his bride of the church. Teach us what it means to be your people. Lord, we pray that not only would you teach us, but you would help us to do what we ought to do. Lord, make Seoul Bible Church all you mean her to be. Father, forgive us for our failures and our sins over the past week. cleanse us, renew us, draw us to yourself. Give us the righteousness that comes from your son's shed blood. Empower us by your Spirit to produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives and in our church. We thank you for our missionaries. We thank you for their faithfulness to you. We thank you, Father, for these souls that came to you because of their faithfulness, even on furlough. And we thank you that whether they're on the field or they're at home on furlough, they are still sowing gospel seeds. Help us to be as faithful sharing the gospel. Father, I pray that you would help us to remember to keep our missionaries always in our prayers. Bring them to our minds that we might pray for them. We also praise and rejoice you that you have answered our prayer for Brother McGowan to get his visa there in Japan. Lord, what a birthday gift you gave Brother McGowan to get that news on his birthday. Now Lord, once again, as we have asked before, we ask again, glorify yourself in our church service today. As we leave here today, may others see that we have been with Jesus. We pray in Jesus' name, with thanksgiving. Amen. Before we sing our second song, we are going to show a video that the pastor sent us yesterday. That means our sound guy will need to turn on the sound with number 7 back there on the sound board. And I've got the video. And Pastor Chu, if you would put down the screen so we can show that. All right, so we've got sound. I guess we need lights. There's a projector going up here. There's the power. Get the light. Thank you. Go to the world for the sake of his name. To every nation his glory proclaim. Pray that the spirit wise will open darkened eyes, granting you life to display Jesus' faith. Love the unloved for the sake of Like Christ we flame those whose heads hang in shame. Jesus did not condemn, but was condemned for them. Trust gospel power, for we once were the same. In Jesus' power, preach Christ to the lost. For Jesus' glory, count all else but lost. Gathered from every place, trophy of sovereign grace, ♪ Jesus, Lord of all ♪ Oh, rescue the lost for the sake of His name. As Christ commands, snatch Him out of the flame. Tell that when Jesus died, God's wrath was satisfied, urged them to flee to the Lamb that was slain. Some for the sake of his name. Think of the throng who will share in his reign. Some for whose souls we pray will share our joy that day. In Jesus' power, preach Christ to the lost. For Jesus' glory, count all the sons lost. Gather from every place, trophy the sovereign grace. Wee-ee-ee ♪ He was not willing that any should perish ♪ ♪ Cold in the flesh, with its sorrow and pain ♪ ♪ Came he to seek the lost, the poor, the wounded ♪ ♪ He of the heart broken by sorrow and shame ♪ ♪ Perishing, perishing, God is his passing ♪ ♪ Reapers are few and many ♪ Jesus lives proudly, he lays to the reaping. Thou shalt have souls, precious souls. First in the play machine, duty demands it. Faithful my neighbor, the Lord will provide. Friends in the fair way, patient in the end time. Well, that should help us all to know better on how to pray for faith ministries in Pastor Threlfall there in Greenville, South Carolina. You saw that one of the slides said, prayer is the work. That is true. Let's now sing Jesus, lover of my soul. It's hymn number 441 in our hymnals. We will sing the same verses 1 and 3. Now, please stand up and sing the 441st Chansong. We will sing the 1st and 3rd verses. Let us go, let us go, let us go, let us go. One, two, three. ♪ While on the hills I follow ♪ ♪ Where the falling children play ♪ ♪ Let the singing ring out loud ♪ ♪ Joy to the world, here on high we sing ♪ Of course, that confession of sin in verse 3 is followed by an assurance that we receive grace and forgiveness, verse four. Well, we are going to worship the Lord with our tithes and offerings now, so I'm going to ask Brother Apley and Brother Wright to come forward and to take the offering. Brother Apley, pray. Let us pray. Dear Lord, Heavenly Father, we do thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon us. Lord, we pray that you would be with us during this time as we give back just a small portion of what you have given us, what you have blessed us with. We pray that the offering this morning will go to the furtherance of your kingdom. here in this local church, in the local community, and beyond, Lord. We pray, Lord. Your blessing upon us. In your name we pray. Amen. so so For our final song before the Sermon in Children's Church, we will sing 245 glorious things of thee are spoken. We'll sing the first and second verses. Let's stand and sing. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. God bless you. God bless you. I won't see the streets of living waters. Take me, calling, to hell, no, hell's a real rush to hell. The way to a happy day. To carry on the sound of the horn. Once upon a winter's day. May the spirits of the world remember thee. Amen, good singing. Please turn in your Bibles to Ephesians chapter 4 this morning. Last week we saw the risen, glorified Lord Jesus walks amidst his churches. He is there. Jesus Christ speaks to us, saying, declaring, if we overcome by his grace, we shall receive rich rewards. Surprisingly, Jesus Christ is glorified by glorifying his followers, Christians. In this life, as Jesus makes us better, he is glorified. He's sanctification. And so when we are in heaven glorified without sin, what a transformation. from sinners to glorified children of God. This morning, as we read Jesus Christ's words to the churches of Ephesus and Thyatira, we saw a central truth. We could have seen this with all seven churches. This wonderful truth is that Jesus Christ knows us. He does not simply know who we are. He knows what we are, our character. So the risen, glorified Lord of His church knows His church. in all their deeds, all their thoughts, all their works. Now, when the church is disobedient, when we're bad, Knowing that God knows disturbs us. The psalmist said he could not flee from God's presence. God is everywhere. On the other hand, when we, the Church is faithful, acting in loving obedience to our Savior, the knowledge that God knows gives us tremendous assurance and confidence. God's knowledge of us and our circumstances gives us confidence encourage to do all God commands us to do. Today, as we look at Ephesians 4 all the way through chapter 5 verse 2, we're going to see three things. First of all, in Ephesians 4 verses 1 through 6, we will see that the Lord has gathered us together in unity, in oneness. In verses 7 through 16, we will see, secondly, that the Lord has gifted his church for service. And if we have time, number three, we will see that because the Lord has gathered and gifted us, we should be both growing in Christ and going for him as witnesses to the world. So let's start by reading Ephesians chapter 4 verses 1 through 16. I'll read the first chunk of Ephesians 4, 1 through 6, and then Pastor Chu will do the same. Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. Verse four continues, there's one body and one spirit. Just as also you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Verse six, one God and father of all who is over all and through all and in all. Therefore, I, who am imprisoned within you, have come to save you, so that you may be united in the unity of the Spirit of the Lord. With all humility and compassion, and with a long-lasting love, accept each other in the midst of love, and with the rope of peace tied to you, be united in the Holy Spirit. For the body is one, and the Holy Spirit is one, so that you may be united in the unity of the Spirit of the Lord. The Lord is one, the faith is one, the church is one, and God is one. He is the Father of all. He is above all, He unifies all, and He is in the midst of all. verses 7 through 10, giving spoils, giving gifts. To each one of us, grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore, it says, quoting Psalm 68, when he ascended on high, he led captive a host of captives And he gave gifts to men, verse 9. Now this expression, he ascended, what does it mean except that he also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is himself also he who ascended far above all the heavens so that he might fill all things. We have given to each one of you the gift of Christ according to your capacity. Therefore, when he ascended to heaven, he took hold of the captive and gave the gift to the people. And when he ascended to heaven, he descended to the lowest place of the earth. He who ascended to the highest place of the earth is the one who is full of all things. Now, specific gifts, verses 11 through 16. And he gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service to the building up of the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ, Verse 14, as a result, we are no longer to be children tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every window of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness and deceitful scheming. But, verse 15, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow in all aspects into Him who is ahead, even Christ. from whom the whole body, being filled and held together by whatever joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. He has given you as an apostle, or as a prophet, or as a messenger of good fortune, or as a pastor, or as a teacher, so that you may do good deeds, and do good works, and that you may build the body of Christ. We have become one in believing in God's Son and in knowing Him, and we have become perfect people, and we have reached the point where we are full of the glory of the Lord. We are not young anymore, and we are trying not to be swayed by the seduction of men and the temptations of men, and we are trying not to be swayed by the abundance of all the good things. That's right. Father, we pray that your Holy Spirit would speak to us through the preaching of your word today. Father, through this sermon, we pray that the Holy Spirit would speak to us through the preaching of your word today. Amen. You see, the title of today's message is The church gathered, gifted, and growing by going. Chapter 4 starts the second part of Ephesians. In chapters 1 through 3, we see the glories of salvation. In chapters 4 through 6, we see what being saved looks like, what we do because we're saved. And Paul starts off here in Ephesians 4 and 1 through 6 by emphasizing the Lord has gathered together his church into unity, into oneness. Here are we, people from every people, tribe, language, and nation. Here we are, and there is a unity that you don't find anywhere else. The images we've seen in previous weeks, the temple, the bodies, the air, all of these are individual. They're one building, or one body, or one temple. The pictures we saw of the church in August really embody, flesh out, help us to understand the propositions, the sentences. Paul makes here in Ephesians 4, one through six. This morning in Sunday school, Mr. Ackley was sharing about the universal church, all of us, and the local church. In Revelation 2 and 3, we saw how every local church is different. There's different circumstances and people. But wherever the true church is, all over the world, this is the characteristic of the church, these seven things. What we see in verse 2 is that there is a unity and a peace. Actually, it's verse 3. a unity and a peace that the Holy Spirit grants to His people. Verse 3 commands us to preserve this unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. And again, as I previously said, the church is basically a single organism. We see there in 4a that there is one body. There may be tens, hundreds, or thousands of Christians, but they are one body. Verse 4 continues with the third characteristic of the church. We have one mission, a single mission, one hope of your calling. What is our hope? What is the expectation of our calling? Our purpose is to glorify God, the God who redeemed us, to edify one another, and so glorify God, and to evangelize the lost, and so glorify God. In other words, the one hope, the one purpose, as we get to Heaven, we glorify God. Our wish is to make God eternal. To make the God who saved us eternal. By encouraging our fellow believers, and by making them a virtue of the believers, and by giving them a reward to those who have gone out and lost. Now verse 5 tells us we have one faith. That means that there is one way of salvation. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in the Word of God. So a single organism, a single mission, one way of salvation, faith in Jesus Christ. Number five, we have the church worships the one true and living God. Now if I ask you who's in the Trinity, you will say the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Paul doesn't say that. He says the Spirit, the Son, and the Father. So here we have the reverse order. One Spirit, verse 4, one Lord, Jesus Christ, verse 5, and one God and Father, verse 6. Not a big deal. But we do have the Triune God. But the point here is the Church worships one Triune God. Contrary to the Muslims or the Jehovah's Witnesses, we have one God, not two or three. Number six, this is where we're going to stop for a while. we see that there is, verse 5, not only one Lord, one faith, but one baptism. Wait a minute. I know Christians who are baptized in different ways. Some of them get wet by sprinkling, some go down in the water. Is that true? Yes, we all know that there are three types of spraying. In fact, the word spraying itself is a little off-putting, but it's a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying, a water-spraying First of all, we have to understand that if the Bible says it's true, that settles it. So there is only one baptism. But what do we mean by one baptism? And what I want to show you this morning is that the Church has been baptized by the Holy Spirit. when we as individuals believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the one baptism. Every single Christian has been baptized by the Holy Spirit. Let's go through the scripture to see how this works out. Turn in your Bibles to John chapter one. We'll look at verses 32 and 33. This is at Jesus Baptist. So in verse 32, John the Baptist testifies saying, I've seen the spirit descending as a dove out of heaven and he remained upon him, meaning the Lord Jesus Christ. And John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus says, I didn't recognize him. But he who sent me to baptize in water said to me, He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon him, this is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit. I myself have seen verse 34 and have testified, this is the Son of God. John the baptizer baptized with water. Jesus Christ, the baptizer, baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Shift over one book to Acts chapter one, please. Acts chapter one, I'll read verse two. and then verses four and five, and then verse eight. So in verse two, All right, in verse two, we see that Luke says that he was writing Luke, the first epistle, his epistle, about until the day when he was taken up to heaven after he had by the Holy Spirit, given orders to the apostles whom he'd chosen. That was a great commission we read about in Mark this morning in Sunday school. verse 4 and 5 now. So gathering his people together, verse 4, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father, God the Father, had promised, which he said, you heard from me. For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. not many days. Now notice, so far we've seen that the Holy Spirit has not yet baptized during Jesus' ministry, even though John the Baptist prophesied that would happen. And as we read again verse eight, we're going to see that Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit, to send the baptism of the Holy Spirit, after He's ascended, not many days later. So Acts 1 verse 8. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria, even to the remotest part of the earth. If only the Holy Spirit works for you, you will receive His power and will be my witnesses to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. All Christians are baptized by the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit regenerates us when we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, obedient Christians, Matthew 28, verses 18 through 20, baptized with water as well. Now, you know this verse very well. You probably memorized it, but again, here in the Great Commission, Matthew 28 verse 19, go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. One final comment about baptism, and then we'll move on. Romans chapter 6, verses 1 through 6, Romans 6 verses 1 through 6 show us that immersion is a picture of, baptism by immersion, is a picture of Jesus' death. burial, and resurrection. This and other passages show us why we baptize in the way we do here. I will actually start in Romans 6 verse 3. Paul asks here, do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus, baptized by the Holy Spirit, have been baptized into his death. Verse 4, therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life." For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection. Knowing this, verse 6, that our old self was crucified with him in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin. Water baptism by immersion is a physical picture. It's in the water. It's a physical picture of a spiritual reality. We receive the water baptism through the form of meditation, right? The water baptism through the form of meditation reveals the spiritual facts that actually happen to us. Going under the water does not save you and get you wet. But going under the water is a picture to everyone watching and a witness that you have been crucified with Christ, that you are dead to your sins. But when the person who baptizes you puts you under the water, he doesn't leave you there. He brings you up because you have new life in Jesus Christ. And this is a picture of of the new life that you received when you believed on Jesus Christ. So when you are baptized, you are sharing the gospel. You are sharing the reality. Jesus Christ died, buried, and rose again, and I was I also died, buried, and rose with Him. This is a testimony. This is what Jesus Christ did for me. This is a testimony I believe in Jesus. This is what he did. He died buried in Moses. This is a testimony the Holy Spirit has regenerated us. And so the Holy Spirit thus has baptized us with himself. And then the Holy Spirit not only has baptized us but then he indwells us and he remains with us and remains in us for the rest of our lives Because if any man have not the Spirit of God, he is none of this. Does all this sound very theoretical? Is this philosophical or doctrinal and not really practical? I mean, didn't I just say at the beginning of the sermon this is the practical part of Ephesians? You would never say this, but respectfully, so what? So what do we do? Because of this doctrine. what Paul started with his conclusion in the first 30 verses. Because we have a shared experience, because we have unity, there are some things that we do. Why does the church exist? The church exists to glorify God, to help and to buy helping one another grow in godliness and holiness. How is that possible for people like you and me to help each other be godly? If you have any struggles with sin, you know how hard it is to overcome those struggles. Notice verse 2. In order to glorify God, in order to help one another and edify one another, we've got to be both humble and gentle. If we are proud, we're going to tear each other down to protect ourselves. If we are humble, we will serve one another and help one another towards godliness. When we are humble to each other, we help each other. When we are humble to each other, we help each other and cooperate with each other. And this also, as verse two says, not only with humility and gentleness, but with patience. Now, if any of us, those of us who are married, know that patience is necessary more than we sometimes like to admit. I confess that I tried my wife's patience more than I really should. That's just true. We'll move on. Please don't translate that. She knows what I mean. But we do need to be gentle with one another. And so this, as verses 2 and 3 says, this will require long suffering. Tolerance for one another in love is what the New Testament says. And so if we have these character traits of humility, patience and gentleness, tolerating or being long suffering, then by God's grace we can go back to verse 1 where we actually walk in a manner worthy of the calling which As it says in verse 2, when we act with humility and compassion, endure for a long time, and tolerate each other in the midst of love, then, as it says in verse 1, we act in harmony with the Lord who called us. Let's get to the first part of point 2. Not only has the Lord gathered us in unity, but let's look at verses 7 through 10. In verses 7 through 10, okay, we've got one church. Good. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift, wherefore it says, Psalm 68 18, when he ascended on high he led captive a host of captives and he gave gifts to men Now this expression, he ascended, what does it mean? Except that he also had descended to the lower parts of the earth. He who descended is himself. Also, he who ascended far above all the heavens that he might fill all things. In order to understand this, we have to get the context from the Old Testament. Turn in your Bibles to Psalm 68. Now, Paul has just said God has given gifts to men, quoting Psalm 68. So in Psalm 68, this is a wonderful psalm tracing God's history with Israel. If you look at chapter 68, God has been writing down the history of his blessings on the people of Israel. We don't have time to read the entire psalm. It's over 30 verses long. But let's get an overview. In verses 1 through 7, there's basically a first stanza that ends with Selah. Here we have a prayer that God will defeat his enemies, delight his friends, and defend his followers. It is the 2nd chapter of the 1st verse. The 2nd chapter of the 1st verse is called Selah. The content of the 2nd chapter is that God destroys the enemies, makes them happy, and protects those who follow God. Prayer, answered prayer, second stanza verses 8 through 19. So God defeats the enemies, delights his friends, and defends his followers. How? Well, he leads his people through the wilderness amid earthquake, manna, and water refreshing them. And this is good news that everyone hears about. In verses 12 through 14, God defeats kings for his people's sake. and then he gives the promised land and dwells there as the victorious potentate, the king of kings. As lord and king, then he distributes gifts to his people. Next, God defeated the enemies of the people of Israel. God gave the promised land to the people of Israel, and the Lord went into it and rescued it as a victorious king, and gave blessings to the people. If you look at the 18th verse, it says, From that context, let's read verses 17 through 20. The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands. The Lord is among them as at Sinai. In holiness you have ascended on high. You have led captive your captives. You have received gifts among men, even among the rebellious, also that the Lord God may dwell there. Blessed be the Lord who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation, Selah. God is to us a God of deliverance, and to God the Lord belongs and escapes from us. Everyone, let's look at verse 20 from verse 17. God's glory is slow and slow, and the Lord's greatness is like the greatness of the holy mountain of God. The Lord ascended to a high place and took the captives and received the gift from man or from the transgressors. Therefore, ask God to save you with us. So in these verses you get a taste of the testimony of answered prayer And then the third standard, stanza, is all about praise for what God has just done in answering the prayer. So there is in verses 20 through 32 praise and yet more prayer because the first prayer was answered. Verses 28 through 32 really emphasize those continued prayers for continued victory and increased triumph. Now then, we come to the conclusion, and we'll read the conclusion as our conclusion of this look. Psalm 68, verses 33 through 35. Let's make it 32. To again get the flavor. Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth. Sing praises to the Lord, Selah. That's the end of the stanza. Verse 33. To him who rides upon the highest heavens, which are from ancient times, behold, he speaks forth with his voice, a mighty voice, ascribe strength to God. His majesty is over Israel and His strength is in the skies of Oh God, you are awesome from your sanctuary. The God of Israel himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God. Verse 33. The Lord said to them, Praise the Lord, the Lord of the heavens. The Lord said to them, Praise the Lord, the Lord of the heavens. The Lord said to them, Praise the Lord, the Lord of the heavens. The Lord said to them, Praise the Lord, the Lord of the heavens. The Lord said to them, Praise the Lord, the Lord of the heavens. The Lord said to them, Praise the Lord, the Lord of the heavens. The Lord said to them, Praise the Lord, the Lord of the heavens. Quickly and finally, back to Ephesians 4, 7 through 10. 9 and 10 says that when God descended, this was Jesus Christ. This was in the Psalms. So Jesus Christ, God incarnate, shows in the exodus, wilderness, and promised land how he gloriously leads, protects, and provides for us. As great as the defeat of Israel's enemies in Canaan was, his defeat of Satan and the Antichrist at the end of the age will be greater. Reality check, Satan will attack, but we can defeat him. Verse 10, the one who is ascended to the Father's right hand is a mighty God who rides the heavens, whose strength is in the clouds. So brothers and sisters, God Himself to strengthen you, to empower you just as a son of a son. So everyone, please remember this. Everyone, please look forward to it. The poet said, what did the poet say? God will give strength and power to the people of Israel, right? He said that, didn't he? Likewise, God will give us strength and power in Jesus Christ. Please look forward to it. Victory is sure when you trust in the Lord. Father, thank you for the victory we have in Jesus Christ our Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen. We'll stand and sing Sinners Jesus Will Receive. We'll sing the first verse and the chorus twice. So sing the first verse, and then as a refrain, sing just the chorus. So, say the first one with the chorus and then repeat the chorus. Okay. Sound the trumpets, we'll soar to the land of the free, of the land of the free. Sing, o'er the land of the free, of the land of the free. See your God, such a good old friend. Christ, He's ever, ever good. See your God, such a good old friend. Christ, you see Him, even since you've been. Father, we thank you that Jesus Christ receives sinners such as we are. Bless us as we go out to proclaim the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Hear your people's prayer for lost souls. Make us a witness for our Lord, we pray. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
The Church Gathered, Gifted & Growing Part 1
Series Building the Church
Ephesians 4:1-5:2 applies the images of the church found in Ephesians to our lives. Because of our great salvation found in Jesus Christ our Lord by the will of the Father and the sealing of the Holy Spirit, we must be unified (gathered in unity) and ready to serve with the gifts God has given us (Ephesians 4:1-16).
Sermon ID | 9824940376277 |
Duration | 1:36:09 |
Date | |
Category | Sunday Service |
Bible Text | Ephesians 4:1-5:2; Revelation 2:1-19 |
Language | English |
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