Church is…on a mission from God – Ephesians 3:1-13

  “All things were created by [Jesus] and for [Jesus].” (Col.1:16)

 We live in a Jesus-shaped universe. To flourish…we need to live a Jesus-shaped life.

  

1) We flourish when we make God’s big plan our big plan

“This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:6)

 Through Jesus God has made a new people: the church

“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Ephesians 3:10)

 God’s big plan is for _____________ to demonstrate  how wise and wonderful He is to the angels!

 

One practical thing I can do this week that I was not going to do anyway, that will enable me to play my part in God’s big plan…

 

 

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

2) What’s the message we share?

“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12)

3) How can we flourish by sharing the good news?

(i) It’s okay to not have all the answers.

 (ii)It’s okay to be afraid

 (iii) Prayer over comes fear and is better than an encyclopaedia of answers

 

Who will I commit to praying for, that they might get to hear about Jesus?

 

iv) Love them

v) Speak

 “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (1Peter 3:15)

  

Why do you believe in Jesus?

 

• “Why do you believe in Jesus?”
• “How did you become a Christian?”
• “What does Jesus say about X or Y”

 

vi) Give sacrificially to support mission both here and abroad.

 

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2Corinthians 9:6)

 Please help us advance the gospel work we do in New Barnet by using this information to establish / amend a standing order: Account name: St. James’s PCC Covenant Account, account no 00027936, Sort Code: 20-95-61, at Barclays Bank plc, 1250 High Road, Whetstone, London, N20 0PB.

 Flourishing is living a Jesus-shaped life in a Jesus-shaped world.

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I want to know more:

 

• Book: “Why we love the church” , by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck
• Book: “3 2 1 The Story of God, the World and You”, by Glen Scrivener
• Book: “Just Walk Across the Room”, by Bill Hybels

Video: Bill Hybels, The Local Church is the (logical) hope of the world: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX3ObfR1LDQ