Sermons
Sermons from Bay Vista Baptist ChurchWalking in Love
Paul continues his theme of putting off and putting on by listing some of the sinful activities the Ephesian church was doing, and what they should do instead. The unloving actions were causing the world to question their faith, but by reorienting themselves to God’s purpose, they could begin living for Him. Paul calls us all to imitate God by walking in love.
Walking as the New Self
Paul reminds the church at Ephesus that they are not who they once were; they are new creations in Christ. He reminded them that their prior way of living was contrary to what God wanted them to do, and that they had been given a new identity. They needed (and we need) to realize that this transformation must be intentional; we are not helpless to resist the draw of our old selves, but we must resist if we are to be who God wants us to be.
Walking in Diversity
In the passage we studied last week, Paul emphasized unity in Christ. In the verses immediately following, though, he also focuses on the diversity that exists within the Body of Christ, the church. All gifts are given by God, and should be used to build His church; and, while we may have different gifts, we should value all of them, and realize that none of us are non-essential parts of the Body.
Walking in Unity
As Paul pivots from doctrine to application, he begins by underscoring the importance of the church living in unity. He explains several aspects of this unity: that it is crucial to our living the lives to which God has called us; how it requires humility; how we should strive for peace; and how our living in unity reflects the work God has done in our lives.
Seeing, but Not Really
The Gospels record two instances of Christ’s followers who saw Him after His resurrection, but did not recognize Him at first. The reality that they thought they knew did not match up with true reality, and the reality of Christ’s presence healed the immense pain they had in their hearts.
I'm Praying for You!
Paul’s prayer for his readers gives us a model for how we should pray for others. We should pray that they are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, that they have a full experience of the love of Christ, and that the fullness of God will help them prevail in this world.
A Dream Come True
As Paul is writing to the churches in Asia Minor, he takes a rabbit trail to explain to his readers that God had called him to share the good news of hope to the Gentiles. We, too, have the charge to share the gospel, which brings hope both through its message and its messengers.
Two Becoming One
In the tradition of those who followed God, when Jesus came, there were two divisions - the Jews, who were on the inside as God’s chosen people; and Gentiles, who were everyone else. Paul tells the church at Ephesus that these two divisions no longer exist, because Jesus Christ has torn them down. His death is the instrument that brings us peace, and through Him, we can find wholeness and move beyond the barriers our world continues to erect today.
We Now Belong
In our message from the Book of Ephesians this morning, Brother Danny explains what Paul means in chapter 2, verses 11 through 13. As Paul has just concluded his exclamation that believers are God’s masterpiece, he goes on to explain that, though the Gentiles were once NOT in covenant with God, were once NOT in relationship with God, by His will and through His Son, they are now His people. And, just as those Gentiles in Ephesus have been adopted into God’s family, so have we.
Coming to Terms With Faith and Works
Brother Danny continues taking us through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, today in chapter 2, verses 8 through 10. In these verses, Paul expresses first the nature of our salvation; that God alone is responisble for every aspect of our salvation. Second, Paul wants his readers to understand how dear we are to the Author of our salvation. As His masterpieces, God looks at us with love and joy. Finally, Paul explains that the Christian isn’t merely saved FROM something; as Christians, we are saved FOR the good works that God has prepared for us to do.