July 17, 2016 - LIFE TOGETHER

Day 199 - Ephesians Sunday (chapters 4-6) 

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6 ESV)

The life God’s people live together is the focus of the verses above. It is also the focus of the Greek word “koinonia.”

● The oneness that we have as Christians is. 

● Christian unity simply exists. 

● Christian unity is not something we develop. 

● Christian unity is a gift of God.

● Christian unity is our gift IN CHRIST.

There are numerous passages that declare this oneness IN CHRIST. This morning many of us will express our unity as we gather for worship with these words:

    I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
   And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.  He descended into hell.  The third day He rose again from the dead.  He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.  From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. 
    I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.

Lord, thank You for making us one IN CHRIST. Help us to practice that oneness in ways that bring glory to Your name and lost souls to their Savior. Amen.

Celebrate Christian oneness as you worship today!

“See” you at the Communion table this morning.

Pastor David Paape 

The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based.  http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf