Sunday Preview: Before the Foundation of the World

During the month of April, we’ll be discussing a foundational truth from Ephesians. Here, Paul presents the church as the living, breathing body of Christ. As Ephesians 1:22-23 explains, Jesus, as the head, orchestrates His will through the collective function of the body, signifying the church's essence as people, interconnected and moving in divine harmony. All this springs from an eternal blueprint, revealing that God the Father, with infinite foresight, master-planned the church's existence before the dawn of time.

The Significance of Divine Planning
In Ephesians 1:3, Paul describes the nature of God's spiritual blessings bestowed upon us. God is the ultimate giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), orchestrating our lives for good (Romans 8:28). These blessings, encompassing prayer, love, peace, joy, and strength, are not of this world but divine, indicating a heavenly origin and purpose. The source of these blessings? Jesus. Our relationship with Christ bridges us to the divine treasury of spiritual wealth.

The practicalities of receiving these blessings unfold in the progress of faith and spiritual maturity. Walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-24) and abiding in Christ are the keys to unlocking a realm where every spiritual blessing in the heavens becomes accessible and actionable. God has promised to equip us with everything necessary for life and godliness through His divine power (2 Peter 1:3).

A Personal Invitation to Eternity
Ephesians brings personal significance to these truths. You are part of a grand, divine plan that predates creation itself. This isn't about predestining souls to heaven or hell but extending an open invitation to all, with a choice to be made (John 3:16-18; Matthew 22:1-4).

This choice to receive Jesus, to embrace the love and sacrifice He offers, is the gateway to becoming part of God's chosen (John 1:12).

Unlimited Resources Are at Your Disposal

Ephesians 3:20 reminds us of the limitless resources available to those in Christ. The spiritual blessings, divine inheritance, and eternal purpose are practical realities for those who have chosen to find their identity, purpose, and life in Jesus.

Have you discovered this profound truth? Are you living in the reality of being part of something divinely orchestrated before the foundation of the world? The invitation stands timeless and open. To find oneself in Christ is to unlock a destiny set in motion before the stars hung in the sky. It's an invitation to a life transformed, a heart renewed, and a spirit awakened to God's eternal love.

As you prepare for Sunday, answer these five questions:

• How does understanding the church as the body of Christ, with Jesus as the head, influence our view of individual roles within the church?
• Reflecting on Ephesians 1:3, how can we actively acknowledge and live out the spiritual blessings we have received?
• How do the spiritual blessings mentioned (prayer, love, peace, joy, strength) impact your daily life and interactions with others?
• Discuss the significance of Ephesians 3:20 in the context of personal faith. How can you tap into the "unlimited resources" available in Christ?

OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt
SONG LEADER
Mark Ringle
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Matt Ringle
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Rich Jacobs
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Tommy Ray
Roy Pyle
Boyd Hastings
Bob Zehring
SCRIPTURE READING
Matt Barnhart
Ephesians 1:1-4
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Dave Pennington
CLOSING COMMENTS
Rich Walker
WELCOME CENTER
Judy Hickey / Pam Grushon
USHERS
Bob Hoopes / Roger Robins
SONG DEVOTIONAL
Jim Grushon
COMMUNION PREP
Marilyn Sims
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Josh Childers