Friday First - Christ's Gifts to His Church

As we move into June we are going to stay in Ephesians 4. If the first three chapters of Ephesians identify the truth about our identity in Christ, then the second three call for our practical response. The Lord expects us to act like the new persons we have become in Christ. The Christian life is simply the process of becoming what you are. Ephesians 4-6 explains how to do that. For most of the rest of this month we’ll be in Ephesians 4.1-16. Our original plan was to talk about unity in the church. This is one of the best passages in the New Testament to do that. But simultaneously, we will be working through some lessons on Biblical Leaders for Today as we go through the process of installing additional elders and deacons here at Cornerstone. There is much to learn from this passage on both topics.

In Ephesians 4.1, Paul urges us to live out our salvation in accordance with the Father’s will. Then he lists the identifying marks of the worthy walk, five essentials for faithful Christian living: walking in humility, gentleness, patience, forbearing love, and unity. What is the basis for our unity? It is our oneness with the Father, Son, and Spirit as expressed in v. 4-6.

On Sunday, we ‘ll spend the majority of our time in 4.4-7, where Paul tells us where we obtain the resources we need to walk worthily. The resources are found in the gifts that Christ has given us individually, 4.7. And they are also found in the gifts that Christ gives to the church, i.e., evangelists and pastors. Each one of us has been given a gift. Are you using yours? God has given us evangelists and pastors. Do you view them as Paul did … a gift from Christ?

Our lesson will focus on:

• Ephesians 4.7 - Christ’s gifts to us as individuals
• Ephesians 4.8-10 - How Christ earned the right to give gifts
• Ephesians 4.11 - Christ’s gifts to His church

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

1. What do you think the gift is that Christ has given to you?
2. How are you using this gift?
3. What if you are not using it? What can you do to put it into action?
4. What gave Christ the authority to bestow gifts?
5. How do you view the leaders that Christ has gifted our local church with?

OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt

SONG LEADER
Jim Grushon

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Boyd Hastings

LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Jason Schofield

SERVE LORD’S SUPPER
Greg Morrison
Kevin Elkins
Matt Ringle
Wes Grushon
Roy Pyle
George Long
 
SCRIPTURE READING
Chris Fles
Ephesians 4.1-11

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING PRAYER
Roger Robins

CLOSING COMMENTS
Rich Walker

WELCOME CENTER
Kathi Stewart / Trish Spargo

USHERS
Jim Rutter / Jeremy Price

CLOSING THE BUILDING
Jim Grushon