Sunday Preview: The Hope of Our Calling

This quarter, our sermon series is based on Ephesians 1:18, where Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened so that we may know what is the hope of our calling. Our lesson this week will delve into the concept of "the hope of our calling" and why it is so crucial in our lives as believers. To fully our hope, it's essential to understand our former condition. Sin is to be like Satan, deceptive and destructive, in open rebellion against God, dwelling in ungodliness, and being lawlessness. It is Paul's words in Titus 3:4-5 that bring a ray of hope: But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us – not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy. God intervened in our brokenness with His love and mercy, setting in motion a lifetime process of transformation.

In Ephesians 1:17, Paul prays that we receive the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. In verses 18-19, he lists three aspects of this knowledge:
1. The hope of His calling
2. The wealth of His glorious inheritance in the saints
3. The immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe

Ephesians 1:18 introduces the concept of "the hope of His calling." But what does this "calling" mean? It is God's gracious invitation to salvation through the gospel. When we choose God, he helps us to live with confident expectation. This hope isn't vague or wishful thinking. It's a sure promise of life with God.

For what do we hope? Our calling ignites hope, the hope of being glorified with Christ when He returns, Romans 5.2, Colossians 3.3-4. This hope should be our daily motivation, inspiring us to live faithfully. It also provides from fear. Instead, we have a a close, intimate relationship with God, our loving Father, Romans 8.15-16. Finally, our hope extends to our transformation into Christ's likeness. Ephesians 5:27 speaks of being presented as holy and blameless. We look forward to the day when sin will be eradicated, and we'll have new, bodies, 1 John 3.1-2.

As we come together Sunday we will:

• Define our “calling.”
• Learn about the hope it produces.

As you prepare for worship, you might think on these questions:

• What does it mean to have our "identity in Christ?”
• In what ways does Paul's description of our past condition resonate with your own journey before coming to Christ?
• How can we practically apply Paul's prayer to gain a deeper understanding of our calling and spiritual blessings?
• What does the concept of "the hope of our calling" entail, and how does it shape our perspective on the past, present, and future as Christians?
• How can we maintain a sense of expectation and assurance regarding our eternal destiny?

OPENING / WELCOME
Rich Walker
SONG LEADER
Titus Sullivan
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Randy Mullins
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Tony Bumbalough
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Jeff Livingston
Gary Jackson
Wes Grushon
Kody Pritt
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew Barnhart
Ephesians 1.18-23
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Jeremy Price
CLOSING COMMENTS
Mark Ringle
WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald / Judy Hickey
USHERS
Ben Baker / Mike Rosato
SONG DEVOTIONAL
Mark Ringle
COMMUNION PREP
Jeri Hastings
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Josh Childers