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The central idea in vv 11-18 is that Jesus Christ has brought us, his church, near to God. Our text is about the church’s composition, origin, and privileges. It is densely loaded with biblical doctrines, informing our doctrines of salvation, the church, and the Trinity. Here Paul identifies three additional aspects of Christ’s saving work.

Believing in Jesus gives us: 1. peace with God (vs. 1). 2. a pathway to God (vs. 1-2). 3. praise for God (vs. 2). 4. progress from God (vs. 2-4). 5. an out-pouring of God's love (vs. 5).

Magnify the cross of Jesus Christ... 1. Because it was God's perfect plan. 2. Because it confirms God's prophecies. 3. Because it is the greatest proof of God's love. 4. Because it is the source of our greatest peace.

Jesus tells us that before impulsively deciding to follow him, we must count the cost: renouncing all that we have. But we must also consider the benefits, and Paul identifies four central benefits for us here.

The Cross of Jesus Christ... 1. Can put real hope in our hearts (vs. 12-13). 2. Can break down barriers between us (vs. 11-15). 3. Can take away God's holy hostility toward us (vs. 15-17). 4. Can give us instant access to Almighty God (vs. 18). 5. Can make Heaven our home (vs. 19).

In this life, it is hard to not get distracted by people claiming to have the answers. We need to know that if these people are not coming through Jesus then the answers they have do not lead to God or Heaven. Jesus is the Door and the Good Shepherd only He provides the means to an eternal relationship with God.

December 21, 2014 Intro – Grandma handed her present to Grandpa: “Honey, I bought you something unusual this year. For the man who has everything.” He said, “You shouldn’t have. What is it?” She replied, “The deed to a cemetery plot.” Unique indeed! Next year she didn’t buy him anything, so he asked,…

Intro -- What are we going to learn in Ephesians 2:11-18? We are going to learn that peace with people starts with peace with God. The Cabots, one of Boston’s leading families, were held in low esteem by Miss Amy Lowell (1874-1925, US poet and critic). She would go to the extent of refusing invitations…

God has made reconciliation possible. Key phrases: •18a – God reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ. •19a – In Christ He was reconciling – not imputing their trespasses •21 – He made Him to be sin for us so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him God is filled with joy every time a person…

Intro – A lady had dressed up in a genie costume for the office Halloween Party. When she went to leave, her car would not start. As she walked away, a colleague pulled up and asked what was wrong. She said her car stalled. He said, “Well, just fold your arms -- and blink!” If you remember I Dream of…

Read – Why did Jesus come to earth? Why did God become man? Why did Jesus die? The Greeley Tribune faith columnist on July 10, 2010 answered, “An honest reading of the Bible can only lead us to the conclusion that the Bible is uncertain on the significance of Jesus death.” Since he can’t find a biblical…

Inscription: Writing God’s Words on Our Hearts & Minds Part 69: Justification – Peace with God Romans 5:1-11 March 18, 2012 Intro to Romans After finishing up the Gospels and Acts, we are now in the Epistles, a collection of letters written by the Apostles to help guide the early church. Q Have you heard…

Greetings in Stereo (Ephesians 1:1-2) Years ago, an immigrant from Europe was very new to the US and did not understand how everything worked. Most of us have found ourselves in a new location, new job or some other new experience where we did not know quite what to do, can appreciate his story. This…

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 “The Fragrance of God” Introduction Last wk I was reminded of John Ramsey I think about from then till now Have I grown in my culture (this is hard) Movie Series What is the point – it’s not movies (entertainment) World of movies and our culture How do you react, interact, respond…

Rejoice in God, b/c of the Benefits of Justification Introduction: 1. If I gave you something how would you respond? a. You would probably say that it depends on what it was. 2. What if I were to perform and act of love towards you? a. Probably about the same response 3. You see when someone performs…

How Jesus Gives Us a Peace of His Mind Scripture: Luke 24:36–49, especially verse 36 36While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 37They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38He said to them, "Why are you troubled,…