In this message we begin our verse-by-verse in-depth study of the book of Ephesians. This letter of Paul to the Ephesians has long been one of my favorite books of the New Testament. I think we are in for a thrill as we examine it together!
Read More...Scripture: Ephesians
Chosen By The Father
In this study we run smack dab into one of the most controversial doctrines in the Bible – the doctrine of divine sovereign election. Although this subject is very controversial, when rightly understood and applied to your life, it can be one of the most life changing truths you will ever grasp! For more on God’s sovereign grace in salvation, read the book Overwhelmed By Grace found under the Books section of the Resource Library.
Read More...Our Riches In Christ
Paul is spurring the Ephesians on to bless God for all the spiritual blessings He has granted to us in Christ Jesus. After describing the glorious blessing of choosing us in Christ before the foundation of the world, He goes on to describe the blessings that come to us in Jesus Christ His Son
Read More...Sealed With The Spirit
Paul’s passion is to glorify God. The way he goes about doing that in this passage is to throw the spotlight on each member of the Trinity to reveal their invaluable contribution to God’s Master Plan of Salvation. After praising God the Father and God the Son for their parts, he moves on to praise God the Spirit for preserving us in our salvation. Believers have been sealed with the Holy Spirit.
Read More...Lord Enlighten The Eyes Of Our Hearts!
In this section, Paul shifts from preaching to praying, from declaring the spiritual riches that are ours in Christ, to praying that believers will comprehend our glorious future inheritance, and the awesome power that has made it possible for us to believe the gospel.
Read More...The Power Of God In The Exaltation Of Christ
Paul prays first that thte Ephesians would understand the greatness of the honor and glory God has destined for them, then the greatness of the power that will bring it to pass. But what kind of power is needed to bring these believers to their glorious inheritance? The same kind of power that was needed to bring Christ into possession of His glory. What did God do to bring Christ into possession of His glory, and how has He exalted Him? Our answer is found in this text.
Read More...Dead in Sins
What is the real condition of the unregenerate person? Is he basically good, just lacking the right environment or education? Paul speaks with absolute authority on the desperate condition of the lost man.
Read More...But God!
“But God” – 2 of the most glorious words in all the Bible! Paul doesn’t say, “but you.” When we could do nothing to save ourselves, God did something. Salvation is of the Lord. It was God who took the initiative. God acted. With man salvation is impossible, but with God all things are possible!
Read More...The Master Artist
Imagine if God were a Master Artist. What would the canvass be? What about the paint, and the brush, and the final art gallery? This message is probably Brian Anderson’s most popular message he has ever given, having preached it many times in many places. Let the truth of Ephesians 2:7-10 thrill your soul!
Read More...The Unfathomable Riches Of Christ For The Gentiles
Here Paul turns his attention on the saved Gentiles in Ephesus, and extolls God’s unfathomable grace in what He has done for them. <
Read More...Paul’s Ministry to The Gentiles
Up until this point in Ephesians Paul has not talked about himself at all — it has all been about what God has done for us in Christ. But now, everything changes as he becomes intensely personal and autobiographical in going down a bunny trail to describe the glorious riches the Gentiles have as fellow heirs with believing Jews!
Read More...Paul’s Prayer For The Power Of The Spirit
Paul concludes the first half of the book of Ephesians with a powerful prayer. It is a prayer we should pray for ourselves and others often. Join us as we meditate on the 4 principal parts of this prayer: the power of the Spirit, the love of Christ, the fulness of God, and the glory of God.
Read More...The Unity Of The Spirit
In this study we commence the 2nd half, and the practical section of the book emphasizing the Christian Life. Paul goes to great pains to exhort us to walk worthy of our great and high calling by being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Learn how to preserve the unity that God has already supernaturally created between every true child of God!
Read More...Gifts From Our Ascended Lord
After Paul teaches us about the Unity of the Spirit that every true Christian has with every other true Christian (Ephesians 4:1-6), he shows how this unity works itself out in the diversity of spiritual gifts in the body, especially those of its leaders (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor-teachers). This passage of Scripture is also known for giving rise to the idea that after Jesus died on the cross, His spirit descended into hell to preach to the spirits there. Let’s examine that doctrine, to see if these things are so.
Read More...The Growth Of The Body
Church Growth has become an extremely popular subject in our own day. In this section Paul tackles that subject, but not as we might. Instead of focusing on numerical growth, he focuses on inward, spiritual growth. In what ways does God want the church to grow? Find out in this study!
Read More...New Clothes For A New Man
The apostle Paul in this section begins his in-depth, prolonged teaching on the sanctification of the believer and personal holiness. He does so by showing us that God has made us brand new people with new desires and ambitions. He shows us that sanctification is to a great extent believing and acting on the truth of who we are in Christ.
Read More...Living In The Light Of Eternity – Pt. 2
We were unable to finish this section in our previous message, so we allowed it to spill over into a Part 2. What a wonderful, rich passage of Scripture. What important and powerful exhortations we have been given in this section! Oh, how we need to live in light of eternity!
Read More...Exchanging The Old Life For The New – Pt. 1
In this section, Paul shows us in 5 very practical areas how we are to exchange the old lifestyle patterns for brand new ones. We got some heavy questions and comments in this teaching right off the bat, so we didn’t complete the study. This will be Part 1. I think you will enjoy the dialogue, as we seek to understand how to obey God’s Word!
Read More...Exchanging The Old Life For The New – Pt. 2
We continue in our message on “Exchanging The Old Life For The New” and look at some more specific areas in which we are to lay aside the characteristics of the old life and exchange those for new lifestyle patterns. In this message we speak of laying aside stealing, unwholesome words, and ungodly attitudes. At the heart of all is the Love of Christ displayed in offering Himself up for us, as a fragrant aroma to God!
Read More...Sexual Purity
The Scriptures detail a very high standard for the church concerning sexual purity. In this passage we are taught God’s standards, and what will be the ultimate destination for those who characterize a sexually impure lifestyle.
Read More...Be Careful How You Walk!
Paul exhorts believers to be careful how they live out their Christian life because there are dangers, traps, drop offs, and pitfalls on every side. How are we to be careful? By making the most of our time and understanding the will of our Lord.
Read More...The Spirit-Filled Life – Pt. 1
Ephesians 5:18 is perhaps the most important verse in the 2nd half of Ephesians, for it reveals how we are to obey all the other commands and exhortations found there. If Ephesians 4-6 are a race course, and you are the driver, Eph.5:18 is the fuel. In this message we examine what the Bible teaches about drunkenness, and about how we can obey the command to be filled with the Spirit.
Read More...The Spirit-Filled Life – Pt. 2
Having discussed the command to be filled with the Spirit in our previous message, we now focus on the consequences of being filled with the Spirit. This church meeting turned out to be very different as you will probably realize as you listen to it. Buckle your seat belts, for you will be going on a ride as you tune into this house church gathering!
Read More...God’s Will For Husbands and Wives
Paul initiated some Biblical discussion on God’s will for husbands and wives from this popular passage of Scripture.
Read More...God’s Will For Children
What is God’s will for children? The apostle Paul answers that question in this section of Scripture. Since we had no young children present in this meeting, we sought to apply the principles found here to adult children. Interestingly, in God’s Providence we just happened to study this section of Scripture on Mother’s Day!
Read More...God’s Will For Parents, Slaves, and Masters
In this study we examine God’s will for Parents, then Slaves, and finally Masters. If you would like to know the Biblical work ethic, look no further. Paul spells it out quite clearly for us here!
Read More...The Believer’s War Against Satan
Have you ever been confused by all the various teachings on spiritual warfare today?! In this message we analyze several different tactics popular teachers suggest we use in spiritual warfare, and compare them with Scripture. Then we look at what the apostle Paul actually tells us to do in Ephesians 6. I think you might be surprised.
Read More...The Believer’s Armor – Pt. 1
In order to be effective in our war against Satan, there are various pieces of armor that we must put on. In this message we examine the first 3: The Belt of Truth, The Breastplate of Righteousness, and the Sandals of the Gospel of Peace.
Read More...The Believer’s Armor – Pt. 2
In order to be effective in our war against Satan, there are various pieces of armor that we must put on. In this message we examine the last 3 pieces of armor: The Shield of Faith, the Helmot of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. May the Lord enable all of us to put them on and defeat the enemy’s attacks!
Read More...Prayer Warriors
How does prayer “fit” in the believer’s life? How is it related to the spiritual warfare we are in? Do you see yourself as a prayer warrior? If not, I hope this message will help to change your mind!
Read More...The Passion Of Christ For The Church
Jesus Christ is passionate about His Church and He demonstrates that through loving the church, giving Himself for the church, sanctifying the church, glorifying the church, nourishing the church, cherishing the church, and uniting Himself forever with the church. Because He is passionate about the church, so should every follower of Jesus! Read More...
The Goals of Every Member Ministry
The Scriptures call the church to Every Member Ministry. If all believers will be faithful to minister to one another we can expect the result to be growth in Maturity, Unity, and Discernment in the local church. Read More...
The Duty Of Children
As Pastor Brian began a new mini-series on the Christian Family, he dealt with two implications of Ephesians 6:1:
1) The Apostle Paul Assumed That Children Would Be Present With Their Families In Church
2) The Apostle Paul Assumed That Children Could Be Saved.
Therefore, we need to beware of believing children don’t need to be saved, of not evangelizing children, and using unBiblical decisionistic methods to evangelize our children.
Read More...The Duty of Children – Pt 2
What is the duty of children toward their parents? In this message, Pastor Brian speaks directly to the kids of The Bridge, and shares the Word with them as to what God requires of them and why. Read More...
The Duty of Fathers – Pt. 1
Fathers are called upon to take responsibility to discipline and instruct their children. It’s not the responsibility of the school, the church, or even mothers. They have brought an immortal soul into the world, and passed on to their children the curse of sin. As bearers of ultimate responsibility in the home, they must resist being passive, and labor for the salvation of their children. Read More...
The Duty of Fathers – Pt. 2
Fathers are commanded not to provoke their children to anger. In this message, Pastor Brian shows 7 ways that fathers can provoke their children to anger, and then what they can do about it. Read More...
The Duty of Fathers – Part 3
What does it mean for fathers to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord? What does the Bible have to say, if anything, about spanking? In what areas must a father instruct his children? Pastor Brian speaks to all of these questions in this message. Read More...
Total Inability
What is the sinner’s true condition as taught in the Bible? The sinner is dead in trespasses and sins, controlled by the world, controlled by the devil, controlled by his flesh, and under the wrath of God. Pretty bleak picture, isn’t it?! The good news is that God is greater than our sin, and can breathe His life into dead sinners! Read More...
Unconditional Election – Part 2
In Ephesians 1:3-6, the apostle Paul lifts up the doctrine of unconditional election, and gives us glimpses of it from 9 different perspectives. In this message we look at those 9 perspectives, and then see how the Bible itself tells us how to apply this doctrine to our lives. Read More...
Putting Anger To Death
As believers, how can we overcome anger in our lives? In this message Pastor Brian seeks to give helpful and practical suggestions to deal a death blow to sinful anger. Read More...
Praise
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16
The Christian’s Identity
“To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus”
Ephesians 1:1
Spiritual Richness In Christ
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Ephesians 1:3
The Spiritual Blessing Of Sanctification
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. Ephesians 1:4
Holy and Blameless Before The Father
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. Ephesians 1:3-4
We apologize, the beginning of the sermon wasn’t recorded.
Predestined for Adoption
He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:5-6
Redemption
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7
The Mystery of God’s Will
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. Ephesians 1:7-10
Our Inheritance in the Lord
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-14
If You Only Knew – The Power of God in the Life of a Christian
Paul’s last prayer petition in Ephesians chapter 1 is one of power………..literally! The Apostle’s prayer for the Ephesians is that the eyes of their heart would be enlightened to know the power of God directed toward them. Do you know the power of God directed toward you?
A Stroll Down Memory Lane: Life Before Christ and the Power of God
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.
Ephesians 2:1-2
The Mercy of God and the Jesus Treatment
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7
The Mercy of God and the Jesus Treatment, Part 2
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7
God’s Masterpiece
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NASB
Remember Your Former Life Before Christ
Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
Ephesians 2:11-12
Our Unity In Christ
“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace”
Ephesians 2:13-15
The Forgotten Victory of the Cross: How the Gospel Sets the Dinner Table and Brings Unity Among the Nations
“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near”
Ephesians 2:13-17
Paul’s Calling into the Mystery of the Gospel
To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to enlighten all people as to what the plan of the mystery is which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things;
Ephesians 3:8-9
The Purpose of the Mystery of the Gospel
so that the multifaceted wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,
Ephesians 3:10-11
Paul’s Prayer Part 1
“To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to enlighten all people as to what the plan of the mystery is which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; so that the multifaceted wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.”
Ephesians 3:8-10
Paul’s Prayer Part 2
“For this reason I bend my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner self, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,”
Ephesians 3:14-17
Being Rooted in Love
“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love”
Ephesians 3:17
Growing in the Understanding of Love of Christ
“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:17-19
Paul’s Doxology
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Christian Unity: Christian Culture v. Cancel Culture
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3
Spiritual Gifts
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Ephesians 4:7
The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-13
The Ultimate Goal of the Spiritual Gifts in the Church
Join us as Pastor Wade discusses the importance and goal of spiritual gifts in the church.
Defense Against Falsehood and Heretical Teaching
Join us as Pastor Wade discusses how to defend against false teaching by using the spiritual gifts in the church body.
The Marks Of A Healthy Church
Join us as Paster Wade discusses what are the marks that make a healthy church.
The Extra-ordinary Life
Join us as Pastor Wade discusses what it is to live an extra-ordinary life.
The Extra-ordinary Life Part 2
Join us as Pastor Wade discusses in the second part of what an extra-ordinary life is by showing us what it is not.
How to Discern the Voice of Jesus
Join us as Pastor Wade discusses the importance of knowing and discerning the voice of Jesus from our own.
How A Disciple Of Jesus Should Speak
Join us as Pastor Wade discusses the importance of speech and how believers should speak to people.
A Tale of Two Angers
Join us as Pastor Wade goes through Ephesians 4 and discusses the two types of anger and how to deal with them.
A Christian’s Behavior
Join us as Pastor Wade goes through the book of Ephesians 4:28 and discusses how a Christian should behave.
Imitating God
Pastor Wade discusses the importance of imitating God.
Walking In Love
Pastor Wade discusses the importance of imitating God through walking in love.
Spiritual Warfare – Don’t Listen To Their Voices
Join us as Pastor Wade discusses the importance of spiritual warfare and how it affects the body. .
Are You Woke?
Join us as Pastor Wade talks about awake and alert in Jesus.
Be Filled With The Holy Spirit
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Redeeming the Time
Join us as Pastor Wade shows in Ephesians 5 that Christians should be wise with their time and to do the will of God.
Singing and Giving Thanks to God
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
Ephesians 5:18-20
Be Subject to One Another
“submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Ephesians 5:21
The Good Husband
“In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.””
Ephesians 5:28-31
Paul’s Calling into the Mystery of Gospel
To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to enlighten all people as to what the plan of the mystery is which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things;
Ephesians 3:8-9
https://youtu.be/hj-GtpRS5MU
God’s Masterpiece
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NASB
The Good News of a New Mind
In this sermon, Pastor Wade will go over the importance of the need of a new mind in Christ, moving away from futile thinking and encourages believers to self-examine any outside influence that might affect their spiritual walk with Christ. A walk centered on Christ leads to spiritual growth.
Follow Us!