Pastor Mark continues the Ephesians series from chapter 3, exploring the mystery revealed through Paul: the Church has always been part of God’s eternal plan. Through Jesus, people who were once divided are brought together as one family, and that united Church becomes a living display of God’s wisdom.
Sermon Notes
In Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul begins a sentence about prayer, but interrupts himself to explain something he cannot keep quiet about. He calls it a mystery, something previously hidden in God but now revealed through the Holy Spirit.
That mystery is the Church.
The Church was always God’s plan
Gentiles were never God’s second option.
From the beginning, God’s plan was to bring people from every nation together through Jesus.
Jew and Gentile now share equally in the inheritance of God’s children, belong to the same body, and receive the same promises through Christ.
The dividing wall has been torn down.
Through Jesus, outsiders are invited all the way into the family of God.
The gospel reconciles us to each other
The gospel reconciles us personally to God, but it also reconciles people who may have every human reason to remain divided.
The Church is meant to demonstrate that those walls can come down.
Sometimes our own walls are not built through hatred. They can simply come through comfort, convenience or familiarity.
Pastor Mark challenges us to step beyond those familiar boundaries.
Talk to someone new. Share a meal. Hear someone’s story. Build relationships with people who may be different in age, background or life experience.
When we do this, we are putting the gospel on display.
The Church displays God’s wisdom
In Ephesians 3:10, Paul says God’s purpose is to use the Church to display His wisdom, even to the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
The primary display is not a building, sermon, worship team or programme.
It is the Church itself.
Ordinary and imperfect people from different backgrounds learning to genuinely love one another because of Jesus.
Unity is spiritual warfare
There is an unseen spiritual battle, but Christ has already won the victory.
Every time people who would not naturally connect choose to love, welcome and serve one another, something spiritually significant happens.
Unity is not simply a nice outcome. It is part of the Church’s witness.
That means unresolved conflict, cliques, grudges and division matter.
Paul calls us to both seek and protect unity.
Everyone is invited in
For anyone who feels like an outsider, Paul’s message is clear.
You do not need the right background, family history or past.
Through Christ, outsiders are invited all the way in and welcomed as members of God’s family.
And because we have bold and confident access to God through Jesus, we should not hold others at a distance.
Key Scripture
Ephesians 3:6
“Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.”
Key Thought
The Church is God’s living display of the gospel.
When people who would otherwise remain divided become family through Jesus, God’s wisdom, grace and victory are put on display.
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Find out more about Jesus here
Find the answers to life’s biggest questions. Try Alpha
Can we pray for you? Request prayer and click ‘Prayer Request’ Button.
To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, click here.
#hillschurch #thegospelofjohn #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon
