Sabbath 6/9/18 Seventh Day Baptist Edgewater Pastor John sermon “Us-The Importance of the Plural”

Sabbath 6/9/18 Seventh Day Baptist Edgewater Pastor John sermon “Us-The Importance of the Plural” Ephesians 1:3-14

We, in the Church, should be saying it’s all about us and not all about me. We are many individuals but we are all one in Christ. In our text, Paul uses the words “us” and “we” many times. The unity of the Church is important. God designed many of His blessing for us and not for me or just you.

Although we are living in a “me” generation, we should not have this attitude and mentality. We should live in a responsible way because we are not in this world alone and not in the body of Christ alone. Athletes play in teams, race car drivers have their car mechanics team with them and even soloist singers have their musicians to play for them. We are not alone.

Although there are movie stars in this world, there should not be “star” Christians. Our leaders should be workers in the Church and not act like they are a “star”. We should also not be Christian hermits that like to be alone in a cave. Christianity is a worship of God with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are followers of Jesus and are in the family of God and in the community of Faith. It is important for us to talk about “We” and not “I” when we think of ourselves.

In our text, Paul thanks God the Father for choosing us. We are chosen to serve God and be an example of Christianity in our community. We are adopted into God’s family and redeemed/saved from the penalty of sin. We still need continual spiritual growth and we should help others who also need help in their journey with Jesus. We need to be accountable to one another.

Paul thanks God for staying with us. Our salvation is complete but also incomplete because we were told to be more and more like Jesus. There is growth in Christian Faith. We should all be more closer to God and on a higher spiritual level than what we were ten years ago. Paul also thanked God for helping us grow in our Faith. We are children of God and when Jesus comes back, we will be like Him. We must grow in our Christianity. The Holy Spirit is there to comfort, encourage, and prod us to grow. The Holy Spirit challenges us to grow in Christ. We want to reach that perfection that is in Jesus Christ. We need to spend time in the Word, spend time in Bible study and spend time listening to Christian music. We should want to do all this so we grow to become more like Jesus. We have to make the decision to also provide care to our Christian brothers and sisters in our Church. We are to grow up and always be like Christ.

AMEN
 
In the context of the letter to the Ephesians, 'us' is talking about believers in Christ. Whether we are gentile or jew, male or female, slave or free. All are ONE in Christ Jesus. Paul, a jewish believer, was sent by Jesus to be a light to the gentiles, he was an apostle to the gentiles. HE was saying 'we' the elect, the chosen ones of God, were now joined with whoever the Lord called and He called the gentiles to be reconciled to Himself, so that we would all be as one.

God has a huge family the firstfruits of which is Jesus Christ. The foundation of our faith is built on the apostles and prophets with Jesus as the cornerstone. When Jesus asked people to follow him, he chose twelve disciples not just one. He intended them to represent the twelve tribes of Israel, not just one tribe. The kingdom of heaven has 12 gates.

In corinthians, Paul says how important each member of the body of Christ are to each other. Whether it is the eye or the toe.
 
Hello Miz KJV Only;

I understand John's good intentions but the Biblical context is in error. The letter in Ephesians is His followers, "us," who are believers and receiving the spiritual blessings in Christ.

I'm sorry to challenge the message but we have to be accountable when the Word is questionable.

Thank you for sharing, Miz KJV Only, God bless you and your family.
 
I dont see anything inherently wrong with this message calling for unity in the body of Christ.

What are star christians anyway. Maybe some of us are more visible than others, but to God, even our invisible service counts. So dont feel upset by others who seem to be in the spotlight all the time. What about hermits, hermits are no less value to God if theyve given up everything to spend time alone with Him. Maybe they need that one on one time. That doesnt mean they snob other believers.

I would say that God has broken down the walls and emnity between us that used to be there just as, jews and gentiles used to be divided. But now, being one in CHrist means we can have fellowship with one another, so no more snubs.
 
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