Sermon Series: 30 Day of Prayer & Fasting
Welcome to First United Methodist Church! We are excited to embark on a 30-day spiritual adventure together. Join us as we dive into the book of Ephesians, exploring how Jesus Christ profoundly impacts every aspect of our lives. Prepare to be inspired and challenged as we uncover God’s transformative power. This Sunday, we will delve into the impact of the Gospel on the community of Ephesus, drawing wisdom from the Book of Acts. Let this message ignite your faith, encouraging you to pray big prayers and expect great things from our limitless God. Blessings await you on this incredible journey of faith.
September 17, 2023 – Ask and Imagine – Week 4: “What if He doesn’t?” – Ephesians 3:
MESSAGE FROM KATIE
Well hello church! This week, I am headed to Houston for a week of continuing education at New Room Conference. Some of you have attended before, and you know the holy work that God does at these gatherings. If you haven’t ever gone, I would encourage each of you to consider going next year. It isn’t just for pastors to attend; in fact, laity from across the country attend and lead in various areas each and every year. At New Room, God shows up and shows out. So consider going next year! I can promise that you will worship the Lord and encounter the Holy Spirit, all while learning a thing or two about a thing or two!
This Sunday, we’ll continue in our Ask and Imagine series. Now, I won’t give much away but I’m excited to see where God is leading us. As we prepared for this series, one specific question kept coming to mind. But I won’t give that away; you’ll have to show up on Sunday to find out what God has been stirring up in my head and heart over the last several weeks.
See you Sunday!
Katie
Ephesians 3
Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles
3 This is the reason that I, Paul, am a prisoner for[a] Christ Jesus[b] for the sake of you gentiles, 2 for surely[c] you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you 3 and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words,[d] 4 a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 In former generations this mystery[e] was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 that is, the gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
7 Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. 8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ 9 and to make everyone see[f] what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in[g] God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.[h] 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have access in boldness and confidence through faith in him.[i] 13 I pray, therefore, that you[j] may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory.
Prayer for the Readers
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,[k] 15 from whom every family[l] in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and[m] in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.