Ephesians 1: 22-23 - TEXT
Matthew 16:13-20: Jesus said, during His ministry He would build His church, which He did, Acts 2:47. Acts 8:1-5; which cost His blood, Acts 20:28.
In Ephesians 5: 25-27 scripture states the church is to be presented to Him without blemish, etc.
The question this morning is, what was the place of the church in the eternal plan? Ephesians 3: 8-10.
1) THE FULNESS OF CHRIST - THE CHURCH, EPHESIANS 1: 22-23
A. There are numerous blessings in Christ
1. The summing up of God's purpose - Eph 1: 10
2. Made a heritage - Eph 1:11
3. Made full - Col 2: 8-10; Ephesians 3: 19
4. Forgiveness of sins, Redemption Eph 1: 7
5. Every spiritual blessing - Eph 1:3
6. Salvation with eternal glory/eternal life 2 Timothy 2: 10; 1 John 5: 10-12
B. But, the church is the fulness of Christ Ephesians 1: 23, so all the aforementioned blessings are in the church. Therefore, not a blessing in Christ can be possessed outside the church.
2) THE RECONCILED BODY OF JEWS AND GENTILES - THE CHURCH EPHESIANS 2: 11-18
A. In what condition were the Gentiles? Separated, alienated, strangers, no hope, without God -
Eph 2: 11-12
B. But, now reconciled in one body, which is the church Eph 1: 22-23
C. this was according to God's eternal purpose Eph 3: 1-11
3) THE KINGDOM OF GOD - THE CHURCH EPH 2:19
A. What connotes a relationship in a kingdom - Citizenship! We are fellow citizens Eph 2:19
B. What bought the church at Ephesus? The blood of Christ. But, in Rev 5: 9-10 those bought with blood constitute the kingdom, therefore both are the same It is also the kingdom of God 1 Cor 15:24
4) THE FAMILY OF GOD - HEIRS -THE CHURCH
A. Household of God - A Family Rom 8: 16-17
B. God's will is to leave all to His children, Galatians 3: 26-29, 4: 4-7
5) A HOLY TEMPLE: GOD'S HABITATION - THE CHURCH
A. God dwells not in material made by hands but in a spiritual house built by God 1 Cor 3: 16-17
B. as He dwells in the individuals 1 Cor 6; 19-20
C. The sum is these together make up His temple 2 Cor 6: 16-18
Conclusion: We examined the church in the divinely appointed plan, a divinely redeemed body fulfilling a divinely appointed purpose. Would you become a member today?