What does it mean to be brought into the Kingdom of Heaven as a follower of Jesus, who modeled a perfectly Spirit baptized life? The promise of the Father (the Holy Spirit) was made by Jesus and fulfilled on Pentecost in Acts 2. What does that mean for us today, 2000 years later?

Some see the Holy Spirit only as power, some see Him only as the seal, the guarantee of our eternal inheritance, but the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, who wants to know you and be known by you. Does He have power? Of course. He is God. Is he the seal, guaranteeing our inheritance? Of course. Ephesians tells us so. But He is much more.

Peter, quoting the prophet Joel in Acts 2:17 tells us that when the Spirit of God came at Pentecost it was the fulfillment of a prophecy that God would pour out his Spirit on all flesh, that the sons and daughters would prophesy. There is not one Holy Spirit for men, and another for women. And the Gifts of the Spirit are exactly that, the gifts of the Spirit, not of our human flesh. In light of recent events, we take a look today at what the Bible says about men and women in relation to ministry and gifts within the church.

As we have gone through the book of Ephesians, it is apparent that Paul relies on the Holy Spirit for the formation of the church, both individually and corporately. He consistently points the believer to the work of the Spirit. What is the work of the Spirit? How do we engage with that work? And what does it look like to live a life filled and overflowing with the Spirit of God?

Paul finishes his thoughts on the armor of God with prayer. Clothe yourself with the armor of God, and clothe everything in prayer. Be alert, praying for yourself, and for the body of Christ. Paul brings back his earlier encouragement that we are a body, united in Christ, working to attain the unity of the Spirit, so that when all members are working properly we grow! He also asks that they pray for him, as he ministers the gospel. May we all hear that prayer, and pray that prayer for the body of Christ, that we may declare boldly the truth, the mystery of the gospel, for which we are ambassadors, to a lost and hurting world!

This week we get to the last piece of armor that Paul talks through in Ephesians 6, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Continuing the imagery of a soldier wearing armor, Paul encourages us to stand together, and move together, in unity, for our protection and growth. Paul also does not mention the primary weapon of attack that the Roman soldier carried. Why is that? What does this mean for spiritual warfare? And if the sword is the word of God, is this the written word, is this God speaking to us in the moment, is this the leading of the Spirit?

In verse 17 Paul talks through the final two pieces of armor, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. These are so important that we will split them into two weeks. The helmet of salvation protects the mind from the attack of lies and "all that would present itself against the knowledge of God."

In Ephesians 6:16 Paul tells the believer that we need faith, and not just faith, but faith like a shield, because the enemy is not quiet or inactive. Flaming darts are hurled at the Christian. The design and purpose of the enemy is to destroy. How does faith help? Faith is trust. Trust leads to obedience. If I trust God, I will listen and obey. When I walk in the shadow of the Almighty, He is my shield!

Having encouraged the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness as the first two items to put on, Paul now adds the "shoes...the readiness given by the gospel of peace." Scripture says, blessed are the feet of those who bring good news. The gospel is the good news, and it is a gospel of peace. Peace between God and man, and peace in humanity when we believe and follow Jesus together.

Once Paul gets to Ephesians 6:14, he starts to describe various pieces of armor. We look at the Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness in verse 14. What does it mean to put on truth every day, like a belt? What does it mean to put on righteousness every day, like a breastplate? And what does it mean to be righteous? Are we putting on our good works? Is it what Christ has done for us? Is it some sort of combination of both?

Continuing through the book of Ephesians, we slow down as we get to Ephesians 6:10-20. Paul has been laying a framework, what the world does and should look like based on God's truth. And now he will describe for those reading what is needed to withstand the evil in the world around us. There is evil, there is a spiritual realm, and our world is affected by it. We must be aware, but not afraid. We must be prepared, but not burdened. Christ is Lord over all!

The second half of Ephesians 5 and the beginning of chapter 6 deal with what is called "household code". Paul has been teaching with how we deal with society, how we deal with the church community, and now he begins to teach on how we deal with those within our household. The household was a core aspect of his time, and must be read in the context of his time. Ultimately, Paul is inviting the Ephesians, as a whole community, to live a life of mutual submission that benefits all.

Today we celebrate Easter Sunday, Resurrection Day! This is the day that Jesus proved that He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Everything He said and everything He did is true! You can trust and believe in Him. He saves. He redeems. He sets lives free! Jesus gave His life on a cross so we could truly live because He did not stay in the grave, but rose again, back to life, proving He is God, Savior, Redeemer & Messiah!

This morning we have a guest speaker with us, Elio Coradin. Him and his wife Joy are currently based in the Dominican Republic where we support them as a church.

Chapter 5 of Ephesians beings to deal with some weightier issues within the believer. Those who are given to sin that not only affect their own lives, but affect the lives of those around them. How do we handle this type of sin? Paul says to expose such deeds of darkness. Does that mean expose the sinner, or the deed? Paul confronts these things with grace and courage. He won't back down from calling out sin, but his intent is for the restoration and redemption of the person.

As we wrap up chapter 4, Paul is going to now begin to give specific ways we can cultivate and 'attain' the unity in Christ that he began talking about at the beginning of the chapter. We are united in Christ, yet, we are to "work properly" to attain that unity, growing together, being built up in love. It takes commitment, dedication, and work on each individual's behalf within the community.

As Paul begins gets going in this second section of the book of Ephesians, he switches from what God HAS done (ch 1-3), to what God IS doing (ch 4-6). His first order of business... We are united in Christ, but that isn't always easy, it takes work, commitment, both to self and the community. So, he encourages them that they must give up their old man so that they can take up the new one in Christ Jesus. Just like Jesus invited, Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me! As each of us do this, we each individually thrive, and the community grows in health and love.

In 2007 Trevor & Linda had an experience of being loved by God the Father that totally transformed their lives and subsequently their expression of Christian ministry. It continues to this day, living in His love. They started to live as a son and a daughter rather than orphan hearted servants. Since then, the Father has led them on a journey to share what we have received from him wherever He opens the door. This has taken them to over 30 nations around the world, from the slums of Haiti to the mountains of Norway; from the plains of Tanzania to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania.

As we start chapter four, the portion of Paul's letter telling the Ephesians what God is doing in them, and what He desires to do through them, because of what He has already done in Christ (chapters 1-3), Paul starts with talking through what it means to be united together, as a community, in Christ. We are to be one in Christ. Paul emphasizes there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God & Father of all. This is why and how we are one body with many members, to the praise, glory, and ministry of God in the earth!

As Paul wraps up this portion of the letter to the church in Ephesus, he prays for them. Even though he is the one in prison, he is the one in chains, he prays for the church, and tells them not to worry about him! What's his prayer? That they would be able to receive and comprehend the love of God, his immeasurable power at work in them, and they mystery of God's salvation!