JULY 12, 2015

The Woodpile – Freedom Village

God’s Purpose For His Church JULY 12, 2015 God’s Purpose For His Church

9 I was chosen to explain to everyone [to bring to light] this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.

10 God’s purpose in all this

10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church

10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display His wisdom in its rich variety

10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by [through] the church… New King James Version

10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display His wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

12 They [Old Testament Prophets] were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. 1 Peter 1:12

11 This was His eternal plan, which He carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.

12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

Greek-English Interlinear New Testament 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith of Him. Greek-English Interlinear New Testament

that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. Ephesians 3:10-13

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MYSTERY To Paul To the Gentiles To the angels To Christians today

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MYSTERY To Paul

Paul was called by God to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles

Paul was called by God to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles Paul was obedient to that call

Paul was called by God to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles Paul was obedient to that call He was a prisoner of the mystery

Paul was called by God to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles Paul was obedient to that call He was a prisoner of the mystery He was a minister [steward] of the mystery

“Like Joseph in the Old Testament, Paul’s faithful stewardship resulted in false arrest and imprisonment. But, in the end, it brought great glory to God and salvation to Jews and Gentiles.” Unknown

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MYSTERY To Paul To the Gentiles

Christ’s work on the cross: Reconciled Jews and Gentiles to God

Christ’s work on the cross: Reconciled Jews and Gentiles to God Reconciled Jews and Gentiles to each other

Christ’s work on the cross: Reconciled Jews and Gentiles to God Reconciled Jews and Gentiles to each other Fellow-heirs in spiritual riches

and given every spiritual blessing. Only as we are “in Christ” are we chosen, called, regenerated, justified, sanctified, redeemed, assured of the resurrection and given every spiritual blessing.

Christ’s work on the cross: Reconciled Jews and Gentiles to God Reconciled Jews and Gentiles to each other Fellow-heirs in spiritual riches Fellow-members of the body of Christ

Christ’s work on the cross: Reconciled Jews and Gentiles to God Reconciled Jews and Gentiles to each other Fellow-heirs in spiritual riches Fellow-members of the body of Christ Partakers of God’s promise

Christ’s work on the cross: Reconciled Jews and Gentiles to God Reconciled Jews and Gentiles to each other Fellow-heirs in spiritual riches Fellow-members of the body of Christ Partakers of God’s promise Access to a new power in the Holy Spirit

“Understanding the deep truths of God’s word does not give one a ‘swelled head’ it gives a broken heart and a contrite spirit” Unknown

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MYSTERY To Paul To the Gentiles To the angels

10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display His wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

12 …It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. 1 Peter 1:12

The angels – good and evil – knew: that the Saviour would come when He would come how He would come where He would come why He would come

The angels could not see both believing Jews and Gentiles, united in one body, seated with Christ in the heavenlies, and completely victorious over Satan

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MYSTERY To Paul To the Gentiles To the angels To Christians today “What Next?”

What Next?  You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:1-2

What Next?

What Next? “The reason many churches are weak and ineffective is because they do not understand what they have in Christ…All His divine resources are available to those who sincerely want to do His will and help Him accomplish His purposes on earth.” Unknown

What Next? Christ’s work on the cross: Reconciled us to God Reconciled us to each other Fellow-heirs in spiritual riches Fellow-members of the body of Christ Partakers of God’s promise Access to a new power in the Holy Spirit

What Next? “Smart bombs, ideological debates, and political correctness can’t shatter the darkness dwelling in the human heart. Only a display of the glory of God has the ability to expose and enlighten such hearts. We need a supernatural visitation from heaven…” S. Tippit

What Next?

10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display His wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.