From Excluded to Included

The Lost Key – Brought Near in Christ

Illustration: The Lost Key
Imagine misplacing your car key right before an important meeting. You search frantically, only to have someone hand it to you—it was in plain sight the whole time. This simple story mirrors our spiritual journey. We often search for purpose and peace in our own strength, yet it’s Jesus, always near, who brings us the key to life and peace.

The Journey from Far to Near
In Ephesians 2, Paul writes to a diverse church in Ephesus—a mix of rich and poor, Jews and Gentiles, former idol worshipers, and former thieves. They all had one thing in common: they heard the gospel and were transformed by God’s love. Though they had once been far from God, Jesus brought them near through His death and resurrection.

God’s love is infinite and all-surpassing. It’s not just something to understand—it’s meant to be encountered, personally and communally, transforming lives. The Ephesian church experienced this love, and we are called to experience and share it, too.

God’s Promises Are for Everyone
Paul reminds the Gentiles that they were once excluded from God’s promises. But through Jesus, God’s promises became available to everyone. No one is excluded. Whether we’ve been left out in life or have felt distant from God, His love now unites all of us. We are no longer strangers but citizens of His kingdom and members of His family.

A New Mindset: Near or Far?
Paul shifts the focus from "in or out" to "near or far." The old way of thinking led to division and pride. The new mindset focuses on proximity to Jesus and how we can help others move closer to Him. Instead of labeling people, we are called to show humility, compassion, and hope.

What Does Jesus Do for the Far?
Jesus actively seeks those who are far from Him:

• He searches for the lost (Luke 19:10).

• He brings them near (Ephesians 2:13).

• He announces peace (Ephesians 2:17).

• He endures criticism and forgives (Isaiah 53:7, Luke 23:34).

• He transforms lives (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Jesus doesn’t reject the lost; He invites them in, forgives them, and changes their lives from the inside out.

What Does This Mean for Us?
Paul tells the Ephesians that Christ is building them into a place where God’s Spirit dwells (Ephesians 2:22). This same truth applies to us today. Our church is made up of imperfect people from diverse backgrounds, but God is unifying us and building us into a dwelling for His Spirit.

We are a church for those near to God and those far from Him. Our mission is to be a place where people can belong to God’s family, become more like Jesus, and bring others to Him.

Conclusion
Jesus came to find us when we were far from Him, and His love is for everyone. Whether you feel near to Jesus or far away today, He is inviting you closer.

• What’s one step you can take to draw near to Him?

• If you feel near, how can you help someone else experience the love of God and come closer to Jesus?

Let’s be part of God’s mission to bring those who are far near. His love is too powerful and too inclusive to keep to ourselves.

We are a church for those who are near to God and those who are far from God. Let’s build together, love together, and bring others near together.

Breaking Down Walls

A Love That Surpasses Knowledge

We kicked off our 7-week series on Ephesians on Sunday, titled A Love That Surpasses Knowledge, and it’s going to be a powerful journey exploring God’s eternal character and its implications for us as His people. We’re diving into the Book of Ephesians, a letter from the Apostle Paul that focuses on two big, life-changing ideas: the boundless love of God and His ultimate plan for unity under Christ.

1. God’s Love is Infinite (Ephesians 3:19)

The central idea in the first part of the message is that God’s love is immeasurable. It’s "high and wide and long and deep," surpassing any knowledge we can comprehend. This is not just an abstract theological concept, but an experience—God’s love is something we are meant to encounter, both personally and within the community of believers. It's not just to be understood with our minds, but to be felt and experienced in real, transformative ways.

God's love for us is not based on our actions, but rather on His nature—a nature that is eternally self-giving and unconditional. Ephesians 1:5 reveals that we’ve been adopted as His children because of His love. This adoption isn’t because of anything we’ve done, but because of who God is.

2. Adopted as Sons and Daughters (Ephesians 1:3-8)

One of the most profound truths we looked at was our identity in Christ. God doesn’t see us according to our failures or our work; He sees us as His sons and daughters. This changes everything about how we walk in the world.

When we don’t walk in the truth of our sonship (or daughtership), we may live with an "orphan spirit," which manifests as worry and fear—fear about provision and protection. But, when we truly grasp that we are adopted by God, we can rest in the truth that He will provide for our needs (Philippians 4:19) and protect us in every situation (Psalm 23:4). We are not orphans; we have a loving Father who is with us every step of the way.

3. God’s Plan for Unity (Ephesians 1:9-10)

In the second part of the passage, Paul unveils the big picture: God’s plan is to unite all things under Christ—all things in heaven and on earth. In a world rife with division, this is incredibly good news. As humans, we’re masters of division, but God is in the process of bringing everything under the authority of Jesus.

This means that everyone—your difficult coworker, that friend who hurt you, even those who seem far from God—will one day be unified under Christ. This is God’s ultimate plan for the world. As believers, we are invited to be part of this work of reconciliation. We can adopt an “Us for Them” mindset, seeing everyone as created in the image of God, deserving of love and grace. We can be part of God’s work of healing and uniting, not dividing.

4. The Holy Spirit’s Presence (Ephesians 1:11-14)

Finally, we were reminded that we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit—the presence of God Himself. The Spirit is a down payment of our inheritance as God’s children, a constant presence within us that guarantees our future redemption. The Holy Spirit is not just a feeling or an abstract force; the Spirit is God with us, empowering, guiding, and comforting us every day.

We are not left to figure it all out on our own. The Holy Spirit teaches us, strengthens us, and empowers us to live out God’s call on our lives. And it’s important to remember: the Spirit is not a “demo” version; it’s the full presence of Christ, available to us right now.

Key Takeaways:

1. God’s love surpasses all understanding—we are called to experience it, not just know about it.

2. You are adopted as a son or daughter of God—your identity is found in Him, not in what you do or how others see you.

3. God is working to bring unity under Christ—we are called to be agents of reconciliation, living with an "Us for Them" mindset.

4. The Holy Spirit is in you—you have the full power of the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, and empower you.

As we continue this series, may you begin to experience more of God's infinite love and become more aware of His presence in your life. Let’s walk together in the fullness of our identity as His children and participate in His plan for unity in the world.

What’s Next: As you go through the week, reflect on your identity in Christ. Do you tend to walk in an "orphan spirit"? Are there areas where God wants you to trust Him more deeply for provision and protection? Let the Holy Spirit guide and empower you as you live for Him and for others.

Better Witness

A Call to Be Better Witnesses

This week, we wrapped up our series by reflecting on our role as witnesses for Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are called to share the transformative power of His love, not just with words, but with our lives. Here’s a quick recap of the key points:

1. Witnessing Is About Sharing Your Story

A witness testifies to what they’ve experienced. As Christians, we are called to share the story of how Jesus has transformed our lives. In Acts 1:8, Jesus empowers us with the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses to the world. This isn't optional—it’s our mission.

2. Let Your Light Shine

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says we are the light of the world. Our faith should be visible, guiding others to Christ. Just as light is essential in darkness, our lives should reflect the hope and truth of the gospel.

3. The Gospel Is the Power of God

The gospel isn’t just a message—it’s the power of God for salvation. As Paul says in Romans 1:16, we should never be ashamed of the gospel because it has the power to change lives. We don’t have to fear sharing it.

4. Overcome Fear with Boldness

Fear can keep us from witnessing, but in 2 Timothy 1:7, we’re reminded that God gives us power, love, and self-control—not fear. When we trust the Holy Spirit, we can share the gospel with boldness and love.

Conclusion: A Better Witness in 2025

As we begin the new year, let’s commit to being better witnesses for Christ. Whether in our actions or words, our lives should testify to God’s love and power. Let’s shine His light in a world that desperately needs it and look for opportunities to share the hope we’ve found in Him.

Challenge: Who is one person you can be a witness to this week? How can you share the hope of Jesus with them? Let’s make this year a time of boldly sharing His love

Better Choices!

In our latest message from the "Better" series, we focused on the importance of making better choices in our everyday lives. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Better Choices Start with the Fear of God

Proverbs 1:7 teaches us that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. This isn’t about being afraid of God, but about revering Him and respecting His guidance. When we honor God’s wisdom, we make better choices in every area of life.

2. Even Small Choices Matter

James 2:10 reminds us that even small mistakes can have big consequences. A tiny compromise, like gossip or a small lie, may seem harmless at first, but over time, it can lead to greater harm. Every choice, no matter how small, shapes our future.

3. Freedom Doesn’t Mean Everything is Wise

Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, “I have the freedom to do anything, but not everything is helpful.” Just because something is permissible doesn’t mean it’s beneficial. Ask yourself, “Just because I could, does that mean I should?”

4. Ask God for Wisdom

James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, knowing that He will give it freely. When making tough decisions, we don’t have to do it alone—God is ready to guide us if we ask.

5. Small Choices Have Big Impact

The little decisions we make every day add up. What may seem insignificant—like binge-watching TV or indulging in unhealthy habits—can have long-term consequences. Be intentional, even with the small choices, because they shape the life you lead.

Conclusion:
Better choices start with a reverence for God, seeking His wisdom, and being mindful of the small decisions that add up. Take time today to reflect on one area where you can make a better choice, trusting that God will guide you.

Call to Action:
Ask God for wisdom today in the decisions you face. With His guidance, you can make choices that lead to a better life.

Better Relationships

Better Relationships

In Sunday’s message, we focused on a key aspect of living better in the new year: better relationships. Relationships are not just part of life; they are essential for our spiritual growth. God designed us for community, and our deepest spiritual growth often happens in relationship with others. Here’s what we learned:

1. Relationships Are Vital to Spiritual Growth

We were created for community, not isolation. Proverbs 12:26 teaches that the righteous should choose their friends carefully, understanding that relationships can either lead us closer to God or pull us away from Him. Great relationships don’t happen by accident. To grow spiritually, we need to surround ourselves with people who encourage and challenge us. Just like an art gallery, relationships require intentionality and purpose.

Example: Peter, a man who was drifting in his faith due to the wrong friendships, experienced a shift when he started hanging out with Chris, a passionate believer. His relationship with Chris helped him grow spiritually, showing the power of choosing the right people.

2. Look for Godly Attributes in Others

When choosing relationships, look for qualities that reflect Christ. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul describes love as patient, kind, humble, forgiving, and enduring. These are the kinds of qualities to look for in friendships. True love is not just a feeling but an action that supports, encourages, and helps us grow.

Example: Jackie Robinson, facing adversity in his baseball career, found strength in his teammate Pee Wee Reese, who stood by him when the crowd jeered. That act of loyalty and support showed love in action.

3. Be the Kind of Friend You Want to Have

It’s not just about finding good friends but also becoming one. Romans 12:10 calls us to love one another with sacrificial love, treating others with honor and respect. To build better relationships, we must reflect on our own actions: Are we trustworthy, kind, and forgiving? Are we putting others’ needs before our own?

Example: A humorous piece of advice in Daily Walk from 1993 humorously outlines how to be miserable: focus solely on yourself. The opposite approach—focusing on others and being a friend who reflects Christ—is the key to building lasting, meaningful relationships.

Conclusion:

Jesus is our ultimate example of relationship-building. Through His life and love, He showed us how to love others well. As we enter this new year, let’s commit to surrounding ourselves with people who encourage our growth in Christ and reflect godly qualities. Most importantly, let’s become the kind of friend we want to have. Better relationships are not only about who we surround ourselves with but also about how we reflect Christ in those relationships.

Let’s take time this year to evaluate our relationships and invest in the ones that will help us grow closer to Jesus and lead others toward Him.

Better Priorities

Better Priorities: Key Points for Starting the New Year Right

As we step into a brand-new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the past and consider how we can live better in the future. One area that always needs attention is our priorities. Here are the key points to focus on as we seek to realign our lives with what truly matters:

1. Start with the Big Pieces

• Imagine your life as a puzzle. The big pieces represent your health, family, career, and spiritual growth. These are the priorities that shape your life.

• Don’t let the small distractions—social media, TV, and minor tasks—fill your time first. Start with the big pieces, and the small ones will fit around them.

2. Seek God First

• Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

• When we prioritize God, everything else falls into place. Seeking Him first will give you wisdom and peace in areas like marriage, finances, and parenting.

3. Love God with All You Have

• In Matthew 22:37, Jesus teaches us the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

• Loving God fully should be the driving force behind everything we do. If we truly love Him, it will shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships.

4. Focus on the Eternal, Not the Temporary

• Ask yourself: Is this eternal or temporary? The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 to focus on things that will last forever, like our relationship with God and serving others.

• Don’t let temporary distractions consume your time. Invest in what truly matters.

Conclusion

As you enter this year, take time to reflect on your priorities. Are the big things—your relationship with God, family, and purpose—at the center of your life? When you seek God first, everything else will fall into place, and you’ll find greater peace and fulfillment in all areas of life.

Unconditional and Sacrificial Love!

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34, ESV

We are commanded by Jesus to love one another in the same manner that He loved. How did Jesus love us? How did he show us? The biggest way that He showed that He loved us was when He left the comforts of His majesty and throne of Heaven. His sole purpose/mission was to come to Earth and die a pretty gruesome death. He sacrificed himself in order to take on our punishment for our sins that we were unable to pay. This leads us into a conversation about sacrifice. The key to loving people well is often found in sacrifice, when we lay aside what we want for others. 

 Recently I met a man, I can’t give all the details for security reasons, that over the course of almost 4 years was placed into an overseas prison over 10 times and beaten because he was loving people, serving people, and introducing them to Jesus. He was asked why did he keep going to this particular country if all he was going to do was get arrested and beat. His answer was love! He loved the people enough that he would gladly sacrifice himself so they could know Jesus. What an amazing story! Jesus is not going to tell us all to go over seas and get arrested and beaten for love. However, He is calling us to love others and to serve others where we are at. He is calling us to love people in our work places, schools, and neighborhoods.

It is so easy for us to love people that look like us, act like us and believe like us. But God doesn’t give us the choice of who to love. He tells us to love one another. We are called to love even the ones that we don’t like or even consider enemies. God did! God didn’t put conditions on His love! His love is unconditional and sacrificial.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16, ESV

Are you willing to sacrifice your schedule for someone who needs to chat with you? Are you willing to sacrifice your own desires to align them with God’s? Honestly, the list of sacrificial love opportunities is endless.

How can you show your love this week? Who needs you love this week? Who needs your sacrifice this week?

The Attitude of Christ

The Attitude of Christ

There are times that when I’m so busy that I’m oblivious to my surroundings or people around me. How many times have we been on our phones and just walk up to a door and open it for ourselves not realizing that there is someone behind us? We just open the door, walk through, and allow the door to slam into the person behind us. Or maybe we do notice but we are thinking of ourselves and the inconvenience that it would cause us to wait to the other person gets through the door.  Or how many times we are in such a rush that we get to a grocery store and we don’t notice the mom struggling to get her kids in the car and her groceries?

We, humans, have a natural tendency to look out for “number one.” We don’t need to be reminded to look after our own interests. It comes naturally. However, how would the world look if every Christian took this challenge to heart:

            Paul tells us in Philippians 2:3-5, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interest, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ had.” (NLT)

Looking out for the interests of others involves always keeping our eyes wide open and looking for opportunities that we can serve someone else or help them with their burdens. Jesus looked out for the interests of others by taking the very nature of a servant.

Also to look at the interests of others requires us to be humble, not to think too highly of ourselves. We need to be humble and not think that we are better than the other person because of their life choices or circumstances. We need to be humble so that we can see the opportunity to serve them and to love them.

So, this week, let’s keep our eyes wide open and look for opportunities to put others first, serve them, and make them feel loved and cared for! Let’s slow down and look for opportunities that normally pass us by!

Love like Jesus!

1 John 4:7-8 states, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." (ESV).

As I have been dwelling on this passage, I'm reminded that we are to love one another. Who are we called to love? As Christians, we cannot choose who to love and who not to love. We are called to love one another. Jesus even calls us to love our enemies. He gave us a great example of this type of love. The night that he was going to be betrayed, he washed the feet of the disciples. He could have easily waited until Judas left to betray him. However, he didn't wait. Matter of fact, he washed the feet of Judas. Even then, Jesus was showing love toward Judas.

Why is it hard for Christians to love others? We're good at showing love to people that look like us, act like us, and believe like us. It is hard for us to love others that don't look like us, act like us, or believe like us. All one has to do is scroll through their Facebook feed or Twitter feed and see the hate toward people on the other political side than us or people who have different worldviews. Or seeing posts that are dealing with illegal immigration or the LGBTQ community. Each side has their opinions and are very loud about it. This is just not coming from non-believers but from people who identify as Christian. Honestly, it is many non-believers that are calling out the Christians for their perceived hatred!

God has called us to love not hate! Remember John 3:16 tells us that For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him will have eternal life. Jesus died for us, that includes people who we don't agree with, so that we can be reconciled to God.

As Christians, we need to show the love of God. We need to show people that they matter to God and that He loves them! We need to let the Holy Spirit transform the lives of people and allow the Holy Spirit to meet them where they are.

While on Earth, Jesus didn't wait for people to clean themselves up before he allowed them to come to him. Matter of fact, he met them in their unclean sin filled lives. It wasn't until after their encounters with Jesus that their lives were transformed.

Another interesting thing about Jesus was that he drew large crowds of people. People flocked to him.  Jesus didn't waiver from His beliefs. He knew what was sin and what wasn't sin. When he had the encounter with the woman caught in adultery, he told her that she was forgiven and to stop with her sinful ways. So, Jesus didn't compromise his beliefs. Yet, people still flocked to him. Why? Because People could see that he genuinely loved them and cared for them. I remember that one of my previous pastors taught on this. He taught that one must put relationship before rules. We need to build relationships with people first. We must show them that God loves them and we do too. We must show them that they matter to God and therefore us. After we build relationships and they know we care then we can pour into their lives and allow the Holy Spirit to transform their lives. We have to stop telling people, even the ones committing sins we do not like, that they have to get cleaned up first before they can come to church! If church is for perfect people then why are you there? Why am I there? None of us are perfect. If we were, there wouldn't be any need for a savior. We must show them love! God loves them and sent Jesus to die on a cross for them! Let's go out and love the world as Jesus. Let's look at people with the eyes of Jesus and not our own! Let's love, even the ones that are not like us!