Well, this week we’re starting a new series on the Book of Ephesians which I’ve called “The Gospel Life.” Why Ephesians? Well, I’ve been here almost 20 years and haven’t preached through it yet. Hard to believe, I know. I mean, isn’t Ephesians one of those foundational letters for the church? Yep. Isn’t Ephesians one of the first books we turn to in order to learn how to live the Christian life? Yep. Isn’t Ephesians a remarkable example of taking what we believe about who we are in Christ (the indicatives) and using them to direct how we live as followers of Christ (the imperatives)? Yep. So why haven’t I preached through it before? I don’t know. Probably because I think that everyone already knows this book so well, right? I mean, don’t you? No? Really? Well, perhaps we should change that.

In writing his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul wants us to be clear on our identity as Christians. So he spends three chapters on what it means to be a Christian. You might say the Apostle wants us to know how the Gospel changes us … internally. And then he shifts gears and spends three chapters on what it means to live as a Christian. You might say the Apostle wants us to know how the Gospel changes us … externally. So with that in mind, we’re going to wade into this great book that will teach us how the Gospel works in our lives, both inside and out. Should be enlightening and challenging, encouraging and convicting, all at the same time! It’ll be fun! See you there! Dr. Dave

This is also the Sunday that our students move up to their new grade in Sunday School. And we’re starting two new Adult Sunday School classes — one on God’s Calling and the other on the Book of Daniel. Then we’re going to have our annual Labor Day picnic, so pray that the storm moving up the coast goes out to sea!