In verse 1-3 of this passage Paul speaks about the life we are all saved from - a life of self-centredness - a life of boasting in ourselves and what we do. Then, in verses 8-10 he speaks about the life we are saved for - a life of Christ-centredness - of boasting in Christ and what he’s done. And finally, in verses 4-7 he explains he exactly we can move from the life described in verses 1-3 to the life described in verses 8-10.
Experiencing God - Ephesians 1:15-23
All of us were created to know God. Not just to know about God, but to actually know God. That’s what Paul prays for the Ephesians in these verses - that they might know and experience the God who has blessed them with every spiritual blessing in Christ. In particular, that they would know his incomparably great power, seen in the resurrection and exaltation of Christ.
Overflowing Thanks and Praise - Ephesians 1:1-14
All of us praise the people or things that we love. In this passage Paul is overflowing with thanks and praise because in Christ God has given us every spiritual blessing - including things such as significance, freedom, purpose, security and hope. We can grow in our thankfulness for what God has done for us by allowing our hearts to be increasingly captured by Christ’s love displayed at the cross, rather than captured by the people or things of this world.
Death, Dying and Grief - Genesis 49:29 - 50:26
In this passage we explore how both Jacob and Joseph die as great men of faith. We also explore how Joseph grieves his father’s death, how he recovers from that grief, and how - even in the face of his own death - he leaves God’s people with a sobering but hope-filled reminder.
The Blessing of Jacob’s Sons - Genesis 49:1-28
In this passage Jacob speaks words of blessing to each of his sons that predict their future as individuals, and the future of the tribe that will descend from them. As he does that Jacob also longs for God’s Promised King - the Lion of the tribe of Judah - who will fully and finally deliver God’s people from Satan, sin, and death.
Finishing Life Well - Genesis 48
In this passage we explore the ways in which Jacob is a great example of us of finishing the life of well. As much as he is physically failing, spiritually speaking, he is sprinting to the line - sprinting into the arms of his Good Shepherd.
God’s Providential Kindness - Genesis 47
In this passage God is never mentioned, but it is clear that he is at work behind the scenes - through the ministry of Joseph - for the good his people, and for the whole population of Egypt and Canaan.
Should we stay or go? - Genesis 46
In this passage Jacob is faced with the terrifying prospect of moving his whole family down to Egypt. We too are faced with many big decisions in our lives. This talk encourages us, as we are faced with those decisions, to seek God’s Kingdom first, and entrust ourselves to Jesus, our Good Shepherd.