This week we’ll begin a new study on Ephesians, as we look at Ephesians 1:1-10, which tells us about “A Cascade Of Blessings.”  

I’m super excited about this study.  It’s been six or seven years since our church has studied Ephesians, and it’s such an important book that I felt led for us to walk through it with fresh eyes and perspective.  (By the way, when I am preaching a book or a text I have preached before, I don’t even glance at my old sermons.  That would be boring to me.  I like to mine new treasures from the Word!)  

Ephesians is a book I have been attracted to since seminary.  It is 155 verses, in six tightly compacted chapters – you can easily read it in one 20-30 minute sitting.  It divides very neatly into two halves:  

Chapters 1-3:  What God has done for us in Christ 

Chapters 4-6:  What we are to do in light of that  

The first three chapters ground us deeply in doctrine, so that we can understand who we are in Christ.  The last three chapters instruct us in Christian living, so that we become who we are.  In other words, chapters 1-3 tell us our position in Christ.  Chapters 4-6 tell us how to become more and more in practice who we already are in our position.  Therefore, the study is entitled “Becoming Who We Are.” 

I’m excited about getting started with you this Sunday!  

See you on Sunday. 

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations, 

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.