A Church Depending Upon God--A Church That Calls Jesus Lord
Text: Ephesians 1
by Robert J. Young

Introduction
What does it mean to be church? Standing as bridge between gospel and culture. How connect the two?
When see the Lord of creation--a lord of purpose, lord of people, lord of power, what mean to call Jesus lord?
The very nature of church is determined by the purpose of the church, and the purpose of the church that calls Jesus Lord can be no different than the purpose of Jesus Christ himself.

Study today designed to help us put Jesus in his proper place in our lives, to help us depend upon God, and to go forth as God's empowered presence in this world, connecting the world and the good news.

Must understand this connecting: gospel does not change, but the world--culture changes. The bridge between gospel and world is firmly anchored on the gospel side of the chasm, but the bridge flexes. Bridge changes. Not in its nature, but in its connections, in its methods. Coping with that change is misunderstood, is misinterpreted, is mishandled.
One of the most difficult things to endure is one of the most likely things to happen--CHANGE. The older we get, the more difficult it becomes. We do not like change any more than did Abraham, Mary, of Saul. We find comfort: "I the Lord do not change. So you...are not destroyed."
Key to coping with change is to see the unchanging God. First, let us see God for who he really is. Also key to depending on God, recognizing Jesus and Lord, and living life consistent with that claim.

Much help in Ephesians--very oriented toward church. Ecclesiological.

I. Have you closely considered....
his abundant provision, 3-4

II. Have you carefully studied....
his preparation, 5-6

III. Have you gratefully received....
his promise, 7-8,13

IV. Have you lovingly appreciated....
his purpose, 9-12

V. When we see and appreciate this, we pray as Paul prays. We respond by...