FHBC Sermon Notes

The book of Ephesians is a letter written to a real group of people (in Ephesus), in a real city, struggling with real problems, living out the gospel of Jesus. This letter is written by a man who prior in his life had been an adversary of the faith, with authority to arrest and imprison believers of this sect. Yet, Paul would reside in this port city of Ephesus for almost three years, where he invested extensively in their lives.  Much can be learned from this relationship between Paul and his fellow brethren in Jesus, and we also live out the gospel in our city.

Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…

Now this is not like an awards show where speeches begin with some generic spiritual platitude.  Instead Paul was beginning with the most powerful of truths.  We are blameless and blessed in God.

**1. The gospel makes us blameless.**

Romans 3:23 - All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

How can this be true then?  How can a person, how can I, be blameless before God?  Because of Christ. When God looks at us, he does not see our own faults, but who we are in Jesus.  It is the great exchange. 

**2. The gospel makes us family.**

We are adopted into the family of God.  You can't buy your way in, you can't work your way in, you are adopted.