“Pastor, why are we going to spend time going through the book of Ephesians?” That’s a great question! (Especially since I asked it of myself!)

Here are seven reasons I want you to join me on our journey through Ephesians this summer.

1. Ephesians grounds us “in Christ.” The phrase “in Christ” (or like phrases) occur twenty-nine times in Ephesians with other references to Christ occurring 80 times for a total of 129 references to Christ (if I counted correctly).

2. Ephesians deepens our understanding of and appreciation for the gospel of grace. By the time you get to chapter 2 verse 10, it is unmistakably clear that we are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

3. Ephesians reveals the work of the Trinity in our salvation. In chapter one we learn that God the Father blesses us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places, God the Son redeems us, and the Holy Spirit seals us.

4. Ephesians reminds us that as the church we are 1 in Christ. The church is the body of Christ and Christ is head over all things to the church. The church, though diverse (e.g., Jew and Gentile) is one in Christ. The church is a dwelling place for God. All the glory belongs to God in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.

5. Ephesians, like all Scripture, is relevant to us.

• Ephesus was the fourth or fifth largest city in the first century. It had an amphitheater that could seat around 25,000 people. It was a big sports city. It was a crossroads of business and travel in Asia Minor. Sound anything like Northwest Arkansas?

• Ephesus was known for its secular paganism. It was home to the Roman emperor cult. It was also the headquarters for the cult of the Roman goddess Diana (Artemis to the Greek), whose temple was one of the seven wonders of the world. It was materialistic, sensual, and idolatrous. Sound anything like modern culture?

• The church at Ephesus was birthed amidst opposition to the gospel (Acts 19). But it was birthed by the power of the gospel and remained a voice for the gospel. Sound anything like church planting today?

6. Ephesians is encouraging. Reminded of what we were (dead in our trespasses and sins), how God has saved us by His grace, and how God has and continues to work on our behalf, our hope is renewed amid our own cultural and personal struggles.

7. Ephesians is practical. The Apostle Paul applies the theology of the gracious work of the Trinity in blessing us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places to everyday life here and now in the church, the community, marriage, family, work, and standing against standing against our enemy, the devil.

Now I want to ask a few things of you. First, go ahead and read through Ephesians this week. Second, begin praying now that the Holy Spirit will continue to make us 1 in Christ as His church. And third, join me weekly for the series. If you must be away, you can always follow along on Facebook or our website.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday as we begin our journey through Ephesians!

For the gospel,

Brent Summerhill