The sixth in a series of 8 sermons
Series Theme
As we meditate on the love of God and the sacrifice of Christ in the season of Lent, it would be easy for us to set our minds on the central doctrines of Scripture as to the atonement and resurrection in an academic way.
In this series we endeavour to take to hearts to the point of amazement, that Christ dying on the cross was FOR US, and while we long to go to Heaven after our life, to atone for our sins, Christ who already being there, willing left Heaven to come to death to take our place under the wrath of God.
This series goes on after the resurrection to meditate on the ascension of Christ, His return to Heaven and the sending of the Spirit at Pentecost, as well as what he doe sin heaven for us (interceding). All these have by God’s grace US in view.
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Readings
Psalm 2 (NIV84)
1Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
2The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.
3“Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.”
4The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
5Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6“I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.”
7I will proclaim the decree of the Lord: He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.
8Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
9You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
10Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.
12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Text
Ephesians 1:15–23 (NIV84)
15For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,
16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
17I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,
20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.