An overview of Ephesians (Audio)

An audio message from Reid Matthias, given online on 1 Aug 2021.

The Apostle Paul had been on the road along time.

On his third missionary journey, beginning in Antioch, taking him all the way into Greece, and back again, he was on his way back to Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost. As he approached the coast of present-day Turkey, he drew close to some of his favourite people in the world: the people of Ephesus.

Paul had a strong desire to see the people of the church. So, he sent for them to meet him on the beach near Miletus where they reconnected. It would be like one of your best friends flying from another country and staying at Victor Harbor. You would do everything in your power to meet up with them, right?

So, the leaders of Ephesus came to meet with Paul, and as they connected, Paul reminded them that they were set apart by Jesus for a purpose. To be living witnesses in the community, in the church, in their houses and neighbourhoods.

Has anything really changed in two thousand years? Has the mission changed at all? Was Ephesus any different than Para Vista?

This week we begin a journey as a community poring through the book of Ephesians learning about how Paul came to love this community which had been transformed from a pagan place to one which sought out the Holy Spirit’s will in their lives.

This week, as preparation for our Zoom worship, read Acts 20:17-38 and talk through this question:

What is God’s purpose in my life?