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Episodes
Welcome to the online audio hope of sermon messages from Pastor Chris Thompson.
Episodes
Sunday May 14, 2023
Sunday May 14, 2023
Sermon Manuscript: Ephesians
Series: Undeserved
Title: Undeserved Identity
Date: 4.30.23
Location: Lakehills Community Church, Lake Elsinore, Ca
Ephesians 2:1-2 (NIV)
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
Ephesians 2:3-5 (NIV)
3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
Point number 1 in your notes:
There is always something or someone helping you produce the identity of you that you convey to others.
Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Exodus 20:4-5 (NIV)
“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV)
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Point number 2 in your notes:
When God gives gifts, He does not give fairly.
Ephesians 2:6-7 (NIV)
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Point number 3 in your notes:
You didn’t earn, nor do you deserve this identity in Christ, but still, it is yours - if you will accept it.
Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)
and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Psalm 17:15 (NASB)
As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Point number 4 in your notes:
Your true handmade identity has been created in Christ and prepared by God.
Colossians 3:10 (NASB)
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created it—
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Monday Nov 28, 2022
Monday Nov 28, 2022
Romans 12:2 (NASB)
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Here’s point number one in your notes this morning:
God, by his own nature, cannot be second.
Point number 2 in your notes is this:
There is always somebody or something helping us write our priority list and put them in order.
Point number 3 in your notes is this:
You cannot hide your priorities from God.
Exodus 20:3 (NASB)
You shall have no other gods before Me.
Point number 4 in your notes is this:
Our behavior is going to show how honest we are about our priorities.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB)
and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB)
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Wednesday Nov 23, 2022
Wednesday Nov 23, 2022
Numbers 18 (NASB)
18 So the Lord said to Aaron, “You, your sons, and your father’s household with you shall bear the guilt in connection with the sanctuary (that is, you should do the work), and you and your sons with you shall bear the guilt (that is, you should do the work) in connection with your priesthood.
Point number 1 in your notes:
God has appointed people to manage His church.
Numbers 18: 20-21, 25-26 (NASB)
Then the Lord said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land nor own any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the sons of Israel. 21 “To the sons of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel as an inheritance, in return for their service which they perform, the service of the tent of meeting.
Leviticus 27:30 (NASB)
30 ‘Now all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. This is the instruction that God gave to Aaron and the priests who were to run the houses of worship.
Numbers 18: 25-26 (NASB)
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 26 “Moreover, you shall speak to the Levites and say to them, ‘When you take from the sons of Israel the tithe which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present an offering from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe.
Point number 2 in your notes:
Everyone has a responsibility to Tithe.
Deuteronomy 12:13-14, 19 (NLT)
Be careful not to sacrifice your burnt offerings just anywhere you like. 14 You may do so only at the place the Lord will choose within one of your tribal territories.19 And be very careful never to neglect the Levites as long as you live in your land.
Point number 3 in your notes:
God did not allow anyone to make an excuse not to give Him His tithe.
Matthew 23:1-3 (NLT)
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach.
Matthew 23:23 (NLT)
23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
Mark Batterson
"Let me be blunt, because on the subject of money Jesus was. Obedience can be measured in dollars. So can faith. So can sacrifice. It’s certainly not the only measure, but it’s one of the most accurate. If we give God 2 percent of our income, can we really say we are 100 percent committed to Him? I think not. If we withhold the tithe, can we really say, “In God we trust”? If we give God our leftovers instead of the firstfruits, can we really say we’re seeking first His kingdom?" ― from "All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life"
Point number 4 in your notes:
What if our love for God was measured by our obedience to giving?
Wednesday Nov 16, 2022
Wednesday Nov 16, 2022
Ephesians 6:10-17
Series: Text Messages
Title: Preparing for a Fight
Date: 11/13/22
Ephesians 6:10 (NLT)
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT)
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
2 Timothy 2:1 (NLT)
Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.
Point number 1 in your notes:
You are not prepared to fight or recognize the spiritual battle you are fighting.
Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Ephesians 4:14 (NLT)
Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.
Point number 2 in your notes:
Satan uses weapons in this battle: confusion, lies, pride, selfishness, secrets, chaos, addiction, and more.
Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NLT)
3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.
Ephesians 6:13 (NLT)
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Ephesians 6:14 (ESV)
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Isaiah 11:5 (NLT)
He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment.
Point number 3 in your notes:
All of your spiritual armor is based upon Truth. If you are wishy-washy about truth, you’re dead in the water.
John 17:17 (NLT)
Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.
Psalm 119:160 (NKJV)
The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
Ephesians 6:15 (NLT)
For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
Isaiah 52:7 (NLT)
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns.
Ephesians 6:16 (NLT)
In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
Ephesians 6:17 (NLT)
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Isaiah 59:17 (NLT)
He put on righteousness as his body armor and placed the helmet of salvation on his head.
Point number 4 in your notes:
If we don’t armor up and stand and fight against this enemy, people will die.
Romans 8:37-39 (NLT)
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Monday Nov 07, 2022
Monday Nov 07, 2022
Sermon Manuscript: Ephesians 6:1-3
Series: Text Messages
Title: Parenting God’s Way
Date: 11/6/22
Ephesians 6:1 (NLT)
Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.
The natural instinct of a child is to obey.
Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NLT)
And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Ephesians 6:4a (NLT)
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them.
Parenting demands finding the balance between direction and destruction
Proverbs 13:24 (NLT)
Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
Proverbs 6:20 (NLT)
My son, obey your father’s commands and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Godly parents raise godly children to love Jesus.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NLT)
“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.
I am going to memorize Hebrews 10:23.
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
Sermon Manuscript: Ephesians 5:1-15
Series: Text Messages
Title: Shadow Puppets
Date: 10.16.22
Ephesians 5:1a (NLT)
Imitate God, therefore,
Ephesians 4:25-32 (NLT)
So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT)
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Point number 1 in your Notes:
All actions of all Christians reflect Jesus.
John 8:11a (NLT)
“No, Lord,” she said.
John 8:11b (NLT)
And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
John 5:14b (NASB)
“Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore”
Point number 2 in your Notes:
Non-Believers can see a loving God when Christians distance themselves from sin.
John 13:12-15 (NLT)
After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
Ephesians 5:3 (NLT)
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.
Ephesians 5:3 (ESV)
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
Point number 3 on in your Notes:
Christians are God’s people. They are saints. There is no place for sin amongst God’s saints.
Colossians 3:5 (NLT)
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
Exodus 20:17 (NLT)
“You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”
Ephesians 5:4-7 (NLT)
Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do.
Ephesians 5:8-9 (NASB)
for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
1 John 1:5-7 (NASB)
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
John 8:12 (NASB)
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
Point number 4 in your Notes:
A Christian’s life should never eclipse God’s Light.
Ephesians 5:10-15 (NLT)
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.
Wednesday Oct 12, 2022
Wednesday Oct 12, 2022
Sermon Notes: Exodus 19
Series: Do The 10 Commandments still matter?
Title: You are My People
Date: 10/2/22
Perris Valley Church
Point number 1:
God’s plans for His people and your life go back to before time began.
Exodus 19:1-6 (NLT)
19 Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. 2 After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of Mount Sinai. 3 Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
Point number 2:
Without God’s presence solid and secure in our lives, we will wander in the wilderness.
Exodus 19:9-13 (NLT)
9 Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.”
Moses told the Lord what the people had said. 10 Then the Lord told Moses, “Go down and prepare the people for my arrival. Consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their clothing. 11 Be sure they are ready on the third day, for on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai as all the people watch. 12 Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death. 13 No hand may touch the person or animal that crosses the boundary; instead, stone them or shoot them with arrows. They must be put to death.’ However, when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, then the people may go up on the mountain.”
Point number 3:
Even the small details of God’s word matter.
Exodus 19:14-20 (NLT)
14 So Moses went down to the people. He consecrated them for worship, and they washed their clothes. 15 He told them, “Get ready for the third day, and until then abstain from having sexual intercourse.” 16 On the morning of the third day, thunder roared and lightning flashed, and a dense cloud came down on the mountain. There was a long, loud blast from a ram’s horn, and all the people trembled. 17 Moses led them out from the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently. 19 As the blast of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God thundered his reply. 20 The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain.
Exodus 19:21-22 (NLT)
21 Then the Lord told Moses, “Go back down and warn the people not to break through the boundaries to see the Lord, or they will die. 22 Even the priests who regularly come near to the Lord must purify themselves so that the Lord does not break out and destroy them.”
23 “But Lord,” Moses protested, “the people cannot come up to Mount Sinai. You already warned us. You told me, ‘Mark off a boundary all around the mountain to set it apart as holy.’”
24 But the Lord said, “Go down and bring Aaron back up with you. In the meantime, do not let the priests or the people break through to approach the Lord, or he will break out and destroy them.” 25 So Moses went down to the people and told them what the Lord had said.
Exodus 20:1-2a (NLT)
20 Then God gave the people all these instructions 2 “I am the Lord your God. . ..
Mark 10:17-21 (NLT)
17 As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. 19 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’” 20 “Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” 21 Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Point number 4:
We should care about the 10 Commandments because God gave them.
Wednesday Oct 12, 2022
Friday Sep 23, 2022
Friday Sep 23, 2022
Sermon Manuscript: Ephesians 4:1-16
Series: Text Messages
Title: Growing Together
Date: 9/18/22
Location: Perris Valley Church
Ephesians 4:1-2 (NLT)
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
Luke 14:8-11 (NLT)
“When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? 9 The host will come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table!
10 “Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, ‘Friend, we have a better place for you!’ Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. 11 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
1 Thessalonians 2:7 (NLT)
As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children.
Ephesians 4:3-6 (NLT)
Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.
Point Number One:
The Lord’s Church is designed to be united as one, not divided into many.
Psalm 133:1 (NLT)
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!
Ephesians 4:7 (NLT)
However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.
1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
Romans 11:29 (NLT)
For God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn.
Ephesians 4:11 (NLT)
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
Ephesians 4:12 (ESV)
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:12 (NLT)
Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
Point Number Two:
Your Pastor’s Job Description is to Give You the Tools To Do Ministry.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (CSB)
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Ephesians 4:13-14a (NLT)
This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children.
Point Number Three:
A united healthy Church body is continually growing deeper in their Christian walk together.
Hebrews 5:11-14 (CSB)
We have a great deal to say about this, and it is difficult to explain, since you have become too lazy to understand. 12 Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food. 13 Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.
Ephesians 4:15-16 (NLT)
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Point Number Four:
A body will not function properly if the parts are not growing in unison and in unity.
1 Corinthians 12:12 (NLT)
The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.
Monday Sep 12, 2022
Monday Sep 12, 2022
Sermon Notes: Ephesians 2:11-22
Title: All God’s Children
Date: Sunday, September 11, 2022
Location: Perris Valley Church
Isaiah 42:6 (NIV)
6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,
Colossians 1:21 (NIV)
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
Ephesians 2:11-12 (NIV)
Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
Point number 1 in your notes:
Deliberately rejecting others from the body of Christ limits their hope.
Ephesians 2:13-18 (NIV)
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Point number 2 in your notes:
Only Christ can heal the wounds of our society.
John 13:35 (NIV)
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
1 John 4:20 (NIV)
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
John 14:12-14 (NIV)
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Ephesians 2:19 (NIV)
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,
Point number 3 in your notes:
Belief in Christ always results in becoming family.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
1 Peter 4:9 (NIV)
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Point number 4 in your notes:
Respect for all people is not a suggestion, it is a command.
Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’