BAC Sermons
Equal Access |
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1994-04-01 | Ephesians 2:17-18 |
17 And came and preached peace to you who were afar off, and to them that were near. 18 For through him we both have an access by one Spirit to the Father. {Our Story Thus Far: God's grand plan to display His glory in blessing believers reverses the effects of the Fall so that we can be formed into a temple/body which His glory can inhabit. God's saving work brings believers into a blessing filled relationship (audience) with Him and each other, in which all possible grounds for disharmony and disunity are removed.} Why aren't you clamoring for access to politicians? Content, don't want anything; No needs beyond my ability; They're powerless; Inefficient, not worth the effort/time; Won't listen; Won't be convinced to do the right thing; Do better on own. Access is: Announced in the Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20) Consists of Getting God's Power (Grace=coin of the realm of heaven) Ro 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Corporate Dimension 1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. Php 1:27 Only let your conduct be as it becomes the gospel of Christ...that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Equally Available, but not Equally Enjoyed/Used Hiding Deceived by sin/Satan/self Insensitive to our need Pride/Independence Disunity (family disharmony...avoid father) Past refusals/failures Poor purpose (Js 1) Prerequisites not met (i.e., not in abiding union with Christ -Jn 15) Seen/Experienced by Faith Eph 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by our faith in him. (Rom 5) Supplied/Sustained in/by the Spirit As we have our mind, values, desires, will, emotions, and actions aligned with His Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:1. What would be different about your life/our church life if we made more use of our access to unlimited power/grace? 2. Why and under what circumstances are we tempted to not take advantage of our access? 3. Is it possible to increase your access? How so, or why not? 4. How should the corporate dimension to access influence our view of each other? 5. How can we help each other enjoy full access to the Father? |