Ephesians: Amazing Grace | Rev. Nathan Bell

28 June 2026In this message, Pastor Nathan begins our new series in Ephesians by introducing Paul’s letter and the big themes that will shape the weeks ahead. Ephesians points us to God’s grace, our unity in Christ, the assurance of our salvation, and the new life we are called to live through the power of the Holy Spirit.Notes:In this message, Pastor Nathan begins our new series in Ephesians by helping us understand where this letter fits within the bigger story of the Bible.Pastor Nathan explains that the Bible is a collection of books, written in different genres, but all beautifully woven together into one grand story. From creation, to humanity’s fall, to God’s plan of redemption, the whole Bible points us to Jesus Christ.Ephesians sits within the New Testament letters. It was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus, a mostly Gentile church in a major city of the Roman Empire. Paul had spent significant time with this church, and this letter was written to encourage believers in their faith.Pastor Nathan highlights three major themes in Ephesians:1. Understanding God’s grace and the assurance of our salvation.2. Embracing our unity and oneness in Christ.3. Learning how Christians live differently because of what Christ has done.Looking at Ephesians 1:1-14, Pastor Nathan reminds us of the incredible blessings God has given us in Christ. We are loved, chosen, adopted into God’s family, forgiven, set free, and given an inheritance. The Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee that we belong to Him.All of this flows from God’s glorious grace. Grace means receiving God’s free and undeserved favour and kindness. We did not earn it, and we do not deserve it, but God gives it freely through Jesus.Pastor Nathan also reminds us that grace does not stop at salvation. God’s grace draws us, convicts us, pardons us, keeps us, strengthens us, and changes us. Grace is not just a holding place. It is God’s power at work in us.The message closes with an invitation to receive God’s grace again, whether for the first time or as a fresh reminder. Pastor Nathan points to the assurance we can have in Christ, even in the face of death, because Jesus has saved us, loves us, and has made us His own.Key Scriptures:Ephesians 1:1-14Romans 10:9-10Key Thought:God’s grace saves us, keeps us, strengthens us, and changes us. In Christ, we are loved, chosen, forgiven, free, and secure in God’s family.Find out more about Jesus⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/Jesus⁠Find the answers to life's biggest questions. Try Alpha.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/alpha⁠Can we pray for you? Request prayer.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/⁠ and click 'Prayer Request' Button.To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, follow the link below⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/give⁠#hillschurch #beencouraged #nathanbell #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon