Ephesians: Holy Temple | Rev. Nathan Bell

In this message, Pastor Nathan concludes Ephesians chapter 2 by exploring the Church as God's family and His holy temple. Rather than being defined by buildings or programmes, the Church is a people who have been brought together through Christ, shaped by His character, and filled with His Spirit to fulfil His purposes in the world.Notes:Continuing through Ephesians 2:19-22, Pastor Nathan reminds us of last week's message that Jesus brings outsiders into God's family through grace. What matters most is not our religious background, knowledge, or traditions, but whether our hearts have been transformed by Christ.Every believer is welcomed into God's family through faith.Paul tells the Gentile believers they are no longer strangers or foreigners. Instead, they are citizens of God's Kingdom and members of His family. This is more than an illustration. Through Christ we have been spiritually adopted as sons and daughters of God.The Church is a family.Jesus Himself described those who follow Him as His brothers and sisters. Our identity is no longer based on nationality, culture, denomination, or background. We belong to one spiritual family with God as our Father and Christ as the head of the Church.The Church is a together family.Pastor Nathan challenges the modern mindset of individualism and consumerism that can shape the way we think about church. Church is not something we simply attend or consume. It is a family we belong to.Like any healthy family, every member has a role to play. Together we carry responsibility for welcoming others, serving one another, and contributing to the health and mission of God's Church.We are not attenders at God's house.Together, we are His house.The Church is God's holy temple.Paul describes believers as being carefully joined together to become a holy temple where God dwells by His Spirit.While church buildings are valuable, God's dwelling place is no longer a physical building. Wherever God's people gather in Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, His presence is there.Holiness has two important aspects:• Separation from sin and the values of the world.• Consecration to God's purposes.Followers of Jesus are called to turn away from selfishness, greed, hatred, prejudice, division, and every form of sin. At the same time, we dedicate our lives, our gifts, our families, and everything we have to serving Christ and His Kingdom.The Church is founded and shaped by Christ.Paul describes Jesus as the cornerstone upon which the entire Church is built.Just as every stone in a building is aligned to the cornerstone, every believer is being shaped to reflect Christ.Our attitudes, humility, forgiveness, love, service, and obedience are all formed by the example of Jesus.The Church only fulfils its purpose when Christ remains its foundation and every believer aligns their life with Him.Pastor Nathan finishes by encouraging the Church to ask two important questions:• Am I embracing God's plan for me within His family?• When people encounter us, do they simply see a church building, or do they experience the love, grace, and life of Jesus through His people?As God's family and His holy temple, we are called to reflect Christ together so the world encounters Him through us.Key Scriptures:Ephesians 2:19-22Galatians 6:15Matthew 12:48-50John 1:12-13Key Thought:The Church is God's family and His holy temple, built on Christ, shaped by His character, and filled with His Spirit to reveal Jesus to the world.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.#hillschurch #thegospelofjohn #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon