God’s Power in Us

Weekly Update – November 16th, 2023

In Ephesians 1:19, the apostle Paul prays that the Ephesians would have the eyes of their hearts enlightened to see the immeasurable greatness of God’s power toward those who believe.  Then in verse 20, we get a glimpse into what Paul meant by power.  By power, Paul prayed that the Ephesians would see the same power that was at work when God raised Jesus Christ from the dead.  This power was already within the Ephesians believers, just like it is alive in each one of us who claim the name of Christ, but Paul prays that we would see it and recognize it and live in it on a daily basis.

But what does this power look like?  Well, for Jesus, this power displayed itself beyond rising from the dead.  This power now displays itself through Jesus reigning as Christ “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named” (v.21).  Now let us take this one step further.  How does this power connect to us?  If Jesus is reigning in power, how do we as modern day believers experience this same power?  The end of verse 22 and the beginning of verse 23 is our answer.  Paul says, “…and [God] gave him [Christ] as head over all things to the church, which is his body.” 

This reference to the church in Ephesians 1 is only the beginning for the apostle Paul.  He mentions the church indirectly in 2:21-22, again in 3:10, then in 3:21, in 4:12, 4:16, and several times in chapter 5 (5:23, 5:25, 5:29, 5:32).  There is obviously a priority placed upon the church which functions as the body with Christ being her head.  And the reason for all of these references again goes back to 1:22-23.  That reason is because Christ’s power over all “rule and authority and power and dominion” is displayed through his church.  That is why Jesus can say back in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of hell will not prevail against his church, because Christ displays his power in and through us, his body, as we come together under him, who is our head.

Now when we think about the power of Christ at work in us as his church, should we think about it in a supernatural way?  Yes!  But not in a necessarily charismatic way.  What I mean is, Christ power is not primarily at work in us through signs and wonders.  His power is at work in his church through his Word.  The Scriptures prove this as well.  In 2 Timothy 3:17, Paul tells Timothy that the Word of God makes us “adequate and equipped for every good work.”  Romans 10:17 says that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of God.”  Isaiah 55:11 says that by the Word of God his purposes will be accomplished.  It is then through the power of God’s Word that lives are changed, marriages are healed, additions are overcome, joy is received, faith is built, hope is given, and unity is produced.  Christ’s power is alive and at work in the church through God’s word, as Christ is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), the very communication of God to us (Heb. 1:3). 

Here then is what all of this means.  For God’s power to be at work in us through Christ, his Word must be made priority in all that we do as his church.  That means that our goal as a church is not to see how innovative we can be.  It is not to see how unique and entertaining we can become.  And it is not to see what new fad or method we can implement.  Our goal is simply to see how faithful we can be to the tried and true Word of God.  From the preaching, on through our discipleship, and into even all of our meetings, our goal is to rely firmly on the Word of God as it is the power of God at work in us, the body of Jesus Christ.

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

"[But] you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. [Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.]"
- 1 Peter 2:9-10 [11]

Announcements:

Christmas Choir: Rehearsals for Christmas Choir are held on Friday evenings. Please contact Martin Maharas for details.

Christmas Tree Decorating: We will be decorating the tree on Main Street this Sunday, November 19th, following the morning service. We will have cookies and hot chocolate in the Faith Center Gym kitchen after we decorate the tree.

Men’s Chiefs Night: On November 20th at 6:30pm, a group of men will be getting together at the Palmer home to cookout and watch the Chiefs game. The main food will be provided, but the men are asked to please bring a side to share. The game starts at 7:00pm

Befriend a Student: If you are interested in befriending a student from Longview Community College this semester, connect with Matthew Klika. You can find more information about befriend a student HERE.

Food Pantry: We are in need of pop-top and ready to eat items for our food pantry. These items are needed specifically for the homeless in our community that stop by the church building throughout the week looking for a meal.

Nursery Volunteers Needed: Nursery volunteers are needed each week during the 10:30am service time. Check the update or email the office for more information on how you can serve.

Equipping Hour

We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Firm Foundations” will meet in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of the minor prophets will meet in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the New Testament will meet in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE. 

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE. 

Wednesday Evening Activities

Awana, Youth Group, and Biblical Counseling are on Wednesday evenings. We will share a meal in the Faith Center Gym at 6:00pm before heading to classes at 6:30pm.