EPHESIANS ONE

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the profound truth that God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. The key scripture, Ephesians 1:3-4, reveals that we were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. This challenges us to shift our mindset from constantly asking God for blessings to recognizing and accessing what He's already provided. We're encouraged to approach prayer not as a plea for help, but as a declaration of our position in Christ and what He's already accomplished. The message emphasizes the importance of aligning our thoughts and actions with God's word, rather than our circumstances. It's a call to live from a place of spiritual abundance, trusting in God's predestined plan for our lives. This perspective can transform how we face challenges and view our purpose, reminding us that we are not mere passersby, but chosen children of God with a divine destiny.

Title: Embracing Your Divine Election: Understanding God's Predestined Purpose

Sermon Summary: This sermon explores the profound concept of God's election and predestination of believers before the foundation of the world. It emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ, the power of effective prayer based on God's word, and the assurance of God's sovereign plan for each believer's life. The pastor challenges listeners to live in the reality of their spiritual blessings and to trust fully in God's predetermined purpose for their lives.

Key Points:
- God has already blessed believers with every spiritual blessing in Christ
- Believers are chosen and predestined by God before the foundation of the world
- Effective prayer is based on God's word and our position in Christ, not our own thoughts
- Understanding our identity in Christ is crucial for spiritual warfare and overcoming challenges
- God's election does not negate human responsibility to believe in Jesus
- Believers are adopted into God's family, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed by the Holy Spirit
- Christians should deny themselves and trust in God's plan rather than pursuing selfish ambitions

Scripture Reference:
- Ephesians 1:3-14
- 2 Peter 1:3-4
- Mark 11:24

Stories:
- The story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana
- The testimony of Lester Sumrall encountering Satan in his house and dismissing him
- The pastor's brother's experience of coming out of a cult after an encounter with the power of Jesus' name
- The analogy of a court case to explain how to present our case before God in prayer

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses for general themes discussed:

1. Ephesians 1:3-6
2. Ephesians 1:7-12
3. Ephesians 1:13-14
4. Ephesians 1:15-16
5. 2 Peter 1:3-4
6. Malachi (general reference to "father")
7. John 2 (allusion to Jesus' first miracle at Cana)
8. Mark 11:24
9. Isaiah 53:5 ("by his stripes we are healed")
10. Psalm 103:12
11. 1 Corinthians 2:14 (allusion to the gospel being veiled)
12. Romans 8:11 (allusion to the Spirit raising Christ from the dead)
13. 1 Peter 2:9 ("royal priesthood, chosen generation")
14. Matthew 6:25-34 (allusion to not worrying about food and clothing)
15. John 10:10 (allusion to destroying the works of the enemy)
16. Matthew 14:22-33 (allusion to Jesus walking on water)
17. Matthew 14:13-21 (feeding of the 5000)
18. Matthew 16:24 ("If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself")

Relevant verses for general themes:

1. On election and predestination: Romans 8:29-30
2. On spiritual warfare: Ephesians 6:10-18
3. On faith and prayer: Hebrews 11:1, James 5:16
4. On identity in Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20
5. On God's provision: Philippians 4:19
6. On trusting God: Proverbs 3:5-6
7. On God's eternal plan: Jeremiah 29:11