From Belief to Embodiment (+FAMILY WORSHIP)
Good morning, Immanuel. We go from believing gospel doctrine to embodying gospel culture by remembering the grace of God given to us.
“Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:11-12).
There are 41 commands in Ephesians, but only one lives in the first half of the letter—therefore, remember. Remembering where we have come from, by the grace of God, is good for our souls. Through remembrance, we go from receiving gospel doctrine to embodying gospel culture.
Here's what I mean by that. Where do we get the expectation, energy, and blueprint to bear with the obliviousness of others in a church? We get it by remembering how Jesus saved us from our obliviousness to God. We were all once strangers to the covenants of promise. We weren't even looking for him! And where do we get the energy and blueprint to pull near to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are not like us? We get it by remembering that we could not have been more unlike Jesus when he pulled us in. I have more in common naturally with the worst person that you can imagine than I do with the son of God.
When Paul wants to build peace, unity, and reconciliation in the church, he begins by calling us to remember the grace of Christ to us. Or, to put it another way, we go from believing gospel doctrine to embodying gospel culture by remembering the grace of God given to us. Because remembering God's grace puts us in a posture of humility. And humility is what peace requires.
This Sunday At Immanuel
Sunday Morning…
FAMILY WORSHIP—All are welcome to join us for worship on Sunday during our 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Family Worship services! Classes for babies through 3-year-olds will be available in iKids. Children four years and older are invited to join us in the worship center! Pastor Sam Allberry continues our series in 1 Timothy.
Seminars…
9 am: Exit Signs - A Study in Exodus Seminar led by Dr. Russell Moore is back! 9 am in the Cafe!
9 am: Studying the Bible Together, led by Dr. Tom Cox in the Staff Lounge
9 am: Student Seminar led by Vince Greenwald in the gymnasium (grades 5-12)
10:45 am: Discover Reception - New to Immanuel? Join us on March 10th to learn about Immanuel and how you can connect. Sign up here.
On the horizon…
Remembering! Thank you Pastor TJ 🙏🏼