23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
– Ephesians 6:23 (ESV)
Benediction (Noun) –
- A closing utterance of blessing & good wishes
- The form of blessing pronounced by an officiating minister, at the close of a divine service.
This Sunday we come to the benediction of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. As you can see above, benediction is a spiritual way to say "goodbye." I’m all for doing things in spiritual ways, but I can never see myself getting excited about a goodbye. In fact, let me just say it… I hate goodbyes. I know that they're necessary. I know that they can be good. Yes, I know the saying, “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” But if I can be honest, I’m beginning to believe statements like that are just made up to make us feel better about unpleasant situations. Anyone one with me?
Nevertheless, here we are saying goodbye, even if ever so spiritually to another sermon series. And what an incredible study it has been! Ephesians is one of my favorite books in the Bible and my hope it has become dear to you as well. I pray you’ve received a clearer and more firm grasp on the fact that God has called you. I pray you're spending time in your chair celebrating your position in Christ. I pray you're gaining confidence in your walk with Jesus and learning to rely on His Strength to help you stand firm in the spiritual battle. Speaking of prayer, to finish our study, we must pick up where we left off last week, praying. This Sunday we'll close things out by following Paul’s instruction to celebrate our salvation, walk in unity, and fight the spiritual battle; thus, we will worship, pray, and take communion together. I encourage you to arrive a little early as you won’t want to miss a moment of this service! And as we do may these key verses from our study hold true…
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
While we say goodbye to our series, we forge ahead in our calling to make disciple & multiply churches who live loved and sent to the glory of God.
Take some time to listen to the worship set to prepare your heart.
Love you Church,
Jerry Lingenfelter
Senior Pastor