"The Great Reveal” – Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians
For the next few weeks, we will spend time with the letter to the Ephesians. In it, the Apostle Paul tells the story of how the life, death and resurrection of Jesus has changed the world forever. Sometimes, Paul goes into detail; at other times, he paints this picture of a new kingdom in broad brushstrokes and covers a lot of material.
We will take our lead from what Paul is doing here: we will reflect on details and also on the bigger picture. This is why each week during our series, we will hear more than two Bible readings.
In Getting Connected, you will find the passages for the coming Sundays. I encourage you to read the passages for yourself before the Sunday. Read it more than once! Read it out loud to yourself or to someone else. Stand and proclaim it! Read “around” the passages – what came just before these verses, what follows on from them? Maybe read the entire letter to the Ephesians in one go! How about doing this in your small group?
This letter is, amongst other things, a celebration of praise and prayer. One way to honour this is to allow ourselves to swept along with this joy in the Risen Jesus Christ.
My prayer is that these old words will spark new moments of praise, amazement and thankfulness for you!
The Great Reveal
A living God
Ephesians 1; John 1:1-5, 9-14; Exodus 40:33-38
A moving story
Ephesians 2:1-11, 19-22; John 11:32-44; Deuteronomy 6:4-7 & 7:6-9
A new order
Ephesians 1:18-23 & 6:10-18; Luke 4:1-13: Psalm 2
A dream come true
Ephesians 4:14-19; Matt 5: 1-11; Exodus 15:1-7, 11-21
A teachable moment
Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-16 & 4:20-5:7; Mark 13:32-42, 14:33-39; Micah 6:6-8
A mature church
Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:25-31; John 13:34-35; Genesis 12:1-3
Guest Speaker: Joel Oliver from Destiny Rescue
Joel works with Destiny Rescue, whose goal is to “rescue children from sexual exploitation and human trafficking and help them stay free”.
Here is a little more about the organisation. Destiny Rescue is a global Christian non-governmental organisation (NGO) that has restored hope to thousands of children enduring sexual exploitation and human trafficking through rescue operations and reintegration programming operated in regions throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America.
By building strong partnerships with government entities, law enforcement and like-minded organisations, we continue to expand our work and offer freedom to children in need across the globe.
We’re so grateful that thousands of survivors have bravely accepted that offer and are continuing their journey toward freedom.
Rescue alone doesn’t ensure freedom.
Post-rescue, a survivor’s next steps are determined based on his or her unique situation, including the vulnerabilities that led to exploitation and local legal procedure.
When a child enters our care, we carefully address each unique vulnerability that led to her exploitation.
Each survivor enrolled in our programming receives support to return to school or achieve financial independence. During their enrolment, children participate in dynamic trauma resilience training and hear the saving message of the gospel.
https://www.destinyrescue.org.au/
Take supportive action: https://www.destinyrescue.org.au/donate/
Guest Speaker: David Ratten (Churches of Christ, Community Mission Catalyst)
David brings a wealth of experience as a practitioner who can inspire, coach, and build energy and movement with leaders who are committed to the work of community engagement. He assists local churches and agencies to develop critical strength and capacity for effective benevolent programs.
Guest Speaker: Nickie Williams from St Kilda Gatehouse
Links to the two social media pages for St Kilda Gatehouse, Instagram and Facebook, are provided here.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stkildagatehouse
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StKildaGatehouse
Guest Speaker: Paul Moore
The following information is from https://churchesofchrist.org.au/friendsofdismas/
Dismas is the traditional name of the repentant thief on the cross next to Jesus mentioned in Luke 23: 40-43.
The mission of Friends of Dismas is to assist motivated adults on parole, ex-prisoners, and their family and friends, to grow in Christian faith, to transition successfully into society, and to live a crime free life.
Our informal church services are a safe place where people can fully participate but know they are not judged. Through mutual support and accountability, we work towards there being ‘No More Victims’.
Our weekly format includes sharing a simple meal together, getting to know each other, communion, bible study, and prayer.
Friends of Dismas was co-founded in 2012 by staff and volunteers from Prison Fellowship Victoria, Churches of Christ In Victoria and Tasmania, and Baptist Union of Victoria. Significant consultation with Corrections Victoria and Victoria Police means Friends of Dismas can offer a gathering where ex-offenders can meet, share a meal and fellowship together without breaking laws. We thank these organisations for their role in getting this program up and running, and for directing people who are in need or isolated to us for support. We also thank Friends of Dismas Canada for permission to use the name, logo and Dismas Prayer.
Please note that participants must be over 18 years of age.
Our Core Values
- We welcome and celebrate one another, regardless of religious or criminal convictions, knowing that we are all “offenders”.
- We encourage everyone to give of themselves in some way – cooking meals, setting and cleaning up, sharing our truth or reaching out to others.
- We are committed to paying our way by sharing the costs of food and hall hire and contributing financially to the ministry of Friends of Dismas.
- In the circle everyone is given the opportunity to speak or to pass.
- We will treat each other’s story with confidentiality and love. Each story is sacred.
- We are committed to being a safe and responsible fellowship with accountability to the community where our meetings are held.
- We are committed to ministering to each other as if they were Christ.
- We continue to offer a safe and welcoming environment to ex-prisoners, their families and volunteers.