The letter to the Ephesians is fairly short. It consists of six chapters with 155 verses and it should take about 30 minutes to read. Read it – a few times.

‘Pound for pound,’ Ephesians may well be the most influential document in history.

Many pastors and theologians consider Ephesians to be the Paul’s greatest letter:

• Samuel Taylor Coleridge called Ephesians the divinest composition of man.[1]
• Klyne Snodgrass said, ‘pound for pound,’ Ephesians may well be the most influential document in history.[2]
• J. Goodspeed sees the letter as a rhapsody on the worth of salvation.[3]
• New Testament scholar Ralph Martin says Ephesians is the most relevant portion of the New Testament.[4]
• Pastor Kent Hughes asserts: Ephesians – carefully, reverently, prayerfully considered — will change our lives. It is not so much a question of what we will do with the epistle, but what it will do with us.[5]
• James Montgomery Boice states that Ephesians contains good biblical ecclesiology, [which is] a doctrine of the church that begins with God and His work and ends, as all things will eventually end, with God’s glory.

Churched people tend to think of the church as being created and managed BY us and FOR us, rather than BY God and FOR God’s glory. This is why a study of Paul’s letter is so valuable. Boice calls Ephesians a “mini-course in theology, centered on the church.”[6] Ephesians does not begin with a moral code but with a worldview that, when we begin to see it with the “eyes of our heart” (1:18), we will be enraptured by God’s beauty, wonder, grace, majesty, and glory – and we will then serve Him out of love and gratitude.

Ephesus, a city of about 500,000, was famous as a commercial center and the capital of the Roman province of Asia Minor, but it was also a center for the imperial cult and the guardian of the temple of Artemis (whom the Romans called Diana), which housed temple prostitutes and the grotesque idol — sprawling across several city blocks, it was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the churches in Ephesus and the surrounding region in A.D. 62 while imprisoned in Rome (Acts 28). During this time he also wrote Colossians and Philemon. Most of Paul’s other letters are directed at particular problems in a church. For example, he wrote to the Galatians about the threat of legalism. He addressed a variety of problems at the church at Corinth. But his letter to the Ephesians does not address any turmoil.

Some believe the letter has this quality because it was not written solely for the church at Ephesus. Rather, it was probably a circular letter sent to the Christian communities of Asia. While most of his letters are full of personal greetings, no individuals are mentioned here or greeted by name. In fact the oldest and best manuscripts even lack the words in Ephesus (1:1). They are addressed generally “to the saints who are also faithful in Christ Jesus.” But at an early date the letter became associated with the Ephesian church, so later manuscripts have “to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.” Ultimately, however, this letter is written to us, whoever the original readers were. It enables us to see the full sweep of God’s intention from before creation to the ultimate union of everyone and everything in Jesus Christ. It places all of our issues and problems in the context of eternity.

The Gospel in Ephesians[7]

The book of Ephesians is full of gospel from start to finish. In fact, there may be no other book in the whole Bible that packs in as much gospel per square inch. The first half of the book is almost nothing but gospel explanation, while the second half is almost entirely gospel application — mind-boggling indicatives followed by grace-filled (and grace-motivated) imperatives.

The good news of the first three chapters centers on the word “blessing,” specifically all the blessings we have by virtue of union with Christ (1:3). We were chosen in Him (1:4). We were adopted in Him (1:5). We have redemption in Him (1:7). We have our inheritance in Him (1:11). And in Christ, God is bringing the entire universe to its fulfillment (1:10). Paul goes on to explain that in Christ, God is exercising His mighty power for us who believe (1:19). In Him, we who were dead in trespasses have been made alive (2:4–5). In Him we have been created for good works (2:10). In Him we who were far away have been brought near (2:13). In Him, long-time enemies can come together in peace (2:14). In Him we are being built together into a dwelling place for God (2:22)

All of this is ours in Christ Jesus, which is why Paul prays twice that we may know Christ more and more (1:15–19; 3:14–21). In Him, we find a love that is wide and long and high and deep (3:18), a love that will surprise, and a love that surpasses knowledge (3:19–20).

The glorious gospel in the first half of the book does not fade to the background in the second half. Instead, we see that the good news of chapters 1–3 makes possible, natural, and desirable the imperatives of chapters 4–6. Therefore, as God’s grace-empowered beloved ones, we put off falsehood, unrighteous anger, stealing, unwholesome talk, and bitterness. We put on truth-telling, righteous anger, hard work, edifying conversation, and compassion (4:17–32). Out of love for Christ, we submit to one another (5:21) wives submit to their husbands (5:22), children honor their parents (6:1), and bondservants obey their masters (6:5). Husbands lay down their lives for their wives (5:25), fathers instruct their children in the Lord (6:4), and masters deal kindly with their servants (6:9). Taking our stand in the love of Christ, we stand our ground against the Devil and resist the schemes of the Evil One (6:10–18). In Christ we have become holy, and in Christ we can grow in authentic holiness.

Ephesus was crassly commercial, materialistic, pagan, preoccupied with sex, and superstitious. Not much has changed here in the 21^st century. Paul’s message is that when we embrace the love of Christ, we will also embrace the way of life that Christ loves.

Outline:

Part I: Grace To Grow

1. Intro + Prologue and Praise 1:1-14 (9/12-13) Big Idea: Who we are “in Christ” and the blessings accorded therein.
2. Prayer 1:15-23 (9/19-20) Big Idea: Prayer for insight and understanding of the wonder and majesty of God — and what has been DONE through Christ (not what we must DO).
3. Our Salvation 2:1-22 (9/26-27) Big Idea: Made alive in Christ and reconciled to one another through Christ.
4. The Mystery 3:1-21 (10/3-4) Big Idea: The mystery of God uniting Jews and Gentiles (actually all ethnicities) into one new family by grace and our subsequent freedom to approach God with freedom and confidence. We are rooted and established in the height and depth of God’s love. (KHC Men’s Retreat Weekend)

Part II: Grace To Go

5. Activating Grace, Pt. 1) 4:1-16 (10/10-11) Big Idea: Viewing grace as a source of power to change and grow. The role of leaders to “equip” God’s people for service. We are to aim at becoming mature enough to “speak the truth in love” to one another.
6. Activating Grace, Pt. 2 4:17-32 (10/17-18) Big Idea: Grace to grow in Christ and “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Because of Christ’s sacrifice we can let go of bitterness, rage, anger, etc.
7. Activating Grace, Pt. 3 5:1-20 (10/24-25) Big Idea: “Wake up” to God’s grace to grow and become more like Christ. Understanding God’s will and why we need to be (continually) filled with God’s Holy Spirit (we leak J)
8. Family responsibilities 5:21-6:4 (10/31-11/1) Big Idea: Grace to grow a strong marriage and family through mutual submission and sacrificial love.
9. Social responsibilities 6:5-9 (11/7-8) Big Idea: Whole-hearted service in our vocation. (We may want to also acknowledge and repent of the evil of slavery in our nation’s history as well as draw attention to contemporary human trafficking issues.
10. (Missions Weekend @KHC — 11/14-15)
11. Spiritual Warfare + Conclusion 6:10-24 (11/21-22) Big Idea: Grace for strength to fight the good fight of faith (see also 1 Tim 6:12).

The essential appeal of Ephesians is that it presents the basic doctrines of Christianity comprehensively, clearly, practically, and winsomely. In the Epistle we have a magnificent outpouring of divine revelation, bringing out the mystery of the heart of God that was hidden from eternity and was given to the Ephesians, not for themselves alone, but with the whole Church in view. What belongs to Ephesus is what God has given to all His saints.

[1] Peter T. O’Brien. The Letter to the Ephesians, Eerdmans 1999:1.

[2] Ephesians, NIV App Commentary, 17.

[3] E. J. Goodspeed. The Meaning of Ephesians, Chicago 1933:227.

[4] Ralph Martin. Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, Westminster John Knox Press, 1992:1.

[5] R. Kent Hughes. Ephesians, The Mystery of the Body of Christ, Crossway 1990:16.

[6] James Montgomery Boice. Ephesians, Baker 1997:xi.

[7] Adapted from the Gospel Transformation Bible.

Dear KHC family, 

I am overwhelmingly encouraged by your participation in the diagnostic process and would like to extend my gratitude for your commitment to KHC. Over the past couple months, 563 of you took the online survey, almost 300 of you made time to tell your story, and 400 of you showed up for the initial oral report. Your engagement in the diagnostic is exciting and motivating to me. Thank you for continuing to be patient with this process and entrusting the Lord to provide direction for KHC. I have outlined some brief notes below that summarize next steps for us as a church:

Next Steps with the Diagnostic Report:

• The CRM team will be preparing the full Diagnostic Report for KHC over the next 4-6 weeks. Once we have that report, we will make it available to you.
• There will be a Leadership Community Gathering on Sunday Sept 13 from 4-6pm. This is an opportunity for those who are currently serving on a leadership team at KHC to reflect on the implications of the initial oral report. (This gathering will only be open to those who are currently leading ministries at KHC. The thought is that our current ministry leaders should have the first shot at processing the material and give input about moving forward.)
• In October, at/around the time we receive the final Diagnostic Report, we will begin holding a series of 4-5 all-church Summits. The goal of these Summits is to engage in a refocusing process that will aim to accomplish two things: 1) Implement the recommendations from the report and 2) Reaffirm our values, mission, and vision (we also have some theological work to do). As a church we want to listen afresh to God, discern God’s leading, and begin to clarify our future. Please stay tuned for more information. You can subscribe to this  blog for regular updates (see upper right-hand corner). 

Elder Team Update:

• At the request of the Pastoral Advisory Council (PAC) our current Elders voted to approve two amendments to the by-laws: 1) Reduce the minimum number of elders from 7 to 5 (preferring to start smaller and build) and 2) Allow an elder to resign.
• We have three men to be recommended to the congregation and are still interviewing for at least two more to present them all to the church for a vote of affirmation.
• The PAC is certain that KHC has many men who would make excellent elders. It is important to take into account that they are looking for the best candidates for this particular season in our church. The PAC is looking very carefully at calling, competence, character, and chemistry. 

Prayer Points:

• Please pray for the CRM team as they write the final Diagnostic Report for KHC, taking into account the feedback from Sunday’s meeting.
• Please continue to pray for the reconstituting of our eldership team. The PAC is continuing to review packets and conduct interviews.

“But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.’” – 1 Corinthians 2:9 

Thank you for your love for God and for KHC!

The following update was written before last weekend’s onsite portion of the KHC diagnostic by a member of the Transition Team.  It provides excellent perspective for the season ahead of us…

When considering expectations, some things are easy. For instance, we expect today to be another beautiful sunny day in the South Bay. We would be surprised if this expectation was not met, but know that if it should rain tomorrow it is very unlikely that it would continue to do so the following day.

Some expectations are more challenging. For instance, we expect that King’s Harbor Church will continue to flourish through and beyond this current season of transition. While this expectation is more uncertain than anticipating another rain-free day, we can take solace that both the weather and the future of King’s Harbor Church are in the hands of a good and loving God.

That does not mean that the road ahead for King’s Harbor Church will be smooth or easy, as we can expect bumps along the way and we will get some bruises that will need to be healed. But we can remain confident in our hope of a better future as God directs our steps and we strive to bring Him glory by being an authentic Biblical community consisting of dedicated followers of our Lord Jesus Christ.

With that in mind, what are the current expectations for the upcoming months? Our current thoughts on this subject are:

• We expect that given the great response to the online survey, the on-site interviews occurring August 21^st and 22^nd will also go well and will provide additional valuable feedback to the independent diagnostic team. Your participation in the online survey and on-site interviews are both greatly appreciated.

• We expect that the initial oral report presented to the congregation by the independent diagnostic team on the afternoon of August 23^rd will be on-point, insightful, and give us some preliminary thoughts on what King’s Harbor Church does well and areas where improvement is needed.

• We expect that 4 to 6 weeks after the initial oral report is given, that we will receive the final written report, (the Ministry Assessment Report), from the independent diagnostic team. The Ministry Assessment Report is expected to confirm most, if not all, of the findings from the initial oral report and will contain pages and pages of supporting documentation in addition to a more concise executive summary of their findings. We are thankful for the independent diagnostic team and their service to King’s Harbor Church.

• We expect attacks from the evil one. When God is doing great things in our midst, the devil tries to distract us from doing good. In addition to attacks from outside the church, these attacks may be in the form of conflict with other church members. Change, even for the good, can be difficult unless we rest in Jesus. We have been given tools for conflict resolution, including the book Making Peace, and will also use our Reconciliation Team in this regard. We should “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

• We expect continued wise and Godly counsel from the Pastoral Advisory Board.

• We are planning another King’s Harbor Church leadership meeting towards the end of September and expect this to be well attended with this opportunity being used to grow closer together as a leadership body and help launch the church into the upcoming season.

• We expect continued great teaching and leading from Pastor Gregg as he begins a new Fall series on the book of Ephesians.

• We expect that the Ministry Assessment Report from the independent diagnostic team will contain specific recommendations in areas where King’s Harbor Church needs to improve both from an administrative standpoint and more importantly, areas where the church should work to become closer to the Biblical community that God desires.

• We expect the current Elder Board to finish well and that their service and sacrifice during this turbulent time in the life of King’s Harbor Church will be appropriately acknowledged and valued by the congregation. We expect everyone to understand how hard and challenging this period has been and appreciate the stresses and strains that have arisen during this period; this has not been an easy road.

• We expect to have a reconstituted Elder Board to be in place within the next month or two. With 3 of the 5 Elders to be recommended already approved by the Pastoral Advisory Council, we continue to ask your prayers that the remaining two candidates be identified and approved as soon as possible.

• We expect another outstanding Men’s retreat occurring October 3^rd to October 5^th during which time the men of King’s Harbor Church will grow closer to each other and to God.

• We expect that while there will certainly be some discussion about the findings presented in the Ministry Assessment Report, that the congregation will humbly vote to accept these findings in their entirety during the All-Church Summit that will take place in the first half of October.

• We expect King’s Harbor Church to begin to act upon the recommendations in the Ministry Assessment Report immediately after the All-Church Summit, and that this work will entail the effort of broad and comprehensive sections of the entire congregation.

• We expect that the completion of the recommendations out of the Ministry Assessment Report will take time, months and maybe years, to complete. But that this effort will be extremely worthwhile, and God-honoring, as we come together as a Biblical community striving to firm up the foundation of King’s Harbor Church and work to help one another grow in their personal walk with our Savior Jesus Christ.

• We expect that the process of choosing a permanent pastor will begin this Fall and that this will be a full and time-consuming process that will take many months to complete.

• We expect that during the transition process we will consider affiliation with a denomination and that the Elders will continue to seek counsel from the Pastoral Advisory Council. We believe the decision on a denomination may not occur until after Interim Pastor Gregg has departed.

• We expect Interim Pastor Gregg to remain with us until the permanent pastor is firmly in place and we expect Pastor Gregg to move on from his assignment at King’s Harbor Church on or before April of 2017, which is the end of his previously stated two-year commitment to us.

• We expect continued changes in the administrative and pastoral staff of King’s Harbor Church as people grow, life situations change, and new needs are identified.

• We expect that the transition of King’s Harbor Church–from where God currently has it to where He wants it to be–will continue to take a body of followers of King Jesus who are willing to lay down their differences and take up the cross of servanthood for the glory of God our Father.

That is a lot of expectations!! But we know that God can fulfill them all and are thankful to each and every one of you who call King’s Harbor Church your Biblical Community. We pray that God will to grow this body both internally and by bringing us new believers and seekers who are attracted to the sweet aroma emanating from a congregation of humble followers of Jesus Christ who continue to love and support one another in a God-honoring manner.

About the Transition Team

The King’s Harbor Church Transition Team is comprised of men and women from the congregation who represent broad and varied backgrounds and possess some administrative gifting. Interim Pastor Gregg Caruso is the head of the Transition Team, with the team having a voice and responsibilities, but not a vote. Generally speaking, the Transition Team will be assigned identified specific tasks as well as being a forum to express feedback and make suggestions. The coordination of the church diagnostic is the initial task assigned and the only active one currently being worked on by the team; the Transition Team is not affiliated with the independent diagnostic team but is responsible for insuring that the administrative needs of King’s Harbor Church related to this process, such as coordinating sign-ups for the on-site interviews, are fulfilled.

This article was written by the late Dr. Bob Brady, who was a long-time mentor of mine. He used Revelation chapters 2 and 3 as a basis.  Bob was asking of the text, what can we learn about the characteristics of a Christ-pleasing church as we read the affirmations and rebukes of Jesus as He addresses the seven churches? 

Defends Truth: The members and church leaders will not tolerate false teachings (Rev. 2:2). The most Christlike members govern as “undershepherds.” Biblical qualifications for leadership are taken seriously and applied consistently. Leaders provide Christlike examples.

Expresses Love: Members express a Christlike sacrificial love for God, each other, and the lost (Rev. 2:4). There is a demonstrated oneness and love among members of the Body. This oneness and love is visible to the world, “that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me” (John 17:23b).

High Moral Standards: Leaders and members will not tolerate immorality in the Body of Christ (Rev. 2:6; 2:14-15; 2:20). There will be a clear distinction between the life-style and values of Christians and those of the world. The world will take notice that church members had been with Jesus, and call them Christ-like-ones again. Moreover, Christians will be what the Apostle said, “…you are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Cor 3:2-3). Their lives will lend credibility to the gospel of the kingdom.

Sacrificial: There will be a willingness to suffer the loss of everything to gain Christ, this world is not their home. Members will sacrifice for the cause of Christ (Rev. 2:9-10). Investing His resources to gain the greatest increase before He returns will be a high priority. The increase will be measured by what Christ commanded as the task of highest priority, making disciples of all peoples. The structures of the church will facilitate “proper working” (Eph 4:16) of each part in terms of building up the whole to accomplish this task. Moreover, this task will affect every decision; in contrast to the way today’s church invests the Lord’s money. Presently 95% of the Church’s financial resources in the United States are being spent on ministry to Christians in the form of buildings, programs, and staff. Of the other 5% being spent on ministry to the world, only one-half of one percent is invested in taking the gospel to “unreached people groups.” ( source: U.S. Center for World Missions 1995). Moreover, many church conflicts have their roots in disputes over control issues related to buildings and finances. In addition, effective stewardship will be measured by lives given as “living sacrifices” not just in financial terms.

Faithful Witness to Christ Jesus: Members will hold fast the name of Christ and not deny His name. They are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ Jesus (Rev. 2:13). Those under the reign of Christ Jesus will be sent into the world, just as the Father sent Him into the world. They will be sent with the same gospel of the kingdom as ambassadors of reconciliation. Jesus came into the world “… to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (Jn 18:37).  He made this witness before Pilate. In like manner, the Apostle Paul made the witness before rulers of this world.

Spiritual Growth (in agape, faith, service and perseverance): Deeds are greater than at first, showing growth toward the maturity of Christ Jesus (Rev. 2:19). “Good works” will be performed in the world motivated by agape. The Church will be assaulting the spiritual strongholds of darkness with the light of the Word, and the gates of hell will not overcome it. The members of Christ’s body will be in the world but not of the world. They will know the un-churched and their needs serving them in the name of Christ Jesus as bridges for the gospel of the kingdom and demonstration of Christ’s love. Moreover, members will demonstrate interdependency on each one’s spiritual gifts, and leaders will be encouraging exercise of every member’s gifts for the edification of all.

Authentic Spiritual Life: Not an appearance of being “alive,” but rather true spirituality (Rev. 3:1-2). One does not “accept” Jesus as an add-on to one’s life. One surrenders to Him as Lord – the old life is crucified. It involves repentance from self-rule. There will be a clear understanding that conversion is a change of allegiance. Now Christ Jesus is Lord. To live is Christ. Furthermore, one joins a new people. There is no relationship with Jesus apart from his Body the Church. “…so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another” (Rom 12:5). The proof of God’s Spirit indwelling members will be a Christ-like life being transformed into His image.

Discipline/Repentance: Leaders and members will take sin seriously, respond to God’s correction with repentance, and exercise church discipline (Rev. 3:3). Members will submit to their leaders. Leaders will rule well accountable to Christ as Lord of the Church.

Obedience to Scripture: “You have kept my word and not denied my name.” “Whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him” (Rev. 3:8; also see I Jn. 2:5-6). Therefore, God has put before this church an open door no one can shut to make disciples of all peoples (Rev. 3:8). The Lord’s purpose is primary.

Passion for the Cause of Christ: Not “lukewarm;” God’s purpose in Christ Jesus causes their hearts to burn as Christ opens the scripture to them concerning himself (Rev. 3:15-16; also see Luke 24:13-32). The Church will be sending its members into the world as ambassadors of reconciliation to make disciples of panta ta ethne (all peoples). The church will serve as an equipping station for those sent to the front lines in the world.

Humility: Knowing they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked without Christ Jesus and his provision (Rev. 3:17). There will be demonstrated humility among “under-shepherds” and among members. In the presence of the Lord Christ Jesus there can be no arrogance. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” All the beatitudes will be expressed creating a safe and edifying environment. The “Sermon on the Mount” will be lived-out by God’s grace and power (Christ in you willing and doing righteousness).

Fellowship with Christ Jesus: Christ Jesus will be invited to be in the midst of everything. His worth is celebrated. Gatherings are encouraged where “one anothering,” prayer, Bible teaching and intimate communion with Jesus and each other take place i.e. small groups (Rev. 3:20; also see Acts 2:42). Prayer will be practiced as a central part of the gathering of the Body of Christ. Prayer will be seen as essential to a right relationship to God and the “proper working” of the Body . Prayer will be for boldness to speak the Word and for becoming one in heart and soul. Worship will be expressed as lives in submission to God and each other given as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. God’s worth will be celebrated in songs of praise and thankfulness remembering the Lord’s supper and the Apostle’s teaching. Moreover, fellowship with other Christians will be considered a vital part of sharing in Christ’s life.