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IN CHRIST JESUS

Text: Ephesians 2
27 November 2016

THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS

What is at the heart of Christmas? The straightforward answer is “Christ!” This is a wonderful reality. The following text well highlights this truth.

Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh-

Who are called Uncircumcision by what is called Circumcision

Made in the flesh by hands-

That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens

From the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from

The covenants of promise,

Having no hope and without God in the world.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off

Have been brought near by the blood of Christ.           Ephesians 2:11-13

WITHOUT CHRIST JESUS

The following observations are sobering and startling. The state described is when we do not have Christ in the picture.

  1. Called Gentiles
  1. Aliens from the commonwealth of Israel

a) Not God’s people

b) Not included in God’s promises of blessing

  1. Strangers from the covenants of promise

a) Not entitled to the promises mentioned in the Covenants

b) The promises were not applicable

  1. No hope

a) No hope of the Lord’s blessings

b) No hope of eternal life

  1. Without God in the world

a) God’s Presence is not there to bless

b) His power would not be made available either

  1. Far off

a) Far from God

b) Far from God’s kingdom

IN CHRIST JESUS

Everything changes when Christ Jesus is brought into the picture!

  1. We are brought near

a) To God

b) We are able to enter into His Kingdom

c) His promises are real

d) His blessings are ours to appreciate

  1. The blood of Christ

a) It cost the life of the Lord Jesus

b) He had to shed His blood that we might be saved!

Let us never fail to be grateful to the Lord God for the salvation that we have in Christ Jesus!