New Life in Christ: Becoming Who You Are

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

Ephesians 1:3–14 is a powerful reminder of the incredible blessings believers have in Christ. Before the foundation of the world, God chose His people in love, adopting them as His children through Jesus and calling them to be holy and blameless. Through Christ’s death, we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance that is secured by God’s grace. Believers are also sealed with the Holy Spirit, who serves as the guarantee that God will fulfill all of His promises and bring His plan to completion.

Absolute Power

Preaching: Ben Lacey - Lead Pastor, Trinity River Baptist Church, Fort Worth Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, set out for Damascus intending to arrest followers of Jesus. On the way, he encountered the risen Christ in a dramatic vision, was struck blind, and came face to face with the truth of the gospel. God then sent a disciple named Ananias to restore Saul’s sight, pray for him, and welcome him into the family of faith. Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit, baptized, and commissioned by God to become a powerful witness of Christ to the nations, demonstrating God’s transforming grace and sovereign purpose.

New Life in Christ: Becoming Who You Are

Paul calls believers to put to death the sinful patterns of their old way of life and to live in light of the new identity they have in Christ. Instead of anger, slander, deceit, and other sinful behaviors, Christians are to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness. Above all, believers are called to love one another, allowing the peace of Christ to rule in their hearts and their relationships. As God’s people, we are to be shaped by His Word, worship Him with gratitude, and seek to honor Jesus in everything we say and do.

Crying Out With Confidence

Psalm 130 is a heartfelt cry to the Lord from a place of deep need and dependence. The psalm reminds us that if God kept a record of our sins, none of us could stand, yet with Him there is forgiveness and steadfast love. Because of His mercy, we can wait on Him with hope and confidence, trusting in His promises even in difficult seasons. The passage ultimately points us to the abundant redemption found in the Lord, who faithfully rescues His people from their sin.

The Reversal Accomplished

As we close our sermon series in Esther, we are reminded that God is always at work, even when His hand seems hidden. What began as a threat against God’s people was turned into deliverance, gladness, and remembrance as the Jews were rescued from their enemies and established the feast of Purim. Through Esther and Mordecai, we see God’s providence, His protection, and His faithfulness to preserve His people. Esther invites us to remember that sorrow does not have the final word, and that God is able to turn mourning into joy for His glory and the good of His people.