Ephesians 2 reminds us of the transforming power of Christ in uniting believers into one body. Paul begins by urging Gentile believers to remember their past condition—separated from Christ, excluded from the promises of Israel, without hope, and without God in the world. This sobering reminder shows the depth of their need for salvation and a changed heart. Just as the rich young ruler learned, external obedience and possessions cannot save; only surrendering the heart fully to Christ brings true life.
Through the blood of Jesus, those who were once far off have now been brought near. Christ Himself is our peace. On the cross, He destroyed the barriers of hostility and created one new covenant family from Jew and Gentile alike. In this family, divisions no longer define us; instead, we are reconciled together to God in one body. This new unity is sustained not by human effort but by prayer, thanksgiving, and trust in the Lord who holds all things together.
Paul concludes by showing that in Christ we have access to the Father through one Spirit. We are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household. This family is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. Together, believers are being joined into a holy temple, a dwelling place for God’s Spirit. Our identity is now rooted in Christ, who makes us one.
Ephesians 2 reminds us of the transforming power of Christ in uniting believers into one body. Paul begins by urging Gentile believers to remember their past condition—separated from Christ, excluded from the promises of Israel, without hope, and without God in the world. This sobering reminder shows the depth of their need for salvation and a changed heart. Just as the rich young ruler learned, external obedience and possessions cannot save; only surrendering the heart fully to Christ brings true life.
Through the blood of Jesus, those who were once far off have now been brought near. Christ Himself is our peace. On the cross, He destroyed the barriers of hostility and created one new covenant family from Jew and Gentile alike. In this family, divisions no longer define us; instead, we are reconciled together to God in one body. This new unity is sustained not by human effort but by prayer, thanksgiving, and trust in the Lord who holds all things together.
Paul concludes by showing that in Christ we have access to the Father through one Spirit. We are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household. This family is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. Together, believers are being joined into a holy temple, a dwelling place for God’s Spirit. Our identity is now rooted in Christ, who makes us one.
We continue our study of Ephesians this week with Ephesians 2:1–10 presents the journey of every believer, moving from spiritual death to life in Christ. Paul begins by reminding us of our condition before salvation. We were wandering from God, dead in sin, following the course of this world, ruled by the flesh and the devil. Sin caused us to miss the mark, while trespasses crossed the boundaries God had set. By nature, we were children of wrath, unable to receive spiritual truth.
But then come two of the most powerful words in Scripture: But God. In His rich mercy and great love, He intervened. Even when we were dead, He made us alive with Christ, raised us up, and seated us with Him in heavenly places. This is waking to God—a work of His grace alone, not anything we earned or deserved.
Now, as those who are alive in Christ, we are called to live with anticipation, watching for God. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await the return of Christ, the blessed hope of the believer.
Finally, we are not saved by works, but we are saved for works. We are God’s workmanship, His masterpiece, created in Christ for good works He prepared in advance. This is working with God—living out His purpose through us.
Ephesians 2 reminds us that salvation is God’s gift, transforming us from death to life, from wandering to working, from the graveyard to glory.
Pastor Owen continues his study of Ephesians by expanding on spiritual blessings. The passages highlight the fullness of spiritual blessings in Christ: adoption into God’s family, the call to holiness, redemption through His blood, the unveiling of His will, the promise of an eternal inheritance, and the sealing of the Spirit. In Christ, believers find their true identity, deep assurance, and lasting hope for the future.
This message centers on the believer’s call to live faithfully in all areas of life. Drawing from Ephesians 5:15, we are reminded to walk wisely and intentionally, not carelessly. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30 illustrates the importance of stewarding what God entrusts to us—whether much or little—with diligence and faithfulness. The faithful servants are praised and rewarded, while the fearful, unfaithful servant is condemned for his inaction.
Faithfulness is defined as being loyal, trustworthy, and steadfast. Scriptures like Proverbs 3:3-4, Luke 16:10-13, and Matthew 25:21 emphasize that consistent integrity, even in small matters, positions us for greater responsibility and favor with God.
The sermon also addresses the spiritual opposition to God’s plan, beginning with Satan’s hatred of humanity’s relationship with God in Genesis 1:26-31. Faithfulness stands as a counter to Satan’s lies and disruption.
A critical distinction is made between information and revelation. Galatians 5:16 and Ephesians 1 & 3 highlight that true understanding of God comes through the Spirit, not just intellect. Revelation opens our eyes to God’s will, power, and love, enabling us to live purposefully and rooted in truth.
Finally, through Hebrews 4:12 and Luke 8:23-25, we’re reminded that God's Word is alive, and faith must be exercised—even during life’s storms. Jesus challenges us: “Where is your faith?” True faithfulness requires action, trust, and obedience
In High Alert Communication Part 2, Pastor Owen Mason emphasizes that fulfilling God’s plan hinges on deep communion with Him through prayer. Citing Luke 18:1 and Matthew 6:6, he highlights the necessity of consistent, private prayer that remains unshaken by discouragement. Effective prayer begins with intentional time, consistency, removing distractions, and waiting quietly before God.
Prayer must be a priority, as modeled by Daniel in Daniel 9:1–3, where he seeks God through scripture, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving. Daniel’s life illustrates that a heart of prayer leads to divine revelation, protection, and favor. In Daniel 2, his prayer not only reveals mysteries but causes even King Nebuchadnezzar to recognize the sovereignty of God.
Pastor Mason urges believers to P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens. Prayer is a spiritual weapon (2 Corinthians 10:4) with power to destroy strongholds. Mark 11:24 teaches that faith-filled prayer unlocks divine results. In Daniel 10, we see that persistence in prayer breaks through spiritual opposition; though Daniel fasted for 21 days, his answer was delayed due to warfare in the heavens—but God heard him from day one.
Finally, drawing from Luke 19:11–27, Pastor Mason parallels prayerful living with faithful stewardship. Those who persist in obedience and prayer will be rewarded, while passivity leads to loss. The sermon closes with a call to keep praying, believing, and expecting—because God moves in response to our words, faith, and persistence.
In "The Gideon Call," Pastor Owen Mason explores how God calls unlikely people to fulfill His purposes, using Gideon as a powerful example. In Judges 6:12, the angel of the Lord greets Gideon, a fearful man from the weakest clan, as a "mighty man of valor." Though Gideon protests in Judges 6:15, feeling inadequate, Pastor Mason challenges us to ask: Are we reluctant to answer God’s call? Like Gideon, we must overcome insecurity and conform our thoughts to Christ (1 Peter 1:14; 2 Corinthians 10:5).
Next, the sermon highlights the importance of having a heart of honor. Gideon demonstrated respect and hospitality by preparing a special offering for the angel (Judges 6:18-19). Likewise, we are urged to show genuine love, zeal, and honor toward others (Romans 12:9-13), keeping marriage pure (Hebrews 13:4).
Finally, Pastor Mason emphasizes that obedience and honor lead to peace. After building an altar called “The Lord Is Peace” (Judges 6:24), Gideon gained confidence through God’s signs. Hearing a Midianite’s dream (Judges 7:13-15), he worshiped and boldly rallied Israel, trusting God’s promise of victory. In Judges 7:19-21, Gideon’s men shattered jars, raised torches, and blew trumpets, causing the enemy to flee in panic.
Through Gideon’s story, Pastor Mason reminds us that God equips the humble, honors obedience, and brings peace amid daunting battles. The Lord still calls us today—will we respond with faith and courage?
In his sermon “The Cross Before The Constitution,” Pastor Taylor Justice emphasized that America’s founders, though instrumental in shaping the nation’s laws, placed their faith in Christ above all. He highlighted Roger Sherman, the only man to sign all four founding documents, who confessed in 1788 at White Haven Church his belief in God’s election, Christ’s atonement as the sole ground of salvation, and the resurrection to eternal life. Justice also spoke of John Jay, America’s first Chief Justice, who boldly affirmed his belief in Christ when questioned by an atheist in 1811, and later wrote that through Jesus’ atonement, divine justice and mercy are reconciled, offering salvation as God’s free gift. Samuel Adams, signer of the Declaration, in his 1803 will, entrusted his soul to God, relying on Jesus Christ for pardon.
Pastor Justice anchored these examples in Scripture. From Judges 6 and Isaiah 9, he showed how Israel’s oppression pointed to their need for a divine deliverer, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the “Prince of Peace.” Drawing from Matthew 15 and 23, he warned against elevating human tradition above God’s commandments, reminding believers of Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11 to find true rest in Him. Finally, Justice stressed that while America’s founding signatures were penned in ink, salvation was sealed by Christ’s blood. Citing Mark 10, Hebrews 9–12, and Luke 4, he declared Jesus as the one who gave His life to ransom sinners, securing eternal redemption and calling all to run their race with eyes fixed on the cross before any constitution.
In Part 2 of the sermon “Fulfilling Your Purpose,” Pastor Owen Mason emphasizes that God has a divinely orchestrated plan for each life. Drawing from Psalm 139:16, he reminds us that every day was written in God's book before we were even born. Scriptures like Jeremiah 1:5 and Ephesians 1:4 reinforce that our calling and identity were established before creation. Pastor Mason uses the story of Joseph (Genesis 37:5–11) to illustrate that even dreams met with opposition can be part of God's larger purpose.
The sermon outlines three main points. First, God has a defined plan for your life. From guiding His people through the wilderness (Psalm 136:16) to establishing every step (Psalm 37:23), God’s intention is clear and loving. Second, Jesus has already secured the victory. Referencing John 10:10, Pastor Mason emphasizes that while the enemy comes to destroy, Jesus came to give abundant life. Believers are called to flee from idolatry and remain faithful, as warned in 1 Corinthians 10:1–22. Third, Joseph’s coat represents divine favor and purpose. Even when misunderstood or opposed, signs of God's calling—like Joseph’s coat—should be treasured, not hidden.
The sermon concludes with a reminder from Romans 16:20 that God will crush Satan under our feet, encouraging believers to walk confidently in their God-given identity and purpose, knowing Christ has already made the way.
In “Fulfilling Your Purpose,” Pastor Owen Mason emphasizes that God has a unique plan for every individual, which begins with a heart prepared to receive His guidance. Referencing Genesis 37:3–4, he recounts how Joseph was favored by his father but hated by his brothers, introducing the theme that God's purpose often emerges amid adversity.
The first key question is: Is your heart postured to receive? Drawing from Ecclesiastes 3:1–2, Pastor Mason reminds us that God's timing is perfect and that every season in life has a purpose.
Secondly, the sermon highlights that God has a defined plan for each of us. Joseph’s dreams in Genesis 37:5–11 reveal a divine destiny despite his circumstances. Supporting scriptures such as Psalm 139:16, Jeremiah 1:5, and Ephesians 1:4 affirm that our purpose is preordained by God. Though trials may come, like Israel’s wilderness journey (Psalm 136:16), God guides our steps (Psalm 37:23), equipping us for His calling (2 Corinthians 4:7).
The third truth Pastor Mason affirms is that Jesus has already won the battle. Referring to John 10:10, he contrasts the enemy’s mission to destroy with Christ’s promise of abundant life. He warns, through 1 Corinthians 10:1–22, against idolatry and spiritual complacency, urging believers to remain faithful and flee sin, knowing that God provides strength to endure.
Ultimately, Pastor Mason calls us to trust God's purpose, stand firm in Christ’s victory, and faithfully walk in the path set before us.
