The Trinity ofTheology-Liturgy-Practice

Rick WrightChurch of the Nations

7th Sunday of Pentecost (B)

Ephesians 1

• “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly places with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Because the Father chose us in Christ the Son before the creation of the world”

• The “big picture” of God and the world he has made

• Only the positive side of God choosing us• Response is worship and thanksgiving

Ephesians 1

• “In Christ we have redemption through his blood… the forgiveness of sins… according to the riches of the grace of God that he showered upon us with wisdom and understanding. He made known to us the mystery of his will which he purposed in Christ that one day he will bring everything in heaven and on earth together in Christ.”

• God wants to bring everything and everyone together in harmony through Christ

Ephesians 1

• “You also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth… the good news of your salvation. Having believed you were marked with a seal the promised Holy Spirit who is a deposit that guarantees what we will receive.”

• The Holy Spirit is the one who makes this happen in our lives (experience and practice)

• “Holy and without blame” (transformation)

Ralph Martin

• Ephesians 1 is…– Theological• God the Father chooses us through God the Son (Jesus

Christ) and it is God the Holy Spirit who makes us able to experience and practice what God the Trinity has done

– Liturgical• Paul uses liturgy (forms of worship – songs and prayers)

to make his points

– Practical• All theology is practical – we live out what we believe in

holy living… in mission… in service to others