Audio Messages:
Pastor Wade Burleson

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Ephesians 1:1-2 (English-KJV)

1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
   
2. Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Because of what he saw personally in the city of Ephesus
   He saw a city full of hatred for and hostility toward Christians
   
   (Acts 19:24-28) "our way of life is in danger"

   Because of what he saw coming in the church at Ephesus
   He saw false teachers entering the church after his departing
   

   (Acts 20:29-31) "drawing away disciples"

   Because of what he saw needed in the Christians in Ephesus
   He saw they needed a written foundation for their faith
   

   Ephesians: Chapters 1-3 (Beliefs) Chapters 4-6 (Behavior)

1. Living well does not necessarily mean you are a success in the world’s eyes
   Look at Paul, the author of this letter:
   1. Physically -- he was a plain man (short, nearsighted, diseased)
   2. Financially -- he was a poor man (a lawyer turned tentmaker)
   3. Socially --- he was a prisoner (this letter written in a prison cell)
2. Living well does not necessarily mean a separation from this world
   
   The Christians at Ephesus lived "in Ephesus" but were not "of Ephesus"
   They walked past the shambles, the Temple of Diana every day

   Living well in a hostile world means you grow in grace and live in peace
   

   "grace to you" --- this does not mean the grace of salvation in Jesus Christ
   Paul is saying to us "be strengthened by who you are and what you have in Jesus Christ." (See II Peter 3:18)
   

   "and peace" --- peace in your own conscience, with your heavenly Father, and peace with one another