New Life “In Christ”
From Pastor Bill’s Sermon — September 13, 2026
DAY 1
READ: Ephesians 1:3–6
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."
DEVO:
Many of us can recall moments from our past when we desperately wanted to be chosen. Whether trying out for a sports team, applying for a job, or simply trying to find a group of friends where we felt understood, the desire to belong is universal. Too often, we spend years looking horizontally—seeking our worth and identity in our achievements, our careers, our possessions, or the approval of people around us. Yet, no matter how successful we become horizontally, those worldly categories inevitably fail to satisfy the deep cravings of the human heart.
The Gospel offers a radically different foundation by shifting our focus to a vertical identity. Long before you tried to fix your life, and long before the foundations of the earth were laid, God personally chose you in Christ. He looked at you, knew every flaw and struggle you would ever face, and still purposed to adopt you into His family. When you understand that your identity is rooted in being picked by God, you no longer have to live on the emotional rollercoaster of human approval. You are free to enjoy life's blessings without demanding that they tell you who you are.
APPLICATION:
Where in your life have you been looking horizontally for validation, and how does knowing you were personally chosen by God change how you view yourself today?
DAY 2
READ: Ephesians 1:7–10
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."
DEVO:
It is one thing to know you are chosen, but it is another thing entirely to live in the freedom of full pardon. Guilt and past mistakes have a way of whispering lies about our worth, convincing us that God is holding our failures against us. But Paul reminds us that our redemption is secured not by our personal merit or good works, but through the sacrificial blood of Christ. God did not dole out His mercy in small, hesitant drops; He lavished the immense riches of His grace upon us. Your past, present, and future sins have been fully answered at the cross.
Beyond this incredible forgiveness, God also grants us spiritual insight into the overarching direction of history. When we look at world news or personal hardships, life can easily feel chaotic and directionless. Yet, God has revealed the mystery of His will: a grand plan for the fullness of time to unite all things under Christ. Because we know how the story ends, we can navigate present uncertainties with calm assurance. We are fully forgiven, fully known, and positioned as participants in God’s ultimate plan of restoration.
APPLICATION:
Is there a past failure or persistent guilt you need to release today in light of God's lavished grace and forgiveness?
DAY 3
READ: Ephesians 1:11–14
"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
DEVO:
When we consider our spiritual inheritance, we often think of future rewards, heavenly mansions, or eternal peace. While those promises are wonderfully real, our greatest inheritance is God Himself. The moment we put our trust in Christ, we receive the ultimate prize: a living, intimate relationship with our Savior. He does not merely offer us gifts; He gives us Himself as our eternal portion, fulfilling the deepest cravings of our souls.
To ensure we never doubt this security, God seals believers with the Holy Spirit as a down payment or guarantee. Just as a wedding ring serves as a tangible pledge of covenant love, the Holy Spirit enters our lives to comfort us, guide us, and confirm our new identity. Receiving this salvation is like opening and putting on a priceless gift. It is not enough to merely admire Jesus from afar; we are invited to daily put on Christ, resting in His presence and letting His Spirit transform us from the inside out.
APPLICATION:
How can you actively rely on the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily routine this week?
