HOW GOD HAS LOVED US Ephesians 1:3-9, 13-14; 18-23

1. EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IN HEAVEN IS OURS THRU CHRIST

•God is love. He creates, gives and blesses. •1 John 4:7, 16•Revealed as loving Father.

•Every blessing ours in Christ. •How do we “lay hold” of the riches of God’s blessings?

THINKING ABOUT GODS LOVE – EPHESIANS 3:16-19; ACCORDING

TO’S:•The kind intention of his will, 1:5, 9•glory of grace, 1:6•riches of grace, 1:7• lavished upon us, 1:8•mystery of his will made known to us, 1:9

•glorifying purpose,1:11•grace given by His power, 3:7•grace given by the measure of Christ’s gift, 4:7•rich in mercy to us 2:4

2. CHOSEN BY GOD “TO BE KNOWN” BEFORE ANYTHING WAS MADE.

•Eph 1:4 – God created with relationship in mind:•chosen - to be holy and blameless.

•2 Thess 2:13 – salvation is God’s plan.•The “Fall” was not a surprise to God.

•Chosen – to experience life. Isaiah 53:5, Eph 2:4-6

3. “ENROLLED” BEFORE ANYTHING WAS MADE.

•Luke 10:19-20; Eph 1:4•Rev 13:8 “…everyone [who worships the false deity of the end times] whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.” •Rev 17:8; 2 Thess 2:13.

4. HEAVEN “DESIGNED” WITH YOU IN MIND.

• John 17:24, “… I desire that… they be with me”• John 14:1-3,”… I go to prepare a place for you…that where I am you may be also.”•Matt 25:34, “…inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

5. GOD’S LOVE MOVED HIM TO ADOPT US AND MAKE US FAMILY.

•Predestined to adoption because of love. Eph 1:5, John 1:12-13; Rom 8:16. “Beloved.”•Righteousness of Christ is mine. Eph 1:4, 2 Cor 5:21•Forgiveness purchased by Christ. Eph 1:7•Life. Eph 2:4-6

6. PERMANENTLY “SEAL US” BY GIVING US PROOF OF HIS FUTURE

PLAN.•Ephesians 1:13-14•Given as a pledge by God• Jesus will return to receive us•Give us our inheritance.