Dr. John Hartmann

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians gives us a picture of the original “pattern” God has given for the church, which is Christ’s body. The first half of this message briefly highlights some of the key features of the pattern and of the church’s call to be filled up to all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19) and a measure of the stature of belonging to the fullness of Christ (4:13), with a particular emphasis on God’s power being at work to achieve this goal in which God receives glory “in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever”(3:21). Part two of this message lists 12 characteristics of what was involved in rebuilding the house of the Lord Ezra 1-3, takes note of the likelihood of opposition to this work (Ezra 4), and emphasizes the importance of prophetic insight and encouragement for overcoming such opposition and completing the work of rebuilding the house of God. This is a word very relevant for our times in relation to the present state of the church in America.

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