Chinese for Christ Church of San Jose
English Worship Service
Worship Service: 10:00 –11:10 am followed by snacks in the Fellowship Hall.
Call To Worship* – Alison Law
Praise & Worship*- Praise Team and Congregation
Welcome & Announcements – Mike Tai
Sermon “Before & After…” Ephesians 2:11-22 (page 976)- Kenny Chan
Song(s) of Response* – Praise Team
Doxology (Words of Praise)*- Congregation
Prayer & Benediction (Lord’s Blessing)* – Kenny Chan
*Please stand, if physically able. Also, please set your cell phones to “silent.”
Please exit through the ‘front’ of the sanctuary at the end of service. Thank you.
Last Week’s Sermon Notes
Ephesians 1:1-10 “The Gospel: Grace Works”
- Dead Without Christ (vv.1-3)
– The description of everyone without Jesus is “dead” – we have no spiritual life without Jesus. The reason we are dead is because of our sins – instead of following God, we follow: 1. Society (The World) and its values, 2. Satan, and 3. Our Sinful Nature (Desires).
– We Are: 1. Sons of Disobedience – Sin is disobedience to God, and 2. Children of Wrath – We are deserving of judgment and punishment.
– This describes every single person. We are reminded in these verses that sin isn’t just breaking a rule but it is also very personal – It is an offense against God
- Alive With Christ (vv.4-7)
– Connection (Union) with Christ: Only through our union with Christ do we find life. If we are not “attached” to Christ, we are still dead in our sins.
– Because of God’s Love (v.4), God shows us mercy (not getting what we deserve) and grace (getting what we don’t deserve) in Christ. In other words, the most powerful example and demonstration of God’s mercy and grace is in Jesus – His life, death and resurrection! When we doubt God’s love for us, we look to Jesus!
- New Creation in Christ (vv.8-10)
– Because of our connection (union) with Christ, we are a new creation – it is a gift from God and it’s God’s work in us – not because of our own efforts or goodness.
– As a new creation, we have a new purpose, which is for “good works” – to follow God, to love Him and to love and serve others.
Reflection:
– In what ways are you tempted to base your faith and your spiritual status on your works – and not God’s grace? Why?
– How have you experienced God’s grace, mercy and love this past month?
Application:
– Ask God that He would reveal more of His grace, mercy and love for you and our church this week!
– Think about one area in your life where you are not living out His purposes for you to love and serve those around you – and ask God to help you to follow Him in this area.
– Be reminded that because of God’s grace you are a new creation with a new purpose in life!
We are glad you are here this morning to worship God together with us! We hope that through this service you would experience God’s blessings to you — and know His love for you through Jesus Christ and the presence of His Spirit!
If this is your first time here, please fill out one the pink cards in the pew and pass onto any of our ushers if you would like us to contact you with more information about our church.
Announcements
- Sunday School: We will be having a combined Sunday School class for the 6th-12th graders in Room 202. There will be no Sunday School class for the Adults. For more information, please see Pastor Kenny.
- Baptism Information Session: English baptism information sessions will be held on Sunday 2/21 at 11:15-11:30am in room 104, Sunday 2/28 at 1-1:15pm in the meeting room of church office, and Sunday 3/6 at 11:15-11:30am in room 104. Please contact Pastor Joey for more information.
- Annual Meeting:We’ll be having our Annual Church Meeting the following Sunday (2/28) from 11:40 am-12:40 pm in the Fellowship Hall. During this meeting our church leaders (elders and pastors) will be reflecting on the past year as well as sharing some important updates about the coming year.
- Community Groups: Our small group fellowships for college/post-college (working, single/married, etc.) meet weekly on Saturday morning (10 am – 12 pm) as well as Sunday afternoons (4-6 pm). Please contact Pastor Kenny for more information.
- Saltshakers: We will be gathering for Large Group this Saturday (2/20) from 7-9 pm in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, please contact Daniel Chen (dantchen83@sbcglobal.net).
Prayer Requests & Praises
- Pray for our Winter Youth Retreat (2/12-15) with Mountain View Chinese Christian Church (MVCCC), Canaan Taiwanese Christian Church (CTCC) and Spring Valley Chinese Christian Church (SVCCC). Pray that through this retreat our students would grow closer to God and one another — pray for spiritual renewal, revival and repentance among out students. Pray our speaker Dan Daugherty as well as our adult volunteers and leaders as they lead small groups.
- Pray for Dwell Christian Church in Willow Glenn. Pray for Pastor Chris Tenny as he leads and shepherds this church and for their worship director Kevin Patao. Pray that Dwell Christian Church would live out their mission of “Loving God, Loving Others, Making Disciples and Seeking Justice.”
Background & Resources on Ephesians
Who? The Apostle Paul wrote the letter of Ephesians
To Who? Unlike some of Paul’s other letters (1 Corinthians, Galatians, etc.), the letter of Ephesians does not seem to address specific issues but appears to be more a general letter. Most likely, the letter was passed around to different house churches which gathered throughout the city of Ephesus–a major city and trading center (port).
When? 60-61 AD
Where? Paul wrote the letter of Ephesians while imprisoned in Rome.
Why? To remind and encourage Christians in Ephesus of the gospel message. The first half of the letter (chapters 1-3) focuses on the Gospel, while the second half (chapters 4-6) focuses on the implications and application of the Gospel.
Recommended Commentaries on Ephesians
We’ve found the following commentaries helpful in having a better understanding of the book of Ephesians:
The Letter to the Ephesians (The Pillar New Testament Commentary) by Peter T. O’Brien
& Ephesians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by Frank Thielman
– The two best “technical” (in-depth) commentaries on Ephesians, which explores the original Greek language, historical background as well as theological terms. While technical, both these commentaries also point readers to a deeper love of God.
Exalting Jesus in Ephesians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) by Tony Merida and David Platt
– Probably the best “user-friendly” commentary on Ephesians. Short, concise, but packed with helpful insights as well as how Ephesians points us to Jesus
Ephesians: An Exegetical Commentary by Harold W. Hoehner
Ephesians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by Clinton E. Arnold
New City Catechism (from www.newcitycatechism.com/intro.php)
Catechisms are a helpful tool in teaching and learning the essentials of the Christian faith. They are written in question and answer form to help memorize. We hope that this will be a tool for us to use in disciplining our children, one another and ourselves as a church community. The New City Catechism is also available online and for your smart phones.
Question 23: Why must the Redeemer be truly God?
Answer: That because of his divine nature his obedience and suffering would be perfect and effective; and also that he would be able to bear the righteous anger of God against sin and yet overcome death.
Passage(s): Acts 2:24