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* – Hannah Lee
Praise & Worship*- Praise Team and Congregation
Welcome & Announcements – Daniel Chen
Sermon “A Prayer of Power” Ephesians 3:14-21 (page 977)- Joey Wang
Song(s) of Response* – Praise Team
Doxology (Words of Praise)*- Congregation
Prayer & Benediction (Lord’s Blessing)* – Joey Wang
*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 3:1-13 “The Mystery & Ministry of the Gospel”
- The Mystery of the Gospel (vv.1-6)
– In these verses, the Apostle Paul explains how what was once a mystery (or unclear) to previous
generations of believers (from the Old Testament) was now made clear: that Gentile (i.e. non-
Jewish people) were included in God’s plan of salvation. (v.6) For the Jewish believer at the time,
this would have been a staggering statement since throughout the OT, they were considered God’s
chosen people – but in the New Testament, God’s Kingdom and Family is expanded to all people.
- The Ministry of the Gospel (vv.7-13)
– Because of God’s grace in his life, Paul (being himself Jewish) realized the importance of
ministering and sharing the gospel with all people – not just people like him.
– Likewise, the church (the gathering of believers) demonstrates the power of the Gospel message
to unite different people across ethnic/cultural/socio-economic/etc. lines. (v.10)
Reflection & Application:
– Give thanks that the Gospel message is available to all people – and unites all people in Christ!
– As you read the Bible (esp. the Old Testament), keep in mind the unfolding story and mystery of
God’s plan and will for all people to know Him.
– Recognize and repent of the different “types” (i.e. socio-economic, racial/ethnic, sexual
orientation, personality, educational backgrounds, etc.) of people that are difficult for you to
interact with, fellowship with, and/or share the Gospel with.
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
- Annual Meeting:Please join us in the Fellowship Hall starting promptly at 11:40 am as our church leaders (elders & pastors) provide updates on our church from the past year as well as some updates about the coming year.
- Baptism Information Session: English baptism information sessions will be held today at 1-1:15 pm in the meeting room of church office, and Sunday 3/6 at 11:15-11:30 am in room 104. Please contact Pastor Joey for more information.
- VBS: Volunteers (youth and adult) are needed for our 2016 Vacation Bible School (VBS) from 7/18-7/22! If you are interested, please attend the informational meeting today at 1:00pm in Room 202. Volunteer registration forms are due Sunday 3/6. Contact Vanda Chan (vandachan25@gmail.com) for more info.
- Inheritance Magazine: This month’s issue of Inheritance magazine is now available: “Over the Hill: Stories about Children, Young and Old, and What We Can Learn from Them.” Inheritance is a monthly magazine that focuses on how Christian faith interacts with Asian and American cultures. (Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in Inheritance do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of CFCCSJ.)
- 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 Joey for more information.
- Saltshakers: We will be gathering for Large Group this coming Saturday (3/6) from 7-9 pm at the Beacon Building. For more information, please contact Daniel Chen (dantchen83@sbcglobal.net).
Prayer Requests & Praises
- Pray for our Annual Meeting – that as we look back on the past year as well as look ahead to the coming year, we would be reminded of God’s faithfulness as well as His commission for us to make disciples and be the body of Christ.
- Pray for Pastor Joey as he guest-preaches at Dwell Christian Church (Willow Glen, San Jose) next Sunday.
- Praise God for the birth of Olivia Shih (born on February 10)! Pray for Tony & Michelle – as well as Brandon (now a big brother!) as they adjust to the new addition to the family.
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
New City Catechism (from www.newcitycatechism.com/intro.php)
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 24: Why was it necessary for Christ, the Redeemer, to die?
Answer: Since death is the punishment for sin, Christ died willingly in our place to deliver us from the power and penalty of sin and bring us back to God. By his substitutionary atoning death, he alone redeems us from hell and gains for us forgiveness of sin, righteousness, and everlasting life.
Passage(s): Colossians 1:21-22