2. Dr. Janice Gilbert Senior Pastor

3. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those

4. who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men) Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from the citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the

5. covenant of promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away, have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

6. Dr. Janice Gilbert Senior Pastor

7. Good Morning friends! What a blessing that we are able to come together once again. The book of Ephesians contains so many nuggets for living. However, Paul addresses the church in Ephesus giving an in

8. depth teaching on how to nurture and maintain the unity of the Church. He also reminds them of who they are in Christ Jesus. And lastly, he admonishes them to move from a place of the past and function in the "now" understanding that they are no longer

9. strangers and separate from Christ. " Now" they are new creatures through Christ Jesus. My friend, it's time that all of us begin looking at what we are right now, what we need to do right now, where we are going right now. If we are

10. God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus, how should we be living our lives “now”? How can we begin reflecting on our lives right now that will impact our tomorrow. There is a saying, “what you do now will certainly impact your tomorrow”. My friend now is the time, the day of

11. salvation and if any one hears the voice of God it's time to respond using your new identity in Christ. How many times have you come to a place when you wished you would have responded differently or worked harder or even had more discipline in certain areas of your life? No

12. blame, no shame, just want us to begin to change our perspective so that we can gain the benefits of being a new creature in Christ. Dr. Janice Gilbert, Senior Pastor McKinney United Methodist Copyrighted 2012

13. Remember it's Gods power of love that brought us near to him and not ourselves. "Now" is the time to show forth his handiwork in our lives.

14. Paul acknowledges the stance that they are taking "now" in spite of where they once were. 1. Paul acknowledges the stance that they are taking "now" in spite of where they once were. 2:1-2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sin, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, The spirit who isat work in those who are disobedient.

15. Paul further elaborates that because they have now been created through Christ, they are equipped with his nature for good works. 2. Paul further elaborates that because they have now been created through Christ, they are equipped with his nature for good works. 2:10 For we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

16. 3.Lastly Paul admonishes the Ephesians to remember and reflect on their pass condition but know who they are "NOW”. 3. Lastly Paul admonishes the Ephesians to remember and reflect on their pass condition but know who they are "NOW”.

17. But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

18. You are saved and loved of God You are brilliant and hopeful You are beautiful You are appreciated and respected because you appreciate and respect others. You are encouraging

19. You are more than a conqueror in Christ You are kind, gentle and loving to all who encounter you You have great visions and dreams and the Lord will grant you the desires of your heart

20. You have dominion and power of every habit and addiction that tries to plague your life You are a source of joy and strength to people around you You speak words of encouragement, and strength on behalf of others

21. You possess the wisdom of God in every aspect of your life You are rested and calm and your heart is fixed on Jesus You will speak words of life in your situation People will give unto your bosom because you are a giver

22. Your family has blessings and good health belongs to you You are happy, free, resourceful, powerful and no one or circumstance can take this away from you You have a good attitude, therefore people encounter you respectfully instead of stand offish

23. You are smiling more and your heart is joyful You are and perceived as a person of peace You are a good and respectful wife You are a good and loving husband You are a respectful youth, young adult therefore you have favor with God and man.

25. It is important to act "now“. Now might be the only time we have to act in spite of our circumstance. Acting now can be a life saving source not only for ourselves but our families.