Why did Paul go back to the foundation of the church?
Focusing on Pastor Song Tae-geun's sermon on Ephesians!
The hand of the Almighty, the breadth and depth of His message!

The reason for writing this book, which is based on the lectures given at the Samil Church pulpit, is clear.
The author was hesitant to preach on the breadth and depth of God's story and message contained in Paul's letters, but he saw Ephesians as the Word of God that today's church, which is bound to shrink, must hear.
At that time, the situation inside and outside the church in Ephesus was not easy.
Paul devoted a significant portion of his writings to revisiting the foundations of the church, which was under constant pressure.
It tells us again about the nature of the church, its relationship with Christ, and the proper life of the saints.

Paul's prayer that the eyes of the hearts of the Ephesian believers would be enlightened (Eph. 1:18) was by no means a ritualistic one.
It tells us why God called the church in Christ, how much He loves the church, what kind of existence the church should have, and draws attention to the unique ability that enables the church and its believers to walk confidently in the face of the difficulties of this world.
It diagnoses the state of being lost in the difficulties of this world and desperate to escape from hardship, and makes us look up to the sky.
It opens our eyes to the fact that the hand of the Almighty, who initiated and directs all these things, and whose management continues for eternity.

The purpose of writing Ephesians must be understood from a pastoral perspective.
Paul wrote the letter out of his affection and concern for the church in Ephesus, and first of all, he wanted to reassure the believers, as he was concerned that his imprisonment might cause them anxiety and worry.

--- p.19

Before creation, God planned a new creation in Jesus.
The Garden of Eden was not the completion of creation.
This means that God intended to do something beyond that, a new creation, even before the foundation of the world was laid.

--- p.29

Why can we say that Christ's coming to earth marks the culmination of history? It is because the goal of God's providence is to unite all things in heaven and on earth in Christ.

--- p.37

The church is a missionary community that reveals to the world through praise the amazing grace and love of God given in Christ.

--- p.43

Salvation by grace not only brings us from death to life, but also places us in the position of heirs and rulers with Christ.
It's a complete reversal and twist.

--- p.67

Christ destroyed it in his own flesh.
This is also a symbolic expression of the death of Christ along with the 'blood of Christ'.
The death of Christ brought about the destruction of the wall of law that separated Jews and Gentiles.

--- p.80

This was made possible because God made peace with us through the cross of Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God (2:16).
Therefore, we must recognize that the core of the secret that God wanted to reveal is the cross of Christ.

--- p.96

The phrase 'I kneel down and pray' means that I completely entrust my fate and time to God, even regarding future matters.

--- p.103

Achieving unity is never easy.
It's not something that can be done strategically.
This is only possible through a change in personality and character.
Only when all saints clothe themselves with humility, meekness, and patience can they tolerate one another.

--- p.117

Are we truly walking as children of light? Are we living as a community of contrast, an alternative community that positively impacts the world?
--- p.157

This means that Christians who are under the control of the Holy Spirit must break away from traditional ideas and thinking, or from today's practical cognitive system, in their interpersonal relationships.

--- p.184

Ephesians also strongly emphasizes God's love for the saints.
Especially for Paul, ‘God’s love’ is the most important foundation for saving the children of wrath.

--- p.206