Stephen begins with a prayer, asking God to open their understanding and help them forget everything else but Him. He expresses gratitude for the previous speaker who highlighted the way to spiritual balance, emphasizing that it's only possible through Christ. Stephen then reads Ephesians 1:17-23 and 3:2-11, focusing on the concept of "unsearchable riches" as a mystery hidden in God's mind. He clarifies that "mystery" in this context doesn't mean something hideous or unknowable, but rather a divine intention hidden throughout ages, now revealed through the Spirit. He transitions to the apostle Paul as an example of encountering this mystery. Initially, Saul (Paul) judged Christ based on human understanding, but his perspective was shattered by a divine revelation of Christ's glory. This encounter marked the beginning of Paul's true Christian life. Stephen emphasizes that our Christian life must also begin with a revelation of Christ, not our limited understanding. He further expounds on the Church as the body of Christ, the fullness of Christ's riches. He uses the analogy of a head needing a body to express itself fully. Just as a head needs a body for effective communication, Christ needs the Church to manifest His unsearchable riches. He acknowledges the outward diversity of the Church, drawn from different nations, cultures, and backgrounds, but cautions against inward divisions. He stresses that the true Church is not defined by earthly differences but by the unifying presence of Christ in each member. Stephen concludes with a prayer for the spirit of wisdom and revelation to truly know Christ and His Church as one eternal entity.

Outline:

Opening Prayer & Acknowledgement
Reading: Ephesians 1:17-23 and 3:2-11
"Unsearchable Riches" - The Mystery of Christ
Paul's Transformation: From Saul to Apostle
The Importance of a Divine Revelation of Christ
The Church: The Body and Fullness of Christ
The Body Analogy: Expression of Christ's Riches
Unity in Diversity: Overcoming Inward Divisions
The True Church: Christ in Us
Closing Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation

Saints and Sinners In Christ

Saints and Sinners In Christ