The text for this morning's message is taken from Ephesians chapter 1

verses 15 through 23. Invite you to turn there and follow along with me. It's on page 1390 of the Pugh Bible if you're using

one of those. Ephesians 1 beginning at verse 15. For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the

Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the Saints do not cease giving thanks for you while making

mention of you in my prayers.

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of

revelation in the knowledge of Him.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling.

What are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints, and what is the

surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe.

These are in accordance with the working of the strength of his might,

which he brought about in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places.

Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named not only in this age but

also in the one to come.

And he put all things in subjection under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church,

which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all and all. The link between the series that we just ended on suffering and the series that were just beginning on the body of Christ is that

the suffering that Jesus began to perform and experience in his earthly body, he goes on

performing and experiencing in his church body.

You remember the story of Paul's going up to Damascus?

Act 9-1 says he was breathing out. going up to Damascus.

Acts 9.1 says he was breathing out threats and murders against the disciples of the

Lord.

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