Live_2025-11-30_1115am.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Grace That Reaches the Last Place

Paul’s life is proof that no one is beyond God’s reach. When a person has built walls of shame, addiction, or failure, those walls are not stronger than the will and mercy of God. God looks into the most unlikely places and finds the person he will transform; he specializes in reaching into dark rooms and bringing people into the light.

If you feel disqualified, remember that God’s arm is not too short. The invitation is simple: bring whatever remains of yourself, and let God do what only he can do—turn a life around, not by your clean record, but by his mercy.

1 Timothy 1:15–16 (ESV)
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

Reflection: Who is one person you have written off as unreachable, and what one concrete step will you take this week (a call, a short message, a prayer, or an invitation) to show them God’s love?

Day 2: Broken Fragments Become Christ’s Restored Mosaic

Brokenness does not disqualify anyone from God’s work; it is often the very material he uses. When life falls apart, the pieces left behind are the starting place for restoration. God is not put off by fragments—he collects what remains and begins to shape a new story out of the ruins.

Bring the small, embarrassing, or shame-filled pieces to God. In grace he gathers them and begins to remake. Restoration is slow and gentle, and sometimes it begins with simply admitting the brokenness aloud and letting God begin the mending.

Lamentations 3:22–24 (ESV)
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

Reflection: What is one fragment of your life—a secret, failure, or shame—you have hidden away; tonight write one honest sentence about it and bring it to God in prayer, asking him to begin the restoration?

Day 3: God’s Blueprint Includes Every Nation and People

God’s plan was never meant to be narrow. From the beginning he intended a people drawn from every nation, tribe, and language. The mystery once hidden is now revealed: the promises of God extend to those who were once excluded, and the church is meant to be a diverse family that reflects God’s wide mercy.

This reality should reshape how community is formed and lived. It calls for hospitality, listening, and intentional outreach so that the table in Christ’s house truly becomes a place where differences are embraced and all are invited to drink freely from the water of life.

Acts 15:14–17 (ESV)
Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, “After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.”

Reflection: Name one relationship, group, or barrier where you unconsciously exclude others; what practical change will you make this month (invite someone different, learn a small cultural practice, or open your home) to create space for someone new?

Day 4: God Reads Hearts, Not the Costumes We Wear

People are skilled at performing: smiling, keeping busy, or quoting the right words. God does not look at the outward show—he searches the heart. The discomfort we feel when confronted by truth is often a Holy Spirit invitation to drop the mask and be known for who we really are.

Vulnerability is the first step toward healing. When a person allows God to see their true condition, grace meets that honest place and begins to transform it from the inside out. God’s interest is always the real you, not the image you present.

Jeremiah 17:10 (ESV)
I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.

Reflection: What mask are you wearing right now (approval-seeking, busyness, or performance), and what is one small, specific vulnerability you can share with a trusted believer today to let God see and begin to heal you?

Day 5: Jesus Threaded Through Every Page of Scripture

Scripture is not a disconnected collection of stories; it is the unfolding of God’s work that points to Christ. When the Bible is read with open eyes and an expectant heart, Jesus appears in patterns, promises, and prophecies that prepare and invite people into his family. The Old Testament is full of glimpses of the one who fulfills God’s plan.

Approach a passage not as a rulebook but as an encounter with the living story of God that culminates in Jesus. Ask the Lord to open your mind and heart to see him in the text; this practice will transform how you read and how you live.

Luke 24:27, 44–45 (ESV)
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

Reflection: Choose one Old Testament story you think you know well; when will you read it again this week asking Jesus to reveal himself there, and after reading, write one sentence about where you saw Christ?

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon**

This morning’s message was a heartfelt review of the deep mysteries Paul reveals in Ephesians 3, written from prison to the church at Ephesus. Using the story of a cathedral’s lost blueprint, I illustrated how Paul opens up God’s blueprint for Christian living—showing us how our lives can be transformed for Christ’s glory. We revisited the four great mysteries Paul discusses: our calling, the scripture, the church, and the ministry (or challenge). The focus today was on the first three: the mystery of Paul’s calling, the presence of Christ in the Old Testament, and the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s plan—the church. Through stories and scripture, I emphasized that no one is beyond God’s reach, no one is too broken, and God’s grace is available to all, regardless of background or past failures. The message closed with a reminder that God sees through our facades and is always reaching out, ready to restore and include us in His eternal purpose.

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Key Takeaways

1. God’s Grace Reaches the Unreachable Paul’s transformation from persecutor to preacher is a living testimony that no one is beyond God’s grasp. Even those who feel furthest from God—trapped in addiction, shame, or failure—are not outside the reach of His redeeming love. God specializes in taking the most unlikely candidates and making them vessels of His grace. If you feel disqualified, remember that God’s arm is never too short to save.
2. Brokenness Is Not the End of the Story We often believe our failures and brokenness disqualify us from God’s purposes, but the gospel says otherwise. Like the woman who returned with only the fragments of her life, God invites us to bring whatever pieces we can gather. He is not intimidated by our mess; in fact, He delights in restoring what seems beyond repair. Our brokenness becomes the canvas for His redemptive work.
3. The Blueprint of Redemption Is for All From Genesis to Revelation, God’s plan has always included every nation, tribe, and tongue. The mystery hidden for ages is now revealed: Gentiles are fellow heirs, fully included in the promises of Christ. This truth shatters any sense of exclusivity and calls us to embrace the wideness of God’s mercy. No one is left out of the invitation to drink freely from the water of life.
4. God Sees Beyond the Surface We may fool others—and even ourselves—with outward appearances, but God looks straight to the heart. He knows the real condition of our souls, the hidden struggles, and the secret wounds. The discomfort we feel when confronted by truth is often the Holy Spirit’s gentle nudge, reminding us that God’s grace is personal and present. He is not deterred by our masks; He wants to meet us where we truly are.
5. Christ Is Present in Every Page of Scripture Paul reminds us that the Old Testament is not just ancient history—it is filled with glimpses of Christ and God’s unfolding plan. When we read scripture with open eyes, we discover that Jesus is the thread running through every story, promise, and prophecy. This invites us to approach the Bible not as a rulebook, but as a living revelation of God’s heart for us, culminating in the invitation to be part of His family.

Bible Study Guide

**Small Group Bible Study Guide: God’s Blueprint of Grace (Ephesians 3)**

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### Bible Reading

- **Ephesians 3:6-12**
“That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”

- **Genesis 12:3**
“And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

- **Revelation 22:17**
“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”

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### Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 3, what is the “mystery” that Paul says has now been revealed?
In Genesis 12:3, who does God say will be blessed through Abraham?
What invitation is given in Revelation 22:17, and who is it for?
In the sermon, what examples did the pastor give to show that no one is beyond God’s reach?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul describe himself as “less than the least of all saints,” and what does this reveal about God’s grace?
What does it mean that Gentiles are “fellow heirs” and “partakers of the promise in Christ”? How would this have challenged the thinking of the early church?
The pastor said, “God can put the pieces back together again.” What does this say about how God views our brokenness and failures?
How does seeing Christ throughout the Old Testament change the way someone might read the Bible?

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### Application Questions

The sermon emphasized that no one is too far gone for God’s grace. Is there an area of your life, or someone you know, where you’ve doubted God could reach or restore? What would it look like to trust God’s reach in that situation?
The pastor shared a story about a woman who brought the broken pieces of her life to God. Are there “pieces” in your life you’ve been holding back from God? What would it take to bring them to Him, even if they feel too small or too broken?
Paul’s story shows that God can use even the most unlikely people for His purposes. Have you ever felt disqualified or unworthy to serve God? What specific step could you take this week to offer yourself to God’s service, despite your past?
The message said, “God sees through our facades.” Are there ways you try to hide your struggles from others or from God? How can you practice being more honest with God and with trusted people in your life?
The “blueprint” of God’s plan includes everyone—no one is left out. Are there people or groups you find it hard to believe God’s grace is for? How can you begin to see them as included in God’s invitation?
The pastor talked about finding Jesus in every part of Scripture. When you read the Bible, do you look for Christ in the stories and promises? What is one way you could start reading the Bible differently this week to look for Jesus?
The invitation in Revelation is for “whosoever will.” Is there someone in your life who needs to hear that God’s invitation is for them? How could you share that message with them this week?

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Sermon Quotes

No one is beyond God's grasp. Nobody has gone too far. You may have some addiction or brokenness, but you're not beyond where God can go. God can reach down into your problem and help you. God can give you victory.

God took the church's greatest enemy and made him the church's greatest evangelist. If God can transform Paul, no one is too far gone or too broken for His grace to reach and restore.

You may look like you have it all together, but on the inside you know you're a crumbled mess. It doesn't matter what I see. It matters what God sees. He sees right through the facade, right down to the heart.

If you got Jesus, you got it all. If you have him, you can take the world. You can do whatever you want. Listen, he's enough.

Even though you've messed up, it doesn't matter what others see. God sees your heart, and He had you in mind way back in Genesis, in Revelation, and He has you in mind today.

The miracle that Paul is trying to help us see is that God can take your brokenness and put you back together. No one is beyond the reach of God's grace.

The blueprint of how we can live as Christians and how our lives should change for the glory and honor of the Lord Jesus Christ is being opened up for us.

You may be one of the Sunday morning glories that comes to church and have us all fooled, but God sees right through. He knows your struggles, and His grace can still reach you today.

All along, everybody's been included. God just promised that He would send a Messiah through the Jewish race, but His plan was always for all people, every kindred, tongue, people, and nation.

When you get to the end of your rope and your life is broken to pieces, if you'll pick up as many pieces as you can find, God can help you put them back together.

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Live_2025-11-30_1115am.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Grace That Reaches the Last Place

Day 2: Broken Fragments Become Christ’s Restored Mosaic

Day 3: God’s Blueprint Includes Every Nation and People

Day 4: God Reads Hearts, Not the Costumes We Wear

Day 5: Jesus Threaded Through Every Page of Scripture

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Quotes

Chatbot

Live_2025-11-30_1115am.docx

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