In this sermon from the "God's House" series, Garrett draws from Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23 to emphasize that the church must be grounded in faith in Christ and love for one another as its bedrock foundation. He highlights the need for hope anchored in a heartfelt knowledge of God, fostering emotional and relational depth beyond mere intellectual study. Ultimately, the church is called to embody Christ's lordship as His body, actively continuing Jesus' mission of love and service in the world while evaluating traditions to align with these core priorities.

Drawing from Paul's heartfelt prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23, this sermon in the "God's House" series explores the essential identity of the local church—here at Oak Hollow — as a vibrant expression of Christ's body, distinct yet connected to the universal church. Garrett begins by advocating for balanced church life, referencing "The Other Half of Church" to promote relational connections through new small groups, countering an overemphasis on doctrinal learning with emotional and communal bonds. Through Paul's thanksgiving for the Ephesians' faith and love, he unveils a vision of hope rooted in divine revelation and power, culminating in the church's role as the "fullness" of Christ, urging believers to emulate Jesus' compassionate service, submit to His supreme authority, and continually assess their practices to cultivate faith, love, hope, and Christlike action for God's glory.

I. Introduction and Contextual Setup

- Reference to "The Other Half of Church": Balancing left-brain (logical learning) and right-brain (relational/emotional formation) in church life.
- Promotion of Connections Groups: Encouragement for building relationships in smaller settings to foster community.
- Series Overview: "God's House" – Studying Ephesians to discern what the church must be (universal vs. local expressions).

II. The Nature of the Church

- Universal Church: One body, bride, and kingdom under Christ's headship, purchased by His blood.
- Local Church: Specific gatherings (e.g., churches in Ephesus, Galatia) with unique histories, reputations, and traditions.
- Application to Oak Hollow: Not establishing the church anew, but building its local character with non-negotiable biblical priorities.

III. Paul's Prayer as a Guide (Ephesians 1:15-23)

A. Foundation: Faith and Love (vv. 15-16)
- Paul's thanksgiving for the Ephesians' faith in Jesus and love for saints as the bedrock motivating his prayer.
- Echoes greatest commandments and Colossians 3: Love as the unifying ethic holding all virtues together.

B. Hope Rooted in Knowledge of God (vv. 17-19)
- Prayer for a spirit of wisdom/revelation to enlighten hearts, revealing hope, inheritance, and God's power.
- Hope as soul's anchor, focused on God's character rather than self-effort; requires "heart-eyes" beyond logic.

C. Christ's Lordship and Power (vv. 20-23)
God's resurrection power exalted Christ above all rule, authority, and names in this age and the next.
Church submits fully to Christ as head, transforming behavior and identity.


IV. The Church as Christ's Body

- Biblical imagery: Sin separated God from humanity; Jesus restored presence, leaving His body (the church) to continue His work.
- Role: Embody fullness of Christ—loving, serving, and including the marginalized as Jesus did.
- Implications: Church impacts the world only when actively emulating Christ's example.