Vespers Communion Service - Nathan Busenitz

Main message: The congregation should give God all the glory for 70 years of Grace Community Church because, as summed up in Ephesians 3:20–21, God is able to do far more than we ask or imagine, is presently at work in us, has accomplished our redemption in Christ, and will continue his work into the future.

Key points:

• The number 70 in Scripture often signals fullness/completion and is fitting for the church's 70th anniversary.
• Ephesians 3:20–21 frames four reasons to glorify God: because of what he is able to do, what he is doing now, what he has done in Christ, and what he will continue to do.
• The church is God’s work (Matthew 16:18); human leaders, programs, and personalities are not the ultimate cause of its success.
• Paul’s prayer in Ephesians (vv.14–19) displays the spiritual blessings God gives—strengthening by the Spirit, Christ dwelling in believers, and comprehension of God’s love—which culminate in the doxology.
• The proper response is thanksgiving, praise, perseverance in mission, and celebration (the Lord’s Supper), looking forward to Christ’s return and eternal worship.

Scriptures mentioned: Philippians 1, Psalm 115, Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 3:20-21, Ephesians 1-3, Genesis 12, Genesis 46:27, Numbers 11:16-17, Psalm 90:10, Daniel 9:24-27, Luke 10, Romans 8:28-30, 2 Peter 3, Revelation 4-5