Quick – what are the best two words you can think of?

Free Pupus.
Test Negative.
North Swell.

All good suggestions. Each belongs in the top ten, for sure. But let me try out two more words on you:

But God.

Wait — I know what you’re thinking. The second word is exactly what you’d expect a pastor to say, and that first word? Well, what does the word “but” have to do with anything? It doesn’t even make sense.

Let me try to give those words some context. They come from one of the most mind-blowing paragraphs ever written, in the middle of the book of Ephesians. Buckle up… this is one epic paragraph.

We all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,  (Ephesians 2:3-7)

I told you this thing’s epic! It’s a powerful look at how we stumble along in life, following our fleeting desires and half-baked thoughts. But God saves us from ourselves through Christ, and raises us up above our persuasions and problems.

Over the next five weeks, we’ll be exploring how Jesus wants to help us rise above life, even in the middle of the pain, suffering, and boredom of life. Invite a friend and join us this Sunday March 18 for the Grand Opening of our new building! Then come back on April 1 for Easter Sunday, to celebrate how Jesus empowered us to rise in life when he rose from the dead.