Memorial Baptist Church Jefferson City

Further Up, Further In: Knowing the Unknowable | Ephesians 3:14–21

How do you come to know something that is beyond knowing?

That's the question driving Ephesians 3:14–21. Paul kneels in a Roman prison and prays for believers to know the love of Christ - a love that surpasses knowledge. Not the kind of thing you think your way into. The kind of thing you receive your way into.

And at the center of it is one of the most intimate images in all of Scripture: Christ not as a guest who drops by, not as a landlord who checks in - but as someone who wants the deed. Who wants to move in. Permanently. And call it home.

C.S. Lewis pictured eternity as a country where the deeper you go, the bigger it gets - further up and further in, forever. That's exactly what Paul is praying for here. A love with no ceiling, no end.

Five movements in Paul's prayer:

1️⃣ The Posture - A prisoner kneels. Before a word is said, his body is already preaching.

2️⃣ The Problem -You need something you cannot generate yourself.

3️⃣ The Gift - Christ making His permanent home in you by the Spirit.

4️⃣ The Fullness - A love with four dimensions. You need the whole body to begin to see its size.

5️⃣ The Overflow - Resurrection power already at work, producing praise that outlasts history.

 

You'll discover:

• What Paul's kneeling reveals about how he prays — and what it says about how we should
• The Greek word katoikeō — what it means for Christ to "dwell" in you vs. just visit
• The temple thread from Tabernacle to Pentecost to your own heart
• Why C.S. Lewis's The Last Battle perfectly pictures what Paul describes in v.19
• Why the love of Christ can't be fully known alone — and what that means for the church

 

📖 Key Scriptures: Ephesians 3:14–21 • 1 Kings 8 & 18 • Daniel 6:10 • Ezra 9:5 • Acts 1:8 • 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19 • Revelation 21

 

🙌 Join us Sundays @ 9:15 AM 1120 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO

🌐 https://memorialchurch.net

📩 getconnected@memorialchurch.net

💬 https://www.facebook.com/memorialchurchjc

 

🎧 Listen on the go:

Podbean: https://memorialchurch.podbean.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/memorial-baptist-church-jefferson-city/id1478157245

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CuIDzWry5Y2oz8TBHOKoH

The Secret Is Out: God's United Church and the Powers of Darkness | Ephesians 3:1–13

Paul sits down to pray - and can't do it. He gets one sentence in and goes on the most theologically explosive detour in all of his letters. He can't help himself. What God has done in Christ is too staggering to skip past.

What stopped him? A mystery. Not the kind you solve with enough brains - the kind only God can reveal.

In Ephesians 3:1–13, Paul finally names it: Jews and Gentiles, insiders and outsiders, people who had no business being in the same room - made co-heirs, co-body, co-partakers of the same promise. Together. In Christ.

And here's what blows the roof off: that unity isn't just for us. Every time a divided people becomes one in Christ, the powers of darkness see it and know they've lost.

The church is God's cosmic billboard. And the secret is out.

In this message, Pastor David covers:

✅ What Paul means by "mystery" - and why no amount of human intelligence gets you there

✅ The arc from Babel to Babylon to the New Jerusalem - and where the church fits right now

✅ Three explosive Greek words Paul stacks in one verse: co-heirs, co-body, co-partakers

✅ Why your unity with other believers is a declaration of war on the powers of darkness

✅ What it means to approach God not nervously, but boldly - because of a finished work

Key Scriptures: Ephesians 3:1–13 • Genesis 1–11 • Acts 2 • John 17 • Revelation 7:9 • Revelation 21 • Matthew 6:10

🙌 Join us Sundays @ 9:15 AM 1120 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO

🌐 https://memorialchurch.net

📩 getconnected@memorialchurch.net

💬 https://www.facebook.com/memorialchurchjc

 

🎧 Listen on the go:

Podbean: https://memorialchurch.podbean.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/memorial-baptist-church-jefferson-city/id1478157245

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CuIDzWry5Y2oz8TBHOKoH

No Longer Strangers: Peace, Unity & Belonging in Christ | Ephesians 2:11–22

You were far off. Now you are near.

Ephesians 2:11–22 is one of the most radical passages in the New Testament. Paul declares that the dividing wall — the hostility that separated Jew and Gentile, insider and outsider — has been torn down by the blood of Christ. And in its place, God is building something new: a temple not made of stone, but of people. His people. With Jesus as the cornerstone.

In this message, Pastor Jimmy walks through what it means to be brought near — united with the faithful saints of every generation, sealed and adopted by God, and built together into a dwelling place for His Spirit.

If you've ever felt like an outsider, like your history disqualifies you, or like you don't belong — this passage is for you.

 

In this message:

✅ Why your past, your family, and your nation are not your ultimate identity

✅ How Christ's sacrifice unites believers across every generation — Old Testament saints included

✅ What it means that the veil was torn and the dividing wall came down

✅ Why the church is not a building — it's you, and the faithful gathered around you

✅ How to live boldly from a secure identity in Christ

 

Key Scriptures: Ephesians 2:11–22 • Galatians 3:25–29 • Hebrews 11 • Romans 10:14–17

 

🙌 Join us Sundays @ 9:15 AM 1120 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO

🌐 https://memorialchurch.net

📩 getconnected@memorialchurch.net

💬 https://www.facebook.com/memorialchurchjc

 

🎧 Listen on the go:

Podbean: https://memorialchurch.podbean.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/memorial-baptist-church-jefferson-city/id1478157245

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CuIDzWry5Y2oz8TBHOKoH

Walking Dead or Alive? _ Ephesians 2:1–10

Are you breathing but not really alive?

Paul opens Ephesians 2 with the most uncomfortable diagnosis: without Christ, we are the walking dead — not just sick, not just struggling, but spiritually dead. Cut off from the One who is life itself.

But then come two of the most hope-filled words in all of Scripture: But God.

In this message, Pastor David walks through Ephesians 2:1–10 and shows that the same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is the power that brings us from death to life - not by anything we do, but by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

You are not just saved FROM something. You are saved FOR something.

 

In this message:
✅ Why Paul calls the unredeemed "the walking dead" - and what that actually means
✅ The three forces pulling every person away from God: the world, the devil, and the flesh
✅ What "But God" changes for every human soul, including yours
✅ Why grace means you bring nothing - and get everything
✅ How your everyday work and creativity is part of God's restoration project

Key Scriptures: Ephesians 2:1–10 • Genesis 2–3 • Romans 6:23 • John 10:10 • Titus 3:5 • Exodus 31 • Colossians 3:17, 23

🙌 Join us Sundays @ 9:15 AM 1120 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO

🌐 https://memorialchurch.net
📩 getconnected@memorialchurch.net
💬 https://www.facebook.com/memorialchurchjc

🎧 Listen on the go:
Podbean: https://memorialchurch.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/memorial-baptist-church-jefferson-city/id1478157245
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CuIDzWry5Y2oz8TBHOKoH

Eyes Opened to Hope & Power | Ephesians 1:15–23

Because God has already blessed His people in Christ, Paul doesn’t move to pressure - he moves to prayer.

In Ephesians 1:15–23, Paul prays that the Father would give believers Spirit-given wisdom and revelation so they truly know their hope, their inheritance, and the immeasurable greatness of God’s power toward them - power proven in the risen and reigning Jesus, Head of the church.

In this message, Pastor David shows how Christian life is lived from grace, under Christ’s reign, and in dependence on the Spirit - not from anxiety, hype, or self-effort.

🔥 In this message, you’ll discover:
✅ The Father’s fellowship - prayer rooted in gratitude
✅ The Spirit’s sight - eyes of the heart opened
✅ The saints’ riches - hope and inheritance secured
✅ The Savior’s reign - Jesus exalted above every power
✅ Why Christ’s authority is exercised for the church

📖 Key Scriptures:
Ephesians 1:15–23 • Mark 1:15 • Romans 12:1–2 • Matthew 28:18–20 • Revelation 5:9–14

🙌 Join us in person Sundays @ 9:15 AM
1120 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO
🌐 https://memorialchurch.net

📩 getconnected@memorialchurch.net
💬 https://www.facebook.com/memorialchurchjc

🎧 Listen on the go:
Podbean: https://memorialchurch.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/memorial-baptist-church-jefferson-city/id1478157245
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CuIDzWry5Y2oz8TBHOKoH

Redeemed & Sealed for His Glory | Ephesians 1:7–14

In Christ, we have redemption through His blood, forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance secured by the Holy Spirit.

 

In Ephesians 1:7–14, Paul unfolds a sweeping vision of salvation that began in eternity past and stretches into eternity future — all according to God’s wisdom and for the praise of His glory. We are redeemed, united, and sealed in Christ. 

 

This passage reminds us that our story is not isolated — it is part of God’s larger redemptive story, fulfilled in Jesus and secured by the Spirit.

 

🔥 In this message, you’ll discover:
✅ What redemption truly means — forgiveness through Christ’s blood
✅ How Jesus stands at the center of God’s plan for all things
✅ Why salvation is rooted in God’s wisdom and sovereign purpose
✅ What it means to be sealed by the Holy Spirit
✅ How unity flows from sharing the same Gospel story

 

📖 Key Scriptures:
Ephesians 1:7–14 • Isaiah 53 • Deuteronomy 32:8–9 • Ephesians 1:1–6, 18

 

🙌 Join us Sundays @ 9:15 AM
1120 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO
🌐 https://memorialchurch.net

 

📩 getconnected@memorialchurch.net
💬 https://facebook.com/memorialchurchjc

 

🎧 Listen on the go:
Podbean: https://memorialchurch.podbean.com/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/memorial-baptist-church-jefferson-city/id1478157245
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CuIDzWry5Y2oz8TBHOKoH

Adopted in Christ: Blessed, Chosen, Secure | Ephesians 1:3–6

Before the foundation of the world, God set His love on His people.

In Christ, we are blessed, chosen, adopted, and secured — not by our performance, but by His grace.

 

In Ephesians 1:3–6, Paul begins with praise, reminding believers that every spiritual blessing flows from being united to Jesus. Our adoption into God’s family reveals His sovereignty, love, and redemptive plan unfolding through Christ.

 

This passage anchors our identity: we belong to God, we are loved by God, and He will complete what He has begun in us.

 

🔥 In this message, you’ll discover:
✅ Why every spiritual blessing comes through Christ alone
✅ How God’s choosing reveals His love and sovereignty
✅ What adoption into God’s family really means
✅ Why assurance grows when we remember God’s work, not ours
✅ How praise naturally flows from knowing we are secure in Christ

 

📖 Key Scriptures:
Ephesians 1:3–6 • Ephesians 1:1–14 • Acts 19:18–20 • Genesis 12:1–3 • Genesis 6:8 

 

🙌 Join us in person Sundays @ 9:15 AM
1120 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO
🌐 https://memorialchurch.net

📩 getconnected@memorialchurch.net
💬 https://facebook.com/memorialchurchjc

🎧 Listen on the go:
Podbean: https://memorialchurch.podbean.com/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/memorial-baptist-church-jefferson-city/id1478157245
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CuIDzWry5Y2oz8TBHOKoH

Who’s Name Has Power? | Acts 19

Who really has power?
Who can be trusted with authority?
And what happens when Jesus enters a city built on rival names?

In Acts 19, the gospel confronts confusion, exposes counterfeit spirituality, topples borrowed authority, and provokes costly repentance. Pastor David walks us through five movements in the text:

1️⃣ Confusion — good but incomplete faith
2️⃣ True Authority — the Word of the Lord prevailing
3️⃣ Counterfeits — borrowed authority collapsing
4️⃣ Costly Revival — confession and renunciation
5️⃣ Cultural Collision — idols pushing back
6️⃣ The True Center — life in Jesus’ name alone

 

This passage reminds us that revival isn’t hype, formulas, or personalities — it’s when the Word of the Lord outgrows the rival names that used to run us.

 

🔥 You’ll discover:
✅ Why sincerity without surrender has no authority
✅ Why you can’t borrow faith or outsource allegiance
✅ How spiritual substitutes quietly replace Jesus
✅ Why idols always demand more and give less
✅ What it means to renounce rival names and follow Jesus fully

 

📖 Key Scriptures:
Acts 19 • Acts 2:38 • Romans 6:3–4 • Romans 10:9–13 • Ephesians 1:7, 13–14 • Galatians 2:20 • John 20:31

 

🙌 Join us in person Sundays @ 9:15 AM
1120 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO
🌐 https://memorialchurch.net

📩 getconnected@memorialchurch.net
💬 https://www.facebook.com/memorialchurchjc

🎧 Listen on the go:
Podbean: https://memorialchurch.podbean.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/memorial-baptist-church-jefferson-city/id1478157245
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CuIDzWry5Y2oz8TBHOKoH

Ephesians_ Doctrine and Life

The book of Ephesians begins with some of the deepest Gospel doctrine in the New Testament and ends with some of the most practical instruction for Christian living.

 

This week, Pastor Jimmy opened our Ephesians series by showing how Paul writes to a church in a cultural crossroads- a place full of competing ideologies, pagan spirituality, and social tension- and equips them to live confidently for Christ through a clear understanding of the Gospel. Right doctrine leads to righteous living. 

 

We also read the entire book of Ephesians aloud in service, reminding us that before this letter was ever dissected, outlined, or commented on - it was heard, received, and obeyed.

 

🔥 In this message, you’ll discover:
✅ How Ephesians divides into two movements: Doctrine (Ch. 1–3) & Life (Ch. 4–6)
✅ Why Gospel identity must come before Gospel obedience
✅ How God’s sovereignty, grace, and peace fuel confident Christian living
✅ Why the church must live differently from the world around it
✅ How to “walk worthy of the calling” with humility, gentleness, patience, and unity

 

📖 Key Themes in Ephesians:
Gospel • Sovereignty • Identity in Christ • Unity • Peace • Holiness 

 

🙌 Join us Sundays @ 9:15 AM
1120 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO
🌐 https://memorialchurch.net

 

📩 getconnected@memorialchurch.net
💬 https://facebook.com/memorialchurchjc

 

🎧 Listen on the go:
Podbean: https://memorialchurch.podbean.com/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/memorial-baptist-church-jefferson-city/id1478157245
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CuIDzWry5Y2oz8TBHOKoH

Sharing Your Story: Joining Jesus on His Mission | John 9

Guest Speaker Pastor Rob Pochek (MBC Team Leader for Prayer & Evangelism) brought a powerful message reminding us that every Christian has a story, and God intends to use it.

 

From John 9 and the healing of the man born blind, we learn that Jesus is on a mission to bring people to belief — and one of the greatest tools He gives us is our own testimony. If you love Jesus, you can talk about Him. Sharing your story joins Jesus in His mission.

 

🔥 In this message, you’ll discover:
✅ Why sharing your story aligns with Jesus’ mission
✅ How the blind man’s testimony shows the power of simplicity
✅ Why your story doesn’t require theological expertise — just honesty
✅ How God uses ordinary believers in everyday conversations
✅ Practical encouragement to talk to Jesus about people and to people about Jesus

 

📖 Key Scripture:
John 9

 

🙌 Join us Sundays @ 9:15 AM
1120 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO
🌐 https://memorialchurch.net

 

📩 getconnected@memorialchurch.net
💬 https://facebook.com/memorialchurchjc

 

🎧 Listen on the go:
Podbean: https://memorialchurch.podbean.com/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/memorial-baptist-church-jefferson-city/id1478157245
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CuIDzWry5Y2oz8TBHOKoH