Before The Letter: Ephesus
Today, we begin a three month series on the book of Ephesians—but before we hear the letter, we must understand the city and the church that first received it. Ephesus was not just any city. It was a thriving, influential center of commerce, culture, and religion. It was known for its spiritual confusion, its devotion to idols, and its deep need for truth. Yet, in the middle of that complexity, God planted a powerful, gospel-centered church.
When we look at the early days of the Ephesian church in Acts, we see a story of persistence, transformation, and bold faith. The gospel didn’t arrive easily—it was carried through faithful obedience, spiritual opposition, and a willingness to trust God in uncertain circumstances. Lives were changed. Idols were abandoned. And a community began to form that was centered not on culture, but on Christ.
In many ways, Ephesus looks a lot like us.
We live in a city filled with diversity, opportunity, and competing voices. Like Ephesus, our community is searching for meaning, identity, and hope. And just like that early Ephesian church, One Hope Church has been placed here on purpose—to be a light in the middle of it all. We are not here by accident. God is building something, shaping something, and calling us to be part of something greater than ourselves.
As we prepare to step into the book of Ephesians, this is our reminder: before the letter came the lives that were changed. And before God speaks to the church through His Word, He first establishes a people willing to listen.
Let us be a people willing to listen and move as God wills not as man wills.
Let’s journey together through Ephesus,
Pastor Patrick