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All November 19/20 weekend services were canceled due to poor weather. Please enjoy a rerun from 26 Days of Gratitude for Beyond the Weekend this week. WATCH THE SERMON HERE. Download the GRATITUDE PRACTICE here.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13b-14

Read: Ephesians 1:13-14
Listen: Ephesians 1

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Identifying slaves in Ephesus is easy. The tattoo on their body, usually the forehead, tells everyone who owns them and controls every part of their life. Thousands of slaves offered sacrifices at the temple of Asclepius, petitioning him to remove this constant reminder of their bondage. They want to be rid of this permanent marking.

As the church assembles in Ephesus, the slaves hear about a more defining mark. This mark comes from their Heavenly Father when they trusted in Jesus. It’s the Holy Spirit, and this “seal” means they are not enslaved but entitled to an incredible inheritance where everything is made right, and troubles and temptations are gone forever.

The seal of God’s Holy Spirit in us allows us to live with hope and security. Our identity no longer rests on what we can or cannot do, the mistakes of the past or the unfulfilled dreams of yesterday. Our identity is found in the unbreakable seal God has placed on our life.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

As you listen to Ada Worship sing, “Who You Say I Am,” focus on the powerful lyrics which describe our freedom in Christ and acceptance by the Father. “Who the Son sets free, oh is free indeed. I’m a child of God, yes I am. In my Father’s house, there’s a place for me. I’m a child of God, yes I am.”

2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE

Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.

MATTHEW 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.