The Trinity ofTheology-Liturgy-Practice
Rick Wright
Church of the Nations
7th Sunday of Pentecost (B)
Ephesians 1
•“Praise be to the God and Father of our LordJesus Christ who has blessed us in theheavenly places with every spiritual blessing inChrist. Because the Father chose us in Christthe Son before the creation of the world”
•The “big picture” of God and the world he hasmade
•Only the positive side of God choosing us
•Response is worship and thanksgiving
Ephesians 1
•“In Christ we have redemption through hisblood… the forgiveness of sins… according tothe riches of the grace of God that heshowered upon us with wisdom andunderstanding. He made known to us themystery of his will which he purposed in Christthat one day he will bring everything inheaven and on earth together in Christ.”
•God wants to bring everything and everyonetogether in harmony through Christ
Ephesians 1
•“You also were included in Christ when youheard the word of truth… the good news ofyour salvation. Having believed you weremarked with a seal the promised Holy Spiritwho is a deposit that guarantees what we willreceive.”
•The Holy Spirit is the one who makes thishappen in our lives (experience and practice)
•“Holy and without blame” (transformation)
Ralph Martin
•Ephesians 1 is…
–Theological
•God the Father chooses us through God the Son (JesusChrist) and it is God the Holy Spirit who makes us ableto experience and practice what God the Trinity hasdone
–Liturgical
•Paul uses liturgy (forms of worship – songs and prayers)to make his points
–Practical
•All theology is practical – we live out what we believe inholy living… in mission… in service to others