At Passion City, my pastor taught through the book of Ephesians. We looked at Ephesians 2:11-12 (I wanted to share my notes)

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands- Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

God says in Paul’s writing-Remember (twice). Remember when you didn’t have a Messiah? Remember when you didn’t have a passport in? When you weren’t in with  the people of God? A foreigner? When you didn’t have hope?

If you follow Christ, then you remember that time. I know I do. Verse 13 is the best though….What a follow up verse. Ephesians 2:13 says But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Ephesians 2:13 is Why we celebrate!!! We celebrate because He himself is our Peace -Ephesians 2:14

I celebrate because I have was once without hope, but now I have hope. I celebrate because I was once without Christ but now I have Christ.

We had baptism sunday this past sunday at Passion City Church. I love the reminder of how I was once dead and now I am alive!

My cousin Jeremy recorded a live version of me singing I will rise one sunday at our former church Chestnut mountain Church. I love how this song is a reminder of how we were once dead in our sin and now we are alive because of Christ.

http://katiestrickland.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/2013/10/I-will-rise-Katie-Strickland.mp3