Pastor Brandon Sales
Ephesians 4:7-16 (English Standard Version)
May 18, 2025
7But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:7-16)
Giftings won in battle:
But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Ephesians 4:7)
Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:8)
Church is not a “spectator sport.”
11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12)
What is at stake?
13until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (Ephesians 4:13-14)
• Unity of the faith vs. disunity.
• Knowledge of Jesus vs. not knowing Jesus.
• Maturity vs. immaturity.
• Fullness of Christ vs. worldly obsession.
• Spiritually childish vs. spiritual adults.
• Led to Christ vs. led astray.
How to equip the saints:
1) Begin with a conviction for personal growth.
2) Don’t disqualify yourself.
3) Simplify your sphere of influence.
What’s happening with the LCC Family: www.lighthousehome.org/whats-happening-at-lcc
Because relationship with one another is at the core of being a disciple of Christ, we invite you to find community and experience spiritual transformation through LCC’s groups, classes, events, and service opportunities.
THIS WEEK
It’s Time 4 Coffee: For everybody. Meets 7:30am-9:00am every Thursday.
Single Vision Potluck: Singles 50+. 7:00pm on Friday, May 23.
NEXT WEEK
Banquet for Graduating HS Seniors: For graduates and their families. 6pm-8pm on Thursday, May 29. Register at www.lighthousehome.org/students.
Dads & Kids LEGO Challenge: For dads and kids (4 years-12th grade). 6:30pm-8pm on Friday, May 30. Register at www.lighthousehome.org/kids.
COMING UP
Brunch & Belonging: For those who are newer to LCC. 10:30am on Sunday, June 1. Meets in Room 321 (Building 2).
Child Dedication Class: For parents interested in having their child dedicated during a worship service. 9:00am on Sunday, June 1. Register at www.lighthousehome.org/child-dedication.
VBS: For kiddos 5 years through 6th grade (fall of 2025). For all the details and a link to register/sign up to volunteer, visit www.lighthousehome.org/vbs. 9:00-noon June 30 through July 3.
ENEWS
Sign up for LCC’s weekly eNews. Get special announcements and messages from our pastors and Leadership Team, updates and emergency notices, and a first look at upcoming groups, classes, and events. Visit www.lighthousehome.org/enews to sign up.
Weekly bulletin & fill-in sermon notes • See www.lighthousehome.org/bulletin
Ways to give • Visit www.lighthousehome.org/give
Sign up for our eNews
Newer to Lighthouse and/or want to connect with us? CLICK HERE to fill out a connect card.
View our monthly financial highlights: www.lighthousehome.org/monthly-financial-highlights