We Are His Workmanship
Note: The sermon summary below was generated and formatted with the help of AI. If you spot anything that seems out of left field, let us know so we can fix it!
We Are His Workmanship
I am amazed at how great those songs are, aren’t you? It’s fun to go down memory lane, remembering how God has used them to lead us in worship over the years. The 50th anniversary has me reflecting—not just on the church, but on the past 50 years, from the wild safety risks of Jarts and scorching metal slides to the days when people actually answered phones without caller ID. As we celebrate, we’re also halfway through the "We Are" series, exploring biblical metaphors for the church, including branches connected to the vine, the body of Christ, and the bride of Christ. Today, we focus on a new picture: we are His workmanship.
1. We Are a Work in Progress
The first of those truths is that we are a work in progress. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Paul uses a Greek word meaning masterpiece, like a painter carefully crafting a work of art. Our lives and church aren’t random; we’re designed by God’s love and care. Isaiah echoes this: “We are the clay, You are the potter, we are all the work of Your hand.” Over 50 years, God has brought the right people—entrepreneurs to start, visionaries to grow, and faithful to endure—showing He’s not done with us yet. There’s so much more to come.
2. We Have an Enabled Identity
The second truth we find here is that we have an enabled identity. Ephesians 2:10 notes we are “created in Christ Jesus,” meaning we’re more than a human institution or business. We’re God’s church, filled and enabled by His Spirit. If we tune into that Spirit, we live in His power, not just as a community organization. Conversations with church founders, like Rob Brandt, always pointed to God’s grace, not human effort, as the source of our blessings. Without His moving, nothing significant happens—too many churches miss this by relying on their own strength.
3. We Are Called to Good Works
One more final truth here is that we are called to good works. Ephesians 2:10 ends with, “to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” God calls us to help people come to faith in Christ and grow deeply through discipleship. A healthy church includes all—mature believers, new converts, and seekers—moving toward maturity. For 50 years, this mission has driven us, seen in our support of missionaries like the Fowlers in Panama and the Vincigs in the Dominican Republic, who shared inspiring reflections. We’re called to keep stepping into these prepared works.
Closing: A Challenge to Fast and Step Forward
God has prepared us for what’s ahead, and I challenge you to join me in a 21-day fast starting now. This isn’t just for the super-spiritual—it’s for drawing closer to God and seeking breakthroughs, as seen with Moses, Nehemiah, and Jesus. Fast a meal a day (if health allows) or skip social media, using the freed time to pray and dig into God’s word. Focus on personal guidance, unsaved loved ones ahead of Easter, and a new season for our church. I believe we’re on the verge of revival—let’s pray for sensitivity and boldness to step into God’s plans. Happy 50th anniversary, and here’s to the next 50!
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your work, love, and leading over 50 years. As we embark on a new season, move in our midst with unprecedented impact for Your glory. Give us courage to fast and hear Your will, trusting Your faithfulness as we celebrate and step forward. In Jesus’ name, amen.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: We Are
Sermon Title: We Are His Workmanship
Date: Mar 30, 2025
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Ephesians 2:10
SHARE
