Bonded by Belief

Pastor Sam Merigala's sermon, "Transformed in Christ: New Life and Community," provides an in-depth analysis of the book of Ephesians, specifically focusing on the theme of a new humanity being formed through Christ by the Spirit. The sermon emphasizes that the core concept in Ephesians is the phrase "in Christ". Pastor Sam explains that Jesus Christ's death for sinners, His resurrection, and His exaltation above all, making Him the head of the cosmos and the church, are central to this transformation. Through believers' union with Christ, they participate in these events, being raised and seated with Him in the heavens. Pastor Sam stresses, this profound salvation is entirely due to God's grace. The sermon describes those who are justified by grace through faith as receiving Christ, entering into union with Him, becoming new persons, and being incorporated into this new humanity. Pastor Sam highlights several verses from Ephesians that states '...

Today we will explore Pastor Sam Merigala's sermon on the book of Ephesians - part 3 given at Grace Gospel Church on July 13, 2025. Pastor Sam, provides an in-depth exploration of Paul's greeting to the Ephesian believers, focusing on their identity in Christ and the challenging context in which their faith was established. The sermon begins by detailing the author and recipients of the letter to the Ephesians. Paul identifies himself as "an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God". The recipients are addressed as "saints" in Ephesus, who are faithful in Christ Jesus. Pastor Sam clarifies that the term "saints," as Paul uses it, does not imply a distinction based on moral or spiritual perfection, but rather signifies those who have been set apart because they belonged to Christ, having been called by God, and have responded. This understanding is further expanded, explaining that Christians are considered saints because they are integral member...

Today we will explore pastor Sam Merigala's sermon on the book of Ephesians given at Grace Gospel Church on June 6, 2025. The sermon offers a great overview into Ephesians, framing it as a vital epistle for understanding the core tenets of the Christian faith and how they translate into daily life. He introduces the letter as a circular correspondence initially sent to the early church in the Asia Minor region, containing profound insights into God's grand program, the nature of the church, and the profound mystery, hope, riches, and power of the gospel. This gospel, as he explains, is firmly rooted in God's unmerited favor & grace rather than human efforts or adherence to the law, and its ultimate outcome is reconciliation. One of the significant results of this divine activity, according to Pastor Sam, is a clear call for believers to live a distinctly different life in the world and within their foundational social structures, such as marriage, family, and the broad...