Center Grace Church

Look upward, not inward or outward, to discover who you are.
As Peter concludes the series on spiritual gifts and the priesthood of all believers, he reminds us that spiritual gifts are not merely abilities for ministry but flow from a deeper reality: Jesus Christ is both our original source and our constant supply. Through Christ, believers receive a new identity as God's chosen people, royal priesthood, and treasured possession—not because they earn it, but because it is graciously given. From that identity flows a life of purposeful activity, serving both inside and outside the church as priests and sojourners who represent God to the world and bring the needs of the world before God. Yet neither our identity nor our service rests on our own strength. Christ, the living Cornerstone, is the foundation upon which our lives are built and the source of all spiritual vitality. As we continually come to Him in repentance and faith, He supplies everything we need to live faithfully for His glory.

The Original Source and Continual Supply - 6/14/2026 Look upward, not inward or outward, to discover who you are.Sermon...

Earthly kings ascend by crushing others. Jesus ascended by being crushed for others. This sermon from Ephesians 4:1–10 centers on a foundational truth about spiritual gifts: they are rooted first in relationship with Christ, not merely responsibility for Christ. Pastor Derek challenged the modern tendency to build identity around productivity and warned that Christians can unconsciously approach God the same way—thinking their worth comes from usefulness. Paul’s repeated use of “calling” in Ephesians points not merely to a task, but to a Caller: Jesus Himself. Before believers are called to do anything, they are called to belong to Christ. Spiritual gifts are therefore not divine job descriptions, but expressions of grace flowing from a loving relationship with the King. The sermon then moved to Christ’s kingship in verses 7–10, showing how Jesus descended in humility, ascended in victory, and generously distributes gifts to His people like a conquering king sharing spoils after battle. Unlike earthly kings who ascend by crushing others, Jesus ascended by being crushed for others. Therefore, spiritual gifts are graciously received, not earned, and are meant to advance Christ’s kingdom in every sphere of life. Ultimately, the church is called to embody “the fullness of Him who fills all in all” by using those gifts in joyful communion with Christ.

Relationship Not Just Responsibility - 5/24/2026 Earthly kings ascend by crushing others. Jesus ascended by being crushed for others.Sermon starts at 46:08. See summary below.Text: Ephesians 4:1-10Preacher...