B.  We are the church of the Living God.

       C.  There is a relationship that we enjoy as the church that Jesus died for.

       D.  Today, Let's stroll through the book of Ephesians and try to understand our 
             relationship to Christ.
 

   I.  WE ARE THE HERITAGE OF GOD - 1:11.

       A.  Heritage - property that is or can be inherited; a lot or portion; heirs.

       B.  We are the heirs of Christ.

             1.  Romans 8:14-17 - joint heirs with Jesus.

                  a.  Jesus owns everything.

                  b.  What Jesus has, we will also have.

  II.  WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST - 1:15-23.

       A.  The body must seek to glorify Christ (it's head).

       B.  The body must be strong, not weak and sickly.

       C.  We must seek to do our part as a member of the body.

             1.  Ephesians 4:11-16 (16).

 III.  WE ARE THE MADE ALIVE ONES IN CHRIST - 2:1-2.

       A.  We died as a result of sin (separated from God).

             1.  Romans 6:23.

             2.  Isaiah 59:1-2.

       B.  Ezekiel 37:1-14.

             1.  Israel said that there was no hope for them in God.

             2.  God has given us hope.

       C.  Romans 6:10-11.

       D.  Romans 6:18 - we are made free from sin.

       E.  Galatians 3:13 - Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law (death).

       F.  We will be raised on the last day because of what Jesus has done in our
            behalf.

  IV.  WE ARE THE WORKMANSHIP OF GOD - 2:10.

       A.  Not working for our salvation, but working because we have it.

             1. James 2:14-26.

       B.  God expects us to be active.

   V.  WE ARE THE RECONCILED TO GOD - 2:11-18.

       A.  No peace can exist without Christ.

       B.  II Corinthians 5:17-19.

  VI.  WE ARE THE REVEALERS OF GOD'S WISDOM - 3:10-13.

       A.  The mystery of the ages is revealed in us.

             1.  I Peter 1:10-12.

 VII.  WE ARE THE FULNESS OF GOD'S GLORY - 3:14-21.

       A.  God could have chosen anything to bring Him glory, but He chose the church.

             1.  I Corinthians 1, 2 - the world cannot understand this.

 VIII.  WE ARE THE BRIDE OF CHRIST - 5:22-32.

       A.  John speaks of the church as the bride of Christ.

             1.  Revelation 21:1-2.

       B.  For us to have relations with the world is to commit spiritual adultery with
            Jesus.

             1.  II Peter 2:14.

             2.  The prophets called it, "Playing the harlot."

  IX.  WE ARE THE ARMY OF GOD - 6:12.

       A.  God's people are the strength of the earth.

       B.  We have the power of God on our side.

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  Seeing that we have such a unique relationship with Christ, wouldn't it seem 
             inconsistent not to serve God to our greatest capacity?

       B.  If there is sin in your life, the relationship between you and Christ is broken.

       C.  Won't you be a part of the GREATEST family on earth?