God is building His church as a living temple, with Christ as the cornerstone and believers as living stones fitted together. Through Christ, we become citizens of God's kingdom and members of His household, receiving full rights and privileges as His children. The church grows through unified members using their spiritual gifts, mutual care, worship, discipleship, and evangelism. Local churches serve as living demonstrations of God's new society where His presence is experienced and cultural divisions are transcended.

God's mission to reach all nations began with Abraham and continues through history. His promise was never meant for just one people group, but for all peoples of the earth. Through Christ, this vision expanded globally, with Christianity experiencing exponential growth across cultures and continents. The ultimate fulfillment of this divine plan is revealed in Revelation, showing a diverse multitude from every nation unified in worship before God's throne.

True happiness and spiritual fulfillment emerge from developing a deep connection with God's Word. The Hebrew concept of being blessed encompasses success, contentment, and satisfaction that come from walking with God. By approaching Scripture with eager anticipation and devoted attention and meditating on it day and night, we can experience lasting joy and inner peace.

Our true identity and lasting peace are found in Christ, who broke down the dividing walls between all people through His death and resurrection. As the perfect fulfillment of Israel's purpose, Jesus created one new humanity and provides direct access to the Father. Believers are now citizens of God's kingdom, members of His family, and living stones in His temple. This new identity calls us to live differently, breaking down worldly divisions and demonstrating Christ's peace in our relationships.

In this week's Bible study, we explored the theme of our "Unshakeable Identity" in Christ, centered around the profound truth that we are created as God's workmanship and brought near to God. Here are the key points discussed:

1. Understanding Our Identity: We are reminded that our identity is not defined by our past but by our relationship with Christ. As believers, we possess every spiritual blessing and are called to rest in this truth.
2. Purposeful Creation: The study highlighted that we are designed for good works that God has prepared in advance. Our unique gifts, passions, and experiences are vital in fulfilling our purpose.
3. Action from Identity: Alongside resting in our identity, the new life we have in Christ calls for action. We are encouraged to reflect on how our spiritual gifts and personal experiences can inform the good works God has assigned to us.
4. Personal Reflections: Participants were invited to share insights on how they have identified their good works in the past week. Several shared examples of how they have actively engaged in their communities, using their skills and talents to serve others.
5. Embracing Our Current Ministry: The focus was on recognizing that our current situations and roles, whether they seem significant or not, are part of our God-given ministry. Embracing this perspective reinforces the idea that every role has a purpose.

This week's study was an inspiring reminder of who we are in Christ and how we can actively live out that identity through our actions and relationships. Join us next week as we continue to delve deeper into the richness of our identity in Him!

In this engaging session of the Bible study led by Missions Pastor Chad Mason, titled "A Light to the Gentiles," participants explored God's historical calling of all nations to Himself. Key points covered include:

1. The Call of Abraham: The study begins with Genesis 12, where God calls Abraham, stating that all peoples on earth will be blessed through him. This serves as a foundational moment in the narrative of the Israelites and highlights God's intention to reach every nation.

2. The Purpose of God: Throughout history, God's primary purpose has been to make Himself known to different language and people groups globally. The discussions emphasize how the Gospel was first announced to Abraham, illustrating that His salvation plan was inclusive from the start.

3. Israel's Role: The study examines Exodus 19, where God declares the Israelites as a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This concept underscores their responsibility to mediate between God and the world, representing His intentions and character.

4. God's Blessings: Participants reflect on the blessings bestowed upon Abraham and the subsequent growth of the Israelite nation. Pastor Chad highlights that God's blessing is linked with the responsibility of reaching out to others, thus fulfilling the promise made to Abraham.

5. Moving Forward: Anticipation builds as Pastor Chad outlines the next steps in their journey together, including plans for a discussion on the book of Revelation in the future and the continued pursuit of God’s mission in the church.

The session emphasized prayer, unity, and outreach, encouraging participants to think about how they can actively contribute to fulfilling God's mission in their communities.

God has uniquely crafted each person as His masterpiece with specific purposes and prepared works. We are His workmanship through creation, bearing His image with unique attributes like creativity and the capacity for relationships. Through salvation, we are recreated and made new in Christ, undergoing continuous transformation to become more like Him. God has prepared both everyday responsibilities and special opportunities for us to serve, using our unique experiences, abilities, and spiritual gifts to impact others and glorify Him.

Our identity in Christ goes beyond mere salvation, encompassing a complete transformation through His work. As believers, we are made alive, raised up, and seated with Christ in heavenly places. This position grants us victory over sin, authority through Christ, and the ability to rest in His finished work. Understanding this identity enables us to live from a place of victory rather than constantly striving for it, while fulfilling our purpose as God's image-bearers.