There Must Be Something Better

  • Pastor Rick Millikin
  • Jan 4, 2009
  • Series: Finding Hope on the Edge

There Must Be Something Better
Finding Hope on the Edge - Part 1
January 4, 2009
Ephesians 2: 17-22
Pastor Rick Millikin


17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Eph 2:17-22 (NIV)


1. We all desire a better world.


2. We were designed for good.

29 Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. Gen 1:29 (NIV)
15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Gen 2:15 (NIV)

34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34 (NIV)

3. We were damaged by evil.
10 He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." Gen 3:10 (NIV)
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, Rom 1:18 (NIV)

4. We have been restored for a better life.
19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Col 1:19-20 (NIV)

12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Col 3:12-14 (NIV)

5. We are equipped to heal.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Cor 5:16-17 (NIV)