The glory of the church is that mighty working of God among fallen people to create a redeemed people with new spiritual power over sin and death. The church’s new empowerment lay hid through the ages until reveled in Christ, creating a “graduate school for angels.”

We become discouraged because we have a vision problem. We see the troubles of our times, but God is working in us as he recreates a new people in Jesus name. The words of salvation are empowerment terms; you were guilty, you are now justified; you were enslaved, you are now redeemed; you were enemies, you are now reconciled. And more…

The glory of God in the church is God’s perfections on display in and among redeemed sinners.

My comment: a stirring and powerful opening message.