Knowing the Love of Christ, Part 1
Paul prays that God will strengthen believers by his Spirit so that we will be established in his love and be able to comprehend the full of extent of that love. And he prays that, as God is powerfully at work in us, he will receive glory in his church. We should pray the same for ourselves and one another.
Proclaiming The Mystery of The Gospel, Part 2
The preaching of the gospel reveals a truth that could hardly have been believed: that Jews and Gentiles together share in the salvation promises of God. God’s intention is that through his church, made up of both Jews and Gentiles, he should demonstrate the wisdom of his salvation plan to all the universe. Paul feels the weight and privilege of proclaiming such a gospel – and we should feel the privilege and weight of living out that gospel and proclaiming it in our day.
Proclaiming The Mystery of The Gospel, Part 1
The preaching of the gospel reveals a truth that could hardly have been believed: that Jews and Gentiles together share in the salvation promises of God. God’s intention is that through his church, made up of both Jews and Gentiles, he should demonstrate the wisdom of his salvation plan to all the universe. Paul feels the weight and privilege of proclaiming such a gospel – and we should feel the privilege and weight of living out that gospel and proclaiming it in our day.
One in Christ, Part 2
We have been brought together and made one people in Christ. Formerly Jews and Gentiles were separated – with Gentiles excluded from the family of God. But now in Christ and through his law-abolishing death, Gentiles have been brought near and peace and reconciliation have been achieved. We are one people, household, and temple in Christ. This moves us to gratitude, and it calls us to live out our unity together in peace.
One in Christ, Part 1
We have been brought together and made one people in Christ. Formerly Jews and Gentiles were separated – with Gentiles excluded from the family of God. But now in Christ and through his law-abolishing death, Gentiles have been brought near and peace and reconciliation have been achieved. We are one people, household, and temple in Christ. This moves us to gratitude, and it calls us to live out our unity together in peace.
Brought From Death to Life, Part 2
Continuing to unwrap our spiritual biography, Paul tells us that we were dead in our transgressions, doomed to judgment, and following the evil one. Out of love, God saved us by grace and even seated us with Christ in the heavenly realms, with the purpose that we should do good works. A great transfer has occurred – all of grace. This prevents us from boasting, and fills us with gratitude and praise.
Brought From Death to Life, Part 1
Continuing to unwrap our spiritual biography, Paul tells us that we were dead in our transgressions, doomed to judgment, and following the evil one. Out of love, God saved us by grace and even seated us with Christ in the heavenly realms, with the purpose that we should do good works. A great transfer has occurred – all of grace. This prevents us from boasting, and fills us with gratitude and praise.
Eyes to See All That God Has for Us, Part 2
Paul prays that the Ephesians will be enabled to know better all that God has given them in Christ and all that he has in store for them. In particular, he wants them to know God’s power for them – the very same power that he exerted to raise Christ to the place of supreme authority on high. The right aim for this message is for us to gain a deeper and wider grasp of these things ourselves – to have an enlarged vision of all that God has done for us and has in store for us in Christ.
Eyes to See All That God Has for Us, Part 1
Paul prays that the Ephesians will be enabled to know better all that God has given them in Christ and all that he has in store for them. In particular, he wants them to know God’s power for them – the very same power that he exerted to raise Christ to the place of supreme authority on high. The right aim for this message is for us to gain a deeper and wider grasp of these things ourselves – to have an enlarged vision of all that God has done for us and has in store for us in Christ.
Chosen, Included, and Sealed, Part 2
The spiritual biography of every Christian humbles us and points to God’s glory: we have been chosen in Christ, included in in him through the gospel, and sealed by this Spirit. This story of our salvation comforts and assures us, and it prompts us to glorify God.