Pastor Tom's Blog

Ephesians

(July 8 2020) Ephesians 6:24 (NKJV) "Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. What an absolutely beautiful final greeting Paul gives to end his letter to the church in Ephesus. "Grace" was the common Greek greeting. "Grace" is God's unmerited favor, it means that God by His grace gives to us what we do not deserve. What Paul is praying for the believers in Ephesus is that God would give them what they do not deserve. And then Paul calls those believers "those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity". Nothing more magnanimous can be said about a person than that they "love the lord Jesus Christ in sincerity". Is that how we love the Lord Jesus Christ? God thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, help us to love Him in sincerity. your child. And then do not pass over the "amen", it means that we agree with all that the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the church in Ephesus. (July 7 2020) Ephesians 6:23 (NKJV) "Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ". What an absolutely wonderful and thoughtful salutation the Apostle Paul adds at the end of his letter to the church in Ephesus. "Peace" is a common Hebrew greeting (shalom), and has to with harmony between them and God and with each other. Paul is asking for God to grant them this "peace". And then Paul asks god to grant them "love with faith". It is one thing to love, but it is another to love with faith (Ephesians 1:15). Our faith in God is displayed by our love for others (Galatians 6:5). These blessings, peace, love and faith all come from God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. We Christians can not produce in ourselves, peace, love and faith, only God can produce those things in and through us. We need God's "peace, love and faith" and we need to pray this for ourselves and for our brothers and sisters in Christ. another great lesson in Paul's salutation.

(July 6 2020) Ephesians 6:21-22 (NKJV) "21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts". Verses 21 to 24 are the conclusion to the epistle of Ephesians. Paul’s purpose in verses 21-24 was to relieve Christians in Ephesus of their concerns about his situation in Roman imprisonment. Tychicus was a personal friend of Paul and envoy of his epistles. He accompanied Paul on this third missionary journey, and was closely associated with Paul during the later stages of his ministry. Tychicus was from the Roman province of Asia (Acts 20:4). Paul calls Tychicus a "beloved brother" and "faithful minister" in the Lord, two wonderful qualities for a believer. Paul says at the end of verse 22 "that he (Tychicus) may comfort your hearts". The apostle Paul's concern was not for himself, even though he was in prison, it was always for other believers. We can learn a lot just from Paul's introductions and his conclusion.

(July 3 2020) Ephesians 6:19-20 (NKJV) "19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak". The Apostle Paul not only encourages us to pray (verse18), but he asks for prayer for himself as well. It's o.k. to ask for prayer. Paul asks for "utterance" and "boldness" in his sharing of the gospel. "Utterance", the right words to say at the right time, and "boldness", the courage to share the gospel even when it is dangerous to do so. Whenever someone like the Apostle Paul asks for prayer, it makes me think how much we all need prayer. We need to humble ourselves and ask for prayer, amen? The other thing that flows out of this section on spiritual warfare is that spiritual warfare is especially connected to the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we share the gospel, satan does not like it and he will attack us personally. Brothers and sisters, "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might".

(July 2 2020) Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV) " praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—". Prayer is also a part of the "whole armor of God" and is also both offensive and defensive. "Praying always", "with all prayer", petition, intercession, thanksgiving, etc., "with supplication", means asking humbly and earnestly, "praying in the spirit", means prayers that are led by the Holy Spirit. "Being watchful", is staying spiritually alert in prayer. And then the Apostle Paul says "for all the saints". Brothers and sisters, we need to pray like this and we need to pray like this for each other, we need to have each other's backs. Amen.

(July 1 2020) Ephesians 6:17 (NKJV) "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;". The "helmet of salvation" protects our head. If we are not absolutely sure of our salvation or have been jaded by a wrong view of salvation, it is a chink in the armor and satan can mess with our minds (Second Corinthians 10:4-5). The "sword of the Spirit" is a powerful offensive and defensive weapon. We need to know God's word and apply it in our lives, if we don't it is another chink in the armor and satan will gain an advantage over us (Hebrews 4:12). Thank God for the "whole armor of God" which He has provided for us, for use in spiritual battle. Let's "put on" (verse 11) and "take up" (verse 13) the whole armor of God daily.

(June 30 2020) Ephesians 6:14-16 (NKJV) 14 "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one". The "whole armor of God" consists of all the same pieces that a Roman soldier in the apostle Paul's day wore. The first piece of armor to put on is the "belt of truth", If we do not know the truth or are not living according to the truth, then the rest of the armor will not stay up. The next piece we need to put on is the "breastplate of righteousness". The breastplate protects our heart and our internals. If we are not living righteously, there is a chink in the armor. We need to have our feet shod with "the preparation of the gospel of peace". A witnessing Christian is a victorious Christian. If we are not actively living and sharing our faith there is a chink in the armor. We also need to take up the "shield of faith". If we do not believe God and what He says, satan's lies and temptations (his fiery darts) will penetrate our armor.

(June 29 2020) Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV) "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. "Therefore", because our fight is with satan and his demons, "take up" the whole armor of God. In verse 11 the apostle Paul said "put on" the whole armor of God, now he says "take up" the whole armor of God. "Take up" is a military tern for the final preparations for the coming battle. To "withstand" means to stand against, to resist, and the "evil day" is a particular day that satan has planned in order to attack you. And then Paul says "having done all, to stand", i.e. now you are ready for battle.

(June 26 2020) Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. The first thing we need to do in any battle is to identify our enemy, so the Apostle Paul does that for us. The believer’s struggle is not against the physical but against the spiritual realm. Our primary battle is not against men but the devil. “Wrestle” implies that this spiritual battle is hand-to-hand conflict. Our battle with Satan is a very personal thing. “Wrestle” was a common athletic term used for contestants attempting to throw each other to gain supremacy. Christians are in close-quarters conflict against the demonic world. “Principalities” and “powers” are different strata of satanic hierarchy. Satan’s whole system is highly organized and systematized against Christians. The activity of the rulers of darkness and hosts of wickedness operate in “heavenly” places or high places. The idea of “heavenly” is the spiritual realm, not the place where God dwells.

(June 25 2020) Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV) "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil". The way that we access the strength, the power and might of the Lord (verse 10) is to put on the whole armor of God. We need to clothe ourselves for spiritual battle with the devil. "The whole armor of God" consists of a girdle, a belt, a breastplate, shoes, a shield, a helmet and a sword (verses 14-17) . Apart from "the whole armor of God" none of us could stand against the devil. To "stand against" means to man a post, to hold a critical position during battle. The "wiles" of the devil are his methods which include lies, doubt, temptation, worldliness, pride, etc., etc. To put on the whole armor of God is a metaphor for trusting God and His word rather than relying on ourselves, our own strength and abilities.

(June 24 2020) Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV) "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might". Ephesians chapters 4 and 5 were all about our "walk" (4:1, 4:17, 5:1 and 5:15). Chapter 6:10 - 6:20 are now all about our warfare. When you and I decide to "walk" the way that God wants us to "walk" we are going to face opposition from satan. So the Apostle Paul says: "Finally, my brethren", meaning that this is the last of his instructions to the church in Ephesus. Last instructions are very often the most important. Paul then says: "Be strong in the Lord", literally, "be continually empowered with the Lord's strength". In order to stand in our conflict with satan, we Christians need the Lord's strength, Amen? And then Paul says: "and in the power of His might". "Power" is the presence of force or strength and "might" is the authority and ability to exercise that power. It is the Lord's strength, the Lord's power and the Lord's might that is going to sustain us in our warfare with satan. Hang in their brothers and sisters, our Lord Jesus Christ is coming for us soon, be strong in the Lord.

(June 23 2020) Ephesians 6:9 (NKJV) "And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him". What is true for employees is also true for the employer. They both have to answer to God for their treatment of each other. Employers are to treat their employees with the same Christian principles and consideration that their employees are to show to them. There is no partiality with God, He sees employers and employees the same and treats them both with respect, we should do the same.

(June 22 2020) Ephesians 6:7-8 (NKJV) 7 "With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 Knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free". In verse 7 the Apostle Paul gives us the motive for the service we render to our human masters (employers). We should serve our employers as though we are serving the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Paul further encourages us by reminding that any good we have rendered is going to be rewarded by our Lord (Revelation 11:18 and 22:12). Let's not forget who we are really working for, and keep up the good work, our Lord Jesus Christ is coming soon.

(June 19 2020) Ephesians 6:6 (NKJV) 6 "Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,". The word "eyeservice" means to work hard only when under the master's eye, only when the boss is around. In our employment we are to be servants of Christ, and not merely working in order to please man, meaning ourselves or our employers. Being a good and hard working employee is not only serving Christ, but it is also "the will of God". And lastly being a good employee is a matter of the "heart" and the soul, it is a matter of character. We believers should be the best employees our employee has, we should give 110% of our effort.

(June 18 2020) Ephesians 6:5 (NKJV) "Servants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;". For the most part the master/servant relationship of the first century A.D. has been replaced today by the employer/employee relationship. The way that an employee submits (Ephesians 5:21) to their employer is by being "obedient", by doing what is asked of them. The Apostle Paul says "with fear and trembling" which means, with anxious care so as to not come short. When Paul says "in sincerity of heart" he is talking about the employee's attitude, the spirit in which their duties are to be carried out. And the proper motive for carrying out those duties is "as to Christ". Regardless of who we are working for, whether our duties are secular or religious, in every case we need to treat our duties as though we are serving the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Again, this is something that is true of those who are "being filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).

(June 17 2020) Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV) "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord". The Apostle Paul is still talking about "submission" here. Christians are to "submit to one another in the fear of the Lord" (Ephesians 5:21). Wives are to "submit to their own husbands" (verse 22). Husbands ate "submit" to their wives by loving them, as Christ also loved the church (verse 25). Children are to "submit" to their parents by honoring and obeying them (Ephesians 6:1-3). And now fathers are to "submit" to their children by not provoking them, and by bringing them up "in the training and admonition of the Lord" (verse 4). Fathers have a propensity to set such a high standard for their children, that their children often feel they can never measure up, so Paul says don't do that. Instead of setting making unreasonable demands of their children fathers should "bring them up" in the Lord by "training" (nurturing) them and "admonishing" them. To "nurture" them means to tenderly care for, and to "admonish" means to train them with discipline and encouraging words. Children need both discipline and encouragement.

(June 16 2020) Ephesians 6:1-3 (NKJV) 1 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right". 2 "Honor your father and mother", which is the first commandment with promise: 3 "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth". Back in chapter 5:21 the Apostle Paul said: "submitting to one another in the fear of God". Then in 5:22-33 Paul described what "submission" looks like in the marriage. Now Paul describes what "submission" looks like in the family, which begins with children "obeying" their parents, chapter 6:1-3. The word Paul uses for "obey" means to get under the authority of your parents, listen to them and do what they say. Obeying is the act (verse 1) and "honoring" them (Exodus 20:12) is the attitude (verse 2). The promise that God makes to the obedient and honoring child is a long and prosperous life (verse 3). This is how the family is to function, and according to God's word this "submission" in marriage and family is to be carried out in the "fear of the Lord" (Ephesians 5:21). No wonder the family is in such trouble today, there is no "fear of the Lord", and no mutual "submission" in the family.

(June 15 2020) Ephesians 5:33 (NKJV) "Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband". The Apostle Paul concludes his words on marriage by reminding both the husband and wife of their primary duties. If both husband and wife just do this their marriage would be like heaven on earth. But if one or the other does not do their part, their marriage will be just the opposite. God has designed the wife to respond to love and He has designed the husband to respond to respect. When each does their part both receive what they need from the relationship and their marriage is a blessing. Mutual love and respect, it's really very simple.

(June 12 2020) Ephesians 5:32 (NKJV) "This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church". What the Apostle Paul means is that the marriage relationship is a picture of Jesus Christ and His church. The husband in marriage represents Jesus Christ and the wife in marriage represents the church. The relationship between husband and wife should reflect the relationship between Jesus Christ and His church. That being true, here is a question: "What would the world ascertain about Jesus Christ and his church by looking at your marriage?

(June 11 2020) Ephesians 5:31 (NKJV) "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh". The Apostle Paul is quoting Genesis 2:24 about the marriage of Adam and Eve. The word "leave" means to leave behind, to depart from, the word "cleave" means to join oneself to, to stick to. The compound verb points to the most intimate union possible between human beings. When a man marries a woman, he leaves behind every previous relationship, including the most important relationship he knows up to this point, that of his parents. Every previous relationship must ("shall") be relegated to a secondary position, for there to be a "cleaving" with his wife. When a man does that, the two will ("shall") become "one flesh". Just like God is one, the two are one in marriage. That is God's design for marriage. No one else or nothing else can get in the way or there will not be the "cleaving" and the two will ultimately not become "one flesh" as it were. God created Adam and he was "one". God created the woman from the man and there were "two", in marriage the two become "one" again. Marriage is the only thing survived the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, and is the most beautiful relationship possible this side of heaven. Without "leaving" there is no "cleaving" and there will be no "oneness". It's really up to the man to "leave".

(June 10 2020) Ephesians 5:30 (NKJV) "For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones". The word "members" is in the emphatic (foremost) position in this verse, meaning that we believers are not just something connected to Jesus Christ, but are without question a part of His body (the church), of which He is the head. This is why Jesus Christ nourishes and cherishes His church (verse 29), we (His church) are actually a part of Him. And just like the "two become one flesh" in marriage (verse 30), we are one with Jesus Christ.

(June 9 2020) Ephesians 5:29 (NKJV) "For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes it and cherishes it, just as the Lord does His church". The truth is that every one of us loves our own flesh, and because we do we take care of ourselves. Husbands are to care for their wives the same way that they care for themselves. The word "nourish" means to take care of by providing what is necessary for life. The word "cherish" means to keep warm, the best example is a mother bird keeping her chicks warm and protecting them under her wings. The word "cherish" also implies affection. We husbands are to care for our wives the same way that we care for ourselves. When we do that, we both benefit.

(June 8 2020) Ephesians 5:28 (NKJV) "So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself". The idea here is that even as Jesus Christ loved the church, so too ought husbands love their wives, even as their own bodies. Jesus Christ is the head of His church, in fact the church is called His body. So too the husband is the head of his wife, which in the same sense is his body, the two have become one. The relationship of the head to the body means that the church is a part of Christ, so too the wife is a part of her husband in marriage. For a husband to love his wife as his own body is to love himself. It is a love not born out of duty, but of nature.

(June 5 2020) Ephesians 5:27 (NKJV) "That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish". It is Jesus Christ Himself who is to present the church, and He is presenting it to Himself. The word "present" means to introduce with formal ceremony, and or to present a gift to. Jesus Christ is presently cleansing and sanctifying His church (us) (verse 26), because someday soon He is going to present us to Himself, i.e we are His gift to Himself. Also notice that on the day that He presents us to Himself, we will be holy and without blemish (First Thessalonians 5:23). The day of this presentation of His church to Himself is the rapture of the church, our gathering together unto Him (First Thessalonians 4:13-17). Jesus Christ is actually benefited by His own work in us, so too a husband is benefited as he loves his wife like Christ loves the church (verse 25).

(June 4 2020) Ephesians 5:26 (NKJV) "That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of the water by the word," The Apostle Paul is comparing the role of the husband in the marriage relationship with Jesus Christ's role and relationship to His church. Jesus Christ is presently cleansing and sanctifying the church in order to present it to Himself on the day of our meeting (First Thessalonians 5:23). To sanctify is to set apart for sacred use. The way that Jesus Christ sanctifies the church is by cleansing it in the water of the word. Just like a bath in water cleanses a person, the Word of God cleanses us from the filthiness of this sinful world. In the same way that Jesus Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, in order to sanctify and cleanse it, so too the loving husband’s first priority in marriage is to make sure his wife and family are being sanctified and are aligned with God. The husband cannot do that if he is not being sanctified and cleansed by the Word of God himself. Husbands, we need to be the priests in our homes, and prepare our families to meet the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven someday, amen.

(June 3 2020) Ephesians 5:25 (NKJV) "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it,". In Ephesians 5:18 it says that we Christians are to "be filled with the Spirit", it's is actually a command. One of the results of being "filled with the Spirit" is that we will be "submissive to one another in the fear of God", (verse 21). The way that a wife displays her Spirit filled submissiveness in marriage is by "submitting to her own husband, as to the lord" (verse 23). The way that a husband displays his Spirit filled submissiveness in marriage is by "loving his wife, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it" (verse 25). The word used for "love" here is "agape", the self-sacrificing love of God which compels the one loving to give themselves in sacrifice for the well being of the one being loved (John 3:16). I.e. there is nothing the husband would not do for his wife including dying for her like Jesus Christ died for us. The word "love" (agape) also implies devotion and affection. Just like it is impossible for the wife to "submit" to her husband apart from "being filled with the Spirit" (verse 18), it is impossible for the husband to "love his wife" the way God would have him to unless he too is "filled with the Spirit" (verse 18). The greatest need in marriage as I see it, is to "be filled with the Spirit" (verse 18). Don't forget that verse 18, verse 23 and verse 25 are all commands, and not just options. The Apostle Paul will be explaining what it looks like for a husband to love his wife in verses 26-33.

(June 2 2020) Ephesians 5:22-24 (NKJV) 22 "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything". The word "therefore" draws a conclusion to the Apostle Paul's discussion on the role and function of the wife in the marriage. Because there is order and design in God's creation, there is of necessity also authority and submission in creation otherwise there would be chaos. So God designed authority and submission into society (Romans 13:1), into marriage (Ephesians 5:22), into the family (Ephesians 6:1), and into the church (Hebrews 13:17), also read First Corinthians 11:3 and Ephesians 5:21. When Paul says "everything" that does not mean that the husband can ask his wife to violate a command of God or that he can make her do something that she is not comfortable with, that would be a violation of (Ephesians 5:25). Under no circumstance should a husband ever abuse his wife or his authority in the marriage. A wives submission to her husband and his God given authority is a reflection of her submission to God. The reason we are seeing violence and chaos in the home and now in the streets of America is because of a lack of submission to authority. There is a lack of submission to authority because there is no submission to God' authority. A lack of submission to God's order and design is nothing less that rebellion. Rebellion began with satan, let to the fall of man, and the Bible says "it is as the sin of witchcraft" (First Samuel 15:23).

(June 1 2020) Ephesians 5:23 (NKJV) "For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is the head of the church, and He is the savior of the body". Notice the word "for", it connects verse 23 with verse 22. Verse 23 gives the reason that a wife should "submit to her own husband, as unto the Lord" (verse 22), its because the husband, according to God is the head of the wife. That does not mean that the husband is superior to or better than the wife, they are equal, but they have different roles and functions in the marriage and family according to God's design. When there is no order then the result is chaos, the kind we see in society today. So God has established order in the marriage, in the family, in society and in the church (Ephesians 5:22, Ephesians 6:1, Romans 13:1 and Hebrews 13:17). Notice also that Paul says that Christ is "the savior of the body". In the same way that Jesus Christ is the savior, protector and provider for the church, the husband is to be all those things for his wife (Ephesians 5:25-31). A wife who is not submitted to her husband is a shame to her husband and actually lowers herself by not submitting under her husband’s love and leadership. A wife who puts her husband down puts herself down as well. When a woman is not submitted to her husband, or to the churches leadership, or even to the government, it's because she is not really submitted to the Lord and does not fear God (Ephesians 5:21). Don't worry wives, we will get to the husbands and there are more than twice as many verses about them and their role and function.

(May 29 2020) Ephesians 5:22 (NKJV) "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord". Back in Ephesians 5:18 the command to "be filled with the Spirit" was given by the Apostle Paul. Ephesians chapter 5:19-6:9 is an explanation of what "being filled with the Holy Spirit" looks like. When we are filled with the Spirit, there will be a holy communication between us and others and a song in our hearts to the Lord (verse 19), we will be thankful (verse 20), and we will be submissive (verse 21). Now in verses 22-33 Paul shows us what the marriage relationship looks like when husband and wife are "filled with the Spirit". The first thing that is true in a Spirit filled marriage is that the wife is submissive to her own husband. The word "submit" means to arrange yourself under, the wife submits to her husband by placing herself under her husband’s love and authority. Of course a wives submission to her husband comes a lot easier when her husband is loving her properly (verse 25), the two go hand in hand. The wife submits to her husband by placing herself under her husband’s love and authority, and the husband submits to his wife by loving her. That's how it works when husband and wife are "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). Without being "filled with the Spirit", marriage can be very difficult, because neither one wants to submit to the other.

(May 28 2020) Ephesians 5:19-21 (NKJV) 19 "Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 Submitting to one another in the fear of God". There are four participles in verses 19-21 which indicate what "being filled with the Holy Spirit" (verse 18) looks like. You can recognize these four participles by the English ending (ing). The first indication that a person is filled with the Spirit is "Speak(ing) (verse 19), an outward joy that comes out in our communication with others. The second is "Sing(ing)" (verse 19), an inward joy which is an indication of our communion with Jesus Christ, a melody in our hearts. The third is "Giv(ing) thanks" (verse 20), a thankfulness to God for everything, knowing that all is working for our good. And forth, "Submitt(ing) to one another in the fear of God" (verse 21), a mutual humble submission, rather than being contentious, having to have our own way and expecting everyone to play by our rules. If any of those things are missing in our lives, we cannot really claim to be filled with the Holy Spirit (verse 18).

(May 27 2020) Ephesians 5:18 (NKJV) "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,". There are two commands here in verse 18. The first is a negative command to stop something that is in progress, literally "stop drinking and getting drunk". The word "dissipation" means to be soaked, also translated as "excess". In the context of verse 18 it means to be drunk. The normal life of unbelievers in Ephesus was that of drinking, drunkenness, debauchery, orgies and civil disobedience, and the new born Christians were having trouble disengaging from that lifestyle which they were used to, so the Apostle Paul says: STOP IT, right now (also read Proverbs 23:20-21). The second command is to "be filled with the Spirit". Rather than being filled with wine, and under its influence, be filled with the Holy Spirit and under God's influence. The command to "be filled with the Spirit" is a present tense imperative, passive, second person, plural verb, (quite a mouthful). Meaning it is a command to do something on a continual basis, literally (be being filled with the Spirit). Passive means that it is not something I do, but something that is done to me, i.e. God does it. Second person is emphatic meaning YOU. And plural means that it is not just for some, but for all of us. God does not want us doing what the rest of the world does, drinking and getting drunk. God wants us to all be filled with, and influenced by the Holy Spirit. Amen? Ephesians chapter 5:19-6:9 is an explanation of what being filled with the Holy Spirit looks like.

(May 26 2020) Ephesians 5:17 (NKJV) "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is". The word "therefore" is there in order that we might draw a conclusion from verses 15 and 16 and "walk circumspectly". In the context of verses 15-17 "do not be unwise" means to quit wasting the precious time that we have on frivolous things, things that are not going to matter in eternity. Rather than wasting time and thought on things that do not matter, take the time to understand what "the lord's will is" (First Peter 4:2). To "understand" means to put things together in our minds, to reflect on. I.e. the things the Lord would have do and think about with the precious time that we do have, things that are going to matter in eternity. As Christians, we need to consider God’s will in everything we do, and quit wasting time. Amen?

(May 25 2020) Ephesians 5:15-16 (NKJV) "See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil". To "walk circumspectly" means to walk carefully, to be alert to the pitfalls in this life. The way we "walk circumspectly" is by "redeeming the time". The word "redeeming" comes from the ancient marketplace where people go to buy goods. If you are wise, you would carefully inspect the product before buying. Paul is telling us to be careful with our time, it is the most precious commodity that we all have. We need to seize every opportunity to "walk in love" (verse 2), to "walk as children of light" (verse 8), and to "walk circumspectly" (verse 15), because "the days are evil". We will not always have the opportunity to tell others about Jesus Christ and His salvation. This is a good word for the days we are living in. The "fool" on the other hand is squandering his time, because he is caught up in all the practices of this world (verse 15). Let's "redeem the time" while we still can.

(May 15 2020) Ephesians 5:9-10 (NKJV) "(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), Proving what is acceptable to the Lord". In verse 8 the Apostle Paul told us believers to "walk as children of light". Verses 9 and 10 are an explanation of what is means to "walk as children of light". The "fruit of the Spirit", (the outcome of our "walking as children of light"), is "goodness", "righteousness" and "truth". When we are kind and benevolent (good) towards others, we are displaying God's "goodness". When we do what is right (righteous) in God's eyes, we are displaying God's "righteousness". When we live in the light of God's truth, the world get's a glimpse of His truth and His word. When you and I "walk as children of light", in all "goodness", "righteousness" and "truth", it exposes this world's darkness (Ephesians 4:18-19 and 5:8), and at the same time it proves to the world what is "acceptable" behavior as far as the Lord is concerned (verse 10).

(May 14 2020) Ephesians 5:8 (NKJV) "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light". In chapter 5:1-7 the Apostle Paul explained what it means to "walk in love" (verse 2), giving us both the do's (verse 2) and the don'ts (verses 3-7) of walking in love. Now in verses 8-14 Paul tells us to "walk as children of light" (verse 8). Paul says that: "you were once darkness", meaning now that we are saved, we are no longer children of darkness. Now that we are saved we are "light in the Lord". Jesus said that He is "the light of the world", meaning that He Himself is the light, He is the one who shines light on the darkness of this world, exposing it's sin (John 1:1-8, 3:19-21 and 8:12). Once we come to Jesus Christ, who is the light, we are then "light in the Lord". His light in us shines out to the world exposing its darkness and sin. Paul then gives us another present imperative, another command which is to be obeyed on a continual basis, i.e. we are to "walk as children of light". We Christians are to live our lives ("walk") in such a way as to expose this dark world to the light of Jesus Christ in word and deed, we are to shine in the darkness (John 16:7-11). In verses 9-14 Paul will show us what "walking as children of light" looks like.

(May 13 2020) Ephesians 5:6-7 (NKJV) "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them". Both verses 6 and 7 contain present tense imperatives, which is a command to do something on a continual basis, in this case "do not be deceived" (verse 6) and "do not be partakers with them" (verse 7). When the Apostle Paul says "because of these things", he is talking the sins listed in verses 3 and 4. Those who practice those things are unbelievers and Paul calls them "sons of disobedience". They will in fact experience the wrath of God, not only presently but on the Day of Judgment as well (First Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21 and Ephesians 5:5). Paul's point is clear, if God is going to judge the unbelievers for these things, He will most certainly judge the believer as well. It is entirely possible that those who practice these things and at the same time claim to be believers are not really believers, and prove so by their behavior (Romans 6:2 and Titus 2:11-13). Let no one deceive us, and let's not be partakers with them.

(May 12 2020) Ephesians 5:5 (NKJV) "For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God". When the Apostle Paul uses the term "fornicator, "unclean person" or "covetous man" he is talking about those who practice those things as a habit of life, he is talking about the unbeliever who's sins are not forgiven. Notice also that Paul says "covetous" is "idolatry", why? because it puts things before God. Paul says there is no shadow of doubt ("this you know") that those who practice these things will not inherit the Kingdom of Christ and God. This is not the only place where the Apostle Paul has made this clear, also read First Corinthians 6:9-10 and Galatians 5:19-21). There is nothing more serious than a person’s salvation or lack of. Please pray for and share the gospel with your unsaved friends and family before it's too late for them.

(May 11 2020) Ephesians 5:4 (NKJV) "Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor course jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks". The Apostle Paul, having told us that we need to "walk in love" in verse 2, in verses 3 and 4 gives us a list of unloving things, things that we will not do if we are walking in love. In verse 3 Paul mentioned "fornication", "uncleanness" and "covetousness" all self-indulgent and very unloving things. In verse 4 Paul expands that list to include "filthiness", meaning obscenities, profanity, dirty stories and jokes. We Christians should not speak or listen to these things. Then Paul says "foolish talking", which is foolish and offensive talk, someone who gravitates to controversies which divide rather than unite. And then Paul says "course jesting", which is something said or done to provoke laughter at someone else' expense, taunting others, smart remarks and answers. These things are "not fitting", they do not fit with God's character and should not be a part of His children's character either. Then Paul says we should rather be "giving thanks", meaning we should gravitate to a general attitude of thankfulness rather than foolishness.

(May 8 2020) Ephesians 5:3 (NKJV) "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for the saints:". The Apostle Paul, having told us that we need to "walk in love" (verse 2), in verses 3 and 4 gives us a list of very unloving things, things that we will not do if we are walking in love. Whereas God's love is self sacrificing (verse 2), the attitudes and actions in verses 3 and 4 are just the opposite, self-indulging. At the top of the list is "fornication" also translated "immorality" which is the wrong use of sexual desire, it is any sex outside of marriage. According to God engaging in fornication is unloving. Next is "uncleanness" which is any kind of moral uncleanness or filthiness, also very unloving. Next on the list of unloving behavior is "covetousness" or greed which is a desire to have more, more than God has provided for you, more than others, also very unloving. Colossians 3:5 says that covetousness is idolatry. Covetousness is idolatry because the covetous person places possessions above God. Paul says: "let it not even be named among you", which is another present tense imperative, a command which is expected to be followed as a habit on a continual basis. Fornication, uncleanness and covetousness are not fitting (acceptable behavior) for us saints. We Christians are "saints", and are to be set apart from the things the world practices, and we are to be set apart to and for God alone.

(May 7 2020) Ephesians 5:2 (NKJV) "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma". When the Apostle Paul uses the word "walk" he is talking about our lifestyle, how we live our lives in front of the world. In Ephesians 4:1 Paul said: "Walk worthy", and in Ephesians 4:17 he said: that we should "no longer walk as the rest of the gentiles (unbelievers) walk". Now Paul says: "walk in love", which is another present tense command. The word "walk" also gives the idea of progress as well as there being a goal and purpose to our walking. The overriding characteristic of our lives as Christians should be that of love. Our love for God and others is something that needs to grow and become mature. The number one way that we "follow (imitate) God" (verse 1) is to be loving, because God is love (First John 4:7-12). Also read John 3:16 and 15:13, First Corinthians 13:1-3, Colossians 3:14, First Thessalonians 4:9, First Peter 4:8 and First John 3:14). Jesus demonstrated His love for us by giving Himself as an offering for our sin. Jesus demonstrated His Love for his Father by sacrificing His life to God. By doing so Jesus' love for us and His Father was a "sweet-smelling aroma" to God. When we love God and love others it pleases God, who is Himself love.

(May 6 2020) Ephesians 5:1 (NKJV) "Therefore be followers of God as dear children". Remember, J. Vernon McGee? He used to say "whenever you see a "therefore" ask yourselves what the "therefore" is there for. When the apostle Paul says: "therefore" in Ephesians 5:1 he is pointing us back to what He said back in chapter 4:32. I. e. we ought to follow God's example, "be followers of God" by being "kind", "tenderhearted" and "forgiving" (verse 32). The word Paul uses for "followers" is the word we get our English word (mimic or imitate) from. We believers are to imitate our God, who is kind, tenderhearted and forgiving, amen? "Be followers" is a present imperative, meaning it is a command that is to be followed, and we are to do so on a continual basis. God is "kind" to us, so we are to be "kind" to others. God is "tenderhearted" towards us, so we are to be "tenderhearted" to others. God is "forgiving" to us, so we are to "forgive" others. Jesus said: "if you have seen me, you have seen the father". Jesus perfectly imitated His Father, and as sons and daughters of God we are to imitate Him as well. The term "Christian" actually means to be Like-Christ. Also read (Matthew 4:48, Luke 6:36, First Peter 1:15 and First John 3:2). Paul will tells us how to imitate God in verse 2-7, so stay tuned.

(May 5 2020) Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you". The Apostle Paul in verse 17 said: "that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk", that we need to "put off" the old man and "put on" the new man (verses 22-24). In verses 25-32 Paul then tells us what that looks like. The first thing it means is to "put off" lying and "put on" the truth (verse 25). The second thing it means is to "put off" unrighteous anger and "put on" righteous anger (verses 26-27). The third thing it means is to "put off" stealing and "put on" giving (verse 28). The forth thing it means is to "put off" speech which tears others down and "put on" speech which builds others up (verse 29), not doing so "grieves the Holy Spirit of God" (verse 30). The fifth thing it means is to "put away" our abusive behavior towards others (verse 31). And the sixth thing it means is to be kind and compassionate with one another. The word "kind" means thoughtful and benevolent, it is a present tense imperative, meaning that it is a command to do so on a continual basis. Next we are to be "tenderhearted" compassionate with each other, not hard hearted like the world around us. Then we are to be "forgiving" of one another. The word translated "forgiving" here is actually the word for grace. Literally "gracing" each other by forgiving each other. Notice the basis for our forgiving others, is the fact that God has forgiven us in Christ. Thank you God for your forgiveness. In fact we are never more like Jesus Christ than when we forgive others.

(May 4 2020) Ephesians 4:31 (NKJV) "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice". The Apostle Paul in verse 17 said: "that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk", that we need to "put off" the old man and "put on" the new man (verses 22-24). In verses 25-32 Paul then tells us what that looks like. The first thing it means is to "put off" lying and "put on" the truth (verse 25). The second thing it means is to "put off" unrighteous anger and "put on" righteous anger (verses 26-27). The third thing it means is to "put off" stealing and "put on" giving (verse 28). The forth thing it means is to "put off" speech which tears others down and "put on" speech which builds others up (verse 29) doing so "grieves the Holy Spirit of God" (verse 30). The fifth thing it means is to "put away" our abusive behavior towards others. Put away "bitterness", the inward animosity that inclines us to harsh opinions of others. Put away "anger", the unrighteous inward dissatisfaction with others. Put away "wrath", the outflow of anger that comes out in words and actions. Put away "clamor", which is strife and contention. Put away "evil speaking", the ongoing defamation of others that comes from a bitter heart. And put away "malice", the attitude that seeks to harm others. We need to "put away" all of these things, which the unbelieving world around us practices (verse 17). God help us.

(May 1 2020) Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV) "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption". The Greek text of verse 30 literally says: "stop grieving the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit of God is the third person of the trinity. He is God, and as God He has a personality and has feelings just like we who have been created in the image and likeness of God do. When we believers behave like the unbelieving world around us (verses 17-19 and verses 25-29) God's Holy Spirit who lives in us is grieved. To grieve is cause deep anguish and sorrow, it is the emotion of someone who cares deeply for another. We quench the Holy Spirit by not obeying God, as a result the Holy Spirit is grieved, He is actually distressed over our actions and He mourns. The Holy Spirit lives in us and He loves us, and when we injure others (verses 25-29) He grieves. We are actually biting the hand that feeds (so to speak) because the Holy Spirit is the one who lives in us and guarantees our redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14). I for one do not want to grieve the Holy Spirit, God help me.

(April 30 2020) Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV) "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers". The Apostle Paul in verse 17 said: "that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk", that we need to "put off" the old man and "put on" the new man (verses 22-24). In verses 25-32 Paul then tells us what that looks like. The first thing it means is to "put off" lying and "put on" the truth (verse 25). The second thing it means is to "put off" unrighteous anger and "put on" righteous anger (verses 26-27). The third thing it means is to "put off" stealing and "put on" giving (verse 28). The forth thing it means is to "put off" speech which tears others down and "put on" speech which builds others up (verse 29). Another present tense imperative, "let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth". "Corrupt" is the word used for rotten fruit, it means to degrade someone with our words. This kind of speech is out of character for us Christians. Our speech ought to be constructive rather than destructive. And our speech ought to impart "grace" to those who hear, it ought to be a blessing not a curse. Jesus always spoke kind words (Luke 4:22). Also read Proverbs 15:23, 25:11 and James 3:2-12). God help us. Pastor Tom. (April 29 2020) Ephesians 4:28 (NKJV) "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, so that he may have something to give him who has need". The Apostle Paul in verse 17 said: "that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk", that we need to "put off" the old man and "put on" the new man (verses 22-24). In verses 25-32 Paul then tells us what that looks like. The first thing it means is to "put off" lying and "put on" the truth (verse 25). The second thing it means is to "put off" unrighteous anger and "put on" righteous anger (verses 26-27). The third thing it means is to "put off" stealing and "put on" giving. There are two more imperatives in verse 28. The first is "steal no longer". The Greek word translated "steal" is (klepto). The impulse of our old nature is to acquire something that is not ours by taking it, Paul says quit doing that. The second imperative is "let him labor". We Christians ought to work extra hard so that we have enough for ourselves, and even a little more so that we can give to those in need. In each case (verse 25, 26-27 and 28) doing the right and good thing is the antidote for doing the wrong thing. Praise God for our new nature which desires to do the good and right thing.

(April 28 2020) Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV) "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 Nor give place to the devil". The Apostle Paul in verse 17 said: "that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk", that we need to "put off" the old man and "put on" the new man (verses 22-24). In verses 25-32 Paul then tells us what that looks like. The first thing it means is to "put off" lying and "put on" the truth (verse 25). The second thing it means is to "put off" unrighteous anger and "put on" righteous anger (verses 26-27). There are four present tense imperatives in verses 26-27. An imperative is a command that expects obedience and in the present tense it means that it is something we need to do on a continual basis. The first imperative is "be angry" which seems odd, but it means that like God we are to be angry (have righteous indignation) at the right things, like sin, unrighteousness, injustice, etc. When anger is guided by righteousness and reason, just like God is angry at sin, it is a right emotion. The second imperative is "sin not" meaning that we are not to be angry (have unrighteous indignation) at the wrong things, that is sin. The third imperative is "do not let the sun go down on your wrath", which means that when we have unrighteous anger in our hearts, we are to deal with it right away, and not let it build up in our hearts. And the forth imperative is in verse 27 "Nor give place to the devil", which means when we are angry (have unrighteous indignation) in our hearts it gives the devil a foothold in our lives. When we harbor anger in our hearts towards someone it gives the devil permission to come in and perpetuate the problem, which he loves to do. Lord, please forgive us our sins, and would you help us to obey verses 26 and 27.

(April 27 2020) Ephesians 4:25 (NKJV) "Therefore, putting away lying, each one speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another". The Apostle Paul in verse 17 said: "that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk", that we need to "put off" the old man and "put on" the new man (verses 22-24) . Now Paul tells us what that looks like. The first thing it means is to "put off" lying and "put on" the truth. Ever since the fall of man (Genesis 3), it has been a characteristic of our fallen nature to lie. Literally Paul is telling us to quit lying to one another, that is a part of the old life. Lying includes not telling the truth, misdirection of the truth, exaggeration, insincere flattery, making promises we have no intention of keeping, etc. Aside from lying being a sin, Paul gives us an additional reason for not lying, because we are "members of one another". Why would one part of our body send false signals to another part of our body? In the same way Paul says let's not lie to one another, let's be truthful with each other, because we are members of the same body. Read First John 2:21 and Proverbs 12:19).

(April 24 2020) Ephesians 4:24 (NKJV) "And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness". Verses 22-24 is a statement of fact about us believers, that which is true of us because we are now saved. We have "put off" the old man (verse 22), we are being "renewed in the spirit of our minds" (verse 23), and just as we would put on a new garment after taking off an old filthy garment, we were taught by Christ (verse 20-21) to "put on the new man" (verse 24). The "new man" is our new nature which takes after God and no longer after man and his fallen sinful nature. The "new man" is created by God (a divine nature in us) and produces "righteousness" and "true holiness" (Read Second Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 3:10 and Second Peter 1:3-4). "Righteousness" is right living, and "true holiness" is separation from all that is worldly and contrary to God and to right living. Thank you god for what you have done and are doing in us.

(April 23 2020) Ephesians 4:23 (NKJV) "And be renewed in the spirit of your mind,". When we were saved, we not only were taught to "put off" the former life and conduct (verse 20-21), but we were also taught that our minds needed to be renewed (verse 23). Because man's sinful behavior flows out of a mind that is empty and a heart that is hardened (verses 17-19), our minds and thus our hearts need to be "renewed" (verse 23). For a change in behavior to happen, their needs to be a transformation (renewing) of our minds. Just like updating a computer file with a new file (overwriting the old information with new information), the worldly information in our minds, needs to be overwritten with the Word of God (Read Romans 12:2 and First Corinthians 3:18). It is in the "spirit of our minds" where our behavior and our moral compass is affected. Interesting to note that repentance is a change of mind with a corresponding change in behavior. Our minds need to "be renewed" daily and only the Holy Spirit can do that through the Word of God. The Word of God, through the Spirit of God, changing the child of God, making us more like God (Christ-like). We will never change apart from God's Word, it is our spiritual food and nourishment. Pastor Tom. (April 22) Ephesians 4:22 (NKJV) "That you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,". The Apostle Paul now explains what we believers have "learned" from Christ (verses 20-21). Verse 22 is a statement of fact concerning us believers. This is something that happened when we came to Jesus Christ and were saved. When we came to Jesus Christ we stripped off the old life like a dirty garment. We put off our former conduct, never to go back to it. Paul uses the term "old man" for our old sinful nature, our former life of sin. Paul says that our old nature is corrupt and in the process of continual decay. The "lusts" of our former life deceived us, never delivering what they promised and only lead us further away from God and His truth. Our old corrupt nature only lead us into more corruption (James 1:14-16). Paul is saying that we put off all of those sinful things when we got saved, let's not go back to those things. Amen!

(April 21 2020) Ephesians 4:20-21 (NKJV) 20 "But you have not so learned Christ, 21 If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:". The Apostle Paul is contrasting us (you) believers to the unbelievers he described in verses 17-19. Notice that Paul does not say: "You have not so learned about or even from Christ", but he says: "you have not so learned Christ". I.e. the message we believers have received is Christ, and the knowledge of Christ that we possess is personal. We have a personal relationship with Christ. When Paul says: "if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him", he uses the indicative mood which indicates a fact. I.e. we have personally heard Christ and have been personally taught by Christ. And notice Paul says: "as the truth is in Jesus". Jesus Christ is the truth and the source of all truth. The unbelievers mind is empty, darkened and abides in ignorance (verses 17-19), but we believers have received the absolute "truth" of and from Jesus Christ Himself. Paul will tell us what we have learned from Christ in verses 22-24.

(April 20 2020) Ephesians 4:19 (NKJV) "Who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to licentiousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness". The Apostle Paul in verses 18 and 19 explains why the unbeliever lives like they do, "walking in the futility of their mind" (verse 17). In verse 18 Paul explained that their "understanding is darkened", they are "alienated from the life of God", they are "ignorant" of truth, and their "hearts are being hardened". In verse 19 he further explains that they are "past feeling", they no longer feel the pain or shame of their sin. They then go even further and give themselves over to "licentiousness", which is unrestrained living, unbridled lust for that which God forbids. And then Paul says they: "work all uncleanness with greediness", which means impurity, filthiness and lewdness. The word "greediness", describes their craving of those things. Their downward spiral away from God and towards sin began in their minds (verse 18) made it's way to their hearts (verse 18) and eventually worked itself out in their lifestyle (verse 19). Thank God that that's the way we were, and not the way we are.

(April 17 2020) Ephesians 4:18 (NKJV) "Having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart;". The Apostle Paul now explains why the unbeliever lives like they do, "walking in the futility of their mind" (verse 17). First of all, the unbelievers "understanding is darkened". Since the unbeliever does not know God who created them and the world around them, they cannot properly understand themselves or the world around them. Secondly, they are "alienated from the life of God", who gives life, and being separated from God are actually in the process of dying in their sin. Thirdly, they are shut up to a continual darkening, being deprived of light, which is the truth of God, until they are "ignorant" of truth altogether (Romans 1:21-22). And fourthly, their "hearts are being hardened", The Old King James version says "blinded". Just like our eyes when deprived of light cannot see, so too the unbeliever comes to a place where they can no longer feel, their hearts become calloused (Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 12:34). Eventually their hearts become so hard, they cannot even hear the gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:13-14). Nothing is worse than what Paul describes here in verse 18. If you are saved, you ought to praise and thank God, that He opened your eyes to see.

(April 16 2020) Ephesians 4:17 (NKJV) "This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,". To walk means to live your life, to order your behavior. Walking also indicates progress, with a goal or purpose in mind. Back in Verse one, The Apostle Paul Said: "walk worthy of the calling with which you were called", now he says: "that we are not to walk as the Gentiles walk". Ethnically speaking Gentiles are non-Jews, but religiously speaking as Paul uses it here, Gentiles are unbelievers. The unbelieving world "walks" in the futility of their minds", in restlessness, aimless and with no purpose or goal except to please themselves (Jeremiah 2:5). As believers, we are not to live our lives the way that the rest of the world does. We are walk with a purpose and goal in mind, to be like Christ and become more Christ-like along the way of life.

(April 15 2020) Ephesians 4:16 (NKJV) "From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does it's share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love". When the Apostle Paul says "from whom" he is talking about Jesus Christ who is the head of His body, the church. Everything comes from Jesus Christ who is our head. We, the church must rely upon Jesus Christ for everything the body needs including our growth and maturity. Jesus Christ is the one who "knits us together". At the same time we are "knit together" by what "every joint supplies", by what we as individuals do in our serving each other in the body. When Paul says: "according to the effective working by which every part does it's share", he is talking about God's work in us enabling us to do our share (the work that needs to be done) in the church. God's part is to make us one (Ephesians 4:4-6) and to gift us and work in each of us so that we are able to do our share in the work. Our part in the body is to do our share of the work, that which God has called and equipped us to do. When that happens, it "causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love". In other words, when we in the church do our share, we too are benefited, we "edify ourselves". And notice carefully the motive in all this, "love". Love is the motive for our participation and our growth and edifying is the outcome.

(April 14 2020) Ephesians 4:15 (NKJV) "But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--". The word "but" is a word of opposition, "but" in opposition to being uninformed and immature, being "tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine" (verse 14), the church needs to "grow up" and become fully mature. The way that is accomplished is by "speaking the truth in love". The Apostle Paul's admonition is even stronger in the original Greek text than it appears in our English Bibles, it literally says: "truthing each other in love". We need to be taught what the Bible teaches (verses 11-14), and we need to practice what the Bible teaches among ourselves (verse 15). Maturity in the faith means that we ought to be able to tell each other what we need to hear and to do so in love. What Paul is talking about in verse 15 is our "integrity" with each other in the church. We will never "grow up" and become fully mature in the faith if we are not truthful with each other, and also willing to hear the truth about ourselves. Speaking the truth among ourselves is the loving thing to do. That's how we "grow up" in all things into Him. That's what Jesus Christ who is our head does, He "speaks the truth in love".

(April 13 2020) Ephesians 4:14 (NKJV) "That we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive,". The Apostle Paul has been talking about the giftings (apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastor-teachers) that the Lord Jesus Christ has given to the church for the "equipping" and "edifying" of the church (Ephesians 4:7-13). If the church is not properly "equipped" and "built up" by the word of God, there will be problems in the church. The first problem is immaturity, Paul says: "children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine". The church needs to be taught and learn the Word of God or it will not be able to recognize false doctrine when it shows up, and it will show up. The second problem is an inability to recognize false teachers, Paul says: "by the trickery of men, who in cunning craftiness lie in wait to deceive". The church needs to be well taught, and know the Word of God well enough so that it recognizes those who are teaching things contrary to the Word of God. The third problem is the resolve (spiritual tenacity) to deal with false teaching and false teachers when they do come. Paul deals with that in verse 15: "But, speaking the truth in love". Do you, do we as a church recognize false teaching and false teachers, and do we have the resolve to deal with it when it comes? Stay tuned.

(April 10 2020) Ephesians 4:13 (NKJV) "Till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;". When the Lord Jesus Christ ascended back into heaven, fulfilling all things, He gave gifted men to the church, namely apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastor-teachers, in order to equip and edify the church (Ephesians 4:10-12). Now Paul tells us the SCOPE and GOAL of their ministry in the church. The SCOPE of their ministry in the church is "until" we all come to what Paul calls "the unity of the faith". Until "we all", everyone in the church believes the same thing, that which the Word of God teaches. And "until" we all come to "the knowledge of the Son of God", until we all experience more of Jesus Christ, God's Son. The GOAL of their ministry is produce fully mature saints, "to a perfect man, to the measure of the fullness of Christ". When you break this all down, the purpose and goal of the church, while we are here on earth, is to Know Jesus Christ more and more and to become more and more like Jesus Christ. It's all about Jesus Christ, who is the head of the church. Amen!

(April 9 2020) Ephesians 4:12 (NKJV) "For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,". Verse 12 explains what the apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastor-teachers (verse 11) function in the church is, to equip and edify the church for the "work of ministry". The word that the apostle Paul uses here for "equipping" is a medical term used for the setting a broken bone, in order that the body can function properly. Then Paul uses the word "edifying" which is used of the construction of a house. God is building a house in which He dwells (the church) and we all have a place and function in that house. Every Christian has been gifted by God and has a place in the "work of ministry", serving God through our gift. The church is a training camp to prepare us Christians for service. We Christians all belong to something way bigger that just ourselves. We are a building of God, being used by God to reach our world for Christ. Keep building, brothers and sisters, it's a matter of life and death.

(April 8 2020) Ephesians 4:11 (NKJV) "And he Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,". When Jesus rose from the dead, He led those who were captive (O.T. saints) through Jerusalem in a display of victory (Matthew 27:52-53), and the spoil He gave to the church were gifted men (Ephesians 4:7-8). He gave some "apostles" "sent ones" ambassadors for the gospel. And He gave some "prophets", those who proclaimed the word of God, fore tellers and forth tellers of the word of God. And some "evangelists" who are bearers of the good news from place to place. And some "Pastors and teachers", literally pastor-teachers. In the early days of the church God used "apostles and prophets" as a foundation to build up the church, but now God is using "evangelists and pastor-teachers" to build up the church (Ephesians 2:20). There are also other giftings in the church listed in (Romans 12:6-8 and First Corinthians 12:8-10). Thank God for the gifts He has to the church for the evangelization of the world and the building up of the church.

(April 7 2020) Ephesians 4:9-10 (NKJV) 9 "(Now this, "He ascended"--what does it mean but that He also descended into the lower parts of the earth?" 10 He that descended it the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things)". Notice the Parenthesis, what that means is that verses 9-10 are a further explanation of the fact that Jesus first descended to this earth, then descended into the lower parts of the earth in order to lead captivity captive (verse 8), before He ascended back into heaven after His resurrection. In doing so Jesus filled "all things". Jesus filled all covenants and prophecies of Scripture, Jesus finished the work. The result of that work made it possible for God to not only accept those who are saved, but to gift the church. It also means that when Jesus ascended back into heaven, He returned to His sovereign rule over the universe (Co 1:18). Thank God.

(April 6 2020) Ephesians 4:8 (NKJV) "Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men". It was customary when a conquering King would come home after a victory, he would parade those he captured in battle through the streets of his city. The conquering King would also distribute the spoils from the battle among his people. In Isaiah 61:1 it says that when the Messiah came, He would "proclaim liberty to the captives, and open the prison of those who are bound". When Jesus died on the cross, His body was laid in a tomb, and His Spirit and Soul went to paradise, the abode of the righteous dead, where their spirits and souls were held (Matthew 12:40). On the third day, when Jesus conquered death, rising from the dead, He set those captives free (Matthew 27:52-53). Like a conquering King, Jesus also gave gifts to His people, the church. Those gifts are gifted men, given to the church to help fulfill the churches purpose here on earth (Ephesians 4:11-16). Jesus Christ is our King, He conquered death, and gifted us, the church in order that we might become fully mature and reach this world with the Gospel. Praise God.

(April 3 2020) Ephesians 4:7 (NKJV) "But to each of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift". The Apostle Paul in chapter 4:3-6 has been talking about the unity in the body of Christ, the church. Now Paul talks about the diversity within the body of Christ as far as spiritual giftings go. The same Holy Spirit that brings unity in the body of Christ also brings diversity in the body of Christ through different giftings of the Spirit. Though we believers are told to "endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace" (verse 3) that does not mean that we are a carbon copy of each other (First Corinthians 12:27). The first thing to notice about this diversity, the different giftings within the body of Christ is that "each one" of us has been given a spiritual gift (First Corinthians 12:4-11).The second thing to notice is that these giftings are given to us by "grace", meaning that none of us deserve these giftings. The third thing to notice about these giftings is that the "measure" of the gifting is up to Jesus Christ and Him alone, after all it is His body. Paul's point in all this, is that God's relationship to the church (the whole) is not only that, but it is also a personal relationship to every single individual member of the body of Christ. I.e. God not only knows our name, but He knows you name and He knows my name. God not only relates to the church as a whole, but also to us individually.

(April 2 2020) Ephesians 4:6 (NKJV) "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all". In verses 4-6, the Apostle Paul names seven things that we all have in common as believers, seven things that unite us in Christ. We are "one body", we all have "one Spirit", and "one hope", "one Lord", One faith", and we have all been baptized with "one baptism" into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. The seventh thing that unites us believes is that we all have "one God" (there is only one God) who is the Father of us all. We all have the same Father, God, and we are all His children, brothers and sisters in Christ (John 1:12). And our Father is "above all", meaning that He is sovereign over all, He is "through all", meaning He manifests Himself through us, his children, and He is "in all" of us. The truth is that we believers could not be more united to each other or more united with our God, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. We are "one" we are God's family.

(April 1 2020) Ephesians 4:5 (NKJV) "One Lord, one faith, one baptism;". In verses 4-6, The Apostle Paul names seven things that we all have in common that unite us believers (Ephesians 4:3). The first three were in verse 4, "one body", "one Spirit" and "one hope". Now in verse 5 Paul names three more. "one Lord", Jesus Christ is the head of the church, and we members of His church are all under one Lord, one head. "One faith", there is only one rule of faith, one body of truth for all believers, the Bible, and we have all placed our faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. "One baptism", there is only one baptism that places a believer in the body of Christ (First Corinthians 12:13). We believers are united together in "one body", by one Spirit", we all have "one hope", are under "one Lord", we all share "one faith", and we have all been baptized by "one baptism" into the body of Christ by the holy Spirit. We are absolutely one in Jesus Christ. Also read John 17:11. Let's endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit, Amen?

(March 31 2020) Ephesians 4:4 (NKJV) "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;". In verse 3 the Apostle Paul mentioned the "unity" of the Spirit, meaning that we believers though we are many are one in Jesus Christ. Now in verses 4-6 Paul shows seven things that unites us believers. Seven things that we all have in common as believers in Jesus Christ. The first is that the church is "one body" of believers, we are all united together in "one body". The second is that there is "one Spirit", meaning that the very same Spirit of God indwells all believers uniting them. The third is "one hope", all of us believers are called to the same hope, to someday be in heaven, in the presence of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. In First Corinthians 12:13 Paul said: "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body". As believers we are united in one body and united by one Spirit, making us one in Christ. Remember verse 3: "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace".

(March 30 2020) Ephesians 4:3 (NKJV) "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace". "Walking worthy of our calling" from verse one also means maintaining the unity between us believers that having the same indwelling Holy Spirit in us has created. We are one in Christ and with Christ. The word "endeavor" means to make every possible effort, to do so with eagerness and to do so on a continual basis. Just like in a marriage where the two have become one, there still needs to be effort to maintain that oneness, so too with our brothers and sisters in Christ (John 17:21). The bond, like glue that keeps us together is peace (also read James 3:16-18). According to James It is selfishness and pride that causes war, but wisdom and submission brings peace. People let's keep the peace, Amen? In verses 4-6 the Apostle Paul will show us the things that we have in common, that unite us, let's concentrate on those things.

(March 27 2020) Ephesians 4:2 (NKJV) "With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,". The Apostle Paul now explains what it means to "walk worthy" (from verse 1). It means to walk in "lowliness" which is humility, the opposite of pride. To be humble is to have a true estimation of ourselves in the light of God (Psalm 138:6). It means to walk in "gentleness" which is meekness, patient submissiveness, the lack of revenge. A gentle person is submissive, not contentious (Colossians 3:12). It is to be "longsuffering" which means to be long tempered. To be longsuffering is to be patient with others, and to patiently endure the wrong done to us by others (Psalm 37:7-9). To walk worthy also means "bearing" with one another, which is patients with the errors and weaknesses of others. A person who is "bearing" with others goes beyond just putting up with them, but actually loves them in spite of their weaknesses. And then Paul tells us how to do all this, it's by love. It is the love of God in us (Romans 5:5) that enables us to be all of these things. We can do it, as we rely upon the Holy Spirit and His power and love in us.

(March 26 2020) Ephesians 4:1 (NKJV) "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to have a WALK worthy of the calling with which you have been called,". The Apostle Paul was following a pattern in his letter to the saints in Ephesus. The first three chapters are all doctrine and are about our position in Christ, the key word is "sit". We are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that's our position. The next three chapters are all about our practice, the key word is "walk", which has to do with the way we live our lives as believers. Walking is the practical outworking of our heavenly position here on earth. Chapters 4-6 are all arranged around the word "walk" (Ephesians 4:1, 4:7, 5:2, 5:8, 5;15, etc.). To walk means to live out our lives, it implies effort, direction and a destination. The word "worthy" is used of the balance scales at the marketplace. The idea is that our walk needs to balance out with our talk, we need to practice what we preach. Our lives need to match up with God's calling on our lives (Philippians 1:27 and First Thessalonians 2:12). Simply put, we believers are called to be citizens of the kingdom of God, and we need to start acting like it. Amen? Chapters 4-6 will show us how to do that.

(March 25 2020) Ephesians 3:21 (NKJV) "To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." The Apostle Paul's ends his prayer for the saints (verses 16-21) by reminding us that all the glory belongs to God the Father and Jesus Christ for what He has done and is yet to do in and by the church. All the glory belongs to God, not just here and now, but forever and on into eternity. And then Paul says: "amen" which means we all agree. If you need to be strengthened inwardly, If you want Christ to settle down in our heart, if you want to experience more of God's love, and you want to be filled with the fullness of God, then this prayer is for you, make it yours. One last thing about this prayer, It's obvious by this prayer it that it takes prayer to make saints.

(March 24 2020) Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV) "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," The apostle Paul ends his prayer for the saints with a "doxology", which is a praise to God. Paul is reminding us that God has more than enough power and ability to do anything we ask or can even think of. In this case it power and ability to answer Paul's prayer for the saints in verses 16-19. Paul prayed for our spiritual strength, our spiritual fellowship with God, that we might experience more of God's love and that we might be filled with God. What a great prayer. We need to be reminded that God wants all of those things for us, and that we too can pray for these things and expect God to do them for us. Paul is absolutely right when he says "unto Him".

(March 23 2020) Ephesians 3:19 (NKJV) "To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God". The love of God surpasses knowledge. What that means is that no matter how much of God's love that we experience (know) on an individual basis, there are oceans more of God's love yet to experience. Paul also prays that the saints may experience All of God's love so that they would be filled with the fullness of God. I.E. to be filled with God is to be filled with God's love and to be filled with God's love is to be filled with God (Colossians 1:19 and 2:9). God is love (First John 4:7-16).

(March 20 2020) Ephesians 3:18 (NKJV) "(that you) May be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--". The Apostle Paul in his prayer for the saints in Ephesus, prays that they would be able to experience all there is of Jesus Christ and His love for them. According to Paul, it is the inner spiritual condition of our hearts that enables us to comprehend spiritual things, including God's love. We can only know God's love by personal experience, and so Paul prays that nothing would stand in the way of our knowing and experiencing God's love. Also note that God's love is so real and so tangible that it actually has dimension, "width", "length", "depth" and "height". Let's pray this for ourselves and for each other, and may nothing stand in the way of our knowing and experiencing Jesus Christ and His love.

(March 18 2020) Ephesians 3:17 (NKJV) "That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,". The Apostle Paul now prays for the churches fellowship with Christ. The word "dwell" means to finally settle down, to feel at home. It's true that Jesus Christ dwells in the hearts and lives of every single believer, but does Jesus Christ feel at home there? When Jesus Christ "dwells" and is at home in our hearts He is comfortable with what He sees in us and with the way we are living. Is that true of Christ in our lives? Have we completely opened our lives to Jesus Christ, and is He ruling on the throne of our hearts? Jesus Christ is either Master or mastered in our lives. Again, the question is not if the Lord Jesus Christ lives in our lives as believers, but is He at home in our lives.

(March 16 2020) Ephesians 3:16 (NKJV) "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man". The Apostle Paul here prays for the church in Ephesus. He prays that God would "grant them, according to the riches of His glory". The word "grant" means to bestow a gift. Everything that God does for us or gives to us is a gift, because we cannot earn it. Everything that God does for us is also "according to the riches of His glory", meaning in line with His glorious character. In his prayer, Paul prays four things for the church, Strength, Fellowship, Experience and Fullness. The first is in verse 16, "strength" in the inner man. There is an inherent weakness in all of us, and we so need His strength to live for Him, and do what He has called us to do. Notice that His strength comes to us through His Spirit, and His strength gives us the "might" ability to do what He has called us to do (Psalm 138:3 and Acts 1:8). We need to pray for God's strength, and pray for each other's strength as well.

(March 13 2020) Ephesians 3:15 (NKJV) "From whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,". The Apostle Paul is talking about all believers, all those who are a part of "God's family". God's family includes Old Testament saints, church age saints, tribulation saints, millennial saints and God's holy angels. Some of those saints have gone before us and are already in heaven, and others like us, are still on earth awaiting our heavenly glory. It's all part of God's master plan to bring together all things in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:10). We are all part of God's family and He is our Father. All unbelievers and unholy angels also have a father, the devil (John 8:44).

(March 11 2020) Ephesians 3:14 (NKJV) "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,". The Apostle Paul is going to record a second of his prayers for us in his letter to the Ephesians. Paul's first prayer for them was for their spiritual enlightenment (chapter 1:15-23), his second prayer for them is for spiritual enablement (chapter 3:14-21). Paul says "for this reason" I bow my knees. Because God is bringing all things together in Christ (chapter 1:22-3:12) Paul is led to prayer for the saints in Ephesus. Notice Paul's posture in this prayer, he bow's his knee. Whenever we pray we need to realize that we are talking to God our Father, the creator of the entire material and immaterial universe. And notice that Paul prays to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said: "whatever you ask the Father in my name I will do it". So we always pray to God our Father in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, who is our brother and according to Jesus Himself our friend. We can learn a lot from Paul's prayer.

(March 9 2020) Ephesians 3:13 (NKJV) Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory". It was J. Vernon Mcgee who used to say, "whenever you see the therefore, ask yourself what the therefore is there for". In this case the word "therefore" is pointing back to all that the Apostle Paul said in verses 1-12. Paul did not want the believers in Ephesus to be discouraged at his recent imprisonment because it too was all a part of God's master plan in bringing Jew and Gentile together in one body, the church. Most would have been discouraged, but Paul was encouraged because it was working out for their glory, for their good (Romans 8:18 and Philippians 1:12). What are you going through today? Whatever it is we have God's guarantee that it will work out for our good, for our eventual glory (Romans 8:28).

(March 6 2020) Ephesians 3:12 (NKJV) "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him". The blessings of being believers and being saved never seem to cease. Through Jesus Christ we have "boldness" which means freedom of speech, and "access" which means entree. One commentator says: "that friendly relationship to God whereby we are acceptable to Him and have the assurance that He is favorably disposed towards us". The word "confidence" means to be fully persuaded. We believers do not need to be shy when it comes to God, our Father in heaven. We can come to God anytime and be confident that He will hear us (Hebrews 4:16).

(March 4 2020) Ephesians 3:11 (NKJV) "According to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, ". God's plan of redemption for mankind included placing Jew and Gentile together in the church. God's plan of redemption is also according to His eternal purpose, I.E. God not only planned it all, but He carried it through and will continue to do so. God's primary agent in accomplishing His plan of redemption is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the epicenter of our redemption, and once redeemed Jesus Christ dwells in us and we are in Christ. And to top it all off, in eternity the glory of God and the wisdom of God will be displayed to His entire creation through Jesus Christ and what He did.

(March 2 2020) Ephesians 3:10 (NKJV) "To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in heavenly places,". God's plan to put Jews and Gentiles in one body, making no distinction between them was a part of God's plan and purpose from the beginning. The "principalities and powers in heavenly places" that Paul mentions here are God's holy angels. It is through the church and God's dealing with the church that God's holy angels see "the manifold wisdom of God". I.E. the angels, as spectators of God's plan of redemption for humanity see a greater display of God's wisdom and grace that they have seen even being in His presence among them. The church is a university where the angels of God can learn more about God than they could otherwise. Also read First Peter 1:12. Our God is wise and gracious even beyond the comprehension of holy angels.

(February 28 2020) Ephesians 3:9 (NKJV) "And to make all people see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;". The Apostle Paul's mission was to communicate to everyone everywhere, what the church is all about. To let the world know that both Jew and Gentile would fellowship together in the church. The mystery of the church was hidden in the counsels of God from the beginning of time, but was now being revealed to the world, the world that God created via Jesus Christ. God had us, church age believers in mind from the beginning of time. Thank you God.

(February 26 2020) Ephesians 3:8 (NKJV) "To me, who am less than the least of all among the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,". The Apostle Paul was humble, thankful that God would use him in the ministry of the gospel (First Corinthians 1:26-27, First Timothy 1:13). Paul realized that God using him was something that he did not deserve, it was by God's grace. One of Paul's objectives was to preach the "unsearchable riches of Christ". The word "unsearchable" means past finding out, something that man can never fully understand. We will never fully comprehend all that Jesus Christ is and all that He has done for us in salvation (Romans 11:33). But that does not mean that we should not seek to know all that we can about Jesus Christ. Amen!

(February 24 2020) Ephesians 3:7 (NKJV) "Of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power". When the Apostle Paul says "of which" he is talking about the gospel of Jesus Christ which he mentioned back in verse 6. Paul says that he became a minister, literally a servant of God, by the grace of God. Paul did not make himself a minister, he did not wake up one day and say, I think it would be neat to be a minister. Paul was an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God (Ephesians 1:1), and by the grace of God. Paul's service to God was in the gospel, getting the good news of Jesus Christ out to a dying world. And the power to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ was also given to him by "the effective working of God's power". As servants of God we must also be empowered by God to do what God has called us to do.

(February 21 2020) Ephesians 3:6 (NKJV) "That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,". The Apostle Paul in this verse further explains "the mystery of Christ" and it's benefits for the Gentiles. The mystery was not that the Gentiles would be saved (Genesis 12:3, Romans 9:24-33 and 10:19-21), but that they would be saved alongside of the Jews and placed in the same body, which God calls the church. All earthly distinction between the Jews and Gentiles is done away with in the church (Ephesians 2:14-15, and Colosians 3:10-11). The Gentiles would also receive the same benefits, be "fellow heirs" and "partakers" of "His promise", the indwelling of the Holy Spirit upon Salvation. It is "the gospel" (good news) of Jesus Christ that makes all of this possible. P.S This does not mean that Israel (Jews) will not retain their national identity in the Millennium and on into eternity, they will.

(February 19 2020) Ephesians 3:5 (NKJV) "Which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:". This "mystery of Christ" (verse 4) was revealed to the apostles and prophets of the church age by the Holy Spirit, and then communicated to the individual churches. This "mystery of Christ" was not revealed to those of previous ages, e.g. the Old Testament saints, like Abraham. Abraham knew that God was going to bless and save the Gentiles (Genesis 12:3), but he did not know about the church, or that the church would include saved Jews and Gentiles. The Disciples of Christ did not even know of this "mystery", the church and the age of grace, they thought that Jesus was going to set up His kingdom right then and there. By the way this verse (Ephesians 3:5) is additional proof of the doctrine of dispensationalism, the fact that God has dealt with men differently in other ages (also read Ephesians 1:10 and 3:2). Thank God for the church age, this age of grace.

(February 17 2020) Ephesians 3:4 (NKJV) "By which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),. It was by direct revelation from God that the hidden purpose of God ("the mystery of Christ") was made known to the Apostle Paul. A mystery in the Bible is something that was not previously revealed, but has now been revealed by God. The "mystery of Christ" is that Jesus Christ is the head of a brand new society of people, called the church, consisting of both saved Jews and Saved Gentiles (Verse 6). This "mystery of Christ" is something that God wants us to understand. People do not become a part of the church by agreeing to a churches membership requirements, but by believing in and receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Romans 10-9-10).

(February 14 2020) Ephesians 3:3 (NKJV) "How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I wrote before in a few words." A mystery in the Bible is something that was not previously revealed, but has now been revealed to us by God. The "mystery" Paul is talking about here was revealed to him by direct revelation from God, and became scripture (the Word of God) when God had Paul write it down for us. In chapter 1:9-14 the Apostle Paul mentioned this "mystery", the mystery of His will, that in our time God might gather together all things in Christ, both in heaven and on earth and place them in one church. Paul will further explain this "mystery" in verses 4-13. Thank God for His church and the privilege of being a part of it. Do yourself a favor and read ahead.

(February 12 2020) Ephesians 3:2 (NKJV) "If indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,". A "dispensation" is a period of time in which God deals with man in a certain way. From the time of Moses until the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ God dealt with mankind according to the law, a "dispensation" of the law. Now that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again from the dead, God is dealing with mankind according to grace. The church age of which we are in is a "dispensation" of grace. Grace means that God does for us what we could not do for ourselves, we are "saved by grace". The term "dispensation" also speaks of an administrative responsibility given to a servant. God gave the Apostle Paul the responsibility to spread the word about the "dispensation" of grace, and thank God that Paul took that responsibility seriously. Thank God that we are saved by grace, and not through our own performance, because none of us could be saved.

(February 10 2020) Ephesians 3:1 (NKJV) "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles--". "For this reason" points back to what the Apostle Paul had said in chapter 2:11-22 which dealt with the wall of separation that existed between the Jews and the Gentiles, but was done away with when Jesus died on the cross, giving both Jews and Gentiles equal access to God. When Paul ponders what Jesus did for both Jews and Gentiles he begins to pray and then he gets sidetracked thinking about it and does not actually begin to pray until verse 11. Note also that though Paul was a prisoner of Rome, he considered himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Paul was in jail because he insisted on preaching that the Gentiles were also a part of God's household (verses 11-22) and that pitted the Jews against him. Thank God for the Apostle Paul's tenacity and commitment to the truth of the gospel. How committed are we to the gospel of Jesus Christ?

(February 7 2020) Ephesians 2:22 (NKJV) In whom you also are being built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit". God no longer dwells in a temple made with hands, He dwells in the lives of church age believers (First Corinthians 3:16 and 6:19). "You" refers to Saved Gentiles who are being built "together" with saved Jews, and being placed in the church and are now a dwelling place for God through his Spirit. In Ephesians Chapter two we believers have been "made alive (together) with Christ" (Verse 5), "raised up (together) with Christ" (Verse 6), made to "sit (together) in heavenly places in Christ" (Verse 6), are being "joined (together)" (Verse 21), and are presently "being built (together) as a habitation for God" (Verse 22). Our God, the only true and living God actually lives in us. God can choose to dwell anywhere in His entire universe, and He has chosen to dwell in us. What a blessing.

(February 5 2020) Ephesians 2:21 (NKJV) In whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,". "In whom" refers to Jesus Christ (verse 21) who is the Chief Cornerstone, the most important part of the building, the architect and the master builder of the building, which is the church (Matthew 16:18). This building of God (the church), is composed of born again believers who are saved during the church age, which began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and will be completed at the Rapture (First Thessalonians 4:13-18). We believers are presently being "joined together" which means joined closely to Jesus Christ and to each other in the construction of this building, the church. The end product is a "holy temple" in which the Lord Himself dwells (verse 22). Also read Ephesians 4:16 and First Peter 2:5. When the last church age believer is added to the church, the church will be completed and we are going up in the Rapture, Hallelujah.

(February 3 2020) Ephesians 2:20 (NKJV) "Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,". The church is the "household of God" (verse 19), a building of God whose foundation is the teaching of the apostles and prophets, the old and new testaments. The proper construction material for the church is Bible doctrine, teaching from the Bible (Matthew 28:20 and First Corinthians 3:10-17). The most important part of this building of God (the church) is Jesus Christ, He is the "Chief Cornerstone" (Isaiah 28:16). Everything in the building of God (the church) must line up with the "Chief Cornerstone" or it will be off. Without the "Chief Cornerstone" the building will not stand.

(January 31 2020) Ephesians 2:19 (NKJV) "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,". Through Jesus Christ we are no longer just guests in God's house, we are actually members of God's household, we are a part God's family along with all the "saints". A “saint” is someone who is set apart unto God. God separated believers from both Jews and Gentiles and formed a new entity, the church, the household of God. “Saint” is a title of honor for one who belongs to the church, the household of God.

(January 29 2020) Ephesians 2:18 (NKJV) "For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father". Through Jesus Christ, both Jew and Gentile have access to God the Father. This access is possible because the Holy Spirit lives in us who believe, both Jew and Gentile. "Access" is the ability as well as the authority to approach the unapproachable God (Romans 5:2 and Hebrews 4:16). And, did you happen to notice the "Trinity of God" (Father, Son and holy Spirit) all mentioned here in the same verse?.

(January 27 2020) Ephesians 2:17 (NKJV) "And He came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near". The word "preach" means to proclaim. When Jesus Christ came to this earth He proclaimed the good news of the gospel, the gospel of "peace" to the Jews (those who were near), and to the Gentiles (those who were far off). Jesus through His death on the cross made peace between God and man and between Jew and Gentile possible. In verse 14 it says that "He Himself is our peace". The gospel of peace continues to be proclaimed by the church (His body on earth) to both Jews and Gentiles.

(January 24 2020) Ephesians 2:16 (NKJV) "And that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity". In one act, the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, God has "reconciled" both Jew and Gentile back to each other, back to Himself, and placed them both in one body (the church). To "reconcile" means to exchange hostility for friendship, to restore to a condition which was lost (because of sin), and to restore peace (First Corinthians 10:17, Ephesians 4:4 and Colossians 3:15). The death of Jesus Christ on the cross also put to death the enmity (hostility) between God and the sinner). God, thank you for the Cross.

(January 22 2020) Ephesians 2:15 (NKJV) "Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,". Jesus Christ, by His death on the cross "abolished" the enmity (hostility) that stood between the Jews and the Gentiles. Abolish means to do away with, to annul. The Old Testament law, contained in ordinances (orders) put both Jew and Gentiles at odds with God and with each other, because The Jews had them and the Gentiles did not, and neither could keep the law. By His death on the cross Jesus, abolished that which stood between Him and the Jews, Him and the Gentiles, and between the Jews and the Gentiles. The result was that one "new man" was formed from the two (Jew and Gentile). No longer Jew or Gentile, but one "new man" in the church. Both Jew and Gentile can only come to God through Faith in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross and not in their own performance, their keeping of the law. That's good news, that's the gospel. Praise God.

(January 20 2020) Ephesians 2:14 (NKJV) "For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of division between us,". Jesus Christ is "our peace". It's not just that He made peace between us (Jew and Gentile) but He Himself is our peace. Isaiah 9:6 says that Jesus is "the Prince of Peace". Peace means to bring two together, who had previously been at odds. This peace is two-fold, peace between Jew and Gentile and peace between the sinner and God. What human effort could not do, what the law could not do, what animal sacrifice could not do, Jesus Christ Himself did through His death on the cross (John 10:16 and Galatians 3:28). Jesus also broke down the "middle wall of division" between us. There was an actual wall of separation between the court of the Jews and the court of the Gentiles on the temple grounds in Jerusalem. That wall of separation represented all the things that separated the Jew from the Gentile (circumcision, the law, their diet, their ceremony, etc.) which created hostility between the two. Thank God that Jesus Christ broke down that wall of separation, so that in "Christ Jesus" we Jews and Gentiles are one, and we now have complete access to God.

(January 17 2020) Ephesians 2:13 (NKJV) "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been made near by the blood of Christ". The Jews were "near" to God because they were God's covenant people, they were circumcised and had all of the privileges and benefits that the Apostle Paul mentioned in verse 12. The Gentiles were "far" from God because they were not God's covenant people, they were not circumcised and did not have all of the privileges and benefits that the Jews did. But "now" the Gentiles have been made near to God because of the blood of Jesus Christ. The way to God has always been through sacrifice, and now through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His death on the cross, both Jew and Gentile can approach God (Hebrews 10:19). Jesus by his death on the cross has closed the gap between Jew and Gentile, and between us and Himself. Thank you Jesus for bringing us near to God.

(January 15 2020) Ephesians 2:12 (NKJV) "That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world". The Apostle Paul is explaining how far away we Gentiles are from God before we come to Jesus Christ. First we were "without Christ", we had no connection to the Jewish Messiah whatsoever. Secondly we were "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel", as Gentiles we had no God given religion, no God given government, and no promise of a coming kingdom. Thirdly, as Gentiles we were "strangers from the covenants of promise", no promise of God's blessing, no promise of a land, no promise of a king to rule over us. Fourthly as Gentiles we had "no hope", no God given direction in life and no promise of a future. And fifthly we were "without God in the world", no God to worship and no one to turn to in a crisis or time of need. Before we came to Jesus Christ we were far away from the Jew who had God and we were far away from God. What a miserable place to be. Thank God for Jesus Christ who makes believing Jew and Gentile one, and places them in the church.

(January 13 2020) Ephesians 2:11 (NKJV) "Therefore remember that you, once gentiles in the flesh--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands--". The Apostle Paul is reminding saved gentiles in the church of Ephesus of the great things that God has done for them in salvation. Reminding them that God delivered them from the barrier of circumcision that stood between the Jews and the Gentiles. The Jews considered the Gentiles heathen because they were not circumcised. And though the Jews were circumcised, it was only outward in the flesh and not a matter of the heart. When God saved the Gentiles he also delivered them from the distance that stood between them and the Jews, placing then in the same body, the church. Both Jew and Gentile are now one in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:28). Let's never forget what God has delivered us from, Amen?

(January 10 2020) Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them". We are God's "workmanship", meaning that it was God's work that saved us and not our own. We are not saved by our "good works", but we are saved for "good works". The "good works" we now produce are the result of our spiritual union with Jesus Christ. Good works which glorify God, which God has prepared for us to do even before we are saved. Whatever "good works" that we now produce are produced by Christ in us, so that He gets all the glory. God has done it all, from start to finish, so that here is no boasting (verse 9). We cannot boast in our salvation because God did it, and we cannot boast in what we have become because of our salvation, because it is Christ in us producing those "good works". The word "workmanship" comes from the Greek word "poem". Once saved, we are God's poem, an expression of Jesus Christ to the world around us through "good works".

(January 8 2020) Ephesians 2:9 (NKJV) "Not of works, lest anyone should boast". In Ephesians 2:8-9 God tells us four things about His salvation. Salvation is by grace, salvation is through faith, salvation is the gift of God, and salvation is not earned. I.e. God gets all the glory for man's salvation, and absolutely no one can "boast" about being saved. The Amplified version of the Bible (Ephesians 2:8-9) says: "For it is by free grace that you are saved, through faith, and this salvation is not of your own doing, it came not through your own effort, but it is the gift of God". Amen.

(January 6 2020) Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV) "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,". This is one of the verses that every one of us believers ought to commit to memory. The salvation that God offers to everyone is offered to everyone as an act of God's grace. Grace means that God gives to us what we do not deserve, could not earn, and could not purchase even with all the money in the world. The way that we sinners access God's gracious offer of salvation is through faith. When we place our faith, our trust in Jesus Christ and what He did for us on the cross by dying for our sins, instead of trusting our own performance, our own goodness, God saves us from our sins. God's offer of and granting of salvation is not in response to something we do or do not do, it is "not of yourselves" it is the gift of God. Our salvation is by grace, it is through faith, and it is a gift from God. Thank you God, for your unspeakable gift.

(January 3 2020) Ephesians 2:7 (NKJV) "That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus". The word "show" means to put on display. By saving us and seating us at His right hand in heaven (verse 6), God is putting His grace on display for all of heaven to see. We who least deserve salvation are trophy's of God's grace, and His grace will be displayed in us in time and eternity.

(January 1 2020) Ephesians 2:6 (NKJV) And raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,". As believers we are no longer in Adam, we are now "in Christ", a part of Christ and our new identity is "in Christ". So that when Jesus Christ was crucified, we being "in Christ" were crucified with Him (Romans 6:3). When Jesus Christ was buried, we being "in Christ" were buried with Him (Romans 6:4). And when Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, we being "in Christ" were raised together with Him (Romans 6:4-5). But that's not all, we believers were also "raised up together" with Christ, and have been "made to sit together" with Christ in heaven. Meaning that as believers, our position in Christ is settled in heaven forever (Philippians 3:20-21 and Colossians 3:1). Sitting is the position of rest, and our being seated with Christ in heaven speaks of the fact that our salvation is done, it is finished. Oh, one other thing, being seated together with Christ in heaven means that we are also seated at God's right hand with Jesus Christ is. Praise God.

(December 30 2019) Ephesians 2:5 (NKJV) "Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), "Thank God that He did not wait until we cleaned up our act to save us, or none of us would be saved (Romans 5:8). Thank God that we have been made alive "together" with Christ (Romans 6:3-8). What that means is that the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead resulted in the impartation of divine life for those who believe. Then Paul uses an interjection (by grace you have been saved) to further explain what God did for us in salvation. The unending state of us believers in salvation could not have been put in stronger terms. Thank God again, that through Jesus' death and resurrection, God gave us what we did not deserve and could not earn, eternal salvation.

(December 27, 2019) Ephesians 2:4 (NKJV) "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us". Before we came to Jesus Christ and were forgiven for our sins, we were "dead in trespasses and sins" (Verse 1), "sons of disobedience" (verse 2) and "children of wrath" (Verse 3), "But God", stepped in. What this is is divine intervention. Because of His love for us, God who is "rich" in mercy has mercy on us. Mercy is God not giving us what we deserve. It is God's love that motivates Him to have mercy on us sinners (John 3:16, Romans 5:8 and First John 4:9). Thank you God for your love and mercy.

(December 25 2019) Ephesians 2:3 (NKJV) "Among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others". Before we were saved, we were all carnal, following the desires of our flesh (Titus 3:3), and of the mind, even our thought process was corrupt (Romans 8:7). We were not living to please God, our creator, but were living to please ourselves, the creation (Romans 1:25). Before we were saved we were also "children of wrath", destined to experience the wrath of God because of our sin and rebellion (John 3:36 and Romans 6:23). Jesus said "you must be born again, or you will not see the kingdom of God". Thank God for Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers us.

(December 23 2019) Ephesians 2:2 (KNJV) "In which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience,". In Chapter two, verse one the Apostle Paul said that before we were saved we were "dead" to God, dead in our trespasses and sins, in verses 2 and 3 Paul explains the results of being dead to God. As unbelievers "we walked according to the course of this world", we followed the ways of the world who does not know God. In doing so we actually following the devil in his rebellion against God (First John 5:19). He is the spirit that is now working in the "sons of disobedience", influencing them away from and against God. As the devil is working among the unbelieving world, influencing them in sin and rebellion, God is working in the world to influence them in righteousness and godliness. Thank God that this is no longer the way we are but, the way we were (Ephesians 2:4-7).

(December 20 2019) Ephesians 2:1 "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,". This is what we believers "were" before we came to Jesus Christ and had our sins forgiven. We were dead spiritually, separated from God and the truth of God, and headed for an eternity in Hell, separated from God and everything that is good. We were dead in "trespasses and sins", the plural suggests repetition. To "trespass" is to cross a boundary, it is willful disobedience to God. To "sin" is to miss the mark, to fail to live up to God's standard of right and wrong. We have all trespassed and we have all sinned, over and over again. Read Isaiah 53:6, Ezekiel 18:4, Romans 3:10-18 and 3:23. Thank God it says that we "were" dead, past tense, meaning that we are no longer dead to God, no longer dead in trespasses and sins. And not only that, but now that we are saved, we are "alive" to God, aware of and connected to God and His ways. In salvation God imparts to us His divine life by regeneration, being born again. The contrast between us in our old life and us in our new life could not be farther apart. We are no longer dead, but alive. Praise God.

(December 18 2019) Ephesians 1:23 "Which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all". The church of Jesus Christ is "His body", the body of Jesus Christ. The church is not merely an organization of which He is president. The church is a body of believers in vital union with Jesus Christ, having His life in them and deriving their direction and power from Him. The "fullness of Him who fills all in all" means that He dwells in the church and that the church is filled with God. Jesus Christ fills the universe with all things. He creates, sustains, and pervades the universe (4:10; Co 1:16-17; He 1:3). He fills the universe with His presence. He upholds everything. He governs all things by His omnipresent power, and Jesus Christ is pleased to dwell in us. Jesus Christ is the head of the church, which is endowed by God to fulfill His purpose on earth. The church is His instrument on earth to communicate His truth and love to the unsaved world, around them.

(December 16 2019) Ephesians 1:22 "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,". This verse is a quote from Psalm 8:6, where it says that God gave "The Son of Man" (Jesus Christ) dominion over all "the works of His hands". Here in Ephesians 1:22, the Apostle Paul applies this to His church. Jesus Christ is the "head" of the church meaning that He holds the place of prominence. God has placed Jesus Christ as head over all things concerning the church. Have you placed Him as head over you and your life? If not, it's time to give Jesus Christ His rightful place in your life (John 1:12, 3:16 and Romans 10:9-13).

(December 13 2019) Ephesians 1:21 "Far above all principally and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come". The Apostle Paul in talking about the power of God towards us who believe is describing the fact that God's power has no limit. God's power (meaning His ability) is far above all "principally" meaning high ranking angels, far above all other "power" which is delegated authority, far above all other "might" which is dynamic, far above all other "dominion" which is lordship, and far above any other "name" which means character, not only on earth but in heaven, and not only now but forever and ever. Paul's whole point in his prayer for us believers (verses 15-23) is that we would realize that Jesus Christ's victory is ours as well because of our union with Him. Thank you God for the prayer.

(December 11 2019) Ephesians 1:20 "Which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,". The Apostle Paul is talking about the "mighty power" of God in the believers behalf as it is related to their salvation (verse 19). It was God's mighty power at work that raised Jesus Christ from the dead and placed Him at His own right hand in heaven, and that same "mighty power" of God is at work in our salvation. God is more powerful than anything and anyone else, and everything and everyone else combined (Jeremiah 10:12 and 32:17, Psalm 66:7 and Matthew 28:18). The same life giving, resurrection power of God saves us, sanctifies us, and secures our salvation, We literally can't loose, Amen?

(December 9, 2019) Ephesians 1:19 "And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power". This is the Apostle Paul's forth petition in his prayer to God in behalf of the saints in Ephesus. Paul wants them to know of the "power" that God exercises in behalf of believers in reference to their salvation. Paul here uses four words for God's "Power". The first is (dunamis) dynamic ability, the second is (energeia) energy put forth, the third is (kratos) manifested strength, and the forth is (ischous) inherent strength. God uses all of this power in securing our salvation. Praise God. God help us to understand what you have done for us in securing our salvation.

(December 6 2019) Ephesians 1:18 "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,". In the Apostle Paul's prayer for the saints at Ephesus, he asks five things of God. The first was in verse 17, that God would give them "the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him". Secondly, Paul asks for "spiritual enlightenment" for them, so that they can understand the things that God has done for them. Thirdly, Paul asks that they "may know what is the hope of His calling". God has called them, and (us) all who believe in Jesus Christ to spend eternity with Him in glory, as joint heirs with His son Jesus Christ. And forth, Paul asks God that they might know "what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints". Meaning that we would understand that God's inheritance, what God Himself gets out of our salvation is us. One translation puts it this way: "that we would realize that God has been made rich because we who are Christ's have been given to Him"). We are absolutely dear to God and precious in His eyes. Wow, very humbling. What a blessing to know that God is going to be enriched by us.

(December 4 2019) Ephesians 1:17 "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,". This is the first part of the Apostle Paul's prayer for those in the church at Ephesus in (verses 17-23). Paul prays to God the Father, "the Father of glory", whom we have access to through His son Jesus Christ. Paul asks God to give them "the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him". Knowledge is the acquisition of information, and wisdom is the application of that knowledge, we need both. We need God to reveal to us knowledge about Himself, and give us the wisdom to apply that knowledge to our lives. To know God should be the pursuit of our lives, and yet it is humanly impossible to know God unless He reveals Himself to us (our spirits) through His Spirit (read John 17:3 and First Corinthians 2:9-14). Let's pray this for ourselves and for other believers we know, amen?

(December 2 2019) Ephesians 1:16 "Do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers". It was the Apostle Paul's habit to pray for the people and churches that he ministered to (also read Romans 1:8, First Corinthians 1:4, Philemon 1:4, First Thessalonians 1:2). It's important that we pray for others, and it is important that we let them know personally that we are praying for them, like Paul did. Let's try to be more like Paul in his prayers for others. Amen?

(November 29 2019) Ephesians 1:15 "Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and and your love for all the saints,". The Apostle Paul after founding the church in Ephesus about five years earlier, is now in prison and cut off from them. But while in prison he hears from others about the faith and love of those in the church in Ephesus. What great news for the Apostle Paul. Faith is trust and reliance upon the Jesus Christ and His word, and love for others is the outcome and expression of that faith. Faith is about our relationship to Jesus Christ and is vertical, love is about our relationship to others and is horizontal. The same thing is said about the church in Colosse (Colossians 1:4). This brings up a good question, what are people saying about our faith and love?

(November 27 2019) Ephesians 1:14 "Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory". The "Who" of verse 14 is the "Holy Spirit of promise" from verse 13. The K.J.V. of the Bible uses the word "earnest" instead of "guarantee". The word "earnest" means deposit or down payment, and was used of the engagement ring in the Greek language of the first century. An earnest indicates a deposit which guarantees that the full amount will be paid. God has given us who believe in Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit, who takes up residence in us, and is Himself the guarantee that we will be fully redeemed some day. Our souls and spirits have already been redeemed, at the rapture of the church our bodies will also be redeemed (First Corinthians 15:51-53 and First Thessalonians 4:13-18). We believers have been justified, we are being sanctified, and we will someday soon be glorified, our mortal bodies will also be redeemed, made brand new, without sin (Romans 8:22-23 and Philippians 3:20-21). In essence the Holy Spirit in us is a little bit of heaven, here on earth until we get to heaven for good. When we are finally and fully redeemed, our redemption will be “to the praise of His glory”.

(November 25 2019) Ephesians 1:13 "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.". Here in Ephesians 1:13 is God's plan of salvation. A person first hears the "word of truth" which is the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we have heard the "word of truth" and believe, by placing our faith and trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation, we are then "sealed" with the Holy Spirit of promise. God puts His seal of ownership on us by giving us His Holy Spirit. A seal in scripture signifies several things, a completed transaction, ownership and security. A seal in the ancient import/export business showed ownership and guaranteed the packages arrival at its destination. God gives us who trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, His Holy Spirit, the mark of His ownership, guaranteeing our arrival in heaven (Read Romans 8:9, Galatians 3:14 and James 4:5). It's His promise to us.

(November 22 2019) Ephesians 1:12 "That we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory". We who first trusted in Christ (the Jewish Messiah), refers to saved Jews, the first ones who placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, were saved and thus became a part of the church. Though both believing Jews and Gentiles are incorporated into Christ's church, the Jews were the first ones. Salvation has always been to "the Jew first and then to the Gentiles" (Romans 1:16). These same Jews were the first ones to "obtain an inheritance" which Paul mentioned in verse 11. The result of God saving these Jews, inheriting them and then placing them in the church is to the praise of God's glory. God get's all the glory for the great things He has done. Amen? God's praise and glory are the ultimate end of His plan of redemption.

(November 20 2019) Ephesians 1:11 "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,". So far in Ephesians chapter one, verses 3-10, we believers have been Chosen, Adopted into God's family, Accepted, Redeemed, Forgiven, and Enlightened. Now the Apostle Paul adds to that list of eternal blessings an Inheritance. We are God's heirs, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:16-17 and Galatians 4:7). The Apostle Peter said that this inheritance is "Incorruptible, un-defiled, does not fade, and is reserved in heaven for us" (First Peter 1:4). God did this because He wanted to, it was His will. How could we ever thank God for all that He has done for us? We are eternally blessed.

(November 18 2019) Ephesians 1:10 "That in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth-- in Him,". Verse 10 is an explanation of "the mystery of His will" from verse 9. The word "dispensation" in verse ten has to do with a particular period of time in which God deals with mankind in a particular way, such as "the dispensation of grace", the church age which we are presently in. God has a master plan and purpose for humanity, and there are several "dispensations" in God's master plan. We, the church are a part of God's master plan, but we are only a part of a much larger plan. When the succession of the ages "dispensations" has come to a close in the plan of God, which the Apostle Paul calls "the dispensation of the fullness of times", God will bring everything together in Christ. In "the dispensation of the fullness of times" the material universe which has been cursed by sin, will be brought back to it's pristine state and an eternal endless age will begin. Old Testament saints, New Testament saints, Tribulation saints, Millennial saints, (which includes saved Jews, gentiles and the church), the angels and all of God's redeemed creation (animate and inanimate) will all dwell together in perfect harmony with Jesus Christ, because of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is cause and focal point of the entire universe. Amen and Hallelujah.

(November 15 2019) Ephesians 1:9 "Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,". A "mystery" in the Bible is a truth that we can only know if God Himself reveals it to us. It is God's "will" to reveal His eternal plan of redemption through Christ to those who believe in His son Jesus Christ. There are two Greek words translated "will" in the New Testament. One word for "will" is desire based upon reason, and the other is desire based upon emotion. The one used here is desire based upon emotion. It was God's desire based upon His love for us that moved Him to reveal His plan of redemption to those who believe in His son Jesus Christ. Paul says that making His will known to us was "according to His good pleasure". God's pleasure is not arbitrary, or by whim, God always acts based upon what is good, in this case what is good for us. And God not only revealed His "will" to us, by his "good pleasure", but He did so with a purpose in mind, which we will see in verse 10.

(November 13 2019) Ephesians 1:8 "Which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,". In verse eight, the Apostle Paul develops "the riches of His grace" towards us from verse seven. Reading verses seven and eight together it says: "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according the the riches of His grace, In which ("the riches of His grace") He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,". In God's redemption of us and His forgiveness of our sins, His grace was manifested above and beyond. His grace is more than enough to save and keep for eternity, everyone who comes to Him through Jesus Christ for salvation. When Paul said "in all wisdom and prudence" he is talking about the superior intelligence and understanding of God. God in His wisdom and prudence graced us beyond human reason and comprehension. God's plan of salvation for mankind is not only gracious it is extremely intelligent. Thank you God.

(November 11 2019) Ephesians 1:7 "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace". The word "redemption" means to be purchased and set free by the payment of a price. We believers have been purchased by God and set free from our slavery to sin, and our sins have been forgiven by God, through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ, His death on the cross (Romans 3:24 and First Peter 1:18). We now belong to God. The Apostle Paul says, "according to the riches of His grace". It is because of God's grace that we have been redeemed and set free, and there is no end to the "riches of God's grace". We have been set free from the curse of the law (Galatians 5:1), set free from the power of sin (Romans 6), and set free from the power of satan (Colossians 1). Our sins have been forgiven, and we are God's possession. Praise God.

(November 8 2019) Ephesians 1:6 "To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved". By saving those who do not deserve to be saved (that would be us), God is putting the "Glory of His grace" on display. When we realize How glorious His grace is, we can not help but praise Him. Because of God's glorious grace, He has "accepted" us in the "Beloved" meaning His beloved son Jesus Christ. We have been accepted by God the Father because we believers are "in" Christ and Jesus Christ is the object of the Fathers eternal everlasting love. Being in Jesus Christ, we too have become the objects of that same love. We are both "accepted" and "beloved" by God the Father, because of what His son Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. There is no greater display of the glory of God's grace, than God sending His son to die for our sins. Praise God and His glorious grace.

(November 6 2019) Ephesians 1:5 "Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will". "Predestined" is the English translation of the Greek word (pro-orizo), pronounced (pro-ho-rid-zo). Predestine comes from two words, (pro) which means before and (horizon) which means boundary. To predestine means to mark out a horizon, to set a boundary beforehand. Predestination is God determining something beforehand so that it will in fact happen. What Ephesians 1:5 is saying, is that God put a plan into effect beforehand to adopt us believers as sons into His family. And the reason that the apostle Paul gives for God adopting us as sons, is because He wanted to, it was "the good pleasure of His will". Some say that God predestined some to be saved and others for hell, but the Bible never says that. That is false doctrine. Ephesians 1:5 has to do with us believers being adopted as sons into God's family. I for one am not going to argue with that, Amen?

(November 4 2019) Ephesians 1:4 "Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,". One of the spiritual blessings that the apostle Paul was talking about in verse 3 is the fact that God "chose us in Him", to be in His Son Jesus Christ (John 15:16). God chose us before the foundation of the world, before we did anything good or bad. He chose us for no reason in us, but according to His purpose (Second Timothy 1:9 and Colossians 1:21). God not only chose us for no reason in us, He chose us for Himself. We believers are God choice, and God's choice of us is as eternal as God is. Because God chose us to be in Jesus Christ, we will someday be holy and without blame before God, absolutely perfect in His sight. We believers are blessed by God beyond measure. Praise God.

(November 1 2019) Ephesians 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blesses us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,". The word "blessed" means to speak well of, to adore. Here it is an adjective describing the worthiness of God to receive our adulation. Our God and father has blessed us with every spiritual blessing that is necessary for our sojourn here on earth. These blessings have their roots in heaven where God dwells, and are spiritual, eternal and heavenly as opposed to material, temporary and earthly. The reason God has given us these heavenly blessings is because we are "in Christ" and are actually citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). The apostle Paul uses the term "in Christ", because we believers are not just with Christ but actually "in" Christ. We believers are eternally connected to Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ is eternally connected to us. We are blessed by God beyond our comprehension. Praise God.

(October 30 2019) Ephesians 1:2 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ". The Apostle Paul greets those in the church in Ephesus with the words, "grace and peace". Paul uses that greeting is all his letters. Grace is God giving to us what we do not deserve, and peace is the absence of strife in the middle of trial, we need both. According to the rules of Greek grammar, connecting "God our Father" and "the Lord Jesus Christ" in the same sentence like Paul does here, is making them connecting equals. It is a reminder of the deity of Jesus Christ, who is not only equal with God, but who is also God. What a wonderful greeting that Paul gives from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen?

(October 28 2019) Ephesians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:". Paul was a Jew who was converted to Jesus Christ in spite of his best efforts to put an end to Christianity and those who followed Jesus Christ (Acts 9:1-6). God not only saved Paul, but God had a plan and a purpose (a "will") for Paul. God sent Paul to tell others about Jesus Christ. That's what an apostle is, a "sent one". Paul is addressing this letter to the church, to the believers in Ephesus, who he calls "saints". The word "saint" means holy one, one who is separated from the world and separated to God. The believers in Ephesus were not only "saints" but were "faithful", faithful to God and faithful to each other. And then Paul says they were "in Christ Jesus". We who believe in Jesus Christ are also "saints", are "faithful" and are "in Christ Jesus". And so this letter is for us. Let's take it in and apply it's truths to our lives.

We at Calvary Chapel of Reno Sparks would like to hear from you and send you some materials to help you grow in your relationship with Christ. You can email us at: info@calvarychapelreno.org



Recent Messages

Pastor Andrew Morales - Paul's Charge to Timothy |   Wednesday, March 11, 2020 : 1 Timothy 1:1-11

Bible Prophesy - People Get Ready |   Sunday, March 8, 2020 - Matthew 25:1-13

Pastor Juan Rodriguez |   Wednesday, March 4, 2020 : Genesis 49 - 50
Listen to more Bible Studies by Pastor Tom here.

Revelation Verse-by-Verse

About Pastor Tom

Pastor Tom Luitwieler Tom Luitwieler grew up in Southern California, and graduated from high school in 1970. It was in 1980 that someone gave Tom one of Pastor Chuck Smith's books on Bible Prophecy called "End Times". He devoured the book in one evening and immediately knew that it was the truth, and that he needed to have Jesus Christ in his life.

It was then that Tom began to sense his need for Jesus Christ, but there was only one problem, he did not know what to say to Sandie, (the woman he was living with), they were not married, and he knew it was wrong.

What he did not know was that Sandie's sister and her sister's husband (who were Christians), and lived across the street from Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa had been praying for them. They would pray for them and when the opportunity presented itself, would share the Lord with them.
Read more here...




Contact Us

We at Calvary Chapel of Reno Sparks would like to hear from you.

You can email us at: info@calvarychapelreno.org or give us a call at (775)856-1110.

Join us for one of our services:
Sunday: 9:00am & 10:45am
or
Wednesday: 7:00pm

We are located at:
220 Edison Way, Reno, Nevada


Driving directions here.


Steps to Knowing Jesus

1) Admit your spiritual need. We are all sinners...people don't always like that title. The one word that defines all sin is the Greek word "harmatia" which means, "to miss the mark." What is God's mark? Jesus said, "Be perfect as My Father in heaven is perfect." Unless a person is perfect, he has missed the mark; therefore, he is a sinner. Romans 3:23 states "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

2) What is the result of sin? In Romans 6:23 we read, "The wages of sin is death..." Every one of us has missed God's mark. Every one of us falls short of being perfect. We are getting only what we deserve, and we are bringing judgment upon ourselves. One thing we need to remember is that God never sends anyone to hell. We send ourselves there by rejecting His truth.
Read more here...



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