Essays in Ephesians #19

Essays in Ephesians #19

. . . what was unknown to the sons of men in other generations has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Ephesians 3:5-6 The […]

Essays in Ephesians #18

Essays in Ephesians #18

Ephesians! Remember? You already know God’s given me a special grace—one just for you.

Essays in Ephesians #17

Essays in Ephesians #17

Can you identify with imprisonment—for any reason? If not in jail, have you ever felt caged in by illness or depression, a limiting job or a controlling system? Do you know…

Essays in Ephesians #16

Essays in Ephesians #16

. . . in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2: 21-22 Israel had known God’s glory— through centuries of sporadic yet repeated divine-human interaction through their kings […]

Essays in Ephesians #15

Essays in Ephesians #15

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, Ephesians 2: 19-20 So then, you are— not a stranger to God, but a friend, a […]

Essays in Ephesians #14

Essays in Ephesians #14

. . . [Jesus] reconciles us, both Jew and Gentile, to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility between us.  And he came and preached the good news of peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access by […]

Essays in Ephesians #13

Essays in Ephesians #13

Have you ever actually experienced your own twenty-first century version of this verse? Have you ever  far off from God and His promises and then, by faith in Jesus Christ, come near to Him and learned that His promises are true?

Essays in Ephesians #12

Essays in Ephesians #12

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called the “uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that […]

Essays in Ephesians #11

Essays in Ephesians #11

. . . so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one […]

Essays in Ephesians #10

Essays in Ephesians #10

Occasionally, the Holy Spirit brings a passage to life so fully that it’s almost impossible to write about it. For me, each phrase in this text triggers worship and gratitude to God. So instead of writing about it poorly, I’ve chosen quotations from others to jump start your own reflection, gratitude and worship. Ponder the words with me—and add your own thoughts to  your own reflection, gratitude and worship.

Essays in Ephesians #9

Essays in Ephesians #9

This Essay on Ephesians 2:1-3 is more lively than most because I share a few personal eye-opening encounters with the “prince of the power of the air.” It’s long, but alive. And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of […]

Essays in Ephesians #8

Essays in Ephesians #8

What does it mean to you and me that our Father in Heaven gave absolute dominion to His Son and then His Son —and then gives Jesus’ life and power to us?