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
. . . [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 […]
A Dream
I liked to watch Maggie, the golden sunlight glinting off her hair, her skin glowing like the day, and her tiny features all abloom with the innocence of childhood. This particular day, she sat in her sandbox sifting sand, her chubby legs soaking up warmth from the sand below and sun above. Her baby-plump fingers […]
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
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
. . . 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
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
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
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?
Essays in Ephesians #7
What is the greatness of His power? And what is the greatness of His power toward us who believe? I wish I knew; it eludes me. It’s the power of a love so vast and incomprehensible I can’t imagine it. It’s the power that created this universe and all that’s in it. It’s a power that is greater than any other authority, power, dominion, office or person . . .
Essays in Ephesians #6
It’s not always easy to see Jesus. That’s why Paul asked God to give believers a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.Jesus Himself said,I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted Him by the Father. (John 6:65) Even His disciples were blind to his identity. His revelation was progressive. Despite all the miracles revealing . . .
Knowing God through His Word — Part 20
Words about Jesus bounce off many people. I’ve a friend who seems deaf to my kind of faith in God. She is a “good” person—moral, honest and caring. She truly does her best. She is confident of her place with God;. But I’m not as confident. Hoping I don’t judge, I continue to wonder . . .
