Studies from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians
Why did God create the universe? It appears that the production of his church was at the heart of his purpose. The wisdom of God is most fully revealed in the heavenly realm through the church. We are a demonstration of the wisdom of God to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realm.
I was lost in sin, and in rebellion against God. But God loved me so much that, in mercy, he reached out to me with his offer of salvation and made me alive in Christ. It is by grace that I was saved, not by anything that I did, or could do. Forever thankful that I did not refuse his gracious offer.
As you pray, both for yourself and fellow believers, seek for spiritual enlightenment. The insight to understand the hope we have in Christ, our treasured place with God, and his power which is at work in and through us.
God blesses all people in the physical realm. But those who are in Christ also are spiritually blessed. The spiritual blessings he give include: being chosen to be holy in God’s sight; predestined to sonship; redeemed by the blood of Christ; and the knowledge of God’s will. Praise God for his many blessings!
Being saved is a common theme in the New Testament. “What must I do to be saved?” is followed by “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Scripture talks about salvation in past, present and future tenses. We talk today about being saved, and about our salvation experience. And at times the question is raised about whether or not one could lose their salvation. And I admit to having been on both sides of this debate over the years. But recently I have come to have an entirely different perspective on salvation, when it occurs, and …
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 …