Category: Ephesians - Jethro TOOLS

Downward Spiral of Sin

4/12/2026

Genesis 3:1-7
Beliefs mattered to the early church. Around 400 AD there were two men who took opposing views on the issue of the original sin that started in the Garden of Eden and the sinful nature that has been passed down through generations. The first man is Pelagius. He rejected the idea of original sin and instead argued that humanity has the capacity to obey and follow God’s law perfectly. On the other side of the debate is Augustine, who believed in the complete sinfulness of man and the need for man to completely depend on the grace of God for salvation. Today, we face a growing and concerning trend in that people believe they are basically good. Studies show that even church attenders do not believe that they are sinful and in need of God’s grace. This trend is worsening in the younger generations. The deceitfulness of Satan still reigns as he still tries to convince people that they are good without God. The problem is this the same argument that was used in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. The opening verses of this chapter describe a downward spiral of sin. First there is Satan and the deceptive temptation (1), which is followed by the distortion of God’s words (2-3). The next step down involves doubting God (4-5), which leads to desiring other things apart from God (6). Finally, the first human couple disobey God’s direct command and thus commit the first sin (7). Their broken moral character is now passed down from generation to generation. We can choose to follow sin or we can choose to follow Christ. I exhort you, as does Augustine from the pages of history, call out to Christ for the forgiveness of sin and the salvation of your soul. We are not able to fix ourselves. We as sinners (Romans 3:10-11, 23-24), must depend on a gracious God who loved us and gave Himself for us (Ephesians 5:2).

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Call to the Culture

1/18/2026

Ephesians 6:19-20
What is an ambassador? If you are a car enthusiast you will recognize that Nash Motors and later AMC produced a full size car called the Ambassador. There is also a widely popular Indian vehicle named the Ambassador. However, an ambassador is more than just a car. An ambassador describes a type of person who plays a specific role as an official appointed representative. On the governmental side, this requires a wide array of knowledge, language and communication skills and then being sent to a specific country. A person could also be a brand ambassador who promotes a certain product as an influencer. In general, an ambassador is sent by an official, to represent them, and communicate for them. In Ephesians six, Paul states that he is an ambassador (20). He understands the role of an earthly ambassador and he transfers that idea into the spiritual arena. Paul is asking that the Ephesian believers would pray for him to be a faithful ambassador of Jesus (19). He has a responsibility and a privilege to be given the role. Paul has gained this position because of his belief in Jesus as His Savior. He now carries the gospel message of good news that Jesus forgives sin and reconciles the sinner to God. The sole desire of Paul is to complete the mission as an ambassador and deliver the message of Jesus faithfully, with boldness. But notice that Paul is in chains. He has been imprisoned because of his belief in Jesus. Even though his circumstances are limiting, his only concern is fulfilling his duty and carrying the message of Jesus to others. We, as believers, are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19-20). We are to be like Paul and faithfully deliver the message that Jesus has changed our life. Our purpose as ambassadors is to be on God’s mission, delivering His message of hope and forgiveness to our culture. Our world is waiting. We must be faithful ambassadors.

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Courage in the Culture

1/11/2026

Ephesians 3:12-21
Obstacles and opposition; these are the problems that courage overcomes. However, as I stood shaking, my courage was gone. Zip, zap, gone. It all started with an invitation to an obstacle course. Two unimposing poles stood in the clearing. The challenge was to climb the first pole, stand on the top and then jump and grab on to the second pole. Sounds easy, right? Even with safety ropes and a harness strapped to me the pole still swayed. Somehow I managed to climb up and stand on the flat top of the pole that was no larger than a small dinner plate. That is when it hit. I lost all courage and excitement for this insane adventure. It is amazing how I could stand on almost nothing and the eight feet to the next pole was an impossible leap of faith. I froze in fear. I had lost my courage to overcome the obstacle. The same in true in our lives. Fear keeps us from moving forward, while faith motivates us with the knowledge that nothing will harm us. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church, chapter three is the transitional hinge from theological truths to practical application. Paul closes the first half of the letter with a prayer for their inner strength (16). He does not pray for external or physical solutions, instead, he prays for their inner perspective. He desires that they know Christ and His power and love for them (17-19). At the point of salvation the believer in Jesus positionally comes into instant possession of all the resources available in Christ. Paul is challenging His readers to not only believe in their head, but know experientially by faith, the vast resources of Christ that give freedom to live courageously for Christ. Knowing Christ is like the safety line on the obstacle course. That relationship allows us to courageously take steps of faith in obedience to Christ call. That perspective and practice is counter to our culture.

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Counter to the Culture

1/4/2026

Ephesians 1:17-23
Fitting in, as people we are created for relationships and desire acceptance. Yet at times we are willing to compromise our values and beliefs to gain the fleeting praise and acceptance of others. This is simply called peer pressure. We often think of this term in relation to teenagers who are pressured by their peers into making unwise decisions. However, we can be pressured to conform even when we are older. It is often said that, “Everything is for sale and everyone has a price.” The book of Daniel records perhaps the best recognized examples of a response to peer pressure. The first chapter records Daniel and his three friends in a foreign land in training to serve the king. Daniel resolved in his mind not to defile himself with the food that was unclean and unacceptable by God’s standards (Daniel 1:8). Later in the book the three friends of Daniel are threatened with death if they did not worship the gold statue of the king. In the face of immense pressure they reaffirm their belief in God to deliver, and their resolute refusal not bow to the statue (Daniel 3:16-18). Where does that kind of confidence come from? In Ephesians chapter one Paul prays that the Ephesian church will know God better (17). He prays that they will know the hope, riches and power found only in knowing God (18-23). Our hope is based on Christ and not on what we dream to achieve. Our wealth is found in a merciful God who lavished on us the gift of His Son who died for us to make it possible for us to become part of His family. The same unmatched power that God used to raise Jesus from the grave is now resident in the one who places their faith in Christ to save them. Through God’s power we can withstand temptations and live counter to the pressures found in our culture.

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Sufficiency of God

9/21/2025

Habakkuk 3:3-19
Recently I watched an actor portray Lewis Sperry Chafer giving a speech, as part of a centennial celebration at Dallas Theological Seminary. In the speech Chafer is attributed as saying, “It is not the size of the man that counts. Not even the size of the dream. Rather it’s the size of the God who gives the dream to the man.” Our aspirations, however big or small are finite compared to the all powerful work of the all powerful God who can do more than we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20-21). God is never limited by humanity, but we as people are limited by our view and practice of confident faith in a sufficient and sovereign God. How we view God and His power makes all the difference to our perspective, and practice of faith. Habakkuk was enabled to see God and His sovereign power at work (3-7). God’s power is displayed through His unchangeable nature. Like Habakkuk, we also can have a confident hope in God who is faithful and unchanging. Even though our world is constantly changing God does not. Habakkuk closes out this chapter with his song honoring God and the confident faith that He instills within the prophet (16-19). Habakkuk confidently states that he has found God to be sufficient in all areas of his life even if everything is taken away (17). His joy is in God who saves him (18). Like Habakkuk our life is to tell the story of God’s sufficiency. He alone enables us to live a new life free from fear of the uncertainties and perils and to declare His supreme greatness. God is sufficient. Through Jesus, He has come to give us hope and conquer the control of sin in our life. Like Habakkuk our purpose is found in praising God’s work. Our proper view of God’s sufficiency and strength will guide our life and practice of walking by faith. God is enough.

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What do others say about us?

6/16/2024

Ephesians 6:21-24
Over the years people have sought to memorialize themselves or others through witty phrases etched on their tombstone. One of those sayings that has been used by several is, “I told you I was sick.” What would you think if you saw that on a tombstone? You might think the person had a sense of humor, or perhaps someone else was doing their best to describe this character. When a person passes away it is a serious time for remembrance and reflection. This should cause us to pause, with some sober thought, and ask “What will others say of us when we are gone?” I believe that question is the challenge behind the closing verses in the book Ephesians. In closing out this letter Paul begins his conclusion to Ephesians 6 by describing a faithful brother, Tychicus (21-22). This man was noted as a dear brother and faithful servant. One who is deeply appreciated and loved as a brother, and one who dutifully and consistently meets the needs of others through his service. Tychicus was the one who carried this letter to the church and Paul used him as an illustration of unity and service in the body of Christ. This beloved servant of the church had been changed through his belief in Jesus as savior and sought to continue to show his love for his savior through his dedicated service. In our world today, the temptation is to make our efforts about ourselves and for our benefit. Paul noted just the opposite about Tychicus. His faith in Jesus transformed his life and his love for others. Tychicus served because the grace of God, and Jesus as his savior made all the difference in his life. Just like Tychicus, may others remember our love and service for our savior.

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Walk in Spiritual Victory

6/9/2024

Ephesians 6:10-20
Growing up in the country of snow and ice there was a simple process that was repeated in the fall and spring of each year. That project was changing car tires from summer tires to winter tires. Summer tires were good for dry or perhaps even wet roads, but winter tires were essential for traction in snow, and especially grip on ice. The main difference between winter and summer tires were the steel studs that are installed in the tread that provided control in slippery, ice covered road conditions. In Ephesians 6:10-20 Paul closes out his practical emphasis to the Ephesian church by challenging them to walk in spiritual victory and use the spiritual armor that God provides. Throughout this section of verses Paul describes the battle armor of the Roman soldiers that was known by his audience. Paul uses that that picture of armor to illustrate spiritual truth when dealing with the real enemy, Satan (12). In verse 15 Paul address the feet of the soldier that provide a foundation, direction and stability. Each soldier would strap a sandal to their foot that would have small nails in the soles. These prepared sandals would guard against slipping in battle. Likewise, Paul reminds the Ephesian believers that their security in life and stability in spiritual battle are found only in the gospel of peace (15). The schemes of the devil may be difficult and distracting. However, the one who believes in Jesus as savior finds the ability to remain calm even when under attack. Do we use what God has given to us when facing spiritual battles? We are in a real battle with a real enemy who seeks to destroy us. We need real protection and real power to stand in opposition to the enemy. The good news is that stability is found through trusting Jesus as savior. In Him we find peace in conflict, a firm foundation of grace, and the ability to stand without slipping when under attack.

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Walk at Work

6/2/2024

Ephesians 6:5-9
If you are coasting through life that means you have found an easy path with little to no effort. If you are coasting through work it means that you are doing a little work without much effort. The problem is, working with the coaster. Those that actual put effort into their work get frustrated with having to carry the extra burden from an underperforming coworker. Perhaps you have had to do that, I know I have, and it is not a fun. The term coasting has recently been updated to quiet quitting. This new term began to be used during the covid pandemic when many worked from home. Quiet quitting describes a person who does as little as possible without getting fired. They are coasting. The stated reason that many quiet quit is that they do not feel appreciated and valued. This was also an issue as Paul wrote to the Ephesian church. To put it simply, if you have experienced God’s grace displayed through Jesus Christ and trusted Him to save you from sin, then you also need to imitate that grace toward others in your work place. Paul first addresses slaves, explaining that obedience to the master is to be done with respect and sincerity thus showing God’s grace (5). The purpose of this obedience is found in doing what God wants (6). Work place difficulties are exaggerated by people who work half heartedly. Paul challenges the believing slaves, in the Ephesian church, to do their work well because, in essence, they are working for the Lord (7) and He is the one that will reward their effort (8). However, Paul does not make this a one sided conversation. He challenges the masters as well to serve and honor their slaves so they understand how God values them (9). As we have seen though out Ephesians, God’s grace brings about a transformation in our life. God’s grace should also change everything about our work.

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Walk as a Family

5/26/2024

Ephesians 6:1-4
I have an old dog. For those of you who have had old animals, you can relate. This old dog, like others that I have had, has become disinterested in food. I have realized this and have tried to keep her healthy by making her meals more exciting. I am now sprinkling the magical pixie dust of parmesan cheese on her food. Now, every meal is a treat of spaghetti and meatballs. It is funny to watch her apathy at every meal turn into excitement which turns into an appetite, which leads to nutrition and then good health. Similarly, our lives as believers are strengthened by feeding on God’s Word and then excitedly living out the truth through His grace and strength that He provides. That is what Paul wants from the Ephesian believers as he writes to them in Ephesians 6:1-4. Paul first addresses children, challenging them to live obediently toward parents and honor them (1-3). Then he turns his attention to fathers, or more accurately parents by encouraging them in the proper use if their authority within the home (4). Paul desires for his audience to truly be changed by God’s grace so it is displayed in the home and shown as an example to the community. Today, we need to understand that God’s grace changes us at the cross when we believe in Jesus for salvation. God then enables us, through His grace, to live a transformed life with His power by His Spirit. Parents need to understand that the purpose of their parental responsibility is to show God’s transforming grace and not bend children to their will. Children need to understand that their obedience is a sign that God has truly changed them to ultimately honor Him. Like an old dog, our life is renewed by God’s grace and that should excite us, transform us and change our families.

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Walk in Marriage

5/19/2024

Ephesians 5:22-33
A mirage is an optical illusion that appears to be real. However, in reality it is not there. For example, on a hot day, the right conditions in the atmosphere can create an optical illusion or mirage. The surface of a road may look like water. It shimmers and appears to be real, but the farther you drive the more the illusion seems to shift and disappear. In Ephesians 5 Paul provides practical teaching on what the marriage of a believer in Jesus is to be like. This is not to be an illusion that just tricks the eyes of everyone else. In the book of Ephesians Paul is emphasizing the grace of God and how that changes our life. In the first three chapters Paul highlights the theological truths that change us at salvation. Now, in the final three chapters Paul emphasizes how the reality of God’s grace should change the way we live. Our belief in the good news and message of salvation through Jesus changes our heart, while His example provides the model of how we are to live. Paul relates that truth to marriage by illustrating the fact that a marriage relationship is not based on rights, expectations and privileges. Instead, a believers marriage relationship finds its substance in submitting, serving and sacrificing. Those words are hard for self centered people. Yet, when those actions are given with grace and believed by faith, that God will use our actions for His honor, a healthy marriage becomes a reality and not a mirage. Is the message and model of Jesus sacrifice and service reflected in your marriage, or is your marriage just a mirage of what it could be? As Paul illustrates in Ephesian 5:22-33, your marriage is to be a living relational model of a new spiritual reality that displays your relationship with Jesus.

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Walk in Wisdom

5/12/2024

Ephesians 5:15-21
The terms wise guy and wise man are different. A wise guy refers to a person who makes sarcastic responses. However, on the other hand, a wise man is different. In the second term, wisdom is used to describe the person that does wise things. So what is wisdom? How is true wisdom different from someone using a witty comeback? In order to effectively answer that question we must clarify the difference between knowledge, understanding and wisdom. First, knowledge is knowing what is right. This is knowing in your head what is the right response. Second, understanding is discerning what is right. This is understanding the right response to the situation. Third, wisdom is practicing what is right. Wisdom takes the knowing plus the understanding and turns it into doing what is right. As Paul continues his letter to the Ephesian church he address the practice of wisdom as it relates to the life of the believer. Paul challenges his audience to walk in wisdom (15-16). So how do we live a life that is noted for wisdom? Paul provides four pointers designed to help the believers in Ephesus and us today. First, wisdom is learned from God (17). Knowing God and His will for our life is the beginning of wisdom. Next, Paul points out that wisdom in the life of the believer is the result of God’s Spirit having control of the believer (18). What fills us is what controls. Is the Spirit of God in control of your life? Third, wisdom is spoken to others, but it comes from an attitude of joy that displays the spiritual foundation of our words (19-20). Finally, wisdom is lived relationally as we honor God by submitting to others (21). God will transform us by His power as we seek His ways and His wisdom. James 1:5 says that if we lack wisdom we should ask God for wisdom.

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Walk of Love and Light

5/5/2024

Ephesians 5:1-14
There is an old saying that states, “A fake is a cheap imitation of the real thing.” Allow me to add to that… A fake is a cheap imitation of the real thing that looks good on the outside, but on the inside it lacks substance. In other words, I could illustrate that concept with a piece of jewelry. A real piece of jewelry will be made with gold or silver through and through. However you can get an imitation jewelry set for children that is not authentic. It may have the shine on the outside but it is lightweight and made of plastic. As we continue in our study of Ephesians, Paul also continues his practical emphasis of the how the believer is to live that he began in chapter 4. As we turn the page to chapter 5, Paul challenges his audience to be imitators of God (1). He first explains that the one who believes in Jesus as savior is to walk or imitate a life of sacrificial love as modeled by Jesus (2). However, people have a tendency to twist and corrupt what God designs as good. Paul warns the Ephesian church against the self centered, sinful perversion of love, and following falsehood instead of God (3-6). Paul then shifts his thinking to talk about living or walking as children of light (7-8). We imitate God by participating in what is spiritually healthy and fruitful, and not the deeds of sin (11). Paul is trying to tell his audience that they need to allow the reality of their salvation to seen by those around them (11-13). Just as a flashlight has no power on its own apart from the battery, so those who believe in Jesus are to utilize His power to live. In doing so, we let His light shine through us, to guide others to Him, as the true source of real life change.

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New Life New Walk

4/28/2024

Ephesians 4:17-32
In 1979, a new television show aired that was called This Old House. That show has now been produced for 45 seasons. Each half hour show records the process of how a team of workers completely transforms an old house into a new one. While the house will still retain its recognizable historic and architectural lines on the outside, on the inside it is completely different. From cracked foundations to rotten timbers and broken windows, everything is made new because of the master carpenters and their unwavering effort. In much the same way, we have a master carpenter at work in our lives. From the moment we trust Christ as our Savior the transformation process begins. In the book of Ephesians, Paul emphasizes how God’s grace, displayed through Jesus Christ, changes everything and makes us new. What we see in Ephesians 4:17-32 is similar to what we see on This Old House. Paul discussed a practical transformation from old too new, from broken to functional, from decay to delight, all at the hands of the master carpenter, our God and Savior. Paul reminds the Ephesian believers to not be corrupted by, and insensitive to, sin as they were in their previous lives before knowing Christ (17-19). He then calls them to live holy lives that are made new by God in true righteousness and holiness (20-24). Finally, Paul leaves the Ephesian believers with the challenge to live new lives (25-31). The practice of this new life and new walk displays the reality that their relationship with Jesus Christ has truly changed them. Like that church, we are challenged by Paul to live new lives that are modeled after Jesus Christ (32). The final result, like a restored old house, is that we are on display for all to see the greatness of our God, who transforms us from broken too beautiful.

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Tools for a Purpose

4/21/2024

Ephesians 4:7-16
We all like a nice gift, don’t we? We like to receive gifts that suit our desires and benefit us personally. On the other hand, we may refuse a gift that is unattractive or that we find unsuitable and therefore unusable. But what about the thoughtful gift? What about the gift that is beneficial for today and many years to come? At one time, my father gave me a gift like that. In fact, I still have it today. The gift was a small tool set that included a hammer, a square, a tape measure, wrenches and a pair of blue pliers. Over the years I used those tools for various projects. In the process of using those simple tools I learned how to use them. For example I learned that its best to pound a nail with a hammer, but a pliers may be a useful tool to remove a bent nail. My father gave me these tools to learn how to use them, with the goal in mind to use them to help him. The same is true with the church. God our Father has given various tools to the church to be used to build the church. In Ephesians 4 we see that God gives gifts as He determines for the ultimate benefit of the body (7-11). The problem for us today is that we want a gift that we think will benefit us. However, God’s purpose of giving each one in the body a gift is that they function in a way that will bring maturity, stability, growth and connection to each other (12-16). The only way that these gifts bring these results is when they are used in serving others. As each gift is used in serving we are to keep in mind that Christ served us. He sacrificially served us for our benefit and we are to serve sacrificially for the benefit of others. Our Heavenly Father has given us a set of tools, let’s put them to use!

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The Unifying Bond

4/7/2024

Ephesians 4:1-6
Have you ever glued your fingers together? You may have been working on a project and accidentally gotten some on your fingers. That, is a problem! Glue is not the normal unifying factor for our fingers. Glue on our fingers is a false form of unity. In reality, our fingers are held together and supported by muscles, bones and skin. But, our fingers are not isolated. They are an essential part of our greater body. They must be properly united to the rest of our body for the health and proper functioning of the body. Glue on your fingers is a false form of unity that will not allow proper function. The same is true in the church. In the book of Ephesians, Paul leads the church to understand that unity comes through belief in Christ and what he as done for them on the cross. In writing Ephesians 4:1-6 Paul addresses three important factors of unity. First, our unity to Christ will influence our personal life (1). Paul was writing from prison. He was placed there because of his beliefs and teaching about Jesus. Second, our mutual unity with other believers is practical (2-3). A true believer is Jesus will live a life of faith in Christ through the practice of humility, gentleness and patience with others. Finally, our unity as believers has one foundation, Jesus Christ (4-6). Here, Paul lists seven foundational requirements for unity. Our world will seek unity based on human standards and arbitrary preferences. However, unity within the church, God’s body, is based solely on His work and His standards. Problems in the church arise when we as people decide that our unifying connection is something other than Jesus Christ. By using the glue of false unity we find that our faith has lost its true unifying connection to Christ and the ability to live using His strength and power in our life. May Christ alone be the one that connects and empowers us for His service.

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Spiritual Battle - Complacency and Self Confidence

5/7/2023

Ephesians 6:10-13
On April 15, 1912 the British passenger ship, the Titanic, sank after hitting an ice berg off the coast of Canada. The ship itself was a masterpiece of the current technology. The safety features of water tight compartments made it seem that it was supposedly unsinkable. The problem is that it was sinkable. As the boat hit the iceberg it dented the side of the ship in a way that caused the seams in the metal hull to open and allow the sea water to rush in. The end result is the tragic loss of life that is remembered still to this day. The most difficult thing about this event is that the captain had been informed of icebergs in the area but chose to ignore the warnings given. Complacency and self confidence sank the Titanic. Are we not much the same? We hear the warnings of temptation and sin from others and Scripture, yet we think that it can’t happen to us. We believe that we are spiritually strong, yet, like the Titanic, that can also be our weakness. We can become complacent and spiritually self-confident in our response to spiritual temptations, threats, and trials that are real battles in our spiritual life. Paul understood this as he wrote to the believers in Ephesus. In Ephesians 6, Paul closes out the book by describing one final way the believer is to respond to life. In reality this is probably the most important. Paul explains the spiritual battle (13) and the reality of the enemy, Satan (12). He reminds his readers, and us today, of the need for God’s protection (11) and God’s power (10) to withstand Satan and the spiritual battles. Just like an iceberg, the battles we face each day contain much more below the spiritual surface. We need to be aware of spiritual complacency and self-confidence. These issues can sink us just like the Titanic.

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What Will You Do With Jesus?

4/10/2023

Luke 24
It all began a week ago. There was a thump on the window and then thrashing and scratching. This continued for days until I finally caught a glimpse of a Robin staring at the window and then attacking the window in defense of its territory. The problem is that the Robin was fighting the reflection of its own image. Research has informed me that eventually the love sick Robin will stop, and tend to caring for his nest. In his angry little bird brain the Robin only sees a rival and a threat, not reality. We approach Easter and the resurrection in much the same way. On Easter we come face to face with the intersection of divinity and humanity. Jesus as a man died, but as God He was raised from the dead and returned to life. That is the dilemma the people in Luke 24 faced. At the resurrection of Jesus there were questions of belief (1-12). However, His followers publicly proclaimed that the resurrection is a reality. That was followed by the searching questions from two of His followers. However, Jesus met them, and pointed them to the Scriptures and the necessity of His death to pay for sin (13-27). Salvation is possible through belief in Jesus Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ and not by anything we can do on our own. Jesus paid our debt of sin and because He lives we can have new life through Him. Our faith and hope are based on Christ and His love for us. On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. As in Luke 24, Jesus wants to change us from doubters to ones who tell others of Him (33-36). What will you do with Jesus? Have your eyes been opened to the reality that that Jesus is alive (28-32)?

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Prayer - When is enough?

4/11/2021

Ephesians 3:14-21
“Tell me when is enough?” At times we use this phrase to tell someone to stop. I remember times filling my brothers water glass that he was holding and saying, “Tell me when.” As the glass filled and neared the top he would say, “Stop” or “That’s enough.” However, I kept pouring because he did not use the word “when.” My brother would begin to panic and yell louder to stop, but I calmly kept pouring. Finally he would remember and holler “WHEN!” We would laugh and watch as he had to clean up the mess. To be partially full or totally full is one thing, but to be completely filled and overflowing is totally different. In Ephesians 3:19 Paul prays for the church to “be filled up to all the fullness of God.” This complete overflowing fullness is the result of a strong inner faith in God (16-17) and a deep growing understanding of Christ’s love (17-18). Like the Ephesian church we can only experience the fullness of a relationship with God when we believe God by faith and know that we are completely loved by Jesus Christ. God is pouring out His love into your life through Jesus Christ. Don’t tell Him to stop. Instead let Him full you to overflowing.

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Grace Is No Joke

4/4/2021

Ephesians 3:1-13
The first of April is known as April Fools’ Day. This is simply a day where certain ones of our friends or associates will create something that seems real yet is not real in order to play a prank on our gullible minds. Our minds have come to understand and accept what is normal and when there is a new change we want to accept it as well. In 1957, the BBC news reported that there was an excellent harvest of spaghetti in Switzerland. There were even pictures of workers harvesting spaghetti from tree branches. Some people even called the news station to inquire how to start their own spaghetti tree. They were told to place spaghetti noodles in tomato sauce and see what happens. We may laugh at the misfortune of some, but we still have people in our world that reject the greatest reality as nothing more than a hoax. In Ephesians 3:1-13 Paul reminds the church of the reality of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection that unites people through salvation in Jesus Christ. That is good news! This display of God’s grace was, as Paul says, a mystery now revealed (2-6) that he is now privileged to share with others (7-9). His message (10-12) is simply to proclaim that Jesus is alive and has accomplished salvation through His death and resurrection. That is good news and not a joke.

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United Through Christ

3/28/2021

Ephesians 2:11-22
Have you ever walked into a room and realized that you did not know anyone? That happened to me the other day. I walked into a room and realized that everyone was looking at me and I knew no one. Did I feel uncomfortable? Yes, I sure did on a personal and cultural level. Did I turn around and leave? No, because I realized that those present were present at a church gathering where they wanted relationships with those present and a deeper relationship with God that would continue to transform their life. As we look at Ephesians 2:11-22 we note Paul highlighting the past relationships that the church had apart from Christ (11-12). They were distant from God, unconnected from others and hopeless. However, Paul states that this past reality is not true in the present because of Jesus (13-22). They have been brought near (13) to live a transformed life through peace with others (14-16), have a relationship with God the Father (17-18), and are unified for spiritual growth with others for God’s purpose (19-22). Like the Ephesian church, we may find others uncomfortable to be around, but God has them in our lives for a purpose. His desire is to interconnect us through Christ and unite us to grow us together. His relationship with us transforms our relationship with others.

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The Power of Grace

3/19/2021

Ephesians 2:1-10
The other year we were without electrical power because of a wide spread wind storm. What is the first thing that you would do when the power goes out? With the electricity out you needed to see in the darkened room so you would hurriedly grab a flashlight. Quickly you flick the switch on only to discover that there is no power in the batteries. Have you ever had that happen? You may stumble and fumble in the dark as you rummage through that storage shelf in the closet or some box in hope of finding new batteries. When you do find batteries it makes a difference similar to that of night and day. In much the same way Ephesians 2:1-10 states that we are spiritually dead and powerless without the saving grace of Jesus Christ. God steps in with His mercy and love and makes us alive by His grace through faith in Christ (5). We who were unresponsive and spiritually dead (1-3) now have been given new power through the Savior (4-5) to live a new life (8-9). The purpose of the new life is for the glory of God (6-7), and the service of God (10). Like a flashlight with new batteries we have been created to shine and spread the light of Jesus through His transforming power displayed in our lives. Let us continue to live the reality of the changes that God has made in our life and display the changes so others can clearly see the power of Jesus lived through us.

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Prayer for Transforming Knowledge

3/14/2021

Ephesians 1:15-23
After a long, dark, cold winter many people in the north often find themselves infected with Cabin Fever or Seasonal Affective Disorder. These two do not sound like real diseases but they affect many in the population. Each year numbers of people come down with the symptoms of irritability and depression which are the result of hours in a dark house isolated from the world. The cures are fairly simple… get outside and do something or at least turn on all the lights inside and use bright colors to decorate. Likewise, in Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul prays that the church will know about God and translate that into a deep relationship with God. He first praises them (15-16), then secondly he tells them what he is praying for them (17-23). He wants them to have the perspective of Godly hope, the value of Godly riches and the power of God’s strength. Paul prays that they will understand what they already have in Christ and that they would implement this knowledge in their life. Like the simple cures for the mid winter blues, Paul provides encouragement and prayer for others who need it. Like the Ephesian church, we also need the encouragement and prayer of others to motivate our spiritual growth. Who is praying for you? Who are you praying for?

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Future Secured

1/31/2021

Ephesians 1:13-14
It was a dark night and I heard it, or rather them. Footsteps scurrying quickly through dry crunchy leaves. Then the unmistakable sound of claws grasping wood. With my senses heightened I heard the unmistakable growl and hiss of several raccoons having an animal argument in the trees behind my house. Now if I had not observed raccoons behaving like this on previous occasions I am sure I would have been frightened thinking that something out there was coming to get me. Thankfully that was not the case. Leading up to this event I had observed these raccoons and listened attentively in order to understand the truth about the critters that share my back yard. As we examine Ephesians 1:13-14 we see that the audience has previously listened to the gospel message of salvation. This listening led to an understanding of the truth it contained and ultimately belief in the message. The author, Paul, goes on to explain that they were then marked as believers in Jesus by the Holy Spirit’s presence in their life. Being marked with a seal shows authenticity and provides security. Paul is reminding the Ephesians of Christ’s work of salvation and their belief in it. This belief instantly leads to being authentically and securely marked by the Spirit of God as belonging to God. If we believe in Jesus, then we know that we have become His children and that we belong as heirs with a secure inheritance. That brings comfort to us as we wait until we are finally called home to heaven and the process of our redemption is finalized. Until that time, we can have the confidence that Spirit of God will keep us as children of God even when we may be frightened by things that we can’t see or understand in the dark of our life.

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Payment Applied

1/24/2021

Ephesians 1:7-12
The other day I noticed the solitary and silent bird house perched on a post in the garden. In the summer it is fun to watch some small birds make a nest in the house and then listen to their chatter as they defend their home and raise a family. I do not know what is going on inside because I can’t see inside the bird house. The activities of making the nest and raising a family of birds are unknown to me until I see the final result. The final revelation of all the activity in the nest is seeing little birds that sit in the tree and sing. I now understand what was hidden. In much the same way God has an unknown mystery that was hidden from the eyes of humanity. That mystery is the payment of salvation, by grace, through Jesus. God the Father works out His plan of salvation through His son. Through Jesus, humanity is offered the payment for sin and the forgiveness of sin. In His time and through His grace God revealed Jesus, the one who administers and fulfills the plan of salvation through His birth, life, death and resurrection. The purpose of God doing this is to unite all those who believe in Him into one spiritual family. Like the little birds we are now able to sing the praises of Jesus who gave us a new life.

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Adopted Identity

1/17/2021

Ephesians 1:3-6
I remember in some of my schooling and studies going through a small group study on identity. It was a good study but some struggled with the reality of being part of God’s family. It is easy to academically work through and comprehend our relationship as adopted children of God, but as believers in Jesus Christ it may be much harder to realize that we are now spiritually related to those next to us. As we look at the first chapter of Ephesians we see that God the Father makes adoption into His family possible through Jesus Christ. If you are adopted that means someone else has made the decision to make you part of their family. That is exactly what God the Father has done for us spiritually. Those who are adopted are now heirs and they share in the Father’s inheritance. For us as believers in Jesus we are part of the family and the family is part of us. God made us part of His family through His grace and for His pleasure. Our job as adopted children is to live the reality of being spiritual heirs who have all the blessings and the relationships with others and our Father God. The result is to praise God for His glorious work of grace that He poured out on us through Jesus.Through Christ’s sacrificial work on the cross, God the Father has made it possible for all people to be His children. If we believe that, and accept that reality, we are instantly adopted and given a new spiritual identity.

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