Ephesians 2, Part 2 There was a big problem in the early church. It’s still a problem in the contemporary American church. Paul introduces the problem in Ephesians 1, verse 11: “Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done inContinue reading “The big problem early Christians faced”
Tag Archives: Ephesians 1
True followers of Jesus used to be dead
Ephesians 2, Part 1 True follower of Jesus, did you know you used to be dead? In Ephesians 2, verses 1–3, Paul writes: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdomContinue reading “True followers of Jesus used to be dead”
The shocking power God wants to give us
Ephesians 1:14-23, Part 5 In the summer of 2010, I was sitting in a bank in Chicago, squirming in my seat, very uncomfortable. A group of us from Faith Church were there on a mission trip, working with our sister church Kimball Avenue. We were listening to a presentation about the use of power toContinue reading “The shocking power God wants to give us”
We don’t have to wait until we die to experience God’s inheritance
Ephesians 1:14-23, Part 4 Having a rich relative or friend who bestows a lavish inheritance on us is a dream for many people. It is a common scene in literature, film, and television. A wealthy person dies, the family attorney calls the family together for the reading of the will, and it is revealed whoContinue reading “We don’t have to wait until we die to experience God’s inheritance”
The importance of the eyes of your heart
Ephesians 1:15-23, Part 3 Did you know that your heart has eyes? And no, I’m not referring to anatomy. Stay with me here. After praying that the people would have the spirit of wisdom and revelation to know God better, Paul has another powerful prayer request for them. Here’s what he writes in Ephesians 1,Continue reading “The importance of the eyes of your heart”
What to do to know God better
Ephesians 1:15-23, Part 2 Do you want to know God better? That’s one of those questions Christians kind of have to answer yes to, right? If I were in a group of Christians and I said, “Raise your hands if you want to know God better,” I would wager I’d get a pretty decent response.Continue reading “What to do to know God better”
How to know if you faith is true faith
Ephesians 1:15-23, Part 1 How do you know if your faith in God is true faith? In Ephesians 1:15-23, before Paul prays for the Christians, he describes true faith. When he describes true faith, I find it fascinating what Paul doesn’t say. He could have said, “I see your faith because you gather for worshipContinue reading “How to know if you faith is true faith”
How to improve at prayer
Ephesians 1:15–23, Preview Have you ever thought to yourself that some people seem to be really good at praying? When we think that other people are good at praying, perhaps we feel that way because we don’t believe we are good at praying. Especially praying out loud in front of other people. Praying out loudContinue reading “How to improve at prayer”
How ethnic segregation in the church is out of line with the Gospel
Ephesians 1:3–14, Part 5 In Paul’s day, there was a major division in the church: Jew and Gentile. It was an ethnic problem, based primarily in the Jews’ exclusive view of their covenant with God. They thought they were special in God’s eyes, and the other peoples of the world were pagan, unclean, and thus thereContinue reading “How ethnic segregation in the church is out of line with the Gospel”
Hearing “Nein!” at an exclusive dance club versus hearing God say “Yes!”
Ephesians 1:3–14, Part 4 Have you heard of Berghain, the exclusive dance club in Berlin? I learned about it on this podcast. It is nearly impossible to get in, and the club doesn’t explain why. People line up waiting for hours, hoping to be admitted. Finally, they make it to the door, and the headContinue reading “Hearing “Nein!” at an exclusive dance club versus hearing God say “Yes!””
Engaging Scripture 