Ephesians 2, Part 4 There is a detergent that the ancient Israelites used to achieve a state of cleanliness. Do you know what they used for detergent? If you are thinking “hyssop,” you are correct, but only partially. In the Mosaic Law, there are numerous references to hyssop and how it helped with purification (ExodusContinue reading “The detergent that creates unity in the church”
Tag Archives: Paul
The big problem early Christians faced
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”
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 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”
A surprising eulogy for God
Ephesians 1:3–14, Part 1 Here’s some insider pastoral info for you: when we counsel the family of the deceased, and when we officiate their funerals, we pastors sometimes straight up lie, talking about how great they were and how for sure they are in heaven. In reality pastors do not know that for a fact,Continue reading “A surprising eulogy for God”
A profoundly important description of church
Ephesians intro, part 5 A close friend from church and I work out on Tuesday and Thursday mornings with another guy. Recently that other guy, who is not part of our church, told us that he was reading the Bible over the weekend and thought the passage he was reading sounded like our church. I perkedContinue reading “A profoundly important description of church”
The healing energy of grace
Ephesians intro, Part 3 Paul’s greeting in his letter titled “Ephesians” uses two words that he starts 13 of 13 letters with. These are two exceedingly important concepts for Christians. We read the two words of this greeting in Ephesians 1, verse 2. “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the LordContinue reading “The healing energy of grace”
What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says there are “greater” gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Part 4
As we continue studying 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, in verse 28 Paul puts the gifts of the Spirit in an order appointed by God. FIRST – Apostles SECOND – Prophets THIRD – Teachers Then, workers of miracles, gifts of healing, help others, administration, speaking in tongues. If you’re reading that thinking “Time out,Continue reading “What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says there are “greater” gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Part 4″
Engaging Scripture 