Ephesians

Ephesians is an incredible book -- well, letter. Paul spent quite a bit of time in Ephesus. While we were studying the Old Testament, we probably referenced the truths found in Ephesians more than any other New Testament book.

Do you recall how, when leaving them for the last time, “They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye.”

In the few short words we have time for here, it will be difficult to condense exactly what we need to know. I'm, therefore, going to list a few of the verses that spoke to me, mostly without comment:

· Ephesians 1:4 -- Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

· Ephesians 1:22 - 23 -- God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

· Ephesians 2:4 - 5 -- But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been save!)

· Ephesians 2:8 - 9 -- God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

· Ephesians 3:12 -- Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence.

· Ephesians 4: 2 - 3 -- Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

· Ephesians 5:1 -- Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

· Ephesians 5:1 -- Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.

· Ephesians 5:20 -- And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

· Ephesians 6:10 - 18 -- I'm not going to quote all of this, but put on the whole armor of God. The devil is throwing fiery arrows at you. Remember verse 12: "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities in the unseen world, against might powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places."

Tomorrow, we'll read Philippians.

Until next time…