We learned from chapter 2 that the purpose of the church (ecclesia, the called out ones) is to build and edify the body of Christ. Understand when we say "body of Christ" we are using figurative language and we are referring to those that are saved, believers in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Now we are to build or grow this group of people and disciple or support them in this present age. Also remember Christ is the head of this body.
Ephesians 3:8b-9 (CLNT) "to bring the evangel of the untraceable riches of Christ to the nations (Gentiles), and to enlighten all as to what is the administration of the secret, which has been concealed from the eons (ages) in God, Who creates all, that now may be made known to the sovereignties and authorities among the celestials, through the ecclesia, the multifarious wisdom of God, in accord with the purpose of the eons, which He makes in Christ Jesus, our Lord."
Let me paraphrase: The purpose of the church is to tell all about Christ, to let people know this grace is for everyone, and to say that God is so wise this plan of His will all come together in the end. God is in control and there is hope in this age and the ages to come. It's hard to believe that most of our neighbors don't understand this and even harder to believe that we are hesitant to tell them.
Lord help us to understand the unsearchable, untraceable riches of Christ, to grasp the manifold, multifarious wisdom of God, and to have the boldness and elegance to share this with the world around us. Maybe Paul says this much better than I, read verses 14-21.
Grace, MB
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Ephesians 2:1-22 Salvation for?
There's alot of talk in the church about salvation from and salvation to, however you hear little about salvation for. We are saved from death and seperation from God (Gehenna/hell) and we are saved to a wonderful place called heaven. But what are we saved for?
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
Many seem to think that after realizing our salvation and believing Jesus Christ for it, it's all down hill, just put it in cruise and relax. Why not? We're in, right? It's kinda like making the basketball team and then not showing up for practice or the game. It's missing the point of it all. We're not saved from something or to something as much as we are saved for something. It's a priviledge to be a part of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:12 says "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ." It's a priviledge to work for something that's bigger than this life, that has eternal purposes and will last. That is, building and edifying the body of Christ.
Grace, MB
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."
Many seem to think that after realizing our salvation and believing Jesus Christ for it, it's all down hill, just put it in cruise and relax. Why not? We're in, right? It's kinda like making the basketball team and then not showing up for practice or the game. It's missing the point of it all. We're not saved from something or to something as much as we are saved for something. It's a priviledge to be a part of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:12 says "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ." It's a priviledge to work for something that's bigger than this life, that has eternal purposes and will last. That is, building and edifying the body of Christ.
Grace, MB
Friday, September 12, 2008
Ephesians 1:15 - 3:21 The Perfect Prayer?
Paul gives his prayer for the church, and what a prayer it is. You know you've given a good prayer when the church is still drawing strength from it 1948 years later. Growing up in the church you hear a lot of prayers over your lifetime, and I've given a few myself. You know, I've never given a public prayer that I've been satisfied with. They never seem "just right". A corporate prayer, as the church calls them, is your attempt to say what you think everyone is thinking or would say themselves. How impossible is that. You know, I'm not even sure corporate prayers are biblical. In fact Jesus speaks against them when they are given with the wrong motives. Listen to what He says in Matthew 6:5-8.
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray
standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be
seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you
pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father
who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you
openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For
they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be
like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask
Him."
So why should we pray? If God already knows what you have need of what's the point? I'm gonna let you all respond to that question, but before I close let me just say that prayer is important, both Jesus and Paul relied on it heavily. Jesus in Matthew 6:5-8 was making a statement against something beyond prayer. I think James was trying to say the same thing (see James 4:1-3). Think about that, I'd like to see your thoughts.
Grace, MB
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray
standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be
seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you
pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father
who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you
openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For
they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be
like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask
Him."
So why should we pray? If God already knows what you have need of what's the point? I'm gonna let you all respond to that question, but before I close let me just say that prayer is important, both Jesus and Paul relied on it heavily. Jesus in Matthew 6:5-8 was making a statement against something beyond prayer. I think James was trying to say the same thing (see James 4:1-3). Think about that, I'd like to see your thoughts.
Grace, MB
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Ephesians 1:1-23 Continued
I would like to focus on verses 13 and 14. "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory."
One of the most popular questions by new believers is "How do I know if I'm saved?" Typical answers include, "because the bible tells us so", or "you just know", and those are both true, but most believers are looking for something more concrete. I still struggle with questions like this because I'm human, and I need continual confirmation. After much thought on this I believe a person knows he/she is truly saved because the Holy Spirit is dwelling within you. Verse 13 calls the Spirit a guarantee.
Your next question is how do I really know He's there inside of me? Good question. Let's look at some scripture to answer that. Ephesians 4:30 says, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." The Holy Spirit has feelings. That's why He is considered a Person. If the HS can feel sorrow and the HS is abiding in us, don't you think we would feel sorrow as well? A guilty conscience when we disobey God is one sign the HS is there. Galatians 4:6 says, "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Calling out "Abba, Father" implies a close relationship. A person wouldn't confess publicly Jesus Christ unless he believed He was the Savior of the world. Neither would anyone cry out to God "Father" unless the Spirit was dwelling within. These are two signs of many that the HS is present within a believer.
Grace, MB
One of the most popular questions by new believers is "How do I know if I'm saved?" Typical answers include, "because the bible tells us so", or "you just know", and those are both true, but most believers are looking for something more concrete. I still struggle with questions like this because I'm human, and I need continual confirmation. After much thought on this I believe a person knows he/she is truly saved because the Holy Spirit is dwelling within you. Verse 13 calls the Spirit a guarantee.
Your next question is how do I really know He's there inside of me? Good question. Let's look at some scripture to answer that. Ephesians 4:30 says, "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." The Holy Spirit has feelings. That's why He is considered a Person. If the HS can feel sorrow and the HS is abiding in us, don't you think we would feel sorrow as well? A guilty conscience when we disobey God is one sign the HS is there. Galatians 4:6 says, "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" Calling out "Abba, Father" implies a close relationship. A person wouldn't confess publicly Jesus Christ unless he believed He was the Savior of the world. Neither would anyone cry out to God "Father" unless the Spirit was dwelling within. These are two signs of many that the HS is present within a believer.
Grace, MB
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Ephesians 1:1-23
No where in scripture is there more meat jammed into 23 verses than in the 1st chapter of Ephesians. This is one of my favorite books of the bible. This letter is actually written for many churches, not just the Ephesians, which Tychicus will visit on his journey through Asia. Early texts leave "to the saints in Ephesus " completely out of the 1st verse. Commentaries call the first 3 chapters a prayer, or some say a song. It's not the easiest reading but the more you read it the more beautiful it becomes.
In this first chapter we have the how, when, where, and why pertaining to the "word of truth, the gospel of your salvation". (verse 13) In other words the how, when, where, and why of God's greatest accomplishment next to the creation, the salvation of His lost creation.
Why? To the praise of His glory. (verses 12, 14) How? Through Christ Jesus. (verse 7, 10) When? Before time began. (verse 4, 5) Where? Heavenly places, the celestial, above the earth or physical sphere of influence. We are a part of the spirit world. (verse 3) Do you realize that you have been chosen by God? I can remember when I was in junior high school and we would play dodge ball in gym class or sometimes basketball. It was such a good feeling to be picked 1st or near the top of the class. Being chosen last was such a blow to my confidence, it sucked. But we've been chosen by The God of the universe, the offer is on the table, we just pick it up. The feeling of being a part of a team(body), with Christ as the captain(the head), carries with it the greatest feeling of purpose I have ever experienced. I've been a part of some great teams with some worthy purposes, but they were temporary, as are all earthly things. Being a part of the body of Christ carries with it eternal significance and there's no greater purpose to be part of.
Grace, MB
In this first chapter we have the how, when, where, and why pertaining to the "word of truth, the gospel of your salvation". (verse 13) In other words the how, when, where, and why of God's greatest accomplishment next to the creation, the salvation of His lost creation.
Why? To the praise of His glory. (verses 12, 14) How? Through Christ Jesus. (verse 7, 10) When? Before time began. (verse 4, 5) Where? Heavenly places, the celestial, above the earth or physical sphere of influence. We are a part of the spirit world. (verse 3) Do you realize that you have been chosen by God? I can remember when I was in junior high school and we would play dodge ball in gym class or sometimes basketball. It was such a good feeling to be picked 1st or near the top of the class. Being chosen last was such a blow to my confidence, it sucked. But we've been chosen by The God of the universe, the offer is on the table, we just pick it up. The feeling of being a part of a team(body), with Christ as the captain(the head), carries with it the greatest feeling of purpose I have ever experienced. I've been a part of some great teams with some worthy purposes, but they were temporary, as are all earthly things. Being a part of the body of Christ carries with it eternal significance and there's no greater purpose to be part of.
Grace, MB
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Rd Galatians 6: 1-18
Galatians 6:1 Perhaps no passage in the bible has hurt more people in the church than this: "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." Make sure you read this carefully, it may not say what you think it. Let me make a couple observations. There is not a perfect method for correcting people in transgression except it be in love, and even then it's not always pretty. I'm convinced it's not what you say that offends, it's how you say it, and restoration (NKJV) or attunement (CLNT) in the church or outside the church is no exception.
First, lets submerge ourselves in prayer, without that, forget it. No matter how eloquent your speech, your likely to put your foot in your mouth.
Second, the word "overtaken" is important. Overtaken means "get before", precipitate, or come aforehand, from the Greek word "prolambano". Is this transgression by your brother overtaking his life? Is it coming before God on a consistent basis? If not its probably too soon to intervene. Did you know scripture makes a distinction between a transgression and a sin. A transgression is breaking a known law of God, hence the thought "get before"(see Romans 4:15). When transgressing God's laws are given a back seat, God is actually overtaken in importance. A sin is falling short of the glory of God, which we all do quite frequently. (see Romans 3:23) When we are restoring let's make sure our brother is truly in transgression and in need of it.
Third, "you who are spiritual restore". What does it mean to "be spiritual"? Does it mean someone who reads the Tara cards or someone who does yoga 2 times a day? No. Being spiritual means being the opposite of physical. Someone who's physical (the bible uses the word carnal) is someone who cares only about their welfare. They are selfish and caught up in what the world can do for them. Being spiritual is simply keeping our eyes on what is above (i.e. Christ) and how we can best love our neighbor, in the spirit of "gentleness". It may mean bearing their burden for a while until the Spirit does a work in their life. My dad always says when in doubt, wait, it will work itself out, and it usually does.
Finally, "considering yourself lest you also be tempted" takes me to Matthew 7:3, "Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Take a look in the mirror, a long look, before you ever criticize someone else's shortcomings. Boy, do I need to hear that. It seems being critical is popular because it makes us feel good. It's ironic that in fact it actually sabotages us instead of benefits us, because we become more critical of ourselves. It's true. Christ said it well in Matthew 7:1-2 "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." Who did you think was judging and measuring back? God? I think it's talking about ourselves or the world itself turning and judging us, but either way we bring it on ourself. Think about it...
Grace, MB
First, lets submerge ourselves in prayer, without that, forget it. No matter how eloquent your speech, your likely to put your foot in your mouth.
Second, the word "overtaken" is important. Overtaken means "get before", precipitate, or come aforehand, from the Greek word "prolambano". Is this transgression by your brother overtaking his life? Is it coming before God on a consistent basis? If not its probably too soon to intervene. Did you know scripture makes a distinction between a transgression and a sin. A transgression is breaking a known law of God, hence the thought "get before"(see Romans 4:15). When transgressing God's laws are given a back seat, God is actually overtaken in importance. A sin is falling short of the glory of God, which we all do quite frequently. (see Romans 3:23) When we are restoring let's make sure our brother is truly in transgression and in need of it.
Third, "you who are spiritual restore". What does it mean to "be spiritual"? Does it mean someone who reads the Tara cards or someone who does yoga 2 times a day? No. Being spiritual means being the opposite of physical. Someone who's physical (the bible uses the word carnal) is someone who cares only about their welfare. They are selfish and caught up in what the world can do for them. Being spiritual is simply keeping our eyes on what is above (i.e. Christ) and how we can best love our neighbor, in the spirit of "gentleness". It may mean bearing their burden for a while until the Spirit does a work in their life. My dad always says when in doubt, wait, it will work itself out, and it usually does.
Finally, "considering yourself lest you also be tempted" takes me to Matthew 7:3, "Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Take a look in the mirror, a long look, before you ever criticize someone else's shortcomings. Boy, do I need to hear that. It seems being critical is popular because it makes us feel good. It's ironic that in fact it actually sabotages us instead of benefits us, because we become more critical of ourselves. It's true. Christ said it well in Matthew 7:1-2 "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." Who did you think was judging and measuring back? God? I think it's talking about ourselves or the world itself turning and judging us, but either way we bring it on ourself. Think about it...
Grace, MB
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