The House You're Building

[1] I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—[5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [7] But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. [8] Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” [9] (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? [10] He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) [11] And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teacher...

7  Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.  8  To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,  9  and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in [ b ]  God, who created all things,  10  so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11  This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,  12  in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.  13  So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. Ephesians 3:7-13 (ESV)   It’s ...

    Dear Blog Readers,    Thank you for sticking with me through a long series in John.  I hope as you prayed, read, meditated, and reflected on that great gospel God has opened your eyes to know Jesus and to believe in Him.    I’m starting a new series on the book of Ephesians as I’ve just finished teaching it to my small group.  This first post will be an introduction to the book and give you some insight into some of the themes that will emerge as I break down the book section by section.     Ephesus: A Cultural Center First let’s get some information about Ephesus itself.  Ephesus was a port city, contained a vast retail market and was strategically positioned by major land routes.  It was a hub of culture for those in the region boasting the temple of Artemis as well as a sports stadium and buildings to display artistic works. It was one of the top 5 cities in the Roman Empire, much like an ancient...

        Orient  John 17:1-26 This section of text is one of the most well known in Scripture.  The bible records an extended prayer by Jesus called the High Priestly Prayer.  Its content can be divided into 3 broad sections: v 1-6 Jesus prays for Himself, v 7-19 He prays for His disciples, and in v 20-26 He prays for future believers.  These recorded words are even more precious as after His prayer, He and His diciples cross the Kidron and Jesus is arrested.     Introduction Praying for another believer is a privilege and a challenge.  It is a privilege in the sense that we get to talk with God about our mutual friends.  We get to participate in divine communication.  We get to pour our heart out to One that has power.  We experience answered prayers and feel that in some small way we are doing something for a loved one.  Praying for others is also a challenge. ...