Sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise Ephesians 1:13

Paul the apostle told the Ephesian church members they had “obtained an inheritance” because they were “predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his will”. The reason for this was so “we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ”. In chapter one and verse thirteen of his letter, Paul shared how the Ephesians “were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” where we read:

In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

The verse begins, “In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:” Paul began with the phrase, “In whom you also trusted” which means after that you heard” which means “the Ephesian church members “listened to, gave audience, attended to, considered, understood and perceived” “the word” which refers to “the speech, sayings, decree, mandate or order” “of truth” or “what is true in any matter under consideration, in reality, fact and certainly”, “the gospel” which means “good and glad tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up, and subsequently also of Jesus the Messiah, the founder of this kingdom” “of your salvation” or “deliverance, preservation, safety, benefits and blessings which are Christians”. Paul declared the sequence by which the Ephesians became believers in “the gospel” as they first heard “heard the word of truth” which was the “good news of their future salvation”.

The verse goes on to say, “in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” Paul continued, “in whom” which refers to “Jesus Christ” “also after that you believed” or “committed to, trusted, credited and placed confidence in”, “you were sealed with” which means “to mark a person or thing or impress a seal, down payment or stamp upon” “that holy” “sacred, pure, morally blameless or religiously and ceremonially consecrated” “Spirit” which refers to “the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and Son” “of promise” or “announcement, blessing, assent or pledge”. After the Ephesians believed, they were “sealed” with the “Holy Spirit” which was promised by Jesus whom He called “the Comforter”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see the successive order by which a person becomes a Christian. First, they “hear” the “word of truth” of “the gospel”, then they believe it, and are immediately “sealed” with “they Holy Spirit”. This is indeed a wonderful process that is available to all who will hear the “gospel” of Jesus Christ who came into this world, died for every person's sins and rose from the grave. All who believe this “truth” will receive the “down payment” or deposit of the Holy Spirit unto future salvation. May we not only “hear” the “word of truth” but believe it and receive the “Holy Spirit” of promise.

Next time Paul shares about “the earnest of our salvation”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

To the Praise of His Glory Ephesians 1:12

As Paul the apostle continued to share the blessings God extended to those whom He elected, he shared how they “have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will.” In chapter one and verse twelve of his letter, Paul shared how these benefits of His “will” “should be to the praise of His glory” where we read:

That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

The verse begins, “That we should be to the praise of his glory,...” Paul began with the phrase, “That we should be” or “that we should exist, happen and be present” “to the praise” which means “approbation, commendation and praise” “of his glory” or “glory, honor, dignity, opinion, judgment, view and worship”. Our obtaining of “an inheritance” “after the counsel of his will” was that we might show commendation and praise to God's honor.

The verse goes on to say, “... who first trusted in Christ.” Paul added, “who first trusted” which means “hoped in advance of other confirmation” “in Christ” which refers to “the anointed One, the Son of God and Messiah”. Paul specifies who brings this “praise of his glory” about as he refers to those who “hope in advance of the confirmation of the “anointed One” Jesus Christ.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we admire God's ability not only to extend to us a predestinated “inheritance” according to His “will”, but in doing so, He brought about an example that would give “praise, honor and glory” to His and Jesus Christ's Holy Name. May we ever live according to the promotion of the “praise” and “honor” of our Lord Jesus Christ's glory.

Next time Paul shares about “the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Obtained an Inheritance Ephesians 1:11

Paul the apostle declared to the Ephesian church members that “in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ” and this included the things “which are” both “in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him”. In chapter one and verse eleven of his letter, Paul shared how “we have obtained an inheritance” where we read:

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will:

The verse begins, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,...” Paul began with the words, “In whom” or “within whom” “also we have obtained an inheritance” which is all one Greek word “klēroō” which means “cast, choose, allot, assign or determine by lots”. In God's perfect timing, Paul and the Ephesian Christians were “chosen and assigned” by Him.

The verse goes on to say, “... being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will:” Paul added, “being predestinated” which means “predetermined, decided and appointed beforehand, decreed from eternity, foreordained” “according to” or “down from, through out, toward and along” “the purpose” which means “the setting forth of a thing, placing of it in view and a proposal” “of him” which refers to “God Almighty” “who works” or “operates, puts forth power, effects, displays one's activity and shows one's self operative” “all things” which refers to “each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone and all things” “after the counsel” which means “purpose, volition and advice” “of his own will” or “what God wishes or has determined shall be done”.

When we think through these words as Paul, we marvel that God had this “purpose” in His mind. He desired for us to have His “inheritance”, and when we realize this was “predestinated” according to His own “will”, we should never doubt our value again. God Almighty, the Creator of the Universe, has “predetermined” through His Son Jesus Christ that we would belong to the elite group of His “inheritance”. May all glory and praise be unto God for His wonderful “predetermination” for us to be with Him.

Next time Paul shares about us being “to the praise of his glory”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Fullness of Times Ephesians 1:10

Paul the apostle told the Ephesian church members God has “made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself:”, and now that His “mystery” is revealed, in chapter one and verse ten of his letter, Paul shared how this was revealed in “the fullness of times” where we read:

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

The verse begins, “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ,...” Paul began with the phrase, “That in the dispensation” or “in, to, towards, for and among the management, oversight, administration and stewardship” “of the fulness” which means “that with which a thing is filled, abundance and keeping” “of times” or “due measure, a larger or smaller portion, opportune, seasonable and definite time” “he might gather together in one” which is the Greek word “anakephalaioō” and means “repeating summarily and condensing” “all things” which means “each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone and everything” “in Christ” which refers to “the anointed one” and is “the Messiah and Son of God”. It was in God's perfect timing that He was to “gather” everything in His Son Jesus Christ.

The verse goes on to say, “...both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” Paul continued with the words, “both which are” or “also, and, even, then and whether” “in heaven” which refers to “the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it, the universe and the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things which are eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings exist”, “and which are” or “in, by and with” “on earth” which means “the arable land, ground, and main land a opposed to the sea or water, country, territory or region”; “even in him” which refers to “Jesus Christ”. The “gathering” together of “all things” included not only the things which are on the “earth”, but also everything which is in “heaven” as well.

When we think through these words of Paul, he shared how God chose the precise time in which “the mystery” of His “will” was to be fulfilled. He desired to “gather together in one” everything that exists whether it is in “heaven” above or on “earth” beneath. Let us ever be reminded, our Heavenly Father “gathered” everyone and everything under the power and grace of His Son Jesus, and when we realize our place under His control, may we be humbled enough to refer to Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Next time Paul shares how we have “obtained an inheritance”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Mystery of His Will Ephesians 1:9

Paul declared to the Ephesian church that Jesus redeemed us “through his blood” which provided “the forgiveness of sins” which was “according to the riches of his grace”, and He also “abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence”. In chapter one and verse nine of his letter, Paul shared concerning “the mystery of his will” where we read:

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will,

according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself:

The verse begins, “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will,...” Paul began with the phrase, “Having made known” which means “to know, gain knowledge of or recognize” “unto us” which refers to “Paul and the Ephesian believers” “the mystery” or “hidden or secret purpose or thing which is not obvious to the understanding” “of his will” which means “the Lord's wish, determination, purpose, command, precept, choice, inclination, desire or pleasure”. Because the “grace” of the Lord was poured out, we understand it to be the revelation of what He desired for us.

The verse goes on to say, “... according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself:” Paul continued with the words, “according to” or “down from, through out, toward and along” “his good pleasure” which means “will, choice, kindly intent, benevolence, delight, satisfaction and desire” “which he has purposed” or “placed before, set forth, looked at, exposed to view and determined” “in himself” which means “within God Himself”. The Lord God intended with “kindly intent and benevolence” to pour out His “grace” and “forgiveness of sins” for all who will receive Jesus as their Savior.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we have joy within to think that God Almighty, the Creator of the Universe, would pour out His “grace” upon us because He desired it. Though this was a “mystery” and unknown before, God intended to be benevolent even in spite of our sins. We should rejoice in Jesus for the revelation of His “mystery” and bask in the “grace” and “forgiveness” He has provided.

Next time Paul shares about how God will “gather together in one all things in Christ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Abundant Wisdom and Prudence Ephesians 1:8

Paul the apostle declared, “we have redemption through” Jesus' “blood”, and this provides “forgiveness of sins” which is “according to the riches of his grace”. In chapter one and verse eight of his letter to the Ephesian church, Paul continued his description of God's grace as He announces how He has “abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence”. We read:

Wherein he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

The verse begins, “Wherein he has abounded toward us...” Paul began with the word, “Wherein” or “that and which” “he has abounded” which means “exceeds a fixed number of measure, left over and above a certain number or measure and overflowing” “toward us” or “unto, towards, for and among Paul and the Ephesisans”. As though the “grace” of God wasn't enough, the Lord extended it to us abundantly and overflowingly.

The verse continues, “... in all wisdom and prudence;” Paul added, “in all wisdom” which means “all broad and full of intelligence and use of the knowledge of very diverse matters” “and prudence” or “understanding, knowledge and holy love of the will of God”. The encompassing distribution of the “grace” of God was provided with “all” the “fullness of intelligence and use of the knowledge” and “holy love of the will of God” that is available.

When we think through these words of Paul, we overwhelmingly admire how gracious the Lord Jesus is to us. Not only did He sacrifice His blood for us which provided the “forgiveness of our sins”, but He did so with “overflowing” “wisdom, understanding and holy love of the will of God”. As we consider this, may all praise be unto the Lord God Almighty for His extensive and “abundant” gifts toward those who believe in His Son Jesus.

Next time Paul shares the “mystery” of the Lord's “will”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Redemption Through His Blood Ephesians 1:7

Paul the apostle told the Ephesian church members the Lord “predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself”, and it was the “pleasure” of His “will” to do so. This initiative was “to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved”. In chapter one and verse seven of his letter, Paul shared how we “have redemption through his blood” where we read:

In whom we have redemption through his blood,

the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

The verse begins, “In whom we have redemption through his blood,...” Paul began with the words, “In whom” which refers to “Jesus Christ” “we have redemption” or “a releasing, deliverance and liberation procured by the payment of a ransom” “through his blood” which means “His bloodshed and atoning blood”. Paul declared our “deliverance” by the “cost” of Jesus Christ's bloodshed.

The verse goes on to say, “...the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Paul added, “the forgiveness” or “release from bondage or imprisonment, pardon and remission of penalty” “of sins” which means “to fall beside or near something, a lapse or derivation from truth and uprightness, a misdeed and missing of the mark”, “according to” or “down from, through out, toward and along” “the riches” which means “wealth, abundance of external possession, fullness and plentitude” “of his grace” or “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech, goodwill, loving kindness and favor”. Because Jesus shed His blood for us on the cross, not only did He pay our “ransom” but He also provided with “joy, delight and loveliness” “forgiveness” for our “sins”.

When we consider these words of Paul, we should be humbled by the prospect that Jesus paid such a “Great” price for our “ransom”. We were sold to and kidnapped by sin, and He did not give precious metals, jewels or any other material things of value, but He gave “His blood” for us. This provided “forgiveness” to us for our “sins”, and this was according to the “abundance, fulness and plentitude” of His “unmerited favor”. Oh what a glorious people we are who place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ! May we ever give Him glory for His precious sacrifice for us.

Next time Paul shares how the Lord has “abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Accepted in the Beloved Ephesians 1:6

Paul the apostle told the Ephesian church members that God has “chosen us in him before the foundation of the world” and the reason was “that we should be holy and without blame before him in love”. Paul declared us as “predestinated” “unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself”, and he did this “according to the good pleasure of his will”. In chapter one and verse six of his letter, Paul declared this was done “to the praise of the glory of his grace” as He “has made us accepted in the beloved” where we read:

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he has made us accepted in the beloved.

The verse begins, “To the praise of the glory of his grace,...” Paul began with the phrase, “to the praise” or “unto, among and toward the approbation and commendation” “of the glory” which means “opinion, judgment, view and estimate, splendor and brightness” “of his grace” which refers to “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, goodwill and unmerited favor”. The Lord's reason for blessing us with “predestination” was that “praise” would be given to Him for His “unmerited favor” toward us.

The verse goes on to say, “...wherein he has made us accepted in the beloved.” Paul added, “wherein” or “in, by and wherewith” “he has made us accepted” which is the Greek phrase “charitoō hēmas charitoō” which means “to make graceful, charming, lovely, agreeable, compassed with favor, honor and blessings” “in the beloved” which refers to “people who welcomed, entertained, fond of and loved dearly”. Because the Lord's “grace” has been poured out upon us, we are “accepted” as his “welcomed and dearly loved” people.

When we think through these words of Paul, we understand “the glory of his grace” is the reason the Lord Jesus “predestinated us unto the adoption of children”. Because we are undeserving of His “adoption”, the fact we are His children proves He is a gracious and loving God. He has made us “agreeable, favored and honored” because of His “grace”, and our part is to simply “glory” in it. If we consider this long enough, we will “shout unto God with a voice of triumph” and give “glory” to His Holy name!

Next time Paul shares how we have “redemption through his blood”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Predestinated Unto the Adoption of Children Ephesians 1:5

As Paul the apostle wrote his introduction to the Ephesian church members, he told them how God has “chosen” them “in him before the foundation of the world, that” they “should be holy and without blame before him in love”. In chapter one and verse five of his letter, Paul continued the idea of being “elected” by God as he wrote how they were “predestinated unto the adoption of children” where we read:

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children

by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

The verse begins, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself,” Paul began with the phrase, “Having predestinated” which means “decided beforehand, foreordained, appointed beforehand and ordain” “us” which refers to “Paul and the Christians to whom he is writing” “unto the adoption of children” which means “the nature and condition of the true disciples in Christ, who by receiving the Spirit of God into their souls become sons of God” “by Jesus” which means “Jehovah is Salvation” who is “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” or “the anointed One” “to himself” which refers to “the Messiah and Son of God”. Paul declared the “predestination” to be the “adopted” children of God by way of “Jesus Christ”.

The verse goes on to say, “according to the good pleasure of his will,” Paul continued with the word “according” or “down from, through out, toward and along” “to the good pleasure” which means “good will, choice, kindly intent and benevolence” “of his will” which refers to “what one wishes or has determined to be done, of the purpose of God to bless mankind through Christ and what God wishes to be done by us”. Paul wrote that it was “God's” “choice, kindly intent” and “will” to have believers in Jesus Christ to be “adopted” by God.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we may find it almost unimaginable that God would desire to adopt us as His children, and yet, He does. The Lord God Almighty and Creator of the Universe desires to have a relationship with anyone who will “trust in, rely upon and cling to” His Son Jesus. He knows who will “believe” in Jesus and therefore “elects” or “predestinates” those who choose Him as His “adopted” family. When we realize this is the “good pleasure of his will” we should rejoice and shout praises unto Him for allowing us to not only have access to His family, but actually to belong to it.

Next time Paul shares how we are “predestined unto the adoption of children”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Chosen Before the World's Foundation Ephesians 1:4

Paul the apostle continued his opening remarks to the Ephesian church members by blessing “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” and then referred to how He “has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ”. In chapter one and verse four of his letter, Paul declares how the Ephesian believers and himself have been “chosen in him before the foundation of the world” where we read:

According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

The verse begins, “According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,...” Paul began with the phrase, “According as” or “just as, in proportion as, in the degree that, since, seeing that and agreeably to the fact that” “he has chosen” which means “picked out, set apart as being dear to God beyond all others and exalted by him to the preeminent dignity of the Messiah” “us” which refers to “Paul the apostle and the Christians with whom He shares” “in him” which refers to “God Almighty Himself” “before the foundation” which means “in front of, prior to, above, before or ever throwing or laying down of the seed or conception of plants and animals ” “of the world” or “the circle of the earth and its goods, endowments, riches, advantages and pleasures”. God “chose” or “elected” those who believe in, trust in and rely upon His Son Jesus Christ “before” He laid “the foundation of the world”.

The verse continues, “...that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” Paul added, “that we should be” or “exist, happen and be present” “holy” which means “a most sacred, pure, morally blameless or religiously and ceremonially consecrated as a saint” “and without blame” or “without rebuke, spot or fault” “before him” which refers to “before the face, presence, sight or eyes of God Almighty” “in love” or “affection, good will, benevolence and charity”. The reason the Lord “chose” His believers was that they “should be” “set apart, sacred, pure and morally blameless” in front of Him with all “affection, charity and benevolence”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we understand how many people may have difficulty with the idea that God “chooses” or “elects”. They wonder, “doesn't the Lord allow for free will or human responsibility?” God Almighty knows everything, and He cannot learn anything because He knows it all. He knows who will “choose” a relationship with Him by way of His Son Jesus Christ, and He knows those who won't. We must remember that Jesus said, “whosoever believes in Him”, and that promise allows everyone access. Let us accept the Lord Jesus as our Lord and Savior today, and then we will know we have be “elected” by Him “before the foundation of the world” was laid.

Next time Paul shares how we are “predestined unto the adoption of children”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Blessed with All Spiritual Blessings Ephesians 1:3

As Paul the apostle began his introduction in his letter to the Ephesian church members, he told them about his calling as “an apostle” or “sent out one” by “the will of God”. He also greeted them with typical Pauline greeting which consisted of both the Gentile greeting, “charis” or “grace” and the Hebrew greeting “Shalom” or “peace” “to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” In chapter one and verse three of his letter, Paul blesses“God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ” and recognize how the people are “blessed” “with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places” where we read:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

The verse begins, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,...” Paul began with the word, “Blessed” which means “adorable and praised” “be the God” or “the Godhead and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “and Father” which refers to “generator or male ancestor” “of our Lord” which means “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and refers to “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” or “the anointed one, Messiah and the Son of God”. Paul begins his “blessing” by directing it to “the God and Father” of “our Lord Jesus Christ”.

The verse goes on to say, “...who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” Paul added, “who has blessed us” or “invoked praise, consecrated a thing with solemn prayers, made happy, bestowed blessings on and had the favor of God” “with all spiritual” which means “relating to the human spirit or rational soul as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument or organ” “blessings” or “invoked praise, consecrated a thing with solemn prayers, made happy and bestowed blessings on and had the favor of God” “in heavenly” which means “existing in heaven and heavenly regions” “places” or “by, with and in relation to” “in Christ” or “the anointed one, Messiah and the Son of God”.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we see a great balance between “blessing” God and His Son “Jesus” and how we are “blessed” with “spiritual blessings”. Paul felt this important enough to mention it in his introductory greeting, and if he acknowledged “God the Father” and “Jesus the Son” in this manner, how much more should we be doing this to receive our “spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” as well?

Next time Paul shares how we are “chosen before the foundations of the world”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Grace and Peace Ephesians 1:2

Paul the apostle began his letter to the church at Ephesus by sharing his name, his calling, and by whom this calling came. It was by the “will of God” that Paul was called to be “an apostle”, and his attention was directed toward the “faithful in Christ Jesus”. In chapter one and verse two of his letter, Paul shared his typical introductory greeting of “Grace and Peace”. We read:

Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

The verse begins, “Grace be to you, and peace,...” Paul began with the word, “Grace” which is the Greek word “charis” and means “that which afford joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness and unmerited favor” “be to you” which refers to the Ephesian church members, “and peace” which is the Hebrew word “eirēnē” and means “state of national tranquility, exemption from the rage and havoc of war, harmony and concord”. Paul combined both the Greek and Hebrew greetings for his opening words to the Ephesian Christians.

The verse goes on to say, “... from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul continued with the words, “from God” who is “the general name and deities or divinities, the Godhead and trinity” “our Father” or “generator or male ancestor, the founder of a family or tribe, progenitor of a people and forefather who is God called the Father”, “and from the Lord” which means “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “Jesus” which means “Jehovah is Salvation” and refers to “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” or “the anointed one, Messiah and the Son of God”. Paul's greeting came from “God” and “the Lord Jesus” whom Paul named as the “Christ” or “anointed one and Messiah”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see the manner in which Paul attempts to share with both Jews and Gentiles in his opening remarks. There is no higher and greater greeting than one that is from “God the Father” and “the Lord Jesus Christ”, and to think that Paul was the Lord's representative in this is quite remarkable. Let us remember Paul's greeting as we encounter people, and should we have occasion, perhaps “grace and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ” will be our greeting to them as well.

Next time Paul shares concerning “all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Ephesus Ephesians 1:1

Paul the apostle journeyed throughout the Gentile world as he shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. His normal approach within a city was to find the Jewish synagogues first and witness to the Jews. If they rejected the gospel, he turned to the Gentiles. After leaving the city of Corinth where he faced great controversy and trial, he visited the Asian metropolis of Ephesus. He began a church there, and as we begin the letter to the Ephesian Christians, Paul gives his normal introduction that begins with his name. We read:

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

The verse begins, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,...” Paul began with his Roman name, which means “small or little” and he was “the most famous of the apostles who wrote a good part of the New Testament and fourteen Pauline epistles” “an apostle” or “delegate, messenger and one sent for with orders” “of Jesus” which means “Jehovah is Salvation” and was “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” which means “anointed” and refers to “the Messiah and the Son of God” “by the will” or “desire, pleasure and what one wishes, commands and precepts” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead, trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Paul was “sent out” by “Jesus Christ” by God's will.

The verse goes on to say, “...to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:” Paul continued with the phrase, “to the saints” or “holy, pure, morally blameless or religious and ceremonially consecrated” “which are at Ephesus” which means “permitted” and was “a maritime city of Asia Minor, capital of Ionia and under the Romans, of proconsular Asia, situated on the Icarian Sea between Smyrna and Miletus”, “and to the faithful” which means “” “in Christ” or “which means “anointed” and refers to “the Messiah and the Son of God” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and and refers to “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate”. This letter extended not only to the “Ephesians” but also to all who are “faithful” in their relationship to “Christ Jesus”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we notice straightaway Paul's introduction of himself, his calling as “an apostle of Jesus Christ” and by whose purpose he was called - “by the will of God”. The Lord has a “calling” upon everyone's life who will yield themselves to Him and His will. The “highest calling” we have is the “calling” God has given us. Though some are “called” to be “ministers” or “missionaries” by “the will of God”, others may be “called” “the will of God” to their vocations as well. Paul was sent to the people of Ephesus, and this letter is to the Christians he called “faithful” who resided there. Are we “faithful” to our Lord Jesus Christ? Are we “faithful” to His call? Perhaps as we see Paul's approach to the Ephesians through this letter, we will note first the Lord's “faithfulness” to us and secondly how our “faithfulness” to Him is a proper response.

Next time Paul greets the church at Ephesus with “grace and peace”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.