Most of us know the sense that change is about to take place, and we are not sure where that will lead. Perhaps pressure at work from someone senior saying we should move on, or from personal dissatisfaction that seems to say we’ve served our usefulness, causes us to start looking at job boards and down-loading applications.
Read More servanthood, God’s callThe conundrum is resolved by understanding that the letter was a circular one, written to the churches of Asia Minor. What we have is a copy, that was sent on to Ephesus – the name Ephesus being added to denote its destination. For this reason, we must be careful we don’t interpret Ephesians strictly through the lens of Ephesus’ culture and religion alone.
Read More unlimited resources, resurrection powerIsn’t it uncomfortable when old friends turn up who knew you before you came to faith in Christ? Without knowing what has happened to you, they try to pick up the threads of the old relationship when, as Paul puts it, you were “dead” because of your sins (v.1).
When Paul describes his readers as having been “dead” (v.1), he uses imagery that is very powerful for the Jew …
Read More Kingdom of Darkness, Kingdom of LightPaul paints an incredible picture in this passage. We see a master builder at work: demolishing, laying foundations, putting in a cornerstone and building up walls to produce the grandest design of grand designs! The result is the most amazing temple, in which God dwells.
Read More gentiles, the ChurchPaul had been commissioned by Jesus to perform a task he regarded as an immense privilege, despite the suffering it brought – he had been set apart to evangelize the Gentiles!
The problem was that most of the Christian community were converted Jews, and they failed to understand Paul’s calling.
Read More gentiles, the ChurchIsn’t it comforting when we know that people are praying for us, particularly when times are tough? At such times praying can be very difficult; but knowing that friends and family are praying for us lifts our spirits.
Paul took praying for the spiritual needs of others very seriously indeed, …
Read More prayer, God’s powerDo you find yourself reading between the lines in this passage and concluding that all was not well among the believers? There certainly seems to have been room for improvement in lifestyles and relationships.
Read More spiritual giftsWhen the believers gathered to hear Paul’s letter being read out, there were some who were harbouring guilty secrets.
But as the letter opened, it didn’t seem so difficult to listen to – Paul called them faithful followers (1:1), God’s possession (1:13), people of faith and love (1:15) and members of God’s family (2:19).
Read More self-control, godless peopleHaving turned the spotlight on sins which marred the believers’ witness, Paul calls them to face up to their guilt. Aware that he’s been appointed by Christ to be a witness to His people, he seeks to correct, comfort and guide them.
Read More faithfulness, purity