Mankind rightfully longs for peace and seeks it in various ways, whether through politics, economics, philosophy, etc. These may have some relative success, but it is never absolute. A permanent…
Ephesians 2:8-10 “Saved to do Good Works”
In Ephesians 1-2, Paul is adamant that the goal of salvation is the glory of God. But how does God get the glory? Is it as Pelagius thought, by a…
Eph. 2:1-7 “From Grave to Throne”
In a number of different ways, Paul's letter to the Ephesians answers the age-old question, "Why are we here?" In chapter 1, we learn that part of God's purpose for…
Ephesians 1:15-23 “May God Grant Us Understanding”
In typical Paul-fashion, he includes a thanksgiving prayer near the beginning of this letter that relates to the recipient church's spiritual maturity and understanding. Paul thanks God for their faith…
Ephesians 1:11-14 “The Blessing of Our Inheritance”
Having praised God for the grace of election in Christ (1:3-6), which comes from eternity past, and having praised Him for the forgiveness of our sins, which we have in…
Eph. 1:7-10 “The Blessing of Reconciliation”
The early verses in Ephesians give us insight into the overarching script that God has written for creation. Not only has He chosen us in Christ to be blameless (1:3-6),…
Ephesians 1:3-6 “The Blessing of Election”
Paul's introduction to this letter reminds the Christian Church of the importance of rejoicing in God's grace in Christ. Though "predestination" often evokes annoyed looks of frustration and memories of…
Ephesians 1:1-2 “Even Healthy Churches Need the Gospel”
Having previously labored among them for three years, Paul wrote a letter to the Church in Ephesus. Though we might expect the letter will be informal, a chance for friends…
