Ephesians 3:7
7Of 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.
Paul is such a humble God-worshipper. Everything in his life centered around the gospel. The good news. Somehow, Paul seemed to understand with certainty the message of hope like no one else. His ministry was never considered a burden. He viewed it as a blessing. Perhaps today's ministers might feel that way, in a parsonage or given a housing allowance, a salary which in some cases is generous and others maybe not so much, in a country where they are granted the freedom to boldly (if they choose) speak the Word. Paul did not have it quite so good. Yet he still considered it a gift. A gift in which God worked His power. A power so great that Paul could heal others, but not himself.
Even though I am not a minister, this passage speaks to me. For I too, am what I am by the gift of God's grace. And while I may not be able to heal others of their sicknesses, I can share the gospel and offer a healing for sin. Not through my works, but through the working of His power.
Lord, show us your power and glory. Amen.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
This grace is not for me
Ephesians 3:1-6
1For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Why is Paul a prisoner for the Gentiles? Because of the Gospel of God's grace! It is not just enough to know of God's grace, one must experience it to receive the full benefit. Paul was given a huge experience of God's grace. One who was once a murderous opponent now a zealous apostle. Why? Not for Paul's sake, but it was "given to me for you." In other words, it was given to Paul that God's grace might be known to the Gentiles.
Paul speaks of the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to other generations. Not a mystical knowledge, but the mystery of how God's love would work itself out on a cross. No one, even the most learned Jewish scholar at that time saw that one coming. And even in his current generation, it is revealed to his apostles and prophets. But not for their sake. Grace is never given for the sake of the one receiving it, it is given that God's grace might be known to others.
So what about the grace God gives you and me? If God did not give it to us for our own sake, and He did not, what are we doing to share it with others that they might see it. This light was not meant to be hidden under a basket.
1For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Why is Paul a prisoner for the Gentiles? Because of the Gospel of God's grace! It is not just enough to know of God's grace, one must experience it to receive the full benefit. Paul was given a huge experience of God's grace. One who was once a murderous opponent now a zealous apostle. Why? Not for Paul's sake, but it was "given to me for you." In other words, it was given to Paul that God's grace might be known to the Gentiles.
Paul speaks of the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to other generations. Not a mystical knowledge, but the mystery of how God's love would work itself out on a cross. No one, even the most learned Jewish scholar at that time saw that one coming. And even in his current generation, it is revealed to his apostles and prophets. But not for their sake. Grace is never given for the sake of the one receiving it, it is given that God's grace might be known to others.
So what about the grace God gives you and me? If God did not give it to us for our own sake, and He did not, what are we doing to share it with others that they might see it. This light was not meant to be hidden under a basket.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
To those near and far...
Ephesians 2:17-22
17And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Jesus came and preached peace to those who were near (the Pharisees, those who understood and obeyed the law, the Jew who earnestly practiced their faith, those who cited the fact that we should love God with our heart, mind and soul) and those who were far (the tax-collectors, prostitutes, gentiles). I believe that peace is the gospel message of peace and reconciliation to God through faith. And a large part of that message was the loving of those God created (as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan, for one). That faith includes giving of yourself not only for God, but for your neighbor, whom you are told to love as you love yourself.
So we are no longer strangers, aliens, enemies even, but we are connected together through God himself. We are part of a holy temple. Imagine building a building where the components of that building to not work together. What if the mortar, which is different from the bricks, refused to bind together with the bricks? What if the shingles of a buildng refused to let themselves be seen with the tar paper that is laid beneath them? So we must embrace our differences because they are needed in order for the building to perform its function. I am not saying that we accept destructive forces that would tear the building down. You don't observe a mold and continue to let it grow in the building, that would destroy the building.
Jesus came to reconcile man to God. In the process, he reconciled men with one another, because how can the body be reconciled to God and yet at war with its members?
17And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Jesus came and preached peace to those who were near (the Pharisees, those who understood and obeyed the law, the Jew who earnestly practiced their faith, those who cited the fact that we should love God with our heart, mind and soul) and those who were far (the tax-collectors, prostitutes, gentiles). I believe that peace is the gospel message of peace and reconciliation to God through faith. And a large part of that message was the loving of those God created (as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan, for one). That faith includes giving of yourself not only for God, but for your neighbor, whom you are told to love as you love yourself.
So we are no longer strangers, aliens, enemies even, but we are connected together through God himself. We are part of a holy temple. Imagine building a building where the components of that building to not work together. What if the mortar, which is different from the bricks, refused to bind together with the bricks? What if the shingles of a buildng refused to let themselves be seen with the tar paper that is laid beneath them? So we must embrace our differences because they are needed in order for the building to perform its function. I am not saying that we accept destructive forces that would tear the building down. You don't observe a mold and continue to let it grow in the building, that would destroy the building.
Jesus came to reconcile man to God. In the process, he reconciled men with one another, because how can the body be reconciled to God and yet at war with its members?
Monday, March 28, 2011
No Harmful Side-Effects!
Ephesians 2:14-16
14For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
Caution: May cause drowsiness.
Many medications come with warnings about possible side-effects. While the main purpose of a drug might be to relieve a headache or some other problem, in some people it also has other effects. Sometimes these are positive but usually negative.
Jesus is our peace. He has made us both one. Who is the both, and how are we one? I believe the both are the circumcised (Jews) and the uncircumcised (Gentiles). The dividing wall of hostility was the law. The Jews had it, the Gentiles didn't. Because of the law, the Jews could not even associate with the Gentiles. They were unclean. Christ's death on the cross did away with the law.
If the law could have given us righteousness, it would have remained in effect, and there would have been no need for Jesus to die on the cross. But the purpose of the law was to show us our unrighteousness. So we needed a remedy, which Jesus provided on the cross. His main purpose, I believe, was to glorify God by providing the perfect sacrifice for our sins. But there were also side-effects. As a result of His death, the law was done away with, the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile destroyed. (Gal 3:28)
I imagine this was a tough one for the Jews. It required a radical shift in their thoughts. But to embrace this was to embrace the world. It was as if God had opened for them a door that had been shut for centuries. Maybe that was a scary door to open. But Jesus did it. He got rid of the reason for the hostility.
I think this is one that we need to apply more broadly today. As we look at others in our world who are different. Could be drug-addicts, Muslims, racial or gender issues, but Christ has broken down the dividing wall an calls us to reach out to all. What are the side-effects the cross has had on you?
14For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
Caution: May cause drowsiness.
Many medications come with warnings about possible side-effects. While the main purpose of a drug might be to relieve a headache or some other problem, in some people it also has other effects. Sometimes these are positive but usually negative.
Jesus is our peace. He has made us both one. Who is the both, and how are we one? I believe the both are the circumcised (Jews) and the uncircumcised (Gentiles). The dividing wall of hostility was the law. The Jews had it, the Gentiles didn't. Because of the law, the Jews could not even associate with the Gentiles. They were unclean. Christ's death on the cross did away with the law.
If the law could have given us righteousness, it would have remained in effect, and there would have been no need for Jesus to die on the cross. But the purpose of the law was to show us our unrighteousness. So we needed a remedy, which Jesus provided on the cross. His main purpose, I believe, was to glorify God by providing the perfect sacrifice for our sins. But there were also side-effects. As a result of His death, the law was done away with, the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile destroyed. (Gal 3:28)
I imagine this was a tough one for the Jews. It required a radical shift in their thoughts. But to embrace this was to embrace the world. It was as if God had opened for them a door that had been shut for centuries. Maybe that was a scary door to open. But Jesus did it. He got rid of the reason for the hostility.
I think this is one that we need to apply more broadly today. As we look at others in our world who are different. Could be drug-addicts, Muslims, racial or gender issues, but Christ has broken down the dividing wall an calls us to reach out to all. What are the side-effects the cross has had on you?
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Good News!
Ephesians 2:11-13
11Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles. Though being brought up as a Jew in the strictest sense, God sent him to the Gentiles, the non-Jews. The Gentiles were called the uncircumcision, or the unclean, by that which were clean according to the law. As unclean they were separated not only from Christ, but not even a Jew would have anything to do with them. As my kids my say, the Gentiles had a bad case of cooties. They were outside of God, outside of the family of believers, outside the promise of redemption. So they were without hope, key word being were.
But now in Christ Jesus, all who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. It reminds me of many of the healings that Christ performed. He took those who were unclean. The lepers, paralytics, dropsy, etc., and he healed them. Many times he touched them, which would have been so wrong for a Jew to do. But Jesus did it, he healed them and made them who were previously unclean to be clean. Again, the outsiders able to come in. Good news!
11Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Paul was the Apostle to the Gentiles. Though being brought up as a Jew in the strictest sense, God sent him to the Gentiles, the non-Jews. The Gentiles were called the uncircumcision, or the unclean, by that which were clean according to the law. As unclean they were separated not only from Christ, but not even a Jew would have anything to do with them. As my kids my say, the Gentiles had a bad case of cooties. They were outside of God, outside of the family of believers, outside the promise of redemption. So they were without hope, key word being were.
But now in Christ Jesus, all who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. It reminds me of many of the healings that Christ performed. He took those who were unclean. The lepers, paralytics, dropsy, etc., and he healed them. Many times he touched them, which would have been so wrong for a Jew to do. But Jesus did it, he healed them and made them who were previously unclean to be clean. Again, the outsiders able to come in. Good news!
Grace and its aftermath
Ephesians 2:8-10
8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
It is grace that saves us. Grace is unmerited favor, and Paul goes on to make sure that this is very clear. It is not our own doing, it is a gift, not the result of works. So no boasting! In fact, our reaction should be just the opposite, humility. Dare I even say, intense humility, brokenness, awe.
We are His workmanship. As a craftsman puts together a fine piece of furniture, God has made us as we are. And just as a craftsman's work has a purpose, so does God's work. We are created to do good labor, in order that we might reflect His glory. Notice that our doing good works comes after our grace. Good works does not give us grace, but it is the result of grace. That is why, if we want to be changed, we must look to God and see His glory and grace.
Goodness, kindness, patience, gentleness, self-control, joy, peace, love, faithfulness. All of these were made ahead of time, that we should walk in them. These are the things we see if we honestly look at God. These are how we should walk in appreciation of and to be a reflection of His grace.
The gospel in 10 verses. Our sin to God's grace to our response. An incredible journey of faith and love.
8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
It is grace that saves us. Grace is unmerited favor, and Paul goes on to make sure that this is very clear. It is not our own doing, it is a gift, not the result of works. So no boasting! In fact, our reaction should be just the opposite, humility. Dare I even say, intense humility, brokenness, awe.
We are His workmanship. As a craftsman puts together a fine piece of furniture, God has made us as we are. And just as a craftsman's work has a purpose, so does God's work. We are created to do good labor, in order that we might reflect His glory. Notice that our doing good works comes after our grace. Good works does not give us grace, but it is the result of grace. That is why, if we want to be changed, we must look to God and see His glory and grace.
Goodness, kindness, patience, gentleness, self-control, joy, peace, love, faithfulness. All of these were made ahead of time, that we should walk in them. These are the things we see if we honestly look at God. These are how we should walk in appreciation of and to be a reflection of His grace.
The gospel in 10 verses. Our sin to God's grace to our response. An incredible journey of faith and love.
Friday, March 25, 2011
God's Grace
Ephesians 2:6-7
and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
God displays His kindness and mercy through His grace, and lest we think that is a small thing, Paul gives us a peek at what that means...
God raised (past tense, so does this mean that it is a done deal and we cannot lose His grace? Let the debating begin!) us up and seated us with Him in heavenly places. That is what grace does for us. It puts us in an incredible place. Grace is not just about forgiveness, it is about the glory of God. What will I do when I realize the fullness of His grace, because as it stands now, I only see a part of it? I have to believe I will praise Him for His greatness. Even though I cannot understand the fullness of this grace, I can already praise Him for it. In fact, I should be doing this. Why else would Paul take the time to share this vision?
But poor old me, I too often get caught up in that which is "by sight." That is where His word inspires me. That is where the word of a good preacher can lift me up. (Note: I said "good preacher," because I have heard some who definitely bring me down.)
So that in the coming ages I might see His "immeasurable" grace. Are you kidding me? Immeasurable? So that no matter how long I spend in heaven, even if it is eternity, I will still not get to see the full size of His grace? I want that. I want the giver of that grace. No wonder Paul said, "to live is Christ, to die is gain."
and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
God displays His kindness and mercy through His grace, and lest we think that is a small thing, Paul gives us a peek at what that means...
God raised (past tense, so does this mean that it is a done deal and we cannot lose His grace? Let the debating begin!) us up and seated us with Him in heavenly places. That is what grace does for us. It puts us in an incredible place. Grace is not just about forgiveness, it is about the glory of God. What will I do when I realize the fullness of His grace, because as it stands now, I only see a part of it? I have to believe I will praise Him for His greatness. Even though I cannot understand the fullness of this grace, I can already praise Him for it. In fact, I should be doing this. Why else would Paul take the time to share this vision?
But poor old me, I too often get caught up in that which is "by sight." That is where His word inspires me. That is where the word of a good preacher can lift me up. (Note: I said "good preacher," because I have heard some who definitely bring me down.)
So that in the coming ages I might see His "immeasurable" grace. Are you kidding me? Immeasurable? So that no matter how long I spend in heaven, even if it is eternity, I will still not get to see the full size of His grace? I want that. I want the giver of that grace. No wonder Paul said, "to live is Christ, to die is gain."
Batman and the Gospel
Ephesians 2:4-5
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved -
It feels like a Batman episode (I know, I am showing my age), when we left off yesterday we were in deep trouble labeled as "children of wrath." And not just anyone's wrath, God's wrath. It was a hopeless situation, as there is nothing we can do or anything we can give to get out of this mess. There is only one solution, and that is for God to free us. Now tell me, would the Riddler put Batman and Robin over a boiling pot of acid only to come back and free them himself? Of course not. Neither would the Penguin, Mr. Freeze, the Joker and so on.
But there is a differences between those guys and God. First, God did not put us in this situation, we did. We did it when we chose to sin. And second, those guys don't love their enemies, but God loves us. Third, those guys are not merciful, but God is full of mercy.
That is the beginning of the good news, who God is. It is what brings Him to do what He did, which is bring life to us even while we were dead in our trespasses. Holy forgiveness, Batman! And that is exactly what it is, a most holy forgiveness. A forgiveness that came at great price, which God paid in full through His Son Jesus. A forgiveness from a situation that we could never have escaped from on our own ability. A forgiveness, when understood, that should bring us to our knees.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved -
It feels like a Batman episode (I know, I am showing my age), when we left off yesterday we were in deep trouble labeled as "children of wrath." And not just anyone's wrath, God's wrath. It was a hopeless situation, as there is nothing we can do or anything we can give to get out of this mess. There is only one solution, and that is for God to free us. Now tell me, would the Riddler put Batman and Robin over a boiling pot of acid only to come back and free them himself? Of course not. Neither would the Penguin, Mr. Freeze, the Joker and so on. But there is a differences between those guys and God. First, God did not put us in this situation, we did. We did it when we chose to sin. And second, those guys don't love their enemies, but God loves us. Third, those guys are not merciful, but God is full of mercy.
That is the beginning of the good news, who God is. It is what brings Him to do what He did, which is bring life to us even while we were dead in our trespasses. Holy forgiveness, Batman! And that is exactly what it is, a most holy forgiveness. A forgiveness that came at great price, which God paid in full through His Son Jesus. A forgiveness from a situation that we could never have escaped from on our own ability. A forgiveness, when understood, that should bring us to our knees.Thursday, March 24, 2011
The real me
Ephesians 2:3
among whom we all once live in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
I have heard Matt Chandler call Ephesians 2:1-10 "The gospel in 10 verses." I agree, as I think Paul is continually presenting the gospel in his writings in many ways and places. But this verse I think is one that we would rather not hear. And probably don't, in most churches.
For many, the thought that we were once sinners is something we don't hear a lot. Yet it is all over Paul's gospel. And if we are going to be honest, we struggle with sin still. I like that Paul states we have both desires of the body and the mind. We have urges that were put into our bodies by God, but that still does not mean we have to act on them at every turn. It is easy to justify things we do, but this is not a valid justification. And then there are the urges of the mind. Greed, anger, hate, etc., we used to live according to these too. Everyone. And we start young.
Because of this we were children of wrath. Like the time my son spilled water on my laptop as we were leaving to go somewhere. He knew he did it, yet just walked out the door with the rest of us, saying nothing and not bothering to clean it up. After several hours soaking in water, the laptop was fried. Had it been picked up and moved, or quickly dried up, perhaps a different outcome. I believe I had reason to be upset upon returning home and finding the mess. Children of wrath.
My son did not have $1,000 to replace the laptop. That was a problem. I don't have enough to pay my debt to God either. Thank God for verses 4-10, which I will discus in future posts!
among whom we all once live in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
I have heard Matt Chandler call Ephesians 2:1-10 "The gospel in 10 verses." I agree, as I think Paul is continually presenting the gospel in his writings in many ways and places. But this verse I think is one that we would rather not hear. And probably don't, in most churches.
For many, the thought that we were once sinners is something we don't hear a lot. Yet it is all over Paul's gospel. And if we are going to be honest, we struggle with sin still. I like that Paul states we have both desires of the body and the mind. We have urges that were put into our bodies by God, but that still does not mean we have to act on them at every turn. It is easy to justify things we do, but this is not a valid justification. And then there are the urges of the mind. Greed, anger, hate, etc., we used to live according to these too. Everyone. And we start young.
Because of this we were children of wrath. Like the time my son spilled water on my laptop as we were leaving to go somewhere. He knew he did it, yet just walked out the door with the rest of us, saying nothing and not bothering to clean it up. After several hours soaking in water, the laptop was fried. Had it been picked up and moved, or quickly dried up, perhaps a different outcome. I believe I had reason to be upset upon returning home and finding the mess. Children of wrath.
My son did not have $1,000 to replace the laptop. That was a problem. I don't have enough to pay my debt to God either. Thank God for verses 4-10, which I will discus in future posts!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
They keep going and going and going...
Ephesians 1:1-2
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—
Paul is talking to the Ephesians, to Christians, to you. Okay, to me too. We were dead in our shortcomings, in our sins, those things that we used to live in back when we followed the original sinner, Satan.
Notice that he says, "in which you once walked." That means that we do not walk in them any longer. It is not that we do not struggle in our flesh, but we have a means of conquering our struggles, and that is to walk in the Spirit. The alternative of not following the Spirit of God is that we are following the spirit of Satan. The spirit of selfishness.
The word "work" is the Greek word "energeo" which sounds a lot like our word "energy." So this raises the question, where do we get our energy? Those who get their energy from the Spirit of God will have the power to overcome. But those who walk in their own power, or the power of this age or of Satan will continue to struggle with their disobedience.
There is an axiom that if you don't change what you are doing, you shouldn't expect different results. If we want to see change in our lives, we need to make a more conscious effort to walk in the Spirit.
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—
Paul is talking to the Ephesians, to Christians, to you. Okay, to me too. We were dead in our shortcomings, in our sins, those things that we used to live in back when we followed the original sinner, Satan.
Notice that he says, "in which you once walked." That means that we do not walk in them any longer. It is not that we do not struggle in our flesh, but we have a means of conquering our struggles, and that is to walk in the Spirit. The alternative of not following the Spirit of God is that we are following the spirit of Satan. The spirit of selfishness.
The word "work" is the Greek word "energeo" which sounds a lot like our word "energy." So this raises the question, where do we get our energy? Those who get their energy from the Spirit of God will have the power to overcome. But those who walk in their own power, or the power of this age or of Satan will continue to struggle with their disobedience.
There is an axiom that if you don't change what you are doing, you shouldn't expect different results. If we want to see change in our lives, we need to make a more conscious effort to walk in the Spirit.
Head over heels
Ephesians 1:19b-23
That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
God is all-powerful. So in a sense, it is strange to hear God using "mighty strength" and "exerting" Himself. Job Chapter 26 touches on some of the strength of God, and then concludes by saying "And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?”
I like the words of the ESV, which translate it as the "immeasurable greatness of his power toward us." Now, instead of seeing God exerting Himself, I just stand back in awe as I witness His strength in raising Christ and placing Him as supreme over all things.
Christ is not just above, He is far above all things, past, present, and future. He is ruler in this age and the age to come. I love the idea that all things are under His feet (as in they can be stamped out when He sees fit), but He rules over the church with His head.
I need to keep His greatness before me. I need to see His glory and let that keep me focused, for I am far too easily swayed to sin. I also need to see His strength and justice, and remember that it is much better to be ruled over by His head than to be under His feet.
That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
God is all-powerful. So in a sense, it is strange to hear God using "mighty strength" and "exerting" Himself. Job Chapter 26 touches on some of the strength of God, and then concludes by saying "And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?”
I like the words of the ESV, which translate it as the "immeasurable greatness of his power toward us." Now, instead of seeing God exerting Himself, I just stand back in awe as I witness His strength in raising Christ and placing Him as supreme over all things.
Christ is not just above, He is far above all things, past, present, and future. He is ruler in this age and the age to come. I love the idea that all things are under His feet (as in they can be stamped out when He sees fit), but He rules over the church with His head.
I need to keep His greatness before me. I need to see His glory and let that keep me focused, for I am far too easily swayed to sin. I also need to see His strength and justice, and remember that it is much better to be ruled over by His head than to be under His feet.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sign me up?
There is a story about a church in Ohio that is giving away $1,000 to encourage people to come to church.
Apparently, this is the second year for this offer. Last year's event doubled their regular Sunday attendance for the Easter Sunday Service.
So many thoughts are running through my head, I know I will lose a few before I finish typing:
Apparently, this is the second year for this offer. Last year's event doubled their regular Sunday attendance for the Easter Sunday Service.
So many thoughts are running through my head, I know I will lose a few before I finish typing:
- What were the long-term results of this? Did the church grow? Were people brought to Christ?
- How about the offering that Sunday? Did the extra people give to offset or even overcome the $1,000 cost?
- What is the message we are sending?
- I know that Jesus fed followers, but didn't he later also say that they were only following to fill their stomachs?
- If one of the goals is to help in the stuggling economy, what if someone "wins" who is not in need?
- Do you put envelopes under the seat of the winners, or draw names?
- What other things is this church doing to help those who are struggling right now?
- Does the winner have to claim this on their taxes?
- Wow!
Turn it around, silly people
Ephesians 1:15-19a
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Can't you just see the humility of Paul here? How humbled he is in what God has done in Ephesus? He is not patting anyone, including himself, on the back for the faith and love of these people. He knows that there is only one who gets the praise, and that is God. Knowing that all things come from God he first gives thanks. Thanks to the one who is responsible for all good gifts. And beyond that, he prays for them, praying to God that the faith that he has heard about will continue to grow. Praying that the Spirit will be unleashed in their lives. Why? That they might know Him better. Because as they come to know Him better, their faith will increase, their love for one another will grow even greater.
Doesn't this stand in stark contrast to most of Christianity today? We see the church is growing, and we smile and pat one another on the back. We send an offering to Haiti or Japan, and of course we print the amount of the check in hte bulletin and newsletter, because we want to know just how awesome we are. Go God, You sure know how to use us awesome Christians. We often offer up a prayer too. But is it constant? Does it echo the humility of Paul and of Christ?
What we need to understand is, it is knowing Him that brings us to our knees. It is seeing His grace and glory that creates life change in us. We don't respond to get closer by works that seek to impress God or others. Those who do have already "received their reward in full." (Matt 6:2)
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Can't you just see the humility of Paul here? How humbled he is in what God has done in Ephesus? He is not patting anyone, including himself, on the back for the faith and love of these people. He knows that there is only one who gets the praise, and that is God. Knowing that all things come from God he first gives thanks. Thanks to the one who is responsible for all good gifts. And beyond that, he prays for them, praying to God that the faith that he has heard about will continue to grow. Praying that the Spirit will be unleashed in their lives. Why? That they might know Him better. Because as they come to know Him better, their faith will increase, their love for one another will grow even greater.
Doesn't this stand in stark contrast to most of Christianity today? We see the church is growing, and we smile and pat one another on the back. We send an offering to Haiti or Japan, and of course we print the amount of the check in hte bulletin and newsletter, because we want to know just how awesome we are. Go God, You sure know how to use us awesome Christians. We often offer up a prayer too. But is it constant? Does it echo the humility of Paul and of Christ?
What we need to understand is, it is knowing Him that brings us to our knees. It is seeing His grace and glory that creates life change in us. We don't respond to get closer by works that seek to impress God or others. Those who do have already "received their reward in full." (Matt 6:2)
Monday, March 21, 2011
God somehow does it all
Ephesians 1:11-14
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Did Paul just go all Calvinist here? (Or did Calvin later go all Pauline for you chicken/egg types.) There is just something comforting about knowing that under every circumstance God is sovereign.
I read and re-read these verses, and I do not know the answer to all of life's questions. But I know that there is someone who does. In these verses I see a God who is in absolute control, a God who is worthy of all praise, a God who cannot be defeated. Whatever the path, He works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. And He does it for His glory. I am okay with that, because I certainly do not expect He would do it for my glory, me being a sinner and all. And that goes for humanity as a whole as well, seeing that we have all sinned and fall short of His glory.
To be God's possession is an amazing thought. Most humans do not desire to be the possession of someone else. Under slavery, people risked their lives in order to no longer be the possession of another. Yet there were those, who out or fear or loyalty gave up freedom to remain with their masters.
I think this goes back to Jesus thought that we cannot serve two masters. I notice that Jesus did not give a third option. Such as, "Option 3: You can not serve either one, but you can have absolute freedom!" Jesus knew in our sinful state that such an option did not exist. And to be honest, being God's possession does not exist without Jesus.
That is what I want to dwell on today, being God's possession. Just being able, through Christ, to not be thrown away as worthless, but to be clean and presentable before Him. God, the one who wonderfully controls it all. Now that is priceless.
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Did Paul just go all Calvinist here? (Or did Calvin later go all Pauline for you chicken/egg types.) There is just something comforting about knowing that under every circumstance God is sovereign.
I read and re-read these verses, and I do not know the answer to all of life's questions. But I know that there is someone who does. In these verses I see a God who is in absolute control, a God who is worthy of all praise, a God who cannot be defeated. Whatever the path, He works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. And He does it for His glory. I am okay with that, because I certainly do not expect He would do it for my glory, me being a sinner and all. And that goes for humanity as a whole as well, seeing that we have all sinned and fall short of His glory.
To be God's possession is an amazing thought. Most humans do not desire to be the possession of someone else. Under slavery, people risked their lives in order to no longer be the possession of another. Yet there were those, who out or fear or loyalty gave up freedom to remain with their masters.
I think this goes back to Jesus thought that we cannot serve two masters. I notice that Jesus did not give a third option. Such as, "Option 3: You can not serve either one, but you can have absolute freedom!" Jesus knew in our sinful state that such an option did not exist. And to be honest, being God's possession does not exist without Jesus.
That is what I want to dwell on today, being God's possession. Just being able, through Christ, to not be thrown away as worthless, but to be clean and presentable before Him. God, the one who wonderfully controls it all. Now that is priceless.
Friday, March 18, 2011
That's Bigger Than I Thought!
Ephesians 1:7-10
Redemption is found in the blood of Christ. This is given through the grace of God. Every time I see or hear that word "grace," I need to remind myself, I don't desreve it. This is God's wonderful mercy to me. And grace wasn't merely handed to us, it was lavished on us. As if God, in His love, just couldn't give us enough grace. God doesn't supply redemption stingily or begrudgingly, but He pours it out.
God had a plan, and that plan was fulfilled in Christ. In Christ, redemption of everything would be accomplished. Creation would once again be able to be united.
As I read through the first 10 verses of Ephesians, I could not help but see how Paul exalts the glory of God. Ironically, it is somewhat subtle. I say that because the way that Paul speaks has become a sort of expected Christian language. But such a language did not exist in Paul's time. We use words like "blessed" and "grace" and so on without a thought to their true meaning. I wonder what Paul would think if someone sneezed and he heard another person respond, "Bless you." That is what I need to see in my life, the Gospel, the glorious grace of God, how truly blessed He is. And the depth of what He has lavished on me through His grace.
Wow.
Redemption is found in the blood of Christ. This is given through the grace of God. Every time I see or hear that word "grace," I need to remind myself, I don't desreve it. This is God's wonderful mercy to me. And grace wasn't merely handed to us, it was lavished on us. As if God, in His love, just couldn't give us enough grace. God doesn't supply redemption stingily or begrudgingly, but He pours it out.
God had a plan, and that plan was fulfilled in Christ. In Christ, redemption of everything would be accomplished. Creation would once again be able to be united.
As I read through the first 10 verses of Ephesians, I could not help but see how Paul exalts the glory of God. Ironically, it is somewhat subtle. I say that because the way that Paul speaks has become a sort of expected Christian language. But such a language did not exist in Paul's time. We use words like "blessed" and "grace" and so on without a thought to their true meaning. I wonder what Paul would think if someone sneezed and he heard another person respond, "Bless you." That is what I need to see in my life, the Gospel, the glorious grace of God, how truly blessed He is. And the depth of what He has lavished on me through His grace.
Wow.
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