"GLORY in the Church"

 

Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now unto HIM that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto HIM be glory in the church by CHRIST JESUS throughout all ages, world without end, AMEN."

     The Apostle Paul directs his prayer to "HIM that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (v.20 pictured above). All too often, we fail to realize just how much the LORD wants to bless us and how mightily HE would work through us if only we were totally yielded to the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. The low expectations we often have for ourselves as Christians reveal themselves in what we ask of GOD in prayer and in what we believe HE will actually bring to pass in our walk and witness. How sad it is that we expect so little when GOD wants to do so much ! What blessings we would experience if we took seriously what HE has promised ! We have no power in ourselves, but we have immeasurable strength through GOD. HE is able to do abundantly above all that we could ask or think. Are we willing to ask HIM for such strength ?

     The enjoyment of the fullness of GOD's blessing and the realization of all we have in CHRIST are "according to the power that worketh in us," (v.20b pictured above). Paul prayed for those believers who would receive edification through the reading of his epistle - and that certainly includes you and me ! He prayed that they would experience, in greater measure, the riches of JESUS CHRIST and the fullness of GOD's enabling grace. These blessings will be ours when we yield to the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, allowing HIM to do "exceeding abundantly" in making the FATHER's will our own heartfelt desire as well.

     Finally, our worship and service will flourish when we tap into GOD's mighty power. "Glory in the church" will be a blessed reality when its members are sincerely walking "by CHRIST JESUS" (v.21 pictured above) in the fullness and strength of the HOLY SPIRIT. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"How to Be Strengthened with Might"

 

Ephesians 3:16-19 "That HE would grant you, according to the riches of HIS glory, to be strengthened with might by HIS SPIRIT in the inner man; that CHRIST may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of CHRIST, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of GOD."

     Notice the first verse of our text; the Apostle prays that GOD would grant the believers a full measure of the HOLY SPIRIT's power. Consider the fact that he does not pray for them to be given the ability to work miracles or heal the sick. Rather, he requests the internal working of the SPIRIT whereby they would be strengthened in the inner man (v.16). It takes the mighty power of GOD to produce the gentle and peaceable fruit of the SPIRIT (Ephesians 5:9 cf. pictured above; Galatians 5:22-26 pictured below). Prayer is essential in order to abundantly bring forth such godly fruit. We cannot do it by our own self-efforts.

     Next, Paul prays for steadfastness in the faith, which is so sorely needed if we are to withstand the fiery darts of the adversary. Once again, it takes the HOLY SPIRIT's enabling in order for us to "hold fast" (2nd.Timothy 1:13-14 pictured below). "That CHRIST may dwell in your hearts by faith" (v.17) speaks of the walk in the SPIRIT whereby the believer maintains daily communion with his LORD, uninterrupted by harbored sin or a willful spirit. If we are to be rooted, grounded, and established in the faith, then GOD's grace must be fully operative in our heart. But keep in mind that all of these blessings are integrally linked to regular, believing, intercessory prayer. The Apostle Paul realized this fact. Do we ?

     Finally, Paul prays that they might comprehend the vastness of CHRIST's love and experience the very "fulness of GOD" (vv.18-19). Is the Apostle Paul referring here to the so-called "charismatic gifts" ? Absolutely not ! GOD's fullness is for the one who is obedient to the WORD and yielded to the SPIRIT; this taps into the power of GOD, which can make every believer what HE wants him to be - like HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"HE Came, HE Went Back, HE Will Come Again !"

 

HE is the most important person who ever lived.

*HE CAME

His first coming was so important that even now, over 2,000 years later, we plan for the celebration of HIS birth by a month of feverish activity. We call HIS birthday Christmas. HE was killed at the early age of 33. Before HIS death HE had spent only three years speaking to the people. Why is HE so important ?

*HE WENT BACK

Three days after HIS death, HE arose from the grave and was seen on many occasions, for 40 days, by a total of over 500 people. Then HE physically ascended into Heaven ! How could all this be ? What is HE doing now ?

*HE WILL COME AGAIN

On many occasions during HIS life and after HIS resurrection HE clearly stated that HE will come again. Since everything predicted about HIS first coming has come true, and everything that HE said has come true, it is certain that HE will return.

Obviously, all this could not happen to a mere man. And these events are important to know simply because JESUS CHRIST is both GOD and MAN.

HE CAME*

HE came the first time to solve the basic problem of mankind: the sin-problem which separates GOD and man.

HIS teachings are wonderful. You can read the story of HIS life in 2 hours in one of the short books (called Gospels) written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 

But more important than what HE said is what HE did. Although HE was perfectly good, without sin, HE took the punishment due us because of our sins. HE died for us. Those who accept HIM as their substitute will not have to pay for their sins. This is GOD's plan for rescuing mankind.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4).

GOD showed HIS approval of JESUS' work by raising HIM from the dead. Death is the result of sin. By conquering sin, JESUS defeated death ! Mankind is a born sinner and as such he is in need of a personal SAVIOR - JESUS fills that need in full ! 

HE WENT BACK*

After proving beyond any doubt that HE was physically alive, JESUS returned to HIS FATHER in Heaven. HE is there now. HE watches as HIS church, the body of CHRIST, spreads throughout the whole world. HE helps HIS followers. HE rules everything - every nation and person and event - to guide history to the point where HE will return.

HE WILL COME AGAIN*

When JESUS comes again, HE won't come as a weak tiny baby in a poor stable. HE will come in majesty and honor ! HE won't come to be crucified. HE will come as KING of the Universe ! Everyone who has ever lived will be brought before HIM for judgment.

How will you stand in that judgment ? The key to your being acquitted or condemned is whether or not you have honored HIM in this life by believing the facts about HIM.

"For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16).

JESUS is GOD. HE came once to conquer evil. HE will come again to reward those who believe and condemn those who reject HIM in unbelief ! Are you ready for HIS coming ?

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so CHRIST was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for HIM shall HE appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:27,28)

"Prepare to meet they GOD !" (Amos 4:12)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com

"Paul's Prayer"

 

Ephesians 3:14-15 "For this cause I bow my knees unto the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, of WHOM the whole family in Heaven and Earth is named,"

     Paul's intercessory prayer concludes the doctrinal section of his epistle to the Ephesians and leads into the "practical," or application, portion (Chapters 4-6). In this doctrinal section, we see the glory of the LORD JESUS CHRIST revealed through the calling out of a people from among both Jews and Gentiles who believe the Gospel, who are truly one in the SPIRIT and one in CHRIST's body, and who are predestinated to be glorified together at their SAVIOR's appearing. The Apostle desires in today's text that the recipients of GOD's marvelous benefits would more fully comprehend these blessed, spiritual truths. He also prays that believers, who enjoy such a glorious position in JESUS CHRIST, would likewise experience the LORD's enabling power.

     "For this cause I bow my knees unto the FATHER" (v.14 pictured above) - notice the Apostle's reverential attitude in prayer (kneeling before GOD) and the way in which he addresses his heavenly FATHER. This was not simply a feigned piety with which he was trying to impress other believers through his prayer life. The Apostle Paul realized that intercession was essential and instrumental in bringing to pass the perfect will of GOD in the lives of those for whom he prayed. Prayer does, indeed, make a tremendous difference; it seeks to magnify the LORD's will not only in our own life but also in the lives of others.

     "Of WHOM [JESUS CHRIST] the whole family in Heaven and Earth is named" (v.15 pictured above) - a family relationship exists between all who are "in CHRIST" (Ephesians 1:1 pictured above), including all believers today as well as those in times past. If we truly care about and have concern for others, we will come to the LORD in fervent, intermediary prayer on their behalf. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Minister"

 

Ephesians 3:1-13 "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of JESUS CHRIST for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of GOD which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation HE made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of CHRIST) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto HIS Holy Apostles and Prophets by the SPIRIT; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of HIS promise in CHRIST by the Gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of GOD given unto me by the effectual working of HIS power.

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of CHRIST; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in GOD, WHO created all things by JESUS CHRIST: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of GOD, according to the eternal purpose which HE purposed in CHRIST JESUS our LORD: in WHOM we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of HIM. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulation for you, which is your glory."

     Today's text details the role and character of the "minister" (v.7) of the "mystery" (v.3). It is vital that the bearer of the Good News be properly equipped. Why was this man who ministered the truth concerning the Gospel now in prison ? It is because Paul fearlessly and uncompromisingly proclaimed this mystery to "you Gentiles" (v.1) - if he had limited his ministry to the Jews only, perhaps he might have averted some persecution. But the glorious message was for Gentiles as well, and the Apostle could not keep quiet about this. He realized the necessity of preaching the Gospel to everyone. GOD has no favorites, for HE "so loved the world" (John 3:16 pictured above) !

     The LORD entrusted Paul with a "dispensation" to proclaim HIS grace to whoever would hear and heed (vv.2-3), and he was to accomplish this ministry by humbly realizing that what GOD had commanded, HE would enable to be accomplished by HIS grace (vv.7-8). Remember, dear believer, the LORD has called and commissioned each of us to be an ambassador for JESUS CHRIST, beseeching the lost, in CHRIST's stead, to be reconciled to GOD (2nd.Corinthians 5:20-21 pictured above). We are only able to fulfill this ministry by the "effectual working of HIS power" (v.7). GOD is still seeking loyal ministers just like Paul.

     Were all the tribulations the Apostle was called upon to bear worth it ? Yes, they most certainly were ! "My tribulations," Paul says, are "for you, which is your glory" (v.13 pictured above). The power of GOD working through Paul's suffering and trials resulted in the edification and encouragement of believers. The Apostle would endure anything, as long as JESUS CHRIST was glorified and others were being saved and built up in the faith. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Mystery"

 

Ephesians 3:1-11 "For this cause, I Paul, the prisoner of JESUS CHRIST for you Gentiles, if ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of GOD which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation HE made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of CHRIST) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto HIS Holy Apostles and Prophets by the SPIRIT; that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of HIS promise in CHRIST by the Gospel: whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of GOD given unto me by the effectual working of HIS power.

Unto me, whom am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of CHRIST; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in GOD, WHO created all things by JESUS CHRIST: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of GOD. According to the eternal purpose which HE purposed in CHRIST JESUS our LORD:"

     Ephesians chapter two describes the church as a "building" (Ephesians 2:21) composed of "lively (living) stones" (1st.Peter 2:5 pictured above) - saved Jews and Gentiles. This equal access to salvation by grace and the subsequent formation of the body of CHRIST, made up of all who believe the Gospel, was a mystery previously veiled during the Old Testament times (1st.Peter 1:10-12) but now made known by the Apostles of JESUS CHRIST to the church. A "mystery" (v.3), then, is the unfolding or revealing of New Testament doctrine through the revelatory gifts. The HOLY SPIRIT gave these gifts to the Apostles and New Testament Prophets so they could communicate church doctrine hitherto unknown (v.5). The Apostle Paul understood the mystery concerning the church by "revelation" (v.3) and by "knowledge" mentioned in 1st.Corinthians 13:8 pictured below. These spiritual revelatory gifts ceased to exist once the canon of Scripture was completed (1st.Corinthians 13:8-13) because, upon its conclusion, no further need existed for new revelation. All divinely given communication regarding the Gospel of GOD's grace as well as the formation of the body of CHRIST, the church, is finished and compiled in the written WORD of GOD, the Bible.

     The essence of the "mystery" is that "the unsearchable riches of CHRIST" (vv.6-8) are offered to all (Jew and Gentile alike) through the preaching of the Gospel. The newly created body, the church, reveals the "manifold wisdom of GOD" (v.10), for therein are those who are called out of all nations washed in the blood for one objective-to bring honor and glory to the LORD JESUS CHRIST (v.11). Are we fulfilling our purpose ? DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

  

"A Perfect, Finished Foundation"

 

Ephesians 2:19-22 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of GOD; and are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF being the CHIEF CORNERSTONE; in WHOM all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the LORD: in WHOM ye also are builded together for an habitation of GOD through the SPIRIT."

     The Bible sometimes describes the church as a "building" (v.21). The LORD JESUS CHRIST is the CHIEF CORNERSTONE of this structure, with the foundation composed of the divinely inspired writings of the Apostles and Prophets (v.20). Individual "living stones," which represent believers in the church age, comprise the superstructure. All of GOD's children are "fellow citizens" of Heaven and part of this "household of GOD" (v.19). Notice the dependence of these building components. The church is "build upon the foundation" (v.20) - our faith rests solely on GOD's final infallible revelation to mankind (1st.Thessalonians 2:13 pictured above; 4:1-2; 2nd.Timothy 3:16 pictured below; 2nd.Peter 1:21:3:2).

     For us to be properly fitted and built up in the faith, we must gain an increasing knowledge of the WORD of GOD. The spiritual process of being "fitly framed together" (v.21) includes our absolute reliance upon and alignment with the CORNERSTON HIMSELF, JESUS CHRIST. HE must be the HEAD of all things, including every aspect of our life. We need to study the WORD each day, pray without ceasing, commune with the LORD, and daily strive to serve HIM aright; as we do so, the HOLY SPIRIT will shape us into the kind of stones that rightly fit and function in GOD's building - CHRIST's body - and that are a light in this dark world. GOD dwells within the church; it is HIS "Holy temple" (vv.21-22). The world should be able to recognize that we are a part of this building, and it will when we yield ourselves to the ministry of the HOLY SPIRIT. Remember, in order to be useful for GOD, we must do all things "through the SPIRIT" (v.22). Are we allowing GOD's SPIRIT within to open our heart to the WORD and direct our path ? DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation