What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?
Summary: Looking at today’s passage tells us as much about Paul as it tells us about Jesus.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:9 – Finding Heaven”Ephesians 4:8 – Puzzle Pieces
This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
Summary: Sometimes, the Word of God can seem puzzling. Yet when we come before God in prayer and humility, he is faithful to open our minds to understand his Word.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:8 – Puzzle Pieces”Psalm 89:26 – Father’s Day
He will call out to me, ‘You are my Father,
my God, the Rock my Savior.’
Summary: Happy Father’s Day is more than just a few words on a card. It is a way of living.
Continue reading “Psalm 89:26 – Father’s Day”Ephesians 4:7 – The Key to Happiness
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
Summary: Words are important. The wrong word can lead us to the wrong understanding. In this mediation, we look at the word “apportioned” and examine how this word can affect our happiness in God.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:7 – The Key to Happiness”Ephesians 4:4-6 – Oneness
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Summary: This was not an easy meditation to write. I will warn you right now that you might not like it. If you don’t like it, I hope you will be patient until the end and gently correct my thinking in the comments.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:4-6 – Oneness”Ephesians 4:3 – Unity & Peace
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Summary: The bond of peace is not to be taken for granted. We were given the gift of peace at great cost to our Creator. To keep it requires effort.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:3 – Unity & Peace”Ephesians 4:2b – The Old Country
… be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Summary: Patience, long-suffering, and perseverance are all words that describe what Paul is trying to tell us in this passage.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:2b – The Old Country”Ephesians 4:2a – Horse and Rider
Be completely humble and gentle;
Summary: To be humble and gentle is asking a lot. Paul is really asking us to step outside of our emotional selves and take control. Fortunately, he also prays that God gives us the power to do just that.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:2a – Horse and Rider”Ephesians 4:1c – Called by Jesus
… of the calling you have received.
Summary: Paul talks about “the” calling we have received, but in his letter, he talks about three different aspects of this calling.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:1c – Called by Jesus”Ephesians 4:1b – The Power to be Worthy
… then, I urge you to live a life worthy …
Summary: Living a life worthy of our Lord is a full-time job. It is also a job that requires us to wear many hats.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:1b – The Power to be Worthy”