… and called me by his grace,
Summary: Sometimes, a thought experiment can help us understand what the Bible is saying. This passage inspires us to consider what it means to be “called” by God.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:15b – Trusting Jesus”Ephesians 6:18c – Request Granted
… with all kinds of prayers and requests.
Summary: All who believe are called to be part of the body of Christ. As Paul reminds us, there are many different parts in the body. All of us need the armor of God, and all of us have questions.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:18c – Request Granted”Ephesians 6:18a – The Inner Voice
And pray in the Spirit …
Summary: The voice of God is a still, quiet voice that comes to us in the night or the quiet of our prayers. Discerning the voice of God is a personal challenge that confronts every Christian who has the Spirit of God in them.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:18a – The Inner Voice”Ephesians 6:18a – Doing What Is Right
And pray in the Spirit …
Summary: If we are to pray in the Holy Spirit, we need to have the Holy Spirit in us. How that happens is a simple process, but “simple” is not always easy.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:18a – Doing What Is Right”Ephesians 6:4 – The Curse of Free Will
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Summary: Being a father is a tall order. As humans, we are beset with many hurdles and distractions. Meanwhile, God is our spiritual Father. He is never too busy for you or me.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:4 – The Curse of Free Will”Ephesians 5:3a – What God Thinks
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,
Summary: People argue about all sorts of things, including morality and what it means to be “moral.” Paul tells us to avoid “even a hint” of immorality. Unpacking that concept in Christian terms opens the door to important insights about God.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:3a – What God Thinks”Ephesians 4:31 – The Golden Plate
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Summary: Paul gives us a blunt instruction to “get rid” of all things unholy. Before we come before God asking for his favor, we need to examine ourselves carefully.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:31 – The Golden Plate”Ephesians 4:30b – The Day of Redemption
… with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Summary: Paul takes us on a quick journey to his theological playground, where he wrestles with concepts like predestination, faith, and redemption.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:30b – The Day of Redemption”Ephesians 4:30a – The Fast One
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
Summary: Paul’s instruction not to grieve the Holy Spirit is not as hard as it sounds. Our Father loves us and is a forgiving father.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:30a – The Fast One”Ephesians 4:24 – Intro to Part II: All the Work
… put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Summary: Why does it feel like “putting on” this “new self” is a lot of work? The answer, like so many things in life, depends on how you look at it. Looked at correctly, we are not doing any work at all. Instead we are honoring our King, Jesus.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:24 – Intro to Part II: All the Work”