Ephesians – Be Still…

Ephesians 2:8-10 – Grace

Since we’re talking about salvation, we must mention grace. If you’ve been around a church for even a minute, you’ve probably heard that word bounced around. Don’t mistake God’s grace with how we act when we’re being “graceful.” It’s not about how delicately we walk. Grace is what God freely gives.

Grace is another way to think about forgiveness. When you think of all the sinful things you’ve done and will do, the “secret sauce” that God uses to forgive us, redeem us, and save us is called grace. We don’t deserve such a gift, and yet God stands ready to shower us with this amazing grace. There’s a poem by that name, “Amazing Grace,” written by John Newton in the 1700s and then put to music in the 1800s, and we still sing it in church today. Chris Tomlin recorded my favorite version by adding a powerful chorus. Be moved as you listen here. Continue reading “Ephesians 2:8-10 – Grace”

Ephesians 1:12-14 – God’s Purpose

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Have you ever written a “purpose statement” for your life? Many businesses and organizations start with a purpose statement to set intentions and expectations for their goals. God’s purpose for us, then, is that we will bring him glory. God intends for us to be included because we have heard and accepted the Good News.

God’s purpose for Himself is to save us and give us the Holy Spirit. That is definitely Good News! Jesus was sent on that rescue mission so we would be saved from our sins. We were never abandoned because Jesus sent the promised Holy Spirit so we would be empowered and set free. Continue reading “Ephesians 1:12-14 – God’s Purpose”

Ephesians 1:9-11 – The Plan

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Moving on from the praise in our last reading, Paul shares a truth that will surely give us reason to rejoice. We’re given inside information about what God’s plan is for our lives and for the world. It is a glorious future we all share.

As followers of Christ, we are part of God’s plan. How God’s will plays out remains a mystery to us, but now we know what the plan is. Paul tells us, “At the right time he (God) will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.” The puzzling part of this statement is what God deems to be the “right time.” Continue reading “Ephesians 1:9-11 – The Plan”

Ephesians 1:1-8 – Praise

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Paul opens this letter to the Ephesians by introducing himself as chosen by God, acknowledging the faithfulness of the believers there, and giving them a blessing. As an apostle of Jesus, Paul was given the mission of making sure people understood what it meant to be followers of Jesus.

From the start, Paul sets a great example for a life of faith by giving “all praise” to God. It is good for us to regularly sing God’s praises, remembering all the blessings he has given us. We don’t need to wait for our quiet time of prayer and reflection to exalt him for what he has done. Paul is praising in the middle of this letter! Continue reading “Ephesians 1:1-8 – Praise”

Ephesians 2:8-9 – Gift of Grace

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Grace. What is it? God saved us “by” his grace when we believed. That’s a memory verse I’ve had in my brain from childhood. This grace that saved us is definitely a gift because of how much it changes us when we let it.

Context (Ephesians 2:1-10): Paul speaks of grace in these verses in a helpful way. Grace is something Jesus gives us that we don’t deserve. We might wonder how God could be so rich in his mercy toward us sinners. That’s love and God’s desire to be in a right relationship with us, his children. Such a great reminder that our salvation does not depend on us! Continue reading “Ephesians 2:8-9 – Gift of Grace”