A Husband’s Love as a Picture of the Gospel Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Recap from Last Lesson: In our previous lesson (Eph 5:21-24), we established …
The Principle of Submission and a Wife’s Calling Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Recap from Last Lesson: In our previous lesson (Eph 5:15-21), we learned that …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Foundation of a Spirit-Filled Home (Ephesians 5:21-24)”
What the Developing World and the First World Must Learn from Each Other Thirteen years as a missionary teaches you to see patterns. I’ve seen believers in first-world nations who can beautifully articulate the nuances of Pauline theology, backed by a library of resources at their fingertips. But I’ve also seen how the gravitational pull …
An Update from Venezuela and the Story of a New Believer Preaching the Gospel “By the Lord’s mercy, we continue to advance in the Grace Community Biblical Mission in Maracay, Venezuela. Sundays We continue to have our regular consecutive sermons on the Gospel of John, currently in Chapter 7. In Sunday school, we are studying …
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Anchored in Truth, Growing in Love Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: What powerful imagery does Paul use in verse 14 to describe spiritual …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: From Immaturity to Maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:14-16)”
Living as Children of Light Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Recap from Last Lesson: In our previous lesson (Eph 5:3-7), we examined Paul’s stern warning against …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Walk to Embrace (Ephesians 5:8-14)”
Forsaking Darkness Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: After calling us to “walk in love” (5:2), Paul immediately lists things that should “not even …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Walk to Abandon (Ephesians 5:3-7)”
Our Identity and Our Walk Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: The word “Therefore” at the beginning of 5:1 connects this command directly to …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Imitators of God, Walking in Love (Ephesians 5:1-2) “
The Root of Sin and the Reason for Grace Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: Verse 30 gives a powerful, central command. What does …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Grieving the Spirit & The Gospel Heart (Ephesians 4:30-32) “
The Practical Marks of the New Self Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: Verse 25 provides the first specific example of “putting off” the …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The New Life in Practice (Ephesians 4:25-29)”
Why the Prosperity Gospel Misses the Point, and What the Bible Really Teaches In a world of hardship and uncertainty, the appeal of the prosperity gospel is undeniable. It promises that faith in God will unlock a life of material wealth, physical health, and earthly success. But is this the Gospel of Jesus Christ? To …
Read more “The Currency of the Kingdom: A Biblical Theology of True Prosperity”
The Old Self and the New Self Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: In verses 17-19, how does Paul describe the lifestyle of unbelievers? …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Putting on the New Self (Ephesians 4:17-24)”
Distinguishing Between Foundational and Continuing Church Offices As we journey through Ephesians, Paul’s mention of the ascended Christ giving “the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers” to the church (Eph. 4:11) can raise questions. These terms are sometimes used loosely or controversially today. The purpose of Christ in giving these leaders, however, …
Read more “A Foundation and a Frontline: Christ’s Design for His Church”
Equipping the Saints for Ministry Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: After emphasizing our sevenfold unity (vv. 4-6), Paul begins verse 7 with “But…” …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Christ’s Gifts to His Church (Ephesians 4:7-13)”
The Creed of Our Unity Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: Immediately after urging the church to be “eager to maintain the unity,” Paul …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Sevenfold Unity (Ephesians 4:4-6)”
Rooting Church Leadership in the Character of God Many pastors and leaders today affirm the biblical model of plural eldership. The New Testament pattern is clear: local churches were guided by a team of qualified men, not a solo pastor. But in our push to recover this structure, have we stopped to ask the deeper …
Read more “More Than a Model: A Theological Reflection on Shared Leadership”
The Foundation of Unity Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: Paul begins with a plea to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling.” …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Walk of Unity (Ephesians 4:1-3)”
God’s Power at Work in Us Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: This section is a doxology (a burst of praise). Why do you …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: To Him Be the Glory (Ephesians 3:20-21) “
Beyond the One-Man Show: Recovering Biblical Eldership Picture a pastor, alone in his study late at night, overwhelmed by the weight of his congregation’s needs—a difficult counseling case, a major financial decision, and the burden of next Sunday’s sermon all resting on his shoulders. This isolating pressure, so common in ministry today, is often the …
Read more “THE BIBLICAL MODEL PART 11: GOD’S DESIGN FOR CHURCH LEADERSHIP”
Comprehending the Love of Christ Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: Paul resumes his prayer in verse 14 by kneeling. What does this physical …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Rooted in Love, Filled with God (Ephesians 3:14-19)”
The Unfathomable Riches of Christ for All Nations Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: How does Paul describe himself in verse 8? What does …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Grand Purpose of the Mystery (Ephesians 3:8-13)”
The Stewardship of God’s Grace Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: Why does Paul begin by identifying himself as a “prisoner of Christ Jesus …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Great Mystery Revealed (Ephesians 3:1-7)”
The Threat We Don’t See Let’s begin by defining the word “subtle” to quickly put you in the context of where this topic is going. The word comes from the Latin subtilis and is defined as something delicate, faint, thin, elusive, or penetrating. In other words, something subtle can arrive without us perceiving it. It can plant …
Built on Christ, the Cornerstone Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: What three new identities does Paul give to the Gentile believers in verse …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Our New Identity in God’s Household (Ephesians 2:19-22)”
Christ Our Peace and Access to God Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: Verse 14 says Christ “is our peace.” What does it mean …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: The Wall Torn Down (Ephesians 2:14-18)”
Brought Near by the Blood of Christ Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: To whom is Paul specifically speaking in this section (v. 11)? …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Remembering Our Past (Ephesians 2:11-13)”
The Gift of God and the Purpose of Our Salvation Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: Verse 8 is one of the most famous …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Saved by Grace, Created for Works (Ephesians 2:8-10)”
Made Alive, Raised, and Seated by Grace Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: Verse 4 begins with the dramatic phrase, “But God…” What two …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: “But God…” — Our New Life in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-7)”
The Reality of Our Former Life in Trespasses and Sins Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: In verse 1, what is the word Paul …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Our Hopeless Condition Before Christ (Ephesians 2:1-3)”
Before You Read: A Moment of Reflection The Attendance Test: If your local church building burned down and your pastor moved away tomorrow, would your “ministry” for the Kingdom of God continue, or would it effectively cease to exist? The Prayer Divide: When you face a crisis, do you find yourself thinking, “I need the …
Read more “Every Member a Minister: Understanding the Priesthood of All Believers”
That You May Know the Hope, Riches, and Power You Possess Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: Upon hearing of the Ephesians’ “faith” and …
How God’s Character and Our Fallenness Illuminate the Meaning of Christ’s Sacrifice When one truly grasps the biblical doctrine of total depravity—understanding that it doesn’t mean human beings are as evil as they could possibly be, but rather that sin has corrupted every facet of their being (mind, will, emotions), leaving them spiritually dead, at enmity …
Read more “Total Depravity and Divine Grace: Unpacking the Cross”
Our Secure Place in God’s Plan Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: According to verse 7, what two specific and profound blessings do believers …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Bought, Informed, and Sealed (Ephesians 1:7-14)”
Understanding Our Election, Adoption, and the Riches of His Grace Main Idea of Ephesians: Ephesians reveals God’s eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, detailing our spiritual riches, the Church’s unity as His body, and our calling to live out this new identity. Questions to Consider: How does Paul identify himself at the beginning …
Unveiling God’s Eternal Plan and the Riches of His Grace Before we begin our verse-by-verse study of Ephesians, this introductory lesson will provide a brief overview of its background, central messages, and overall structure to help us appreciate the profound truths it contains. 1. Historical and Cultural Context The Epistle to the Ephesians is traditionally …
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The Cross, New Creation, and the Marks of Jesus Main Idea of the Passage: Paul emphatically declares that his only boast is in the cross of Christ, which has redefined his relationship with the world. He asserts that what truly matters is the new creation, blesses those who live by this principle, bears the marks …
The Danger of Seeking Human Approval over God’s Truth Main Idea of the Passage: Paul personally underscores his final warning by exposing the self-serving and fear-driven motives of those who pressure the Galatian believers to be circumcised, highlighting their desire for outward approval and avoidance of persecution rather than true commitment to God’s law. Questions …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: A Final Warning (Galatians 6:11-13)”
The Spiritual Law of Harvest and the Call to Do Good Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: …
Preaching the Gospel and Helping the Poor in Pedernales We bring you an update today on the vital and multifaceted work of Pastor Frantzdy Francois, a pioneering pastor serving in the Pedernales, Dominican Republic. This update offers a window into his unwavering commitment to Christ and the communities he serves. A Ministry Forged in Dedication …
Restoring Others and Examining Ourselves in Light of the Gospel Main Idea of Galatians: To defend the gospel of grace as the sole basis for justification and Christian living, to assert the believer’s freedom from legalism through faith in Christ, and to call believers back to the truth of the gospel. Questions to Consider: According …
Read more “REFLECTIONS FOR A NEW HEART: Living by the Spirit in Community (Galatians 6:1-5)”