A Powerful Church
This is already our third day in the book of Ephesians and today we will read that we have been given power over all that the world and the devil may through at us! Enjoy and be strong!
Ephesians 3
S= Ephesians 3:10…“to the intent that now the manifest wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.” Vs.16 “that He would grant you according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through the Spirit in the inner man.”
O= I don’t think that I have really seen this verse in all the times that I have read this passage. Paul is saying that God’s plan of salvation that came through the children of Israel, in Christ, was always intended to reach all peoples (gentiles). It was a mystery (wonder) that God intended for all mankind to be included in His family. This family is called “the church” and we now have the responsibility to make known the manifold wisdom of God to all the earth, including all the powers of this world and the kingdom of darkness that rules this world. The word manifold means; much, varied, and many colored. It reminds me of looking at the Grand Canyon at sunrise or sunset with its limitless colors. How could you possibly describe what you are seeing or try to include everything in a painting? It would be futile. You would never be able to capture it all on canvass and would simply limit it. The church has the opportunity to display the limitless power and scope of God’s majesty, glory and love. Through the relationship that we have with the Father, in Christ, we reveal the plan and heart of God. This is to be demonstrated in us through the power of God. That’s why Paul’s prayer for the church, in verse 16, expresses Paul’s desire that the church, through the Holy Spirit, would become mighty by God’s power. We “the church” can demonstrate the limitless power of God!
A= Do we really believe that we have this power or do we live like we are powerless against whatever the world throws against us. Our lives are a continuous demonstration of God’s grace and power to others. We have at our disposal whatever power is necessary to oppose all the forces of darkness. Even our very lives are a demonstration of the power of God’s grace. I don’t want to live as a victim but as a victor! To rescue people from the kingdom of this world and demonstrate God’s love for all!
P= Lord, may I walk in the power that you have given to the Church. Show me that I don’t have to feel picked on, helpless or defeated. May I demonstrate God’s power to rescue His creation and defeat our enemy.
OK, maybe it is a girl thing, but what I got out of this chapter is all about LOVE. Its like when Michael and I see a movie, it may be a drama, suspense, comedy, but at the end of the movie, we end up looking at each other and saying "It's a love story". It's a bit of a joke between us, but most of the time is true!
So I read it all Dan, but only saw verse 18 "how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ".
Like the fireworks last night, where I heard my neighbors say "that's my favorite" and then "no, that's my very favorite" and "oh, that's really my most favorite", verse 18 is it!
Oh, and I like v20 too... that he is able to do IMMEASURABLY more than we ASK or IMAGINE! I suspect my kids would like for me to be that kind of a parent.
Have a super day. I'm off to Pensacola tomorrow for a day trip. Keep me in your prayers.
Posted by
chickefitz |
9:40 AM
It was a privilege to be at Real Life Church to witness the kickoff of your daily Bible reading accountability group, or blog in this case. (Hey Eric, is this a dBlog?) My prayers are with each of you to be fed directly by the hand of God through his Word each day.
What stands out to me about Ephesians 3 is verse 12: "In him (Jesus) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." I think of this like one of my children bringing a friend over to the house to play. Just because they are there with my child, I welcome them. I offer them refreshmet and give them permission and freedom to enjoy my home and all I have. However, if a stranger came to the door, I would not let them in, depart, I do not know you. Yet sometimes, I do not know the person my child has brought over any better than the stranger. So what is the difference? The relationship with my child. It is the relationship with Jesus and that alone that will give us welcome to eternity in the presence of the Almighty. To approach God with freedom and confidence. Lord, I want more of you. In Jesus name. Amen.
Posted by
Anonymous |
9:40 AM
Hello all..What a wonderful way to share our thoughts about God's word. Thank you to all who originated this. Ephesus reminds me of NYC and soon Tampa I'm sure. It's awesome to know that God can still be a dominating force in our society among all the hustle and bussel of life. What I found the most relief from was that like Paul, we are all proclaiming the same contradicting message to our world that the "good life" comes from having our trust and faith in JC and not temporary pursuits. Amen!
Posted by
Anonymous |
10:44 AM
This continues to be incredible experience each day, I had one of our kids in the youth group tell me he was calling several of the kids in the youth group to be his accountability partners. Being "Rooted" just really spoke to me. To see more of my thoughts check out www.myspace.com/prodigalmusic
Posted by
Anonymous |
12:38 PM
REALITY CHECK
REAL LIFE CHURCH
7/5/2006
Ephesians 3
God’s Special Plan Revealed
S= v8 Though I did nothing to deserve it, and though I am the least deserving Christian there is, I was chosen for this special joy of telling Gentiles about the endless treasurers available to them in Christ. v12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, he can now come fearlessly into God’s presence, assured of his glad welcome. v16…He will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit….v17He will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust him (Welcome Home!). May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. v18 And may you have the power to understand how LONG, how HIGH, and how DEEP His LOVE really is….Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God….v20 Now, GLORY BE TO GOD! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May He be given GLORY IN THE CHURCH and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.
O=What a wonderful chapter to remind us of how much God loves us and the power that Jesus has to take us boldly into the presence of our God that welcomes us. And that as we come into His presence, we will be more and more at home with Him and have the power to understand how much He loves us and experience the fullness of His power. MAY HE BE GIVEN GLORY IN REAL LIFE CHURCH!
A=I can come fearlessly into God’s presence and He will welcome me. I need to stay in His word, praise and worship Him at all times and fellowship with His people. I will become more and more familiar with Him, which will help me understand His love for me and His people. It will also help me to understand and accept the “mighty power” within me so I can accomplish more than I can even dream of. GLORY!
P=Lord, I want to faithfully come into your presence, feel your welcome, deepen my roots from our time together as I understand your love and power so that I will be filled with your mighty power and can be used fully by you for what you have planned for me. Amen.
Posted by
Anonymous |
10:15 AM
from the message bible. . .
"God can do anything, you know--far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us."
i've known this verse for some time, but reading it in the message version always sheds new light for me. not only can i not ask or imagine, but i can't even guess how much God can do. cool.
jodi yale
Posted by
Anonymous |
11:35 PM