Category Archives: Scripture

Accused, Bible, Captivity, Darkness, Enemies, Fear, Freedom, Innocent, Prison, Scripture, Uncategorized

BEHIND BARS

EPHESIANS 3:1

“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—”

Consider this: You wake up behind bars with your best friend. What are the first four words you say? Mine would be “What did you do?” Most of the time when someone is put behind bars, they proclaim their innocence to anyone who will listen. And that is true sometimes. But it’s been said that everyone who is behind bars thinks they are innocent. There are also A LOT of guilty people behind bars today.

Paul proclaims his guilt. He is a prisoner because he preached Jesus. Those in authority in the religious world did not like that, so they screamed his guilt. Now, it is true that what they accused him of was not true. But Paul was definitely guilty of going against the laws they held. Paul preached Jesus as the only way of salvation, not the Mosaic law. And why did he do this? He says so – “for the sake of you Gentiles.”

APPLICATION

If sharing Jesus with someone was a crime (and it is in some parts of the world), would you obey that law or share anyway? Would you risk imprisonment for the cause of Christ? In John 15:18-19, we read these words of Christ. “‘18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.’”

We can’t expect the world to like it when we expose their darkness. Have you ever gone into a dark room, flipped on the light and see cockroaches scurry into the nearest crack? They don’t like to be exposed. They prefer the darkness. So, when you let your “little light” shine, the world will probably respond back with force, maybe even threats.

In times like these, I am reminded of Joshua 1:9. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Christ is with you whether you are free or behind bars. Don’t let anyone cause you to tremble. The God of all ages is your strength.

Father, give me the courage to face down any giants that may threaten me.

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Abiding, Building, Church, Dwelling, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Home, Indwelling, Kingdom, Scripture

GOD’S DWELLING PLACE

EPHESIANS 2:22

“in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”

My wife and I recently bought a new bed for our guest room. It is nothing fancy, just a metal headboard and footboard with side rails and middle support braces. When I finally got around to putting it together, I opened the box, laid out all the pieces and checked them off against the parts list (how many times have you come up short a piece without doing this?). Then I brought all the pieces inside, laid them on the bedroom floor and began the tedious process of trying to figure out from the drawing what part went where. In the end, I achieved my goal. We now have a bed someone can rest on when they visit.

Why do I use that illustration? Because the phrase “being built together” is exactly that. God has taken all the “pieces” and put them together to make His “bed,” His dwelling place. Once again, this Greek word has the preposition sun which is that permanent “with.” We are being built up together with other believers into a place where God says He will dwell here on this earth until one day we will dwell with Him in His kingdom in heaven.

APPLICATION

I love what Ellicott’s Commentary says here. “This verse seems primarily intended simply to emphasize the truth already enunciated in Ephesians 2:20, that the Ephesians themselves are now being made part of the Church of Christ, ‘being built up together in Christ.’ But it may also illustrate to us the character of the unity of the Church, as, primarily, a direct individual unity with Christ—each stone being itself a complete and living stone—and, secondarily and indirectly, a unity with others and with the whole.”

Did you get that? We are individually the dwelling of God through His Holy Spirit, and we are part of the corporate dwelling of God as part of His church. Ain’t God good? Two houses in one. Only God can do that. And God’s house has no flaws. There are no plumbing leaks or cracks in the foundation. His building warranty is eternal.

Okay, enough building metaphors. Simply put – we are God’s dwelling here on earth. He chooses to live in and through us. What an honor! Are you keeping His dwelling presentable? Can others see Him in you? As the cliché goes, “You may be the only Jesus some people ever see.”

Live in me, Lord. Shine Your eternal light through my eyes so that others are drawn into Your dwelling.

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Bible, Correction, God's Will, Kingdom, Perfection, Purpose, Scripture, Temple

A PERFECT FIT

EPHESIANS 2:21

“in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,”

As a boy I can remember my dad working to make something fit just right. He would measure carefully (measure twice cut once rule), try the fit, and if it didn’t feel just right to him, he would pull it back apart and file or sand some more. He wanted whatever he was working on to fit right and function properly for years to come. I wouldn’t go so far as to call him a perfectionist, but he was pretty close.

Did you know God is a perfectionist? Of course, you did. God is perfect. He is flawless. So why should it surprise us that anything He does is also perfect. Today’s verse uses a Greek word that is only use twice in the New Testament. In fact, both times it is used in Ephesians (today’s verse and 4:16). HELPS Word studies gives a great definition of the phrase “being fitted together.” It defines synarmologéō as “(hinged together), occurs twice in the NT (Eph 2:21, 4:16) – both times of God ‘fitly framing believers (OT, NT) into a harmonious, synergistic whole.’ That is, each individual being functioning as a part of the one people of God.”

APPLICATION

In yesterday’s blog we looked at the cornerstone, Jesus Christ, and how He fitted the two walls (Gentiles and Jews) together. Synarmologéō just goes on to complete that picture. The first part of that word is the preposition sun which is the Greek word that implies an inseparable togetherness. This “fitting together” is permanent. And the purpose of this “fitting together” is to build a permanent holy temple. This temple is not an earthly temple. No! It is a heavenly temple for all believers.

Look at what Paul said in the letter to the Galatians. 3:26-29 says, “26 For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.”

Listen, beloved, we are all “fitted together” to serve the Lord. The reason God brought us to Himself was to be a part of the big picture. You are important in the kingdom. He needs you to do your part, to play your role. It’s not about works. It’s about service. Will you “fit together” today? Allow God to use His tools of grace on you to make you fit perfectly.

Thank You, Lord, for all the filing and chiseling You do on me to make me more like You.

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Bible, Eternity, Foundation, Messiah, Purpose, Scripture, Strength

THE CORNERSTONE

EPHESIANS 2:20

“having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,”

Just what is a cornerstone? Well, it is a stone placed at the corner of a building. Thanks a lot, Carl. You are so smart. I’m not trying to be funny, but that is what it is. It is used to connect two walls and is used by the mason to make sure the walls are plumb. That cornerstone may be square or another shape but is still a very important foundational stone for any building.

Christ is the cornerstone. It says so right here in today’s verse. What does that mean. He is the stone that holds the two walls of the Gentiles and the Jews together. Together they make one building for God’s kingdom. Our people are connected through Jesus. As Paul says “the foundation” is important. Without that firm foundation, the building will crumble. All will fall. That is not possible with Jesus as our cornerstone.

APPLICATION

The Greek word that is used for “cornerstone” is used here and just once more over in 1 Peter 2:6. “For this is contained in Scripture: ‘BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE, AND THE ONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.’”

This quote comes from Isaiah 28:16. “For this is contained in Scripture: ‘BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE, AND THE ONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.’” This forthtelling of Jesus is just one of the over 300 Messianic prophecies. Jesus was always God’s Plan A.

How does this apply to us? We must place our trust in Jesus and then trust He is able to handle anything. That cornerstone has been established for eternity. That cornerstone can withstand any storm that comes against it. That cornerstone cannot be removed. It is permanent! Believe that! Trust that! Amen?

How firm a foundation is our Lord. Thank You, Father, for laying that cornerstone.

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Abiding, Access, Bible, Citizen, Home, Loyalty, Scripture

CITIZENS

EPHESIANS 2:19

“So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household,”

I was born in the U.S., so I am a natural born citizen. I am proud to be a citizen of the U.S. We aren’t perfect, but I think we’re the greatest nation in the world. Millions of people around the world want to come to the U.S. for many reasons. Most of them want to become citizens. It is a long process to do that. Classes and tests are required. But if they persevere, they can become naturalized citizens with the same rights and privileges I have.

Paul tells us in today’s verse that we are “fellow citizens.” We belong in “God’s household.” That’s pretty special. The word Paul uses for “fellow citizens” is sumpolitéswhich only occurs in this verse. This is a compound word coming from sun (that inseparable “with”) and polites (citizen). In other words, this citizenship is undissolvable. God made us citizens, and no one can change that.

APPLICATION

Wherever you live, think about your citizenship. What does it mean to you? Do you value it? Would you rather be a citizen somewhere else? Some people have dual citizenship. They have rights in both countries. Unfortunately, many Christians try to live that way. They want to live in the world and also as a Christian. All through God’s Word we see pictures of that. It simply is not possible. You must choose.

Jesus said we cannot serve both God and mammon. In Matthew 6:24, He says this. “‘No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” That’s pretty clear. Where is your citizenship – with God or with the world?

Like I said earlier, we are now in God’s house. We can dwell with Him. I have no idea what God’s house is like. It doesn’t matter. As long as He is there, I am content. I want to dwell with Him forever, don’t you? I am so glad I know He has counted me in His number.

Lord, Your promises are true – I will dwell with You forever!

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Access, Bible, Door, God's Will, Heaven, Introduction, Promises, Scripture

OPEN DOOR

EPHESIANS 2:18

“for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.”

I grew up in Southwest Georgia, in a little town called Pelham. I was born in 1960 (you can do the math to see how old I am, lol) when you could sleep with your door unlocked. You could ride your bike all over town with your friends without an armed guard riding shotgun. Even our dogs ran loose and free. It was a different time. Open doors were a common thing.

But in today’s verse, Paul tells us that even today we can walk right into an open door. He uses a word for “access” that shows us exactly what this means. HELPS Word studies defines prosagōgḗ as to “come towards (near); have access (approach), with intimate (face-to-face) interaction (note the prefix pros). All three occasions of 4318 /prosagōgḗ (interactive access) refer to ‘having audience (direct access) with God.’” Now, that’s an invitation to come in, isn’t it?

APPLICATION

The word prosagōgḗ is only used three times in the New Testament. It is used here and later in Ephesians 3:12. We will look at that verse in a few weeks (just keep coming back to my blogsite to catch that). The other time it is used is in Romans 5:2. To get the context we need to back up to verse 1. “1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God.” 

This word, prosagōge, not only means “access,” it also means “introduction.” And in this case, introduction and access to God. Hallelujah! Do you know what that means? We can approach the throne boldly, not because of anything we have done but because of Jesus. Like it said in Romans 5:1, it is “through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen? Amen!

I don’t know about you, but as my ole friend Bill Stafford used to say, “That’s shouting ground.” That ought to excite you. That ought to thrill your soul. Because of Jesus, we can just walk right into glory. No ticket is required. We don’t have to push a wheelbarrow full of treasures through the pearly gates. We simply walk in because we are covered in the blood of the Lamb. Praise God!

O God, words cannot express my gratitude for the open door to Glory!

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Abiding, Bible, Comfort, Disciples, Division, Divorce, Holy Spirit, Peace, Scripture

PREACHING PEACE

EPHESIANS 2:17

“And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near;”

Have you ever played the part of a peacemaker? It can be a very dangerous job. I remember one time sitting in on a mediation between a husband and a wife. I was there to simply be a support to one of them. The mediator remained so calm. Even though the words got heated and threats were even made, that mediator kept bringing them back to a peaceful resolution. Unfortunately, all their efforts failed, and the couple still divorced.

In today’s verse, Paul points us back to a passage in Isaiah 57:19 which says, “‘Creating the praise of the lips. Peace, peace to him who is far away and to him who is near,’ says the LORD, ‘and I will heal him.’” In the Bible I use; this verse is marked as the key verse of chapter 2. Why? Because this was Christ’s message before and after the resurrection. In John 14:27, while speaking about the coming Holy Spirit, the Helper, Jesus said, “‘Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.’” What a promise!

APPLICATION

What do we do with this message? We rest in Him. After the resurrection Christ appeared to the disciples. We see this in Luke 24:36. “Now while they were telling these things, Jesus Himself suddenly stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be to you.’” Christ was not going to leave them in fear. Neither does He leave us in a place where we should be fearful. His peace still reigns today.

Over in John 20:19 and 21 we have John’s account of His post resurrection appearance. “19 Now when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were together due to fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be to you.’ 21 So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be to you; just as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’” Can you just picture that scene? Christ is with you today.

Let me encourage you today to rest in His peace. He has sent His Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to live in us. As a believer, you can rest in His perfect peace. Why? Because the Father has sent Jesus who has sent the Holy Spirit. Be at peace, beloved.

I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

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Access, Bible, Blood, Cross, Eternal Life, Salvation, Scripture

THROUGH THE CROSS

EPHESIANS 2:16

“and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility.”

Sometimes the only way to get to something is to go through something. I had to go through four years of college and three years of seminary to get to my Master’s Degree. It was a lot of work, a lot of blood, sweat and tears. It also took a lot of prayer. But at the end of those seven years, I held that diploma proudly.

Paul, however, explains that my reconciliation to God had nothing to do with my human effort. It was solely through the cross of Christ. It was His sacrifice that brought me to God. The Greek word for “through” used here is dia which can mean “by the instrumentality of. The cross of Christ was the only instrument needed to rescue me.

APPLICATION

Have you ever seen the Bridge Illustration? It is a simple way to share your faith with someone. Below is the full diagram showing the gap that separated you from God and how the cross bridges that gap.

I normally use Romans 6:23 to lead someone through this illustration. On the left side of the gap below “us” I would write “wages” an “sin.” Then I write “death” at the bottom. On the right side under “God” I would write “free gift” and “eternal life.” I use a cool app called “Share Your Faith” which walks right through it.

Why am I sharing all this with you? 1. So you can see that it is only through the cross that we can cross that great divide between us and God. 2. So you can have a tool to use to share your faith with someone else.

Don’t take your salvation for granted. Christ’s cross wasn’t some shiny, golden cross. It was a rugged piece of wood covered in blood. He shed His blood, sweat and tears for you. Never forget that. Give Him praise today!

I am so thankful today, Lord, for the sacrifice of the cross.

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Bible, Law, Power, Scripture, Sin

THROWN IN NEUTRAL

EPHESIANS 2:15

“by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two one new person, in this way establishing peace;”

Have you ever driven a manual transmission vehicle? You know, a stick shift. I grew up driving my dad’s three-on-the-column manual transmission pickup. I loved that truck and wanted to buy it from him, but he sold it to someone else. Occasionally that truck would get stuck in neutral. You’d be driving down the road and shift from first to second or from third to second and the mechanism that control the shift would get stuck in neutral. All you could do is coast to the side of the road, get out, raise the hood, yank on the mechanism to loosen it and then start off again. Vehicles in neutral won’t go anywhere. They have been made idle.

The Greek word translated as “abolished” is katargeó, which means to “idle down, rendering something inert (‘completely inoperative’); i.e. being of no effect (totally without force, completely brought down)” (HELPS Word Studies). When Christ came, He rendered the law as powerless. The source of all the hostility between the Jews and the Gentiles now had no power to cause that enmity. They were now one in Christ.

APPLICATION

Over in Romans 6:6, Paul tells us the same thing happens to our sin nature. “knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;” When will we realize that sin has no power over us any longer? We can’t use the excuse that we just couldn’t help ourselves. Yes, we can.

1 Corinthians 15:26 says that death will be neutralized one day. “The last enemy that will be abolished is death.” One day there will be no more death. Christ will rule and reign in a New Kingdom here on earth. As believers in Christ, we will be right there with Him. There is no fear in physical death for a believer because we know that our life is really in the hands of the Master.

I am not saying we should sit around in neutral. No! We have work to do until He comes. There are souls to save. There is kingdom work to do. But don’t let the law, don’t let sin rule and reign over you. They are powerless. Christ has rendered both neutral. Now just shift gears with Jesus.

I am thankful that my power does not come from anywhere but You, Lord. 

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Bible, Demolition, Destruction, Eternity, Scripture, Separation, Wall

DEMOLITION

EPHESIANS 2:14

“For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,”

When my wife and I were away recently on vacation, we watched a crew of men over several days demolish a beach house. It was old and in need of a lot, so I guess the owner decided it was cheaper to tear it down and build a new one. The equipment they used to tear off the roof, the walls and the flooring was powerful. Nothing was going to stand in the way of that giant, metal claw that grabbed and destroyed.

Paul reminds us in today’s verse what Christ did for us. He “broke down the barrier of the dividing wall.” You are probably wondering what exactly Paul meant by that. We will look at that shortly. I guarantee you the recipients of this letter understood it. Paul also reminds us that Jesus “Himself is our peace.” No amount of peace talks between two groups is going to be lasting. One or the other will eventually break it. We see that time and time again. But the peace brought by Jesus is eternal.

APPLICATION

So, what was this barrier of the dividing wall all about? If you remember your Old Testament, the temple was built with an outer court and inner court. Gentiles were allowed in the outer court, but there was a dividing wall that separated them and the Jews who entered the inner court. There was an engraving found in 1871 called the Soreg Inscription that reads:

“No foreigner is to enter the barriers surrounding the sanctuary. He who is caught will have himself to blame for his death which will follow.”

It’s no wonder Jesus wanted to tear that down through His shed blood. Christ’s death opened up access to all men to enter the holy of holies, not just the High Priest. We all have a path to God’s mercy seat. That’s what brings us peace – His mercy, as shown through Jesus.

The Greek word used for “broke down” is luo, and it means to loose something so it no longer holds together. In other words, Christ’s demolition of this wall is permanent. No man can rebuild it. Aren’t you glad? I know a few people who would probably try. So, take off your hard hat off. The work has been done. Enjoy the peace.

O God, You have demolished the wall separating me from You. Thank You, Lord.

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