Sound Truths
We’ve all heard the story of the Rich Young Man (or ruler) in Mark 10 and Matthew 19. And we’ve all heard and probably quoted the verse “with God all things are possible”. Most of us don’t think of these two stories being linked, but Jesus said this famous line at the closing of the […]
As the Apostle Paul rounds out what we know as chapter 3 of Ephesians (fun fact: the first Bible to be versified was the Geneva translation in 1560), he continues his encouragement to the church with the pinnacle of his exhortation in this passage. He writes: Now to Him who is able to do far […]
Last week we looked at how we, being members of God’s family, are strengthened by the Holy Spirit to do the will of God and hold firmly to our faith in Christ, and that this God-given strength is not for our own gain, but for God’s glory. Building on this, the Apostle Paul continues further […]
Last week we saw how Paul challenged his readers to not lose heart over his many tribulations in preaching the gospel, because his suffering was for our glory (Eph 3:13). Coming straight out of that statement, Paul began a series of encouragements and reminders of our position in Christ and the blessings we have as […]
Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory. Eph 3:13 As we’ve previously seen in our walk through his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul’s main theme is the supremacy of Christ over all, and his personal testimony regarding the call of Christ […]
Perhaps one of the hardest things for us believers to grasp is the assurance of our salvation. It is easy to worry when we stumble in sin or think that we must clutch onto our salvation in our own strength. This is where a huge difference is noted between the Christian faith and all other […]
One of the biggest blessings of carefully studying Scripture is finding little diamonds in the text that really get you thinking. In today’s passage, we are given some very interesting insight into the spiritual and eternal world that exists just beyond our vision. To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, […]
To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ (Eph 3:8) Without a doubt, the Apostle Paul was used by God to bring the gospel to more people than just about anyone in history. His call to take the gospel to the […]
Last week we saw how the Apostle Paul understood his position and place on this earth as a prisoner and slave of Christ. Once an arrogant Pharisee and religious dogmatist, Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) was a 180 degree turn, and he obeyed dutifully and vigorously. Today let’s look a little […]
One of the things I love most about the Apostle Paul’s writings is how he habitually emphasized the will and sovereignty of the Lord. This is an outward sign of a Christian with a healthy, thriving faith: complete and utter submission of oneself to the will of our perfectly righteous and just Creator, even in […]