We’ve come to a passage, and specifically a verse, that is one of the more popular in Scripture: Philippians 1:21. It is often quoted, printed on coffee mugs and wall art, and sung in songs. But as we’ve become accustomed to, it’s best to examine verses carefully to have a deeper and more accurate understanding […]
If accepting Christ and living for Him meant these things for us, would we still do it? Would we ‘sign up’ to follow Christ if it meant walking away from everything? This is the life Paul lived, and countless more of our brothers and sisters in Christ have experienced both in the past and across the world today.
Witnessing a fellow Christian joyfully endure suffering for the cause of Christ can be an opportunity for us to grow in faith, to see God’s sustaining power, and give us more resolve to proclaim the gospel in the face of opposition.
Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:1-2 Opening chapter one of Philippians, we are blessed with a very familiar greeting from the Apostle […]
We are at war. Each of us a soldier in the battle of good vs. evil. Thankfully our Commander in Chief has given His soldiers all that we need to be victorious, but it is upon us to take up our gear daily as we go to the front lines. Therefore, take up the full […]
Turning the page to the last chapter of Ephesians, we find ourselves in the middle of the Apostle Paul’s instructions to believers on how to act among each other. Starting with the husband and wife in Eph 5:22-33, he now looks deeper into the inner family unit. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for […]
Children of Light As we’ve gone through Ephesians verse by verse, we’ve seen how the Apostle Paul clarified and even ratified many core doctrines of the Christian faith. A few highlights: God the Father chose us for salvation before He even made the earth (Eph 1:4). Our salvation is only found in Christ, by grace, […]
As we’ve seen a number of times throughout Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, our behavior as believers matters. A professing Christian is called to live by a high standard which reflects Christ in a dark world; the subsequent obedience and agape love is a sweet aroma and fragrance around the Father’s throne (cf: Eph 5:1-2). […]
As we study Scripture, we often encounter verses that speak volumes. In the midst of Paul’s admonition to the believers in Ephesus to live their lives in an upright and holy manner (Eph 4:17-32), he drops this rather simple yet striking sentence: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed […]
Earlier in our study of Ephesians we saw how Christians are called to be different from the world. Our actions prove our faith, and once again the Apostle Paul repeats the truth that, as believers, we are to walk the walk we talk. So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you […]