Having believed in Christ to salvation the Bible says “you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” Ephesians 1:13. There are two primary purposes for a seal, first it is a mark of authenticity such as a brand or trade mark, identifying it to anyone who looks upon it; second, it is a secure […]
“In Him (Christ) we have redemption through His blood…” Ephesians 1:7. Redemption requires that there be a redeemer – one that pays the price demanded to obtain the release of that which has been held in captivity or danger. The picture and pattern of redemption is clearly laid out in the Old Testament; it could […]
The next stop we make here in Ephesians is in 1:6 where we are told that “He made us accepted…” We could say “He has graced us with special honor” or He has highly favored us. Notice that this acceptance which is graced with honor and high favor is in “in the beloved” that is […]
Ephesians 1:5 continues by saying, “having predestined us to adoption…” Being predestinated is not what some erroneously interpret and teach, that certain ones are chosen to be saved while others are predestined to damnation. This twisted doctrine does not fly in the face of overall Biblical teaching which is that “God…desires all men (mankind) to […]
Continuing to look at what we are in Christ we come to Ephesians 1:4, “…He (God) chose us in Him (Christ) before the foundation of the world…” What security, what satisfaction, what a relationship, to be a chosen part of the family, no longer an outsider just looking in; rather to enjoy the fellowship, provisions, […]
Verse 3 of Ephesians 1 begins with the word “Blessed”; this Greek word means “adorable”. The Apostle here exalts in God, and shows us that He is to be worshipped, praised, adored, and revered for giving the Lord Jesus Christ through whose blood we have been redeemed, (verse 7). Then he says that God has […]
Psalm 23:6 continues “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord” The word for dwell properly means to sit down, and implies to dwell, remain, settle, and even to marry, which gives us a right to dwell there as a member of the family! Again, where did he say he would dwell? “…in […]
The next thing that Psalm 23:5 says of (and to) the shepherd is “You anoint my head with oil”, likely drawing from the practice of putting oil on the sheep to protect them from flies and other insects that could get into their eyes, ears, and nose. Aside from the sheep it was a custom […]
“Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” Psalm 23:4. The rod and staff were the symbol of a shepherd; while the staff may have been used by the shepherd in walking, or as something to lean on, the obvious message here is their function in caring for the flock, and by their use the […]
Continuing in verse 4 of Psalm 23 we come to the third of four powerful statements in this verse, “For you are with me”. I see this as another key to the entire Psalm, (similar to “The Lord is my shepherd”) the assurance of His presence! God knew His redeemed people would go through dark, […]