Two little words that pack a powerful punch is “let us” and they are used often throughout scripture, many times in the book in of Hebrews alone. The first of these is in 4:1 where God is reviewing how Israel failed to enter Canaan’s rest because of unbelief and consequently their failure to obey! The […]
Dust and spirit In Genesis 2:7 God created our body out “of the dust of the ground” and then breathed into it “the breath of life”, we could say the spirit of life; remember “God is Spirit” John 4:24, and we were created “in the image of God” Genesis 1:27. Then God gave us […]
Vineyards and the growing of grapes were a very important part of Israeli culture, with grapes and grape products being important commodities in their economy, the vine also being a symbol of peace and prosperity. The people thus being very familiar with viticulture and its value in their lives, God used it to describe them […]
God does not violate the human will, but the Scripture makes it very clear that from start to finish our salvation depends on Him! Philippians 2:13 says, “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” The Living Bible paraphrases it like this, “For God is […]
A vine without branches does not produce fruit; neither does a branch produce a harvest without a vine! This is the backdrop Jesus used in John 15:1-8 to teach His disciples about their relationship with Him. In verses 5, 8 He makes it very clear, “I am the vine, you are the branches…By this My […]
The first three chapters of Ephesians leans heavily on what we have received and are in Christ, and the last three on how we should live and walk in Christ. 2:19 brings us to a great ending spot for our series of fifteen things we are in Christ, saying that we are “…fellow citizens with […]
) I am God’s masterpiece! Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmen-ship…”, that is His product, His making, His handiwork, His masterpiece, created by the master artisan. Workmanship here has been compared to a poem, which does not create itself but flows from the heart of the Arthur. Psalm 100:3 cries out “… It […]
Ephesians 2:1, 5 speak of the time God, “when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ”. The Bible here is not speaking of our physical life, although to be certain this life is attributable to Him since it is He who “gives to all life, breath, and all things” Acts 17:25. […]
“the eyes of your understanding (heart) being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…” Ephesians 1:18-19. This comes either as a part of the Apostles prayer beginning in verse 16, or I think very likely as a […]
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 […]