Ephesians 1:5
Saved to be a Son

There is a purpose behind the selection of an object when we need that item for a particular work. A hammer is selected to drive a nail. A pan is selected to suit a particular use when cooking a meal. God’s people have been selected, foreordained by God, to be made like unto Christ [Rom.8:29]. … Read more

Ephesians 1:4
No Accident

There are at least seven different things we know that were before the foundation of the world. Our infinite God has made plans that included us before the creation took place. The Creator is the producer of all creation. Redemption and the church were no afterthought of His, but what He predetermined, He made “the … Read more

Ephesians 1:3
Spiritual Blessings (2)

With the Holy Spirit in us, the Father and the Son with us and the Word of God to teach us; with the saints of God to share with us, the family of God to fellowship with us, the church of God to participate with us – we have “all spiritual blessings.” Though much of … Read more

Ephesians 1:3
Spiritual Blessings

From the heavenly places, the realms of glory, have come to us benefits that I would never have known about if I had not come to know God. Eternal life that was given to me when I first trusted Christ as my Savior, has allowed me to know God and the Lord Jesus Christ to … Read more

Ephesians 1:2
Grace and Peace

To have the reputation of being a faithful person is certainly a very good recommendation for any person to have. To be “faithful in Christ Jesus” takes one’s reputation to a much higher level than just being one who can be trusted. This does not means that these saints were just set apart for God’s … Read more

Ephesians 1:1
In Christ Jesus

Greetings to the members of His Body, [1:1-2]: We are “in Christ Jesus” (as the body is joined to the head). This is the key phrase in the epistle. We are and have all, in Him. Paul’s gift was by God’s choice. As saints we are set apart for God’s use. As the faithful in … Read more

Philippians 1:1-8
Real Interest

How is it that two people sitting in the same place, hearing the same words, from the same person, respond differently? Joy is increased in one person, and bitterness in another. The difference is that some people live by feelings and the effects circumstances have on them, and the other lives by faith in Christ. … Read more

Philippians 1:3-5
Fellowship in the Gospel

The methods of evangelism may change and times change but the task is the same and the basic principles are the same. People-oriented people working with people to reach people. The unfinished task the Lord Himself began, of building a Church, is still going on and we are the tools He is using. The crop … Read more

Philippians 1:3
Every Remembrance

How do we show our gratitude for our brothers and sisters when their names come before us and our hearts are moved to express in some way what they mean to us? We cultivate remembrance by counting our blessings in our association with them. We think back and we remember how God has led us … Read more

Philippians 1:2
Charis and Shalom

It was by the operation of the Spirit in the work at Philippi people were saved. Lydia, a successful business woman, was religious and had a quiet conversion. A demon possessed slave girl who came from the depths of degradation; a jailor who was a civil servant and was saved as the result of an … Read more