Together in Christ #25

Paul has been telling us how to maintain this beautiful mosaic God has put together in Christ. He has one last exhortation: Ephesians 6

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

The enemy is trying to invade the household - not some physical enemy from outside, but one who works inside. Just like God the Father, and the Son, and their holy angels are able from heaven to see this beautiful mosaic He has brought together, the forces of evil in the heavenly places are looking for weak vantage points  where they can attack. Again, this is not physical. They attack with doubts, temptations, discouragements, fears, and lies. Therefore, our preparation for battle must be in the mind and the spirit. We need the truth; we need to keep our relationships with God and His people in order; we need to trust in Christ and God's Promises, and we need to keep our lines of communication with God, through His Son at His right hand, open, because He can see what we cannot see, to protect His wonderful masterpiece.

Together in Christ #24

In large households of the day, there would often be much more than immediate or extended family members; there would be servants, craftsman, and others sharing the dwelling with the owner. That is the picture in Ephesians 6:

5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

Throughout history there has always been stress between the owner of lands and businesses, and those who work for or live on their land.  This has especially been intense when owners believe they also own their renters, workers, servants and slaves.  But in Christ, those barriers are broken down. From God's perspective looking in on this masterpiece He is creating, we are all pieces of the puzzle He is putting together. Any manmade divisions and self-centered thoughts are to be resisted and mutual respect is to be expressed. Our focus is not to be on what divides us, but Who unites us, as we live out this "good will" toward each other that Christ came to provide. 

Together in Christ #23

As we move into Ephesians 6, Paul continues to describe responsibilities of the members of the Household of God by focusing in on the individual households of believers:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

The overriding principle is that of submission - putting others' needs above our wishes.  The daily life of a child often consists of seeing things he/she wants to have or to do - be it things on high shelves, at the store, or that belong to others. Many of those things are good, but also many of them are inappropriate - they are needed by others, belong to others, not the proper thing to have or do at that point in time. These children need direction to develop wisdom and the reality that the world does not revolve around them.  Sometimes it seems like we live in a world of children who have not gown up. This did not work for the nation of Israel in the Promised Land and it will not work for the household of God. But like with the Law of the Old Testament, the rules of the household are not meant to be burdensome or suck the life out of the children. Discipline is nurturing, showing how to do it right, and allowing instruction to happen when one makes mistakes. Parents are not to beat up on their children emotionally or physically; that will not help them grow up, or contribute to the household staying together in the Lord. 

Together in Christ #22

Yesterday we looked in Ephesians 5 at what it looks like for a wife to lovingly submit to her husband.  Paul then tells us what it looks like for husbands: 

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

A man who is following Christ is willing to pay any price for what is best for his wife - not to please her, but to please God. Since what pleases God most is for us to trust Christ to come in and make our lives what He envisions them to be, to put our pieces of the puzzle where he wants them to be, to cleanse us and make us beautiful, our goal as husbands is to develop that trust in our wives. They need to know that we do indeed love them so much that they are willing to trust us - and more importantly, trust God - that they will let Him do the makeover they need.  What Paul is trying to do is to show how this relationship is just a smaller version of the big beautiful masterpiece He is creating in Christ. We can either be contributing to its beauty, or detracting from it. Husbands: do your part to make your wives beautiful for God. 

In Ephesians 5, Paul is giving practical advice on how we as God's people can maintain the unity of the household of God, the Church.  We ended yesterday with verse 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. That verse not only concludes Paul's last thought. It also sets the stage for a number of relationships within the household that are affected by our faith, and also in turn are an illustration of our relationship with God through Christ. First: 

 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

Actually the imperative verb "submit" is not in verse 22, but is a carry-over from verse 21. All believers are to submit their wants to the needs of one another. For wives, this is especially done by recognizing the authority and responsibility of the husband and head of the home.  Wives should realize God, by design, has given them husbands as gifts to do their part in the home. Looking at the other side of the coin, we, as God's people, need to view Christ as God's main gift to us. He is our Savior and our head, through Whom God gives us His plan. To be sure, wives following their husbands' leadership requires trust, just as our following Christ requires trust; this is a step of faith - especially faith in God. But such trust is essential for the home to work, and for the Church to work, in the beautiful way God intends. The only way we as God's people will stay together is if we are all following our Head, Christ.  That's what keeps us together. 

Together in Christ #21

Having talked here in Ephesians 5 about how important it is that we live lives of love and holiness, Paul summarizes and moves into his next way to walk worthy:

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Simply put: What are we doing with our lives? Are we living like the Lord really exists and is our Lord? Can we and others see that the spirit of God is controlling our decisions, our words, our direction? Some of the ways we can make sure we are on track is to sing and speak scripture to God and one another - to meditate and encourage each other with truth, so we do not think speak or act unwisely. Another simple, yet profound way to change our behavior is thanksgiving; it helps plant seeds of contentment instead of covetousness, and keeps us from desiring the pleasures of evil that are so short-lived.  Most of all, if we will submit to one another, putting our wants under their needs, that will eradicate a lot of sinful behavior, and bring about much that pleases God. This last one is big, so we'll be talking about that the next few days. 

Together in Christ #20

Paul has just told us how the old lifestyle of immorality, uncleanness, and covetousness are inconsistent with our calling as Christ-followers, as heirs of this great inheritance He has provided for us when He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death, and has now ascended back to heaven as our Intercessor and Head. He picking back up in Ephesians 5:

7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

The difference in our lives should be day and night, like dark and light. Paul gives us distinct steps we can take in this pursuit: try to discern/put to the test every action; take no part in what is clearly sinful; talk about what is pure and good and not those things that are questionable; take responsibility to say when some activity is sinful - bring it to light.  When light exposes darkness, it is readily apparent to believers just how bad it is.  Paul then concludes with a verse from the prophets that was used at baptism services for new believers, sung as a challenge for how that person now should live. As he/she arose from the water, fellow believers would sin: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” May Christ shine in, on and through us today. 

Togethter in Christ #19

Paul is giving us the reasons and ways to walk worthy of this wonderful inheritance we have in Christ. Having spent chapter 4 on emphasizing loving unity within the body, the household, he tells us what to avoid: 

3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them;

Closely tied with worshiping an serving idols in the Gentile world was immorality in all its forms. At the top of the list is sexual immorality. As Paul points out here, as well as elsewhere, this involves our thinking, our speech, and actual adultery with our bodies. It includes things like pornography, lust, joking, innuendo, and any physical relationship outside of husband and wife. Paul also mentions impurity, a more general term which may include all sorts of ways our words and actions inject evil into others' lives. And always nearby to immorality is covetousness - always wanting more stuff, more experiences, more of whatever will make me feel good at the expense of others.  These are all inconsistent with Christlikeness. Paul really comes down hard on them; he is not soft on sin in the body. So whereas we are to demonstrate the love of God in the body, there are to be no lusts of the world inside it. 

Together in Christ #18

Having told us about this great plan of God, this masterpiece He is making with the Church, Paul has then told us how we should treat this inheritance, this wonderful new creation. We are to maintain it, keep it clean and beautiful, with love and unity. He makes a brief summary as we come to chapter 5: 

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Mimic God. That brief exhortation should stop us dead in our tracks. Lots of times we like to play God - that's not what Paul is saying. Act like God, Show His family resemblance, by demonstrating the same kind of sacrificial love Christ has shown us toward the rest of the household, the family, the other gifted people God has given to one another. Since he uses this word "therefore", Paul is calling on us to make a second read of chapter 4: strive for unity; see each other as gifts; accept God's calling for your part; make honesty, forgiveness, generosity, forgiveness, humility, and did I say "forgiveness"(?) a priority in how you deal with fellow followers. Do we really want to please God in response to this great salvation He has given? The sincerest form of respect is following His example. 

Together in Christ #17

Overall, Paul is telling in Ephesians 4 how to do our part to maintain unity in the Body of Christ - how to make sure we do all we can to preserve this beautiful masterpiece, this beautiful dwelling God has made. 

 25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Paul says, it's not like we need to create the Church; Christ already has. Though the word let indicates an imploring exhortation, these instructions really are things we do not need to make happen; we need to let them happen. We need to let the truth come out in a loving way. We need to let go of resentment, bitterness and our decision that we deserve to hold on to anger. We need to let go of laziness and covetousness, and give of ourselves and our substance to one another. We need to let the Holy Spirit clean house in our hearts and minds, so that what comes out of our mouths builds up and does not tear down. We need to let go of our supposed right to judge and punish, and let God give us forgiveness to share. What are we willing to let happen today? 

Together in Christ #16

Having unveiled this beautiful tapestry that God is weaving, this beautiful puzzle God is putting together, Paul has given us one overriding exhortation: Keep it in one piece; don't let anything block the view to its beauty.  Let the body of Christ work the way it is supposed to. He then says in Ephesians 4:

17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

What could mess up the view? What could mar this masterpiece? What could detract from its beauty? We could.  We could darken the spotlight on Christ; we could shame the name of the Church; we could dirty the tapestry by our selfishness, sinfulness, and sensuality.  You see, what makes this mosaic so beautiful is the change it involves: changes in lifestyle, changes in relationships, changes in attitudes and motives. What messes it up are dark spots, pulled apart pieces, ruts and rubs worn in by careless thoughts, words and actions.  Paul began this chapter with this exhortation: Walk Worthy. He now says: Watch your walk. Are we living in such a way that the spotlight is bright on God's masterpiece? Or are we getting it dirty?

Together in Christ #15

Paul has used a few different pictures for the Church in this letter to the Ephesians: a masterpiece, the household of God, a temple. Now he focuses in on one of his favorites: the Body. Ephesians 4:

 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

The word "rather", of course, contrasts this picture with what we saw yesterday: staying like a child, refusing to "grow up", remaining selfish and separated.  Paul is preparing us for this balanced approach to living life as Christ-followers. On the one hand, we must live by "the truth", which calls for holiness, this separation from sin. On the other hand, we also need to deal with one another with love. That is the way our Head - Christ Himself - Who set the example for us, gave Himself for us, and now has ascended for us, expects us to live, to carry on His plan.  Our Head is perfectly mature. When we are not, it just doesn't look right, because it is not right.  But rather than seeing this as an ultimatum for us to tell one another: "hey, slacker, do your part!", Paul wants us to view this as a mutual responsibility to help each other do their part, to build each other up, to do and say things that help each other grow. Ever our spiritual growth requires us to see that we are in this together. There is no "I" in church. 

Together in Christ #14

We saw yesterday, in the opening verses of Ephesians 4, that God has called on us as followers of Christ, to accept and maintain this beautiful masterpiece - this bringing together of His people from all kinds of backgrounds. Once again, Paul focuses our attention on where Christ is now:

8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 

What is Christ doing up at the right hand of the Father? We have seen that He is interceding on our behalf, and that He is our Head, our sources of strength, our authority. Paul says, He is also sending gifts to us, like the bridegroom would send His betrothed to remind her to be patient, that He indeed was coming back for her.  The gifts He had already given were the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, to help us carry out this calling to serve, to strengthen, to stay unified, and to stop being so easily distracted from spiritual things.  There is a spiritual battle going on: the enemy wants to bump the table and dump the beautiful puzzle into a mess of pieces; he wants to make us head in all sorts of different directions; he has a plan to disrupt God's plan in any way possible. By God's grace, we have all His gifts in order to say "no." 

Together in Christ #13

Paul has spent the first half of his letter talking about this grand masterpiece of God's grace - how He is bringing everything and everyone together in Christ, and that His followers are this beautiful mosaic, this grand temple, this beautiful body and bride of Christ. So now, in chapter 4, he gets practical: 

  I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.

God has created this beautiful masterpiece that includes us. What is our part? What is our calling? Keep the pieces of the puzzle together. Accept and utilize the grace of God to do what we are supposed to do: maintain unity.  God, by His grace, gives us in His Son, and in His Spirit, what we need to carry out that calling: In Christ we find humility, gentleness, patience, and love.  He has given us the Spirit, who provides hope, and faith.  God has given us what we need.  Will we accept it? Will we take it up and use it? Will you do your part today, putting up with other people who are imperfect like you? Will you let Christ be the glue to hold you together? 

Together in Christ 12

As Paul approaches the midway point in his letter to the Ephesians, as he reflects on the glorious mosaic of God's plan for bringing all things and all His people together, and as he verbally realizes what a great privilege God has given him personally in being a part of this plan, he erupts with a blessing to God: 

20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Growing up, I can remember my father including these words in his benediction countless times at the end of the service. It is so appropriate for ending a church service because Paul is talking about the place of the church, the body and bride of Christ, in this glorious plan.  Though we are constantly reminded to pray, and should, Almighty God is great enough and wise enough to do far more than we could ask for or even think to ask for.  Though we often think of God doing great things, back then in Bible days, or over there across the ocean in faraway places, we often miss His power at work within us. And though it is so easy to see the imperfections, failures, and ugly side of what we call "church" today, there is so much that God wants, can, and will do to glorify Himself through us, if, and only if, we allow Christ to rule and shine through us today, and each and every day into eternity. Because Paul was able to get a glimse of the glory of the Gospel of God, he was not sapped of strength, hopeless or lethargic; He was full of joy and worship. May the same be true of us today as we look to Jesus Christ, and trust in Him. 

Together in Christ #11

Paul has told us in Ephesians 3 how he has experienced the Grace of God in his life: he had been called by God to be a part of His beautiful masterpiece of Grace, proclaiming how in Christ God is bringing together His people from all sorts of background to be the Church. Rather than worry about him as he sat in prison, he wanted them to realize it gave him the opportunity to write them about this very thing. Verse:

 14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Realizing how blessed He was to be able to see his part in God's plan, Paul prayed for the Ephesian believers, and in a sense, for all of us future believers, that we could see the same thing, and that we too would experience His power and love working in and through us, so we all could grasp God's great love He has shown us in Christ, and therefore be filled and controlled by that same love and power, to do whatever it is God calls on us to do in this glorious plan. Today, may we too, get a glimpse of what God is doing, be a willing part in it, and see God's power and love flow through us together. 

Together in Christ #10

We are in Ephesians 3, where Paul is talking about His part in God's glorious plan, which is often referred to as The Gospel. We pick up in verse:

 7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. 

This gospel, this great news, is that God, in Christ, has finally unfolded how He planned to bring all kinds of people together as His people. God was using Paul, as well as the other apostles and prophets, to reveal His plan.  God's grace is a big part of the picture, as we saw in chapters 1 and 2. That includes Paul's part in this plan. Paul had been given grace to preach to non-Jews about all these blessings we have in Christ, as well as to "bring to light" for everyone - Jew and Gentile alike - how to be reconciled to our Creator. A big part of this plan is "the church", the called out congregation of God, this multi-colored mosaic masterpiece God is putting together - that's what this word manifold means. The only ones who can now clearly and fully see this masterpiece are those in the heavens - God the Father, Christ, and His angels, but some day it will be clear for all of us to see. Meanwhile, how can we appreciate this masterpiece, this master plan of God? We can boldly, confidently, yet thankfully and humbly come before God through Christ, Who is there at God's right hand, knowing that we have access to His heart and his hearing. Paul gets the picture. Therefore, he says in verse 13: "don't worry about me here suffering in prison for the Gospel. "I have been able to see a glimpse of the masterpiece, the glory of God, and you, by faith, are part of it too."

Together in Christ #9

Paul has been telling us about the beautiful plan of God - this masterpiece He is painting, the kingdom He is establishing, the family He is forming, the building He is building. In the opening verses of chapter 3 he pauses to talk about his part in the puzzle, the picture, the plan of God.  

 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

A few times Paul uses this connecting phrase: "for this reason"; it is the natural flow of how God does things. Paul views his presence in prison as part of his stewardship, this position of responsibility which often was held by slaves - like Joseph in Potiphar's house. He was "under house arrest," which for a travelin' man like Paul may have seemed like a punishment. But he did not view it that way. It was giving him time to write to them and to others about the mystery. Being there made him pause to be able to step back and see the plan of God, this mystery that God had been giving hints about for centuries, but now, with Christ's coming, is much more clear. God's plan brings together Jews and Gentiles to share in Christ's inheritance, as members of His household, possessors of His promises. As a steward of this Good News in this House, Paul has the view to see all the details.  He writes so they, and we, can perceive these insights, so we can understand who we are and how we fit in.  For him, prison was not a punishment, but an opportunity. 

Together in Chirst #8

As Paul paints this picture for us of what God has been doing to bring us together in Christ, to this point all he has said about the Holy Spirit is that He is part of our Inheritance. He says more here in chapter 2, verse

18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Paul has already emphasized the fact that Jesus has now ascended to heaven at the Father's right hand to both intercede for us, and serve as our head, our authority. The Holy Spirit is here with us giving us that access to the Father in the Son. Again, Paul emphasizes the togetherness of this when he says "we both" - Jews and Gentiles alike now have this access, using all sorts of quick pics to illustrate this comradery: fellow citizens, fellow saints, fellow members of the household, fellow blocks in this temple. God has put us all together Under our King, the Holy One, our Big brother, and our cornerstone. The Holy Spirit is here setting the atmosphere for the kingdom, purifying each saint, promoting brotherly love, filling this temple with His presence. Once again, the Triune God have been working together on this masterpiece of bringing all things back together. 

Together in Christ #7

As we said when we were looking here in Ephesians 1, we have a tendency to forget, so Paul says in chapter 2, verse:

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.

Paul says Remember that you were separated from everything pointing to spiritual life: Christ, the people of God, the covenants of God, the hope of God. But now... you have been brought together with God's people, in Christ, under God's peace, into one body.  You were separated; now you are together. This is only possible because Christ fulfilled the law of God for all who trust in Him; His blood was sufficient for both Jew and Gentile alike; He has torn down the wall between man and God and man and man. We have built the wall; Christ has torn it down. We separated ourselves from God and others; He had brought us together. Never forget that, because that is exactly what our enemy wants us to do. 

Together in Christ #6

Yesterday, we left off in Ephesians 2 with Paul reminding these believers of their horrible past, but we promised that we would not leave them wallowing there. Verse:

4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

The phrase we so often cannot wait to see: "But God..."  When we're in a mess, God does something. He acts according to His character. He is merciful, loving, and gracious. He has our best interest in mind; He looks down and sees the state that we are in, so He does something we cannot do for ourselves. Here, He made us alive together with Christ. He brought us out of that spiritual death, and raised us up with Him. Again, Paul alludes to the power of the resurrection and the ascension of Christ. God has us headed in a direction, toward the future, when He will put on this living art show, when all will be able to see what He has done for us, to us, and through us, in Christ.  Our part is to now walk by faith, following Christ, not that path we talked about yesterday of following sin, Satan, and selfishness. We need to live who we are: God's children, heirs of the kingdom, His workmanship and magnificent picturesque puzzle He is putting together to present in His palace. 

Together in Christ #5

In Ephesians 1, we have seen Paul's enthusiastic joy over the fact that God has called all believers, Christ-followers, to receive the inheritance God has bestowed upon us, and take up our place in the family business. The chapter division really slows down what is in fact the natural flow into chapter 2;

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 

Paul says everything about your former life, before Christ, was walking down the wrong path, the path of spiritual death. You were following the wrong map, following after the wrong guide, Satan, following your own selfish desires without regard to God or others. You were just like everyone else in the world. In fact, Paul says, we were all in the same boat, part of the same fallen family, showing the same spiritually degenerate genetic traits. Therefore, we were under the wrath of God, fallen, doomed.  Why would Paul do such a thing? Interrupt this powerful pep talk of chapter 1 with this painful past? Because he doesn't want us to take our inheritance for granted. He knew that we are prone to forget how bad things really were, and end up not appreciating what we now have. Don't worry, Paul is not going to leave us here to wallow in this horrible reality, but we need that reminder. We were, in fact, spiritually dead without Christ. 

Together in Christ #4

Yesterday, we saw that Paul was rejoicing over the great Inheritance God has given to the Church in Christ, by means of our relationship with Him. Today, we pick up in verse:
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all."

The big question is: What are we going to do with this great inheritance we have? Are we going to squander it? Are are we going to appreciate it? Will we have the wisdom to see what it is He has entrusted to us in His will? Will we allow His power to work in and through us - that same power that raised Christ from the dead? Will we live as if we serve not only a risen Savior, but an ascended One, who is now at the right hand of the Father, not only interceding for us in prayer, but also as our Head, our Source of strength, wisdom, and purpose? Will we understand that He is not giving these things like dollar bills falling aimlessly from heaven, but as a unified trust to His body, the church, the saints, all working Together? 

Together in Christ #3

We are in Ephesians 1, where Paul is on a roll celebrating all the blessings we have In Christ, when he says:

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

We have an inheritance. I don't know whether you've ever had part in an inheritance from a parent or another loved one. Some people live to wait for it. But for most of us, it comes along as unexpected, something we weren't really counting on, and especially something we never worked for. It was just a gift. Jesus talked about the things He would leave his followers in the upper room, including peace and the Holy Spirit, mentioned also here. But there is something even more astounding Paul talks about: that we would be "to the praise of His glory." God, in Christ, has made us a part of God's plan and purpose. It's like when someone dies, the will is read, and a person finds out they have been left in charge of a family business, or cherished endeavor or charitable organization; they have been trusted to carry on the work. That privilege far outweighs and financial or material possession one could receive.  Such it is with this inheritance we have. We still have not seen all it will become, but we know God is up to something big, and He has chosen us to be a part of it. Nothing can beat the thrill of going along for the ride. 

Together in Christ #2

As often was the case in Paul's letters, He offered a word of praise for the Ephesian Church:

 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

As has often been noted, Paul thanks and praises God for all these spiritual blessings we have in Christ, in our relationship with God through Christ. We have a part in the plan of God, the right to be called the Children of God, as well as redemption and forgiveness from God. These all go together as a package deal. They all are given in Christ, in love, in the beloved - in Him. But also noteworthy is that they are given to us, plural, so we would be different than the world around us, and be a part of His plan to unite all things, to pull all the pieces together.  God's plan includes us, the members of His church, being connected to Him and to one another. It is one grand, yet detailed, meticulous masterpiece of a plan that involves our words, actions and relationships all woven together. We are part of something big where every small detail is important. 

Together In Christ #1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

These words open Paul's letter to the Church in Ephesus. Paul had been sent by God to their area as a church planter.  Upon accepting the message of salvation of God in His Son Jesus Christ, these people had become saints: "called out ones, people who are set apart" from their old life of sin to serve God. Exactly what is it that God had called them to be and do and us to be and do? Be faithful to Him and full of faith in Him.  But that is something that neither they nor us can do on our own: We need Grace - a God-given ability beyond ourselves. We also need peace from God - that sense that all will be well because He truly is ultimately in control, not us. As with salvation, these two gifts are available through Jesus Christ. These purposes and provisions for that church back then in Ephesus are the same for churches in every time and location, including ours. And they are things He has called us to experience Together. As they were hearing this letter, they had assembled to worship together.  They were not being called upon to do these things or be these things solo, but together. And, believe it or not, Grace and Peace are much more evident when we are following Christ together. So, as followers of Christ, let's commit to be together with other followers of Christ, and see the great things He has in store. 

Following after Jesus #94

As we have seen in John 11, Jesus has finally arrived to the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, where Lazarus has died a few days earlier. He has expressed His love and concern for Martha and then Mary. Now He is ready to get down to work:

 38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”  

It was not uncommon for Jesus to visit the tomb with these women. In those first few days grieving families would often do so. But after the third day they would usually stop going, believing there was no way the deceased would revive.  So Jesus' suggestion that they open the grave was in fact unthinkable. It was a true test of their faith.  Martha and Mary responded in obedience. Jesus then thanked God for hearing, for caring, for being there. After this He gave the voice of command - a loud yell: "Lazarus, come out!" As it echoed for all to hear, Lazarus did come out. Jesus' final statement here shows the truth of the matter: "This man is now free."  As we celebrate Resurrection Day today, it's all about the Resurrection Power of Christ.  It was the third day, the last day before the women would give up hope, when they came to the tomb. There was another earth-shaking voice that opened the grave. And there were more commands given to Christ-followers: Go and tell the Good News of freedom from sin and death that Christ has accomplished."

Following after Jesus #93

As we saw yesterday in John 11, Jesus, the Good Shepherd Who loves His sheep, finally came to the family of Lazarus:

17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”

Notice how Jesus deals with each of the sisters in their own grief.  Martha, the ever-responsible hostess, comes right out to welcome Jesus. She is very proper in her address, proclaiming faith despite her disappointment that He had not come earlier when requested.  She even recites a valid statement of faith in the resurrection. But Jesus makes sure the truth has really sunk in: He is the resurrection and the life, and He asks that question of each of us: "Do you believe in Me?"  As that sinks in further, He then addresses Mary in her grief. She does not walk, she runs to Jesus, falls before Him, and says almost the exact same thing, but with much more emotion.  Jesus responds to her emotion with His own: His care for them both, His tears of sorrow for their pain, and His anger at death and self-righteousness.  Whatever your pain, your grief, your struggle today, Jesus is ready to meet you, let you know He loves you, and take you further in your faith journey with Him. 

Following after Jesus #92

Not long before that first Good Friday, in John 11 we find:

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”  5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

In the flow of John's Gospel, this account follows right after Jesus' grand announcement in chapter 10: 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He spends the whole chapter describing how Jesus, the Son of God loves the sheep, caring about what is best for them, and the Son and Father love one another.  He then wraps up the paragraph by saying: 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” This is what is on Jesus' mind as he enters this event in John 11, and this is what was on John's mind as He recorded it. Jesus loved Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. For awhile that might seem in doubt, as Jesus delayed His arrival, Lazarus died, the women grieved, and his body was buried. But God's love was in motion the whole time. Jesus was still being the Good Shepherd, attentive to the needs of His sheep.  The disciples as well wondered about Jesus' plan - this suicide mission toward Jerusalem. But Jesus was still their Good Shepherd, who would lay down His life for His friends. All the while, He must have been thinking about what He would be doing, as He would be walking through the "valley of the shadow of death" that first Good Friday, yet knowing that He would "take up His life again." 

Following after Jesus #91

We've seen in Luke 14 that Jesus had been invited into the home of a Pharisee for dinner. He was saying things that challenged those in attendance about their pride, and always positioning for the place of honor. He then turns to His host:

12 He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” 15 When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.’”

Following after Jesus means not just including those in our lives who can benefit us; it means reaching out to those who we can help, expecting nothing in return. The return we get will be at the resurrection. That is still a good challenge for us.  One of the other Pharisees overhears and gives a response he thinks will impress Jesus and those around him: "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the Kingdom of God!" - sort of a toast if you will.  But then we see that three letter word: But... Jesus responds. "You would think so." But the reality is that many, including many of the Pharisees, will ignore the invitation to the banquet. They will think they are too busy for the things of God. The only ones who will come are those who think they are needy, those who are willing to accept the invitation. Once again, the core issue is pride.  We all should be humbled by the fact that Jesus invites us to His banquet, and joyfully accept without excuse.