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Study of Ephesians Day 3: United in Christ
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7 NIV What does it mean to be united with Christ? We are united with Christ because of His love and mercy. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are no longer slaves to sin but can be overcome by the power of God. Yesterday we looked at the condition of our hearts before Jesus came and rescued us. When we were dead in our sins…
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Study of Ephesians: Day 2: Made Alive in Christ
Day 2: Made Alive in Christ “And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you once walked. You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God]. 3 Among these [unbelievers], we all once lived in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by the sinful self], indulging the desires of [a]human nature [without the Holy Spirit] and [the impulses]…
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Introduction to The Book of Ephesians Day One: Who are we?
“In Him also we have [a]received an inheritance [a destiny—we were claimed by God as His own], having been predestined (chosen, appointed beforehand) according to the purpose of Him who works everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His will,” Ephesians 1:11 AMP Paul addressed who we are in Christ in the book of Ephesians. Christ has redeemed us, and we have been united with Christ through salvation. Yet, we frequently wonder who we are in Christ. However, Paul reminds us that Jesus is in us, and we are in Him, which should change how we view everything. We see ourselves as believers in Christ. Christ’s identity changes…
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Review of Chapters 1 & 2 of the Book of Ephesians
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The God of Second Chances
“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His nature and promises] and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose] 1John 1:9 AMP Have you ever wondered why the Lord consistently stood by the Israelites despite their betrayal and stubbornness? That is a question I have asked myself many times. But, one day, I realized that God never stopped loving them despite their repeated betrayal and disappointment. Do you know how I know this is true? Because He did the same for me.…
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God, The Master Weaver
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In the Stillness, There’s A knowing
“If you are faithful with a few matters, he will set you over many.” Matthew 25If so, you’re not alone. I faced a harrowing situation at work about four years ago that changed my life. I had no idea why I was going through this storm or trial. I couldn’t see how God was going to get me through it. I don’t know if you are like me; I wanted to run out of the storm. I didn’t want to endure the pain, the humiliation. I just wanted it gone. Have you ever faced a storm and wondered if God has forgotten you? Would I ever get out of…
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He Will Get You Through This
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 ESV Will you get through this? How many times do we hear people recite these lines? The last thing we want to hear while drowning in our sorrows and grieving is, “You’ll get through this.” Although nothing is wrong with saying these words, they are the last thing we want to hear when we suffer. Unfortunately, these are not magical words that instantly make our pain disappear. I should know…
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God, The Master Weaver
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20 ESV) I occasionally run across people who I’ve known for years. Most are amazed by how much I’ve changed or, as some like to say, “developed.” The fact is, I have changed; I’m no longer the same person I was. I had a choice; I could have continued to wallow in my pity party or taken a stand for what I believed. During one of our weekly chats last week, my niece told me how proud she is of…
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The God of Second Chances
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He Chose You
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name, the Father will give you.” John 15;16 NIV Many of my friends have spoken to me about the television series “The Chosen,” which is based on the life of our Lord Jesus. In one of the episodes, Jesus met a man named Simon the Zealot. At one point, Simon asked the Lord Jesus, “Why did you choose me?” Jesus turned to face him and said, “Simon, I have everything I need, but I wanted you.” Isn’t that…
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No Place Like Home
When life doesn't live up to our expectations, we can feel out of place and become discouraged, just like Dorothy. That's why we need to know our home address. We're not orphans. We're not homeless. We have a seat at the King's table and a place in His heart.
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Come to Me
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Awaiting With Expectancy For The Bridegroom
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:2 ESV How does a bride prepare for her Bridegroom? I was 21 years old when my husband proposed to me in front of my parents. I was so excited and happy that I couldn’t think about anything else. My thoughts were only on my fiancé. But after I recovered from the initial shock, my parents sat me down, and we talked about the wedding preparations. Choosing a date; choosing the bridesmaids; making a wedding list; looking for a venue; selecting a menu; ordering invitations; looking for a church; looking for the perfect dress…
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Set Apart For Such a Time as This
