Bible Pathways - December 3, 2005

December 3, 2005

Read Ephesians 1

In Today's Reading:

Spiritual blessings in Christ; prayers of Paul; unity of believers; Paul's mission to the Gentiles

The God who created all mankind has chosen us to be His children. In fact, He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him. . . . In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:4,7). No person or power can cheat us out of the very best that God has planned for our lives. But it is imperative that we daily read and study His Word with a desire to be holy and without blame. We can then pray and depend upon the Holy Spirit to guide our lives according to the eternal purpose which He purposed (planned) in Christ Jesus our Lord (3:11).

Before Christ came to earth, only the Jews had a Covenant relationship with God. At that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the Covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world (2:12). But now Jews and Gentiles alike who receive Christ as Savior and Lord have a Covenant relationship with God. Through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father (2:18)

In A.D. 70, God used the Roman general Titus to destroy the Temple, the Brazen Altar of Sacrifice, and the functions of the high priest. These foreshadowed the Messiah Jesus who is the only means through which anyone can approach the One True God to worship Him. Through Christ we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him (3:12).

Is it any surprise that Satan will deceptively seek to keep us busy, even doing "good" things, so that we do not attend a church when Christ . . . gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word (Ephesians 5:25-26)? Because of our love for the Lord, true believers look forward to a daily dialog of prayer (talking to God) and reading His Word (God talking to us).

I pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to . . . know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Cross References:

For Ephesians 1:22: see Psalm 8:6. Ephesians 2:17: see Isaiah 57:19.

Word Studies:

1:8 prudence = spiritual insight; 1:10 dispensation = Divine Order; 1:14 earnest = promise; 2:1 quickened = made alive; 2:13 sometimes = formerly (not "occasionally"); 3:3 mystery = hidden purpose of God; 3:13 faint not = don't give up.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Henry Rogers · Government Officials: Rep. Stephanie Herseth (SD), Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX), and Rep. Ralph Regula (OH) · Country: Argentina (37 million) in southern South America · Major languages: Spanish and English · Religious freedom · 87% Roman Catholic; 6% Protestant; 1% Muslim; 1% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Call to the Lord for help; He will save you out of your troubles (Psalm 34:17).

Memory Verse for the Week: James 2:26