New Testament in a Year

Ephesians 3:1-21
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Wow, Paul’s opening verse 1 in chapter 3 of Ephesians today reminded me that Paul literally wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus while he was in prison in Rome!  “I, Paul, am a prisoner of Christ Jesus because of my preaching to you Gentiles.”  I think if we keep this fact in mind, Paul’s words in this letter become all that more poignant and powerful.  Could you ever imagine yourself being a prisoner of Jesus because of your preaching the Word to others?  I think this is something we should really consider.  Would you go to jail for Jesus?  Why or why not?  If you would go to jail for Jesus, then I challenge you to consider ways in your life that God may be asking to you indeed be like Paul “in chains for the Gospel” – even if you won’t “literally” be going to jail any time soon.  (I pray not!) Maybe those chains are that you don’t spend as much time doing something that is counter-productive to the Gospel.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “Paul’s Imprisonment, his Prayers, and his Praise” is at this link.  Below is a great image for Ephesians 3:18 from today’s readings:

Worship Video:  Today’s readings remind me of “Awesome God” by Rich Mullins, and performed here by Michael W. Smith:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38V8jnN1Kpw

Do you know our awesome God?  Click here to meet God!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Ephesians 2:1-22
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Today in Ephesians chapter 2 verses 8 through 10 we read: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (NIV) Have you been saved by grace through faith?  Do you believe that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned?  Have you ever felt that you had to work for your salvation?  What does Paul say about works related to salvation in these verses?  Do you believe that you are God’s very workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works?   Do you believe that God has prepared good works for you to do in advance?  Are you participating in God’s plan for your life?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “The Guilt of Men and the Grace of God” is at this link. 

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Josh Wilson’s song, “Carry Me:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9huooelamNA

Is God carrying you?  Click here and be carried!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you realize that you are truly God’s workmanship. Pray that you are doing good works that God prepared in advance for you to do. Pray that you realize that works don’t save you, but that you know the truth of grace from Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Ephesians 1:1-23
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Today we begin Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus!  The map below shows where Ephesus is located, as well as other churches Paul wrote epistles to:

~ Ephesians ~
Author: Paul the apostle
Place: Rome
Date: A.D. 60 or 61
Content: Paul wrote this letter while a prisoner in Rome, his purpose being to comfort and encourage the believers in Asia Minor. He presents them with an overview of history, beginning in eternity past where God worked out his plans for the world, moving to the present where God is saving those who believe in Christ, and then to the future where all evil will be overcome. He points out that in the present there will be great conflict because our battle is with the forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), but because we are members of Christ’s body, we have the power to withstand. Paul then deals with practical matters relating to living the Christian life: marriage, behavior, parents and children, and servants.
Theme: The basic idea in Ephesians is that God’s eternal plan is being worked out through Christ and his body, the church. When a man believes, he is in Christ and finds salvation and safety. God had planned for this from all eternity and has given to the believer everything that he needs for his Christian life, but it is for him to avail himself of the resources at his command. Paul closes the book by describing the provision that God has made for the believer so that he may withstand the worst of Satan’s attacks and when the battle is over, to be victorious. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 26) More great commentary on Ephesians is at this link.

There are so many amazing verses in Ephesians chapter 1 today!  I love verse 18: “I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.”  How does this verse speak to you?  Is your heart flooded with light today?  Do you believe that your heart can indeed be flooded with light so that you can understand your wonderful future in Christ?  I love this imagery of our hearts being flooded with light!  Let Jesus’ light flood us today!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Ephesians titled “The Hope of Glory” is at this link.

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the wonderful song “Everlasting God” by Brenton Brown:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGPTK24hQxc

Do you know our Everlasting God?  Click here to know Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Ephesians 1:5-6 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you have been adopted into God’s family through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Pray that your predestined life in Christ brings pleasure, praise and glory to God.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Galatians 6:1-18
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We finish up Paul’s letter to the Galatians today.  Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus begins tomorrow!  We read some powerful teachings in Galatians chapter 6 today.  I love verse 1: “Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”  This is such a great teaching.  And one that I have a hunch we do not follow often enough…  When was the last time you gently and humbly helped someone who is overcome by sin get back on the right track?  I know for me that it has not been recently.  And I know I’ve missed some opportunities in this regard. 

Bible.org’s excellent commentary on today’s readings in Galatians titled “Bearing Burdens: How One Sinner Relates to the Sin of Another” is at this link and “Sowing and Reaping” is at this link. 

Worship Video  I realize I’m on a Casting Crowns kick these days, but, wow, they have some amazing worship songs!  Today’s readings reminded me of Mark Hall of Casting Crowns singing “Voice of Truth” solo on the piano.  This is such a beautiful song…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K5l3DMWzLo

Do you know the Voice of Truth?  Click here and receive beautiful Truth!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. People reap what they sow.” Galatians 6:7 TNIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are not mocking God in any way, shape, or form in your life. Pray that you realize that you will reap what you sow in your life. Pray that you are sowing seeds of faith, hope and love through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Galatians 5:1-12
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Galatians chapter 5 is a great teaching on our freedom in Christ!  Verse 1 is so very powerful: “So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”  Has Jesus set you free?  Has He set you free from the slavery of sin?  Has He set you free from the slavery of the law?  If you are not yet free, today will you hand over the controls of your life to Jesus and let Him once and for all set you free!

I also love verses 5 & 6 – “But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive everything promised to us who are right with God through faith. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, it makes no difference to God whether we are circumcised or not circumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love.”  I like that thought of eagerly waiting to receive everything promised to us who are right with God through faith.  Are you eagerly waiting for everything promised?  Do you have the hope of glory?  And then the last sentence of what is important is powerful – faith expressing itself in love!  Not faith expressing itself in hate….  Faith expressing itself in love.  Is your faith expressing itself in love?  This reminds me of the old song – “They will know we are Christians by our love.  By our love.  Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”  Amen!

Bible.org’s fantastic commentary on today’s readings in Galatians titled “The Goal of the Gospel” is at this link. 

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the Big Daddy Weave song “Heaven Changes Everything”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUG7Ub_fvWw

Do you believe heaven changes everything? Click here and be changed!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you have been set free from the slavery of sin through a saving faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior! Pray that you know that you are truly free indeed, and that you will never go back to the yoke of slavery to sin. Pray that you will stand firm in your faith in Jesus!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Galatians 3:23-4:31
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I love Paul’s teachings today in Galatians chapter 4 verses 3 through 7! “And that’s the way it was with us before Christ came. We were slaves to the spiritual powers of this world. But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because you Gentiles have become his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, and now you can call God your dear Father. Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you.”  Do you believe these teachings of Paul’s to be true?  Are you a child of God?  Has God sent the Spirit of Jesus into your heart?  Do you today call God your dear Father?  Do you believe that everything God has belongs to you because you are his child?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Galatians titled “The Contribution of the Mosaic Covenant” is at this link, “The Inferiority of Immaturity” is at this link, and “Paul Gets Personal” is at this link. 

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of Rich Mullins’ song “Creed:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LR2hFP1yb4

Do believe in God the Father?  Click here and get to know the Almighty Maker of Heaven and Earth!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you truly are living as if you know that you and all of your fellow Believers are one in Christ Jesus. Pray that you don’t discriminate against anybody in any way, even subtly or subconsciously. Pray that you truly know that there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all who are one in Christ Jesus.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

Galatians 2:1-16
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We have great readings today in Galatians chapter 2 as Paul confronts Peter!  I think this is a powerful lesson for us to learn.  It is okay – in fact good – to confront other Christians when they are out of line.  We should do so in the spirit of love.  Speak the truth in love to our brothers and sisters who step out of line.  But let us not be too meek in this area and let somebody we love slide by because we’re too scared to say anything.  Is there anybody in your life today that you are being led by God to speak the truth in love to?  (there is someone in my life I’m being led to do this… and I confess that I have been dragging my feet…)  Let us learn today from the example of Paul confronting Peter!

I have to tell you, for some reason the parenthetical point from Paul in verse 6 today really stood out to me – “(By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.)”  This is really a profound thing for each of us to realize!  No one is above you!  No one is below you!  God has no favorites!  I really really love thinking about this.  This means we should respect all, but fear none.  God is the only one we should fear.  You, your pastor, your president, the homeless person on the street corner are no more or no less favored by God comparatively.  God has no favorites!  And – if God has no favorites, what do you think this should mean to us.  Should we have favorites?  Should we give more respect to those who we think are in better social standing than others?  Should we love the pastor more than the homeless person?  Should we love the celebrity over the waiter?  This really is something for us to think about…  Paul said people’s reputation as great leaders made NO difference to him.  Should people’s reputations in our world today make any difference to us?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Galatians titled “Was Paul a Man-Pleaser?” is at this link and “Peter’s Capitulation and Paul’s Correction” is at this link.

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of Chris Tomlin’s great song “Made to Worship!” https://www.youtube.com/embed/u5FmNqozk6k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5FmNqozk6k

Are you made to worship?  Not sure?  Click here and be made to worship!

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!