{"id":4515,"date":"2024-09-30T09:14:20","date_gmt":"2024-09-30T13:14:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.middleburgchristians.com\/?page_id=4515"},"modified":"2026-01-04T02:46:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T07:46:10","slug":"what-is-gods-plan-for-the-church","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.middleburgchristians.com\/?page_id=4515","title":{"rendered":"What Is God’s Plan For The Church?"},"content":{"rendered":"

LESSONS FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS.<\/strong> Have you seen a yard sign like the one below? Many members of the church here display a yard sign inviting the community to come to this page every Monday for a new article. Scroll down to view all previous articles in this series.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Click here to make a comment or leave us a message.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Monday, December\u00a0 8, 2025
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Ephesians #63: Concluding with Personal Notes
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In the final section of Paul\u2019s letter to the Ephesians, he writes some personal notes. Paul is sending Tychicus to the Ephesians with the letter he has just completed to inform the Ephesians of the well-being of Paul so they could be comforted. Paul\u2019s final comments are his personal desires for the Ephesians (6:21-24).<\/p>\n

Mentioned in several of Paul\u2019s letters, Tychicus was a traveling companion of Paul. Tychicus is described by Paul as \u201cthe beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord.\u201d Paul trusted Tychicus to do many different things. Tychicus was possibly from the city of Ephesus and so his credibility would be high among the church members at Ephesus.<\/p>\n

Since Paul wanted Tychicus to \u201cmake everything known to\u201d the members of the Ephesian church, it seems to indicate the close relationship Paul had with these brethren. Earlier in his ministry, Paul had spent two years with these brethren \u201creasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus\u201d and preaching so much that his enemies said, \u201cthat all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jew and Greek\u201d (cf. Acts 19:9, 10). On his way to Jerusalem, Paul stopped at Miletus to encourage the Ephesian elders (cf. Acts 20:17-38).<\/p>\n

Paul wanted there to be \u201cpeace\u201d among the brethren. He wanted them to have \u201clove with faith.\u201d He wanted \u201cgrace\u201d to be given to \u201call those who love our Lord Jesus Christ.\u201d He says this love would be an \u201cincorruptible love.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul in this letter has talked about the church that Jesus built. He has spoken about how the plans for this church were fully developed before the \u201cfoundation of the world.\u201d Also, Paul wrote about God\u2019s love, grace and mercy when writing about why Jesus would build His church. He describes how we can know about this church because it was revealed to the \u201capostles and prophets\u201d and they wrote it down. He encourages us by saying that after reading what they wrote, we can have the same understanding the writers of the New Testament had about God\u2019s plan.<\/p>\n

In the second half of the book (chapters 4-6), Paul wrote about the unity that should exist in the church. He describes how individuals are to conduct themselves because they are members of this church. In all of this, Paul was writing to people he truly loved and that he wanted to have a better understanding of the church.<\/p>\n

When people today read and understand Paul\u2019s epistle to the Ephesians, they will have his understanding of the \u201cmystery of Christ.\u201d By putting this understanding into practice, then they will appreciate the church more and they will be more dedicated to living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, December\u00a0 1, 2025
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Ephesians #62: Putting Paul on the Prayer List
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How often do Christians get asked to put someone on their church prayer list? Paul is one of those people; he asked the Ephesians to pray for him. He wanted them to be on the alert for other saints, to ask God to reveal to him the words he needed to speak, and that he might speak boldly \u201cthe mystery of the gospel\u201d (Ephesians 6:18-20).<\/p>\n

By making this request, we see the human side of Paul. We might think Paul did not need \u201cboldness\u201d when he was preaching, but this shows that he felt he needed God\u2019s help in doing what God wanted him to do.<\/p>\n

One thing to take special note of is that Paul wanted the Ephesians to \u201cpetition\u201d God through their prayers. He wanted the group to appeal to God with these specific things in mind. His request is a great example to us for what we might include in our prayers.<\/p>\n

Paul wanted the Ephesians to be concerned about all the saints. Notice he uses the words \u201cperseverance and petition.\u201d This would be a constant action on the part of the Ephesians. It shows that Paul wanted every Christian to be fully aware of, to be attentive to, and to be ready to act in response to helping other Christians when they need it, either spiritually or physically.<\/p>\n

On a personal level, Paul wanted the church to pray for him. He was wanting the Ephesians to ask God to help him with the correct words to say when he was speaking. He wanted God to reveal them to him.<\/p>\n

He also wanted God to help him to have the \u201cboldness\u201d he needed to speak the message of God. Sometimes we might think Paul had all the courage one would need to proclaim with boldness the details of the gospel. However, understanding the amount of persecution he endured, especially currently being in prison, helps us to understand this need for courage.<\/p>\n

Paul realized that as an \u201cambassador in chains\u201d he still needed to speak with boldness the message of God. Being incarcerated makes it more difficult for Paul to speak, but he felt he must continue to speak. He realized that even his captors needed to hear the gospel. Speaking to those guarding him, definitely would require boldness.<\/p>\n

Putting others on the church prayer list is something that Christians should do. When asked, Christians should respond by praying \u201cat all times in the Spirit.\u201d For the Christian it is a privilege to not only pray for ourselves, but to also pray for others. This is just one of the many ways a Christians can show they are living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, November\u00a0 24, 2025
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Ephesians #61: Equipping Christians for Combating Evil
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In Paul\u2019s letter to the Ephesians, he begins his conclusion by telling them about the equipment they will need to combat evil in this world and their lives. Using the armor of a Roman soldier, Paul illustrates the equipment the Christian will need to defend their faith, remain \u201cstrong in the Lord\u201d and to be able to \u201cstand firm\u201d (Ephesians 6:10-18).<\/p>\n

Paul makes it very clear that the Christian \u201cstruggle is not against flesh and blood.\u201d The Christian will not use weapons, tanks, missiles, bombers or even \u201chand to hand combat.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul is saying the Christian\u2019s conflict is against rulers, powers, world forces of this darkness, spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Their battle focuses on the behavior and attitudes of this world that are influenced by wicked, heavenly forces whose leader is the devil.<\/p>\n

In using this metaphor of the Roman soldier\u2019s armor, Paul lists the different things Christians will need to \u201cstand firm against the schemes of the devil.\u201d Paul is instructing them to \u201cbe strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might,\u201d desiring them to \u201cresist in the days of evil, and having done everything, to stand firm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Christians are to equip themselves with truth, righteousness, the preparation of the gospel, and their faith. Their \u201cweapon\u201d will be \u201cthe sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.\u201d They will always be prayerful and \u201calert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.\u201d<\/p>\n

The warfare Christians are to fight has to do with another person\u2019s thoughts and actions. Christians are not to \u201cbully\u201d someone into believing what they believe. But rather, they are to use persuasion of speech. They are to engage in reason with someone\u2019s mind in an effort to convince them to live the Christian life. If the Christian tries to coerce another individual by using threats and intimidation, then they are not following the example Paul established when he traveled from city to city.<\/p>\n

Christians must learn and practice the ability to listen to a person\u2019s opposing religious viewpoint. They must seek to understand their point of view and then evaluate their position based upon Scripture (cf., Acts 17:11). If the Christian concludes that the other person is incorrect about their religious belief, then the Christian must approach them in a spirit of gentleness, seeking to persuade them to a more accurate understanding of the truth.<\/p>\n

The Christian must never resort to violence when they disagree with someone religiously. They need to have a very civil conversation with the person, with the goal of changing their thinking. The goal must be to help the other person to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, November\u00a0 17, 2025
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Ephesians #60: A Christian Slave\u2019s Work Ethic
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As Paul continues his instructions to Christians about different relationships, he talks to the Ephesians about the work ethic of a Christian slave. He tells them what they are to do along with the attitude they are to have in doing their tasks. Paul explains a Christians slave\u2019s work ethic (Ephesian 6:5-8).<\/p>\n

In our society we do not think a person should be a slave, however it was common practice in the Roman Empire. Paul does not argue for or against a person being a slave, but rather gives instructions as to the work ethic a Christian slave is to practice.<\/p>\n

He tells the slave to \u201cbe obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh;\u201d an earthly relationship not a spiritual relationship. Paul acknowledges that a person in their \u201cevery day life\u201d may have an earthly master. The slave is to be submissive to and comply with the master\u2019s orders or requests. This type of obedience is the same as the child is to have toward their parents.<\/p>\n

The attitude the slave is to have in following these orders is \u201cwith fear and trembling, in the sincerity of the heart, as to Christ.\u201d They are going to have a reverence toward their masters along with a great apprehension of what might happen to them if they are disobedient or rebellious. Their work is done with no pretense. They serve their masters like they would serve Christ.<\/p>\n

Paul uses several phrases to describe what \u201csincerity\u201d means. He says it is \u201cnot by way of eyeservice, as men pleasers.\u201d The slave will be working not just when the master is looking, but all the time. One of the reasons is because he recognizes that his service is to Christ and the slave knows Jesus is watching all the time. When he is working with this attitude in mind, then he will be \u201cdoing the will of God from the heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another phrase is \u201cwith good will render services, as to the Lord, and not to men.\u201d The focus is upon doing things to be pleasing to the Lord. While the slave will want to \u201cplease\u201d the master, the Christian must always remember it is more important to \u201cplease\u201d the Lord.<\/p>\n

With this type of service and attitude, the slave will be compensated by the Lord. Paul concludes this section by saying that all these deeds and attitudes apply to both \u201cslave or free;\u201d therefore making it a universal principle.<\/p>\n

Paul describes the Christian slave\u2019s work ethic they are to have toward their masters. When Christians practice this same work ethic in their workplace today, they are displaying that they are living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, November\u00a0 10, 2025
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Ephesians #59: Child and Father Relationship
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After completing his comments about the husband-and-wife relationship demonstrating the relationship between Christ and the church, Paul turns his attention to the child and father relationship (Ephesians 6:1-4). He gives instructions to the child followed by instructions to the father.<\/p>\n

He instructs each child about the responsibility God has given them to obey their parents. When a child is told something to do by their parents or they are forbidden to do something by their parents, they must comply.<\/p>\n

Implied in this command is the fact that parents are to expect their children to obey them. While it is understood that a child will not always be obedient, nonetheless God is expecting the child to obey their parents. Parents should expect this also.<\/p>\n

Expanding his comments to the children, Paul quotes an Old Testament passage. Children are not only to obey but they are to honor their parents. This commandment comes with the promise of things going \u201cwell with [them]; and that [they] may live long on the earth.\u201d While this is not an absolute promise, in the majority of situations, if a child obeys and honors their parents they will live long on the earth. The parents will be looking out for the child and helping the child avoid many of life\u2019s pitfalls.<\/p>\n

The fathers are given two commands, a \u201cdon\u2019t\u201d and a \u201cdo.\u201d The \u201cdon\u2019t\u201d concerns \u201cprovoking [their] children to anger.\u201d The \u201cdo\u201d is for the fathers to \u201cbring [their children] up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

At times, the father can be so hard on their children that they make them angry. The father may think he is doing it \u201cfor their good,\u201d but in reality, his actions are having the opposite effect. The father\u2019s instructions, which may be hard, must be done in such a way that the child can see the father \u201cloves him.\u201d While the child might not like what the father is telling him, in the long run, the child will realize it is for his good.<\/p>\n

Equally important, the father needs to be bringing their children up \u201cin the discipline and instruction of the Lord.\u201d The father\u2019s training, based upon constant instruction from the Bible about the teachings of the Lord, will center on how to live according to God\u2019s standards.<\/p>\n

Fathers have a great influence on their children; in some cases, it may be the most. Fathers need to be expecting their children to obey and honor them. Likewise, fathers need to be teaching and training righteous living to their children in a positive manner. When the father is training and the child is obeying and honoring, both will be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, November 3, 2025
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Ephesians #58: Husbands Love Your Wives
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Paul uses the relationship between a husband and a wife to illustrate how Christ is to love the church (Ephesians 5:25-29). As a husband puts these attitudes and actions into practice, his relationship with his wife will deepen and mature.<\/p>\n

The husband needs to be willing to \u201cgive himself up for her.\u201d This means that he is willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary for the benefit of his wife. This will include his time as well as him not doing some things that he would like to do.<\/p>\n

In the mind of the husband, he is going to set his wife apart from the other women in his life. He is going to consider her as something special. She is the one that he has determined will be the special one in his life.<\/p>\n

The husband is going to do whatever is necessary to help his wife be the best person she can be. He is going to help her keep herself \u201choly and blameless.\u201d He is concerned with her spiritual well-being. He wants to do everything he can to help her to prepare for going to heaven.<\/p>\n

He is going to love her like he loves his \u201cown body.\u201d He is going to protect her like he would protect himself. He is going to make sure she is safe in every situation.<\/p>\n

Paul makes a strange comment about the love a husband has for their wife. The love they are to have will demonstrate that they love themselves. The husband will see that his wife is like a part of himself. When the proper love is demonstrated, the world can easily see that the husband loves his wife.<\/p>\n

The husband is not going to \u201chate\u201d her. He is going to hold her as someone dear to him. He is going to nourish her. He is going to cherish her. He is going to make sure she grows in every aspect of life.<\/p>\n

Paul concludes his list by saying the husband will love his wife \u201ceven as himself.\u201d Another way of saying this is the husband will do things for his wife just like he would do for himself. He will be thinking about her just like he would think about himself.<\/p>\n

Showing this type of love to one\u2019s wife at the beginning of the marriage will take some effort. However, if the husband will daily love his wife in the manner described by Paul, then over time it will become \u201cnatural;\u201d it will be something that he just automatically does.<\/p>\n

Husbands loving their own wives is something God expects every husband to do, especially those who are Christians. When husbands love their wives, they will have a very happy marriage. It will show to the world and especially his wife that he is living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, October 27, 2025
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Ephesians #57: Marriage Illustrates Church’s Relationship With Christ\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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To illustrate the relationship the church is to have with Christ, Paul uses the marriage relationship (Ephesians 5:22-33). He uses the wife and her responsibilities to the husband to illustrate how the church is to act in relationship to Christ. He uses the husband to illustrate how Christ will be taking care of His bride, the church.<\/p>\n

In the process of giving this illustration, Paul also talks about the relationship between the husband and the wife. He speaks of how the wife is to be subject to her husband, while telling the husband to love his wife and be willing to give himself for her.<\/p>\n

In Paul\u2019s conclusion to this subject, he says, \u201cThis mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.\u201d Then he makes a summary statement about what the husband and wife are to do for each other. He says the husband is to \u201clove his own wife as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some say that the wife wants to be loved and the husband wants to be respected. While I am sure the wife wants to be respected and the husband wants to be loved, it seems that Paul is stressing something that may be more important.<\/p>\n

If a husband loves \u201chis own wife as himself,\u201d then he will be truly caring about her wellbeing. She will see his efforts and will appreciate all that he is doing for her. During this process she will show great respect for him which in turn will cause him to want to do more things for her. As long as they are doing these things, the cycle will not lose momentum.<\/p>\n

But how does this relate to the church and Christ? The church is identified as being the bride of Christ, which will make Christ the husband.
When the Christ came to earth, He did many things to prepare for this church. His death is the ultimate sign of His love for the church. He truly gave Himself for the benefit of the church. He showed His love for this church.<\/p>\n

The church should recognize this great love and be willing to give their utmost respect to Christ. This would mean that the church would be asking how her Husband would want things done. She would be concerned about how she would spend His money. She would be interested in the goals He would want to achieve and doing what she could to help accomplish them.<\/p>\n

The church was a new concept for people. Paul used the relationship between the husband and the wife to illustrate the relationship between Christ and the church. Members of this church will show their utmost respect for Christ when they are daily living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, October 20, 2025
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Ephesians #56: Being Subject to One Another \u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Paul gives one final proverb-like command to the Ephesians. He says they are to \u201cbe subject to one another in the fear of Christ\u201d (Ephesians 5:21). There are three relationships Paul discusses in which there is to be subjection: between fellow Christians, wives to their husbands, and the church to Christ.<\/p>\n

We Americans do not think we should be in subjection to anyone. We are our own person. We can do as we please. However, that is not true in many situations. We must be subject to the traffic light, otherwise there may be an accident. We must be subject to society\u2019s rules of law, otherwise there will be negative consequences, both for the individual as well as families. We must be subject to the policies of the company for which we work or we will face a reprimand or maybe even the loss of our job.<\/p>\n

Having a proper understanding of what it means to \u201cbe subject to one another\u201d may help with our compliance to the apostle Paul\u2019s command. Being subject to one another does not mean that we lose our self-worth or that we are intellectually inferior to the one to whom we are to be subject.<\/p>\n

Coming from a Greek military term, this word means to arrange the troops under the troop\u2019s leader. Outside of the military it means to have a voluntary attitude of assuming the responsibility or the carrying of a burden of someone. In the biblical sense it means that a person is going to be working together with someone to accomplish their goals or doing what is best for them.<\/p>\n

In our verse under consideration, Christians are to \u201cbe subject to one another.\u201d In the following verses, Paul will use the word \u201csubject\u201d to describe the relationship the wife is to have with her husband and the church is to have with Christ. In all three situations, the one subjecting themselves is not to be considered less of an individual than the one who is \u201cover them.\u201d It is recognizing the relationship God has established and each Christian is to understand their role and the lane in which they are to stay.<\/p>\n

When people, especially Christians, have the idea of being subject to one another, in the manner in which God has directed, their relationships will grow. When Christians subject themselves to one another, their mutual work will be accomplished.<\/p>\n

When Christians subject themselves to one another, all will grow spiritually. Wives submitting to their husbands will cause the marriage to grow. The church subjecting itself to Christ will cause the church to grow. When Christians practice being subject to one another, they are living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, October 13, 2025
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Ephesians #55: Singing to Speak to One Another \u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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When one is filled with the Spirit, and not wine, then one of the things they will do is speak to one another by singing. They will participate in the giving of thanks. When they are singing, the songs they will use will be \u201cpsalms, hymns and spiritual songs.\u201d They will give thanks in all things based upon the authority of \u201cour Lord Jesus Christ\u201d (Ephesians 5:19, 20).<\/p>\n

Singing will be one of the means Christians will speak to one another. They will use a \u201cpsalm,\u201d which is a pious song. They might use a \u201chymn,\u201d which is a sacred song used to praise God. They might use a \u201cspiritual song\u201d as opposed to a song designed for other purposes like a jingle in a commercial or a fight song at some sporting event or a romantic song.<\/p>\n

When a Christian is singing, they are going to be making \u201cmelody with [their] heart.\u201d They will be using their voices to sing praises to God. The instrument they will be using to accompany the words will be their heart. This is a collective effort but each individual will be \u201cspeaking to one another.\u201d<\/p>\n

Likewise, when they are \u201calways giving thanks for all things\u201d it is an individual action. They are giving thanks to God, who is also their Father. They are going to be expressing thanks to each other \u201cin all things.\u201d<\/p>\n

One might ask, \u201cHow can we give thanks for all things?\u201d The answer is we are willing to express our gratitude and appreciation for all the things we have obtained.<\/p>\n

The more we are \u201cfilled with the Spirit,\u201d the more we will use singing to encourage, teach and admonish one another to be better Christians. We will be more willing to express our thanks to God; to tell Him how much we appreciate the things we have and the gratitude that is in our hearts for all the things God has done for us.<\/p>\n

All songs are designed to convey a message. Love songs express our love. Fight songs stimulate our adrenaline. Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, when sung to one another using the heart for the instrument, will speak to fellow Christians about praising God for who He is. They will express an idea, concept, or principle for living the Christian life.<\/p>\n

Paul gives two examples a person will have when they are \u201cfilled with the Spirit.\u201d They will be speaking to fellow Christians and expressing their personal thanks to God. They will not be singing something that vanishes away; it will be profitable for an extended period of time. Singing and giving thanks helps a person to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, October 6, 2025
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Ephesians #54: Filling Up on the Spirit, Not Wine\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Getting drunk from drinking wine has always been something human beings have done. In contrast, Paul instructs Christians, those who are \u201cimitators of God,\u201d to be filling themselves with the Spirit not wine (Ephesians 5:18).<\/p>\n

When one gets \u201cdrunk with wine,\u201d they are affected by the alcohol in the grape juice to the extent they lose self-control, especially of their behavior and speech, often resulting in loud parties where one will begin to sing in a frivolous manner; they are not behaving in their normal manner.<\/p>\n

While this may seem pleasurable for the time being, it often leads to impaired thinking, or slurred speech, or slower reaction time. Paul says this is \u201cdissipation\u201d which means to squander or to cause something to vanish, often money and family relationships.<\/p>\n

In contrast, Paul wants the Christian to \u201cbe filled with the Spirit,\u201d which will cause them to sing songs resulting in teaching and admonishing fellow Christians and others. When one is filled with the Spirit, their speech will profit the listener. Their behavior will be building up other people, both morally and spiritually.<\/p>\n

There is something very interesting about being filled with both wine and the Spirit. It is not done in a minute or a short period of time. To get drunk with wine usually takes time. So, it is with being filled with the Spirit.<\/p>\n

When one is drunk, the alcohol has infiltrated their whole body, including their brain where their thinking occurs. When one is \u201cfilled with the Spirit\u201d they are so consumed with the word of God that it occupies every part of their mind and motivates every action and behavior. There is no room for anything evil to occupy their thinking. They are \u201cfilled up to the brim.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, how does one go about \u201cfilling\u201d themselves up with the Spirit? There are many ways but here are a few: obviously, spending time reading the word of God either by a causal reading or one followed with reflection and meditation, interacting mentally with other spiritually minded people who are also trying to \u201cbe filled with the Spirit,\u201d attending classes where the word of God is expounded and explained systematically and in detail with the objective focused on understanding what God meant and not the sharing of one\u2019s opinion as to what the text \u201cmeans to them.\u201d<\/p>\n

When one is filled up with the Spirit, they will be totally consumed by the word of God. They will be absorbed in what the Spirit is teaching and how they can apply it to their daily lives. Their motivation for \u201cbeing filled with the Spirit\u201d is so they can be daily living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, September 29, 2025
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Ephesians #53: Wise People Understand God\u2019s Will\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Having concluded his encouragement and instructions about how people are to be \u201cimitators of God,\u201d Paul speaks about their daily activities. He warns them, \u201cBe careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise\u201d (Ephesians 5:15-17).<\/p>\n

Paul tells them that the \u201cdays are evil.\u201d He wants them to know their surroundings. He wants them to perceive with their eyes the conduct of those around them, and only imitate those who are walking in a \u201cwise\u201d manner. He wants them to understand, to mentally discern, that the actions of some people are \u201cunwise.\u201d<\/p>\n

In order for this to happen, Paul says they must \u201cunderstand what the will of the Lord is.\u201d In order for someone to \u201cunderstand\u201d something, they must first learn the thing that is to be understood. In this case, it is the \u201cwill of the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, what is the will of the Lord for my life? Paul\u2019s answer to this question would be that it is something we are to learn by hearing what Paul and the other apostles and prophets are teaching.<\/p>\n

When we consider the totality of Paul\u2019s writings it becomes quite clear that God has delivered His will to Paul. Paul even stated earlier in this book (chapter 3) that what God has revealed to him, he has written down. Upon reading what Paul wrote, he says we can understand his insight into the mystery or will of God.<\/p>\n

Wise people learn how to do things. They are people who will consult those who have the information and are willing to share the information. They realize that they do not have a monopoly on knowledge; that there are people who are more informed than they are. With this mindset, they are often putting aside the \u201cunwise\u201d actions for the \u201cwise\u201d behavior. They are not wasting their time, but are making the most of it.<\/p>\n

The will of the Lord for our lives is not going to come through some \u201cvoice\u201d we hear, nor some \u201cvision\u201d we see, but rather through studying the word of God. This takes effort. It takes diligence. It takes dedication. But Paul says we can \u201cunderstand the will of the Lord.\u201d In fact, he says we must \u201cunderstand God\u2019s will.\u201d<\/p>\n

As we continue to consider Paul\u2019s instructions, let us put forth the effort, let us make the most of our time, and learn how to be \u201cwise\u201d when it comes to understanding the will of God. We must believe it is possible. We must believe it is attainable. We must conclude we can do the will of the Lord. Practicing this conclusion will help us be wise as we are living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, September 22, 2025
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Ephesians #52: Exposing Deeds of Darkness\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Christians, followers of Christ, are to be \u201cchildren of Light.\u201d As Paul describes the actions of these people he says they are \u201cnot to participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them\u201d (Ephesians 5:11, 12).<\/p>\n

In contrast to the \u201cfruit\u201d of the \u201cchildren of Light,\u201d Paul says the deeds of darkness are \u201cunfruitful.\u201d Children of Light do things that are \u201cpleasing to the Lord,\u201d while \u201cchildren of darkness\u201d do things that are not \u201cpleasing to the Lord.\u201d People who practice these unfruitful deeds will not achieve their desired result of being with God for eternity.<\/p>\n

Paul instructs the children of Light to \u201cnot participate,\u201d to not partake, nor be engaged in, nor share in their deeds or endeavors of darkness. In other words, Paul is saying the Christian is to have nothing to do with these deeds of darkness.<\/p>\n

What Paul wants the Christian, the child of Light, to do is to expose these deeds of darkness. This would mean that he wants God\u2019s people to be convicting those who are engaged in such behavior that their actions are not pleasing to God and that they should be making changes in their lives to stop this type of action or behavior. Paul wants God\u2019s people to refute this behavior. He wants them to correct \u201cthe sons of disobedience\u201d who are practicing deeds of darkness.<\/p>\n

People in Paul\u2019s day were no different than people are in our day. They did not want to be corrected any more than we want to be corrected. They got their feelings hurt when someone tried to convince them that their behavior was \u201cunfruitful\u201d, just like we do today. They even became hostile to the person trying to point out their ungodly behavior and point them to the way children of Light should be living. I am sure it was \u201ctough\u201d in their day, just like it is \u201ctough\u201d in our day.<\/p>\n

However, what Paul is telling the Ephesians, and us as readers of his letter, is that we are expected by God, even commanded by God, to expose these deeds of darkness. We do not always want to obey this commandment. However our love for God and for our friends and family who are practicing deeds of darkness, demands that we expose their unfruitful behavior. We must sacrifice our own feelings so they can receive the benefits of ceasing to practice the deeds of darkness.<\/p>\n

The motivation, the driving force, for speaking these words of correction is the eternal well-being of the individual. Changing their lives and going to heaven is the reason for exposing their deeds of darkness. We want them to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, September 15, 2025
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Ephesians #51: Walk as Children of Light\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

Writing to the Ephesians (5:8-10), Paul tells them to not be partakers in darkness, but rather be walking as children of Light. He informs them of what walking in the light will look like, along with an encouragement to try \u201cto learn what is pleasing to the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul acknowledges these Ephesian church members, in times past, walked in darkness before they became Christians. He previously said they were \u201csons of disobedience\u201d and they would incur the wrath of God if they did not repent. They were ignorant of God\u2019s message and their duties to God. They were ungodly and immoral.<\/p>\n

Now they have repented and have become \u201cLight in the Lord.\u201d Paul wants to encourage them to \u201cwalk as children of Light.\u201d He says that the \u201cfruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth.\u201d He wants them to be upright in their heart and life. He wants them to be in a state of rightness, of integrity, of purity of life, and to have a godly way of thinking about life. He wants them to be acting in ways that are truthful according to God\u2019s standard.<\/p>\n

The ultimate objective of walking as children of Light is that they would constantly be \u201ctrying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.\u201d Paul emphasizes two things in this passage. One is \u201ctrying to learn\u201d and the other is doing \u201cwhat is pleasing to the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

Learning is more than just acquiring knowledge. It is the examination of knowledge. It is putting this knowledge to the test to see if it is genuine, as in testing a piece of metal to see if it is the real thing. There must be discernment when considering this knowledge, to see if it is pleasing to the Lord. Is it something God wants the Christian to be doing? Will it be acceptable to the Lord? Will the Lord be happy with their actions and character?<\/p>\n

One of the driving forces behind the Christian\u2019s life and their attitude toward God is that they must want to make God happy. The Christian is seeking ways they can cause God to look favorably upon them. It might be said that the Christian always wants to be \u201con the good side of God.\u201d<\/p>\n

Achieving this objective requires constant learning and applying what has been learned to one\u2019s life. It requires a change in one\u2019s thought processes. It requires \u201cwanting\u201d to be pleasing to the Lord.<\/p>\n

These two tasks can be accomplished by a Christian who has the desire to be walking as children of Light. When this is a constant, daily effort then they will truly be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, September 8, 2025
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Ephesians #50: Don\u2019t Be Partakers With Them\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

Paul gave another exhortation to the Ephesians. He warned them to be aware of the deceivers that are in the world who were delivering \u201cempty words.\u201d In his description of these people he used a strong phrase, he called them \u201csons of disobedience\u201d and told the Ephesians not \u201cto be partakers with them\u201d (Ephesians 5:6, 7).<\/p>\n

It is interesting to see Paul equates these people who were delivering \u201cempty words\u201d with \u201csons of disobedience.\u201d This seems to imply that their words were \u201cdevoid of truth.\u201d They spoke \u201cvain words,\u201d that had no purpose. These words were designed to \u201cdeceive\u201d people into thinking they were speaking the truth when in reality their words were false.<\/p>\n

God\u2019s reaction to these kind of people and their message is wrath, which is an internal emotion, defined as \u201cextreme anger.\u201d It is more than being \u201cannoyed\u201d. It is more along the lines of controlled outrage. In this context, it is another way of expressing the punishment God will execute upon the \u201csons of disobedience.\u201d<\/p>\n

When we consider some of the punishment God performed upon different people who had been disobedient to His word, we should be frightened. Reading of the total destruction of the world by a flood in the days of Noah brought about by people\u2019s disobedience, should lead us to see the seriousness of being obedient to God\u2019s word. We need to be like Noah and do the commandments of the Lord.<\/p>\n

The fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, with the total destruction of both cities, should stir fear within us. When we see Israel\u2019s northern tribes being destroyed by the Assyrians and dispersed among other nations, we should give serious consideration to the wrath of God. If He would do that to the people He calls His own and with whom He had made a covenant, then it is not beyond our realm of reasoning to think He would do the same thing with Christians today.<\/p>\n

Paul went on to exhort the Ephesians not to be partakers with these \u201csons of disobedience\u201d. Paul said we should not be working \u201chand-in-hand\u201d with these people. We are not to be united with them or working in conjunction with them. Paul said there is to be a separation between \u201cthe sons of disobedience\u201d and the \u201cchildren of God.\u201d If we are working with them, then we would not be \u201cimitators of God.\u201d<\/p>\n

Today there are people who are deceiving others with their deceptive, empty words. As we use God\u2019s word to identify these people, we need to separate ourselves from them. We do not need to be living like \u201csons of disobedience\u201d, but rather we need to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, September 1, 2025
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Ephesians #49: Those With No Heavenly Inheritance\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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In contrast to being imitators of God, Paul discussed the actions and attitudes of people who will not inherit the kingdom of God. He listed six things that describe the person who has no heavenly inheritance (Ephesians 5:3-5).<\/p>\n

First on Paul\u2019s list was immorality, impurity and greed. He said these attributes should \u201cnot even be named among you, as is proper among saints.\u201d Paul\u2019s point was that a \u201csaint\u201d will not be practicing these characteristics. No individual in a congregation should possess or practice these sins.<\/p>\n

The next three characteristics Paul listed deal with one\u2019s speech. He described them as \u201cfilthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting.\u201d He stated these characteristics \u201care not fitting\u201d for a Christian, but instead of these characteristics, a Christian should be one who is characterized by the \u201cgiving of thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

After enumerating these sins, Paul is specific when he says, \u201cno immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.\u201d This is a very powerful and bold statement. Surely, it grasped the attention of the Ephesians and should likewise grab our attention.<\/p>\n

For the moment, let us not focus on the specific things Paul mentions, but rather upon the consequence of such practices and attitudes (Ephesians 5:5).<\/p>\n

Paul wanted the Ephesians to know \u201cfor certain\u201d that this consequence is going to take place. They needed to see, to perceive, and to understand that what Paul was writing about is a \u201ccertainty.\u201d They could be sure of this. There was to be no doubt in their mind about what Paul has just stated. They should have firm convictions about this conclusion.<\/p>\n

In practical terms, Paul wanted his readers to understand that they could rely upon this statement. It was true and it would come to pass. He wanted them to be fully aware of this fact, those who practice the things he mentioned will not inherit \u201cthe kingdom of Christ and God.\u201d<\/p>\n

So for a moment, let us think about what will happen if one does \u201cnot inherit the kingdom of Christ and God\u201d? They will not be in heaven for eternity. They will be absent from the presence of God. They will not be in a place of comfort, but rather in a place of torment. This is a serious consequence. We need to fully understand what Paul said to his readers, \u201cGod means business!\u201d<\/p>\n

God demonstrated His love for us by revealing this consequence to Paul. We can be certain that God will enact this consequence if we practice such things. With firm conviction, let us be motivated to avoid this consequence by daily living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, August 25, 2025
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Ephesians #48: Be Imitators of God\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

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Paul continues his discussion on the Christian\u2019s character by admonishing us to \u201cbe imitators of God, as beloved children\u201d and to \u201cwalk in love, just as Christ also loved you\u201d (Ephesians 5:1, 2). While most of us would say we cannot possibly imitate God, Paul gave instructions to the Christians at Ephesus that they were to \u201cbe imitators of God.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul wanted these Christians to mimic the actions and attitudes of God. Paul wanted them to copy the behavior of God and put it into practice in their own lives.<\/p>\n

While we are not able to do things to the degree God can do them, there is the expectation of doing our best to be like God in our character. Looking at the preceding verses we see we need to tell the truth like God does, for he cannot lie. We need to be working so we are in a financial position to help other people. We need to be kind and forgiving, just like God.<\/p>\n

Paul uses \u201cbeloved children\u201d to illustrate his point. Children always want to, and actually do, imitate their parents. Children talk like their parents, walk like them, even love and forgive like them. As children of God, we should do the same with our heavenly Father. We should be willing to imitate God.<\/p>\n

When it comes to loving people, Paul used Christ as the example. Paul pointed out that Christ not only \u201cloved you,\u201d but He \u201cgave Himself up\u201d for all of mankind. This giving of Himself was considered to be \u201can offering and a sacrifice to God.\u201d He regarded this offering and sacrifice as \u201ca fragrant aroma\u201d meaning it was acceptable to Him.<\/p>\n

Having this kind of love is very hard for human beings. Being willing to sacrifice ourself for another person takes a special type of motivation. It says we are willing to give up ourselves for the benefit and well-being of another person. When we display this type of love, God is well pleased with our actions, just like He was pleased with Jesus.<\/p>\n

Being an imitator of God will require time in the studying of the character of God. It will take effort in practicing to be an imitator of God. It will take patience; it is not something that we can do overnight.<\/p>\n

However, we should not have the attitude that we cannot be an imitator of God. We should accept the challenge to be more like God, and the One who loved us by giving Himself as a sacrifice for us. The more we study the behavior of God and the more we seek to imitate God, the more we will be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, August 18, 2025
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Ephesians #47: Exhibiting God-like Attitudes and Actions\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

Part of the Christian character is that we are to have a loving attitude and display love for each other rather than having hurtful actions and attitudes. We are to \u201cput off\u201d some attitudes and actions which are hurtful to others and \u201cput on\u201d those attitudes and actions which will show that we love others (Ephesians 4:31, 32).<\/p>\n

Paul lists six things the Christian is to put off. As we look at these attitudes and actions, we see that there is a progression from bad to worse. They start with our attitude and then are expressed in our actions.<\/p>\n

Bitterness is an emotion, an attitude we have toward someone who has disappointed us or treated us unfairly, rudely or unkindly. Unchecked, this emotion will lead to wrath, anger taken to the extreme.<\/p>\n

Unconstrained anger will soon lead to actions being taken to reap vengeance by using physical force. It can also produce uncontrollable verbal lashing out, with speech that is designed to injure a person\u2019s reputation or good name, speaking falsehoods or something misleading about a person with the goal of changing the opinions of one person against another.<\/p>\n

Paul says Christians are to \u201cbe kind to one another, tender-hearted, [and] forgiving each other.\u201d These words describe an action, but they exhibit a godly attitude.<\/p>\n

When we are kind, we are polite, considerate, friendly, and generous toward other people. Being tender-hearted is being gentle with people, showing empathy or sympathy toward another person depending upon the situation. When we display an attitude of forgiving others, we will stop having feelings of bitterness, anger and wrath. We will not have resentment in our heart toward another person because of what they have done to us.<\/p>\n

Paul gives a very strong reason for why such loving actions should be extended to another person \u2013 \u201cjust as God in Christ also has forgiven you.\u201d God wants the Christian to treat other people, both Christians and non-Christians, like He has treated them. He wants the Christian to love others and not hurt them in retaliation.<\/p>\n

When we as Christians consider what God has done for us in light of what we have done to God, there should be appreciation in our hearts and a willingness to extend the same God-like actions to another person. When we violate God\u2019s laws, He is disappointed in our actions. However, He continues to love us by helping us to seek His forgiveness so that we can be in a right relationship with him.<\/p>\n

Putting off these hurtful emotions and actions and loving one another is just another characteristic of a Christian. Displaying this type of character will show that we are living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

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We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, August 11, 2025
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Ephesians #46: Speaking to Encourage and Make Better<\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

Paul, writing to the Ephesians concerning one\u2019s character, addresses how we speak to one another. He says we are not to use \u201cunwholesome words\u201d, but rather words that will encourage others and make them better (Ephesians 4:29).<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul highlights two ways of speaking to people. We would call one way, \u201cusing foul language.\u201d The people in Paul\u2019s day would have understood the phrase \u201cunwholesome words\u201d as being \u201crotten\u201d or \u201cputrid\u201d. It possibly could include using derogatory words while speaking face to face with a person. Using this type of language never encourages a person or makes them better. <\/span><\/p>\n

Paul instructs the Ephesians to consider the situation and do the gracious thing. Say something that would encourage a person or make them better. We might call this \u201clifting them up.\u201d Saying a kind word to them. Helping them to have a better day.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is never appropriate to use foul language to make a point or in describing another. It does not help the situation, but only escalates a bad situation. Using kind words or gracious words would be more helpful. <\/span><\/p>\n

In order for Christians to know \u201cthe need of the moment,\u201d they must be willing to listen to the other person. This listening needs to be more than just sitting there quietly while another talks. It needs to be listening to understand what is being said and grasping the feelings that are associated with the words. When we listen in this manner, it will help us to know what to say that will be encouraging for the other person, helping them be a better person.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, many people are struggling with all sorts of challenges. They do not have anyone they feel they can share those trials and difficulties with. Sometimes all they need is a listening ear and gracious words to encourage them.<\/span><\/p>\n

This verse will also apply when we need to speak to people about correcting something in their life. This is the process of edification. It could be words to help them grow in wisdom, happiness or holiness. It could be about a multitude of other things in their life such as their job, sports activity or for the student, their studies. Everyone can grow in so many different things.<\/span><\/p>\n

When Christians speak gracious words and not \u201cunwholesome words\u201d, it makes people feel better and sometimes it makes them a better people. If using \u201cunwholesome words\u201d has been our habit, then we need to change that habit. We need to learn how to speak in such a way as to encourage and when we do, others will want to follow our example and they, like us, will be living God\u2019s way.<\/span><\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, August 4, 2025
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Ephesians #45: The Value of Working<\/h2>\n

Character is an important quality of a Christian. To the Ephesians, Paul has already talked about speaking the truth and not lying along with controlling one\u2019s anger. His next component of one\u2019s character is the value of working (Ephesians 4:28).<\/p>\n

There are three elements of this characteristic; not stealing, working, and giving to those who are in need. Paul gives a prohibition, a command, and a purpose statement.<\/p>\n

Paul is stating two ethics principles. He is telling the Ephesians they are not to steal, but rather they are to labor with their hands. The other principle is they are to take some of the money they earn from working \u201cwith [their] own hands\u201d and \u201cto share it with [someone] who has need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul is pointing out that instead of taking from someone what is not yours, a person is to take what is theirs and give it to someone who does not have. This attitude is part of loving someone by sacrificing what is yours to help someone have what they do not have. It is not love when a person takes from another person illegally.<\/p>\n

Also, within this statement, Paul is giving his readers a reason for why they should be laboring with their hands. It is more than just making money and occupying one\u2019s time. With this attitude, our jobs become boring and monotonous. A person finds no purpose in working other than that is what a person is to do so they can live.<\/p>\n

But how do we feel when we see part of our wages going to help someone else? It provides a purpose, a drive, a motivation for getting up and going to one\u2019s job; it provides value for working.<\/p>\n

There are no benefits to anyone when someone steals from another. The victim has lost a possession. The victim must replace, if it is replaceable, the thing stolen therefore costing them money and possibly heartache over losing something of value. The thief, when caught, and he will get caught eventually because he cannot quit stealing, will face prosecution. He will be separated from his family and them from him.<\/p>\n

In the vast majority of society, stealing is never looked upon favorably, but hard work is always valued. Giving one\u2019s money to a needy individual or to some charitable organization for distribution to those in need is considered very honorable. Giving is a win-win for everyone.<\/p>\n

Having a strong, positive character is the mark of a true Christian. Not only is working a thing of value, but it demonstrates a godly action by an individual. When a Christian sees the value of working and practices Paul\u2019s instructions, they are living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, July 28, 2025
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Ephesians #44: Instructions Concerning Controlling Our Anger<\/h2>\n

Anger is one of the most difficult things to control. It is easy for some and very difficult for others. Paul gives the Ephesians (4:26, 27) some instructions concerning controlling their anger.<\/p>\n

Paul says they can be angry, but they cannot do something in response to getting angry that will be considered a sin. They are to \u201cnot let the sun go down on your anger.\u201d And, they are not to \u201cgive the devil an opportunity\u201d when they are angry.<\/p>\n

In his introduction to the subject of anger, Paul possibly quotes from one of the Psalms (4:4). In this quotation, there is permission to be angry. However, there is a limit accompanying this permission. In our anger we cannot sin. This leads a person to the conclusion that it is the actions we take when we get angry that a Christian must give attention, if they are going to put on the new self.<\/p>\n

Anger is an emotion everyone has; it is going to happen. Someone has said that we get angry when our standards are broken; when we have not achieved something we desire, or when we think another person has been wronged. This is seen in examples of God and Jesus getting angry.<\/p>\n

Paul uses the phrase, \u201cthe sun going down,\u201d to indicate there is a time limit on how long one can be angry. This phrase may be taken literally, but even if it is figurative it is implying that our anger should last only for a short period of time. It is not something that is to be harbored. Paul will deal later in the chapter with the results of not getting rid of our anger quickly.<\/p>\n

Paul gives a warning concerning our anger. He said we are not to hold onto our anger because it will \u201cgive the devil an opportunity.\u201d The devil does not need us giving him any opportunities, he creates enough on his own. We should be very confident that Satan will take advantage of the opportunity. He will do whatever he can to help us to sin against God.<\/p>\n

The Bible is full of examples of people not controlling their anger and it resulting in them committing some horrible sins. Cain killed his brother Abel because he was angry at God. King Saul tried to kill his son Jonathan because of his son\u2019s friendship with David, whom King Saul consider as someone who would take over the throne.<\/p>\n

In our daily lives we are going to get angry, but the Christian should handle it without committing a sin. We should get over it quickly so we do not commit another sin. The Christian will control his anger because he is living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, July 21, 2025
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Ephesians #43: Putting Off Falsehood, Putting on Truthfulness<\/h2>\n

For the remainder of the book of Ephesians, Paul gives a list, in proverb-like fashion, of the things a Christian should do if they are going to \u201cput on the new self.\u201d The list begins with a very basic concept of putting off falsehood and putting on truthfulness (Ephesians 4:25).<\/p>\n

Having stated his premise for living the Christian life, Paul says, \u201cTherefore\u201d and enumerates some consequences of putting on this new self. The first on his list deals with truthfulness from both sides of the issue: speaking falsehood and speaking truth.<\/p>\n

Falsehood can be defined as \u201cthe state of being untrue.\u201d It is the opposite of truth. Stated another way, in order to identify falsehood, we must first know what is true.<\/p>\n

The word \u201ctrue\u201d by definition is something that is in accordance with fact or reality; accurate or exact. This necessitates a Christian being a person who always seeks what is accurate; what are the facts; what is reality. The Christian must exercise caution so as to not make \u201ctheir reality\u201d what is true, but to diligently seek how things actually are without putting their own interpretation on an idea or situation. They must not seek to \u201cprove they are right,\u201d but rather to \u201cprove what is right.\u201d<\/p>\n

Christians will have the characteristics of being honest; free from being deceitful; sincere. This even applies to their search for what is true religiously.<\/p>\n

There is a commonly held belief that one cannot know what is true religiously. As proof, people site all the various religions and their respective beliefs which differ from each other. It is true there are \u201cso many different religions.\u201d People are sincere when they ask, \u201cHow does one know what is true?\u201d But, this must not discourage a person from seeking what is true and what they are to believe.<\/p>\n

Everyone, especially those searching to become Christians and remain Christians, must have the mindset that they are going to put off falsehood and put on truth. It must be believed that truth can be discovered and applied. It must be a firm conviction that God has revealed Himself to mankind along with how He wants mankind to live. Without this attitude, there will be no pursuit of truth; no setting aside of falsehood.<\/p>\n

Implied in Paul\u2019s statement in our verse under consideration, there is a \u201cfalse\u201d and a \u201ctruth.\u201d Paul encourages the Ephesian Christians to lay aside falsehood and to speak truth. Being truthful with fellow believers (and non-believers as well) is a fundamental characteristic of the \u201cnew self.\u201d It requires a renewing of the mind. The practice is mandatory if a person is going to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, July 14, 2025
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Ephesians #42: Old Self Becoming a New Self<\/h2>\n

When a person \u201clearns Christ\u201d there will be a putting off of an old self to become a new self. There will be a change in the lifestyle of a person who becomes a Christian. They will \u201clay aside the old self\u201d and \u201cput on the new self\u201d (Ephesians 4:22-24).<\/p>\n

Paul, in preceding verses, has talked about a person making changes in their life so that they are no longer living like the Gentiles. Paul goes on to tell the Ephesians to do three things: \u201clay aside the old self \u2026, [renew] in the spirit of your mind, [and] put on the new self.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul uses the analogy of changing clothes to illustrate this process. A person is going to take off one set of clothes, because they have changed their mind, and are going to put on a different set of clothes. This is a deliberate act, it is not something that just happens.<\/p>\n

The person will be active in the process and not passive. They will be making the changes, and not God making the changes in their lives for them. God provides the information as to what the \u201cnew self\u201d should look like. He lays out their clothes for them, but they must put on the new clothes.<\/p>\n

Paul says the \u201cold clothes,\u201d the \u201cold self\u201d, is their \u201cformer manner of life.\u201d This life was \u201cbeing corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit.\u201d This ongoing action means they were being led away from righteousness and holiness by deceitful methods and by following their own desires and thoughts. They think they are being godly people, but they are being led in the opposite direction.<\/p>\n

The change process begins by learning Christ, putting their trust in what they have learned, and then changing their minds. This renewal process means they are going to be learning a new way of living. This new lifestyle is going to be \u201cin the likeness of God, [which] has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.\u201d The word \u201ccreated\u201d could be explained by saying the things a person learns will form them, shape them, completely change or transform them. After they renew their minds, they will be a totally new person.<\/p>\n

As Christians, we must always be learning. Our minds need to be renewed periodically, if not daily. We need to be examining our \u201cclothes\u201d that need to be laid aside and be replaced by \u201cclothes\u201d that display the \u201clikeness of God.\u201d We want our attire to be exhibiting \u201crighteousness and holiness of the truth.\u201d We want the world to see our \u201cnew clothes\u201d, demonstrating in a conspicuous manner, that we are living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, July 7, 2025
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Ephesians #41: Living Based Upon Learning<\/h2>\n

It is part of our existence that we must learn to live in this life. The same is true with living a successful Christian life. An individual must \u201clearn Christ,\u201d putting the teachings of Christ into practice in their life (Ephesians 4:20, 21).<\/p>\n

In contrast to the Gentiles\u2019 lifestyle, Paul tells the Ephesians they are to live the way they were taught and where they have placed their trust. The Christian life is different from the life of the \u201cnations around\u201d them.<\/p>\n

Learning to live the Christian life begins by hearing. Without hearing the message of Jesus, there can be no learning. There can be no placing of one\u2019s trust in that message.<\/p>\n

In Paul\u2019s day, the most common way for people to be introduced to the gospel was hearing it preached. The majority of people could not read the text, even if it was available to them. However everyone, regardless of their \u201dreading\u201d level, could hear a message proclaimed and decide for themselves if they wanted to put their trust in that message to the point they would practice it.<\/p>\n

Paul says the \u201ctruth is in Jesus.\u201d There are many things that are true. But, when it comes to living a godly life, the teachings of Christ are the only important truth.<\/p>\n

Not only must the message be preached and heard, but it also must be taught. This requires more effort on the part of the speaker and the listener than just proclaiming the message and hearing the message.<\/p>\n

Information must be imparted in such a way that the listener can comprehend the information. Teaching must be done with the intent of helping the student understand the subject matter in such a way they can put it into practice in their everyday life. This is especially true when teaching the gospel. There needs to be a deliberate intent of delivering the gospel so people can apply it to their lives.<\/p>\n

If one \u201cteaches\u201d but the student leaves that venue and says to himself, \u201cI don\u2019t understand what he was talking about,\u201d or \u201cI don\u2019t understand what the purpose of his message was,\u201d then very possibly the speaker was not teaching. While the student has the responsibility of putting forth the effort to understand what is being taught, the teacher also has the responsibility of teaching so the student can understand.<\/p>\n

The subject matter of the gospel is far more important than any other skill we might be taught. The skills taught in the gospel have eternal consequences.<\/p>\n

Living the Christian life is something that must be taught. Without learning and practicing the teachings of Christ, a person cannot and will not be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, June 30, 2025
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Ephesians #40: Describing the Mindset of Gentiles<\/h2>\n

After Paul encouraged the Ephesians to have unity within their congregation, he turns his attention to encouraging them to not walk \u201cas the Gentiles also walk.\u201d He begins by describing the mindset of the Gentiles (Ephesians 4:17-19).<\/p>\n

To Paul the word Gentile could have two meanings. One would be \u201cthose who are in the world that are not Jews.\u201d The other would be \u201cthose in the world who are not Christians.\u201d The latter appears to be the meaning in this context. Paul says Christians should walk differently than the \u201cGentiles\u201d around them.<\/p>\n

He begins his comments about this mindset by saying, \u201cI say, and affirm together with the Lord.\u201d Paul appeals to the Lord as his source of authority on this matter. He states his total agreement and full support of these facts as stated by the Lord.<\/p>\n

Paul begins by saying the Gentiles walk \u201cin the futility of their mind;\u201d their mind is \u201cdevoid of truth\u201d and \u201cfull of perverseness.\u201d These very strong words should be heavily considered, even today. Paul says that if our mind is like the Gentiles, then we do not have the truth. There must be a change in the way we think. The Gentile mindset, as it relates to their understanding, is \u201cdarkened.\u201d It is not full of the \u201clight\u201d of God\u2019s word. They walk around with no comprehension of the truth.<\/p>\n

Gentiles are \u201cexcluded from the life of God because of their ignorance.\u201d Because they lack knowledge, they are not living the life God wants them to be living; they have been denied this type of lifestyle. They are not part of God\u2019s people, the church Jesus built.<\/p>\n

His third explanation addresses \u201cthe hardness of their heart.\u201d The Gentile mind (heart) is dull in its perception of God\u2019s truth. Their heart does not welcome the information God has revealed, which will lead to a righteous life. They are stubborn in their unwillingness to be obedient to the standards Jesus has established for His people.<\/p>\n

Finally, they \u201chave given themselves over to sensuality.\u201d They are allowing their \u201cunbridled lust\u201d to control them. They do whatever they want to do, regardless of the fact that God forbids them to practice such behavior.<\/p>\n

It is easy to see the mindset of the person who is living as the Gentiles walk. In the \u201cwalk\u201d of the Christian, we should be trying to influence the Gentile to change their mindset, thereby changing their actions. This effort to persuade should be motivated by our love for these people and the desire to see them go to heaven. The Christian cannot have the mindset of the Gentiles, if they want to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, June 23, 2025
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Ephesians #39: Church Working Together Generates Growth<\/h2>\n

Every Christian is to \u201cgrow up in all aspects\u201d to Christ, the head of the church. When each member is working together, in love, then they will generate growth in the church (Ephesians 4:15, 16).<\/p>\n

Earlier in the book of Ephesians (1:22-23), Paul stated that Christ is the head of the body, the church. As the head, Christ is the one taking the lead on how things should operate. Before becoming the head, Jesus set the example of how people should live as members of His church. These church members should be working together to insure the growth of the church.<\/p>\n

Paul uses several phrases deserving of our time for careful thought. The first is that the body is \u201cheld together by what\u201d each member is contributing, not just in money, but also with their time.<\/p>\n

A second is the \u201cproper working of each individual part.\u201d The member is not only to be working to assist with the growth, but they are also to do it properly. They cannot take the attitude of, \u201cI can do this any way I want.\u201d No, they must do it the way Jesus wants things done. The member must be willing to submit to the wishes of the \u201chead of the body.\u201d This would include the proper attitude when doing the proper action.<\/p>\n

The third phrase Paul uses is related to the member\u2019s actions. Their actions cause \u201cthe growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.\u201d Each individual church member should be doing things to edify another church member. They should be doing things to help them improve their moral character. They should be teaching another member so they grow intellectually, resulting in their faith becoming stronger. As each member grows, the church grows.<\/p>\n

When there is unity within a congregation, the church will grow. The immature will grow, as well as the mature. There will be people, both Christians and non-Christians, who want to become members of a church that is growing. \u00a0<\/p>\n

The phrase \u201ceach joint\u201d indicates a special quality. Everyone is \u201csupplying\u201d something to the growth of the church. Each member must make some contribution to the growth of the church. Their membership is not merely \u201cbeing on the roll.\u201d They must be active. They are to be seeking opportunities to provide a service to another member. They are to be working \u201cin the church\u201d and not just sitting \u201con a pew in the church building.\u201d<\/p>\n

Being a church member requires work; it requires action; it requires doing things \u201cin love\u201d so the church will grow. Church membership is a vital part of the life of a Christian who is living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, June 16, 2025
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Ephesians #38: Speaking Truth in Love Grows Christians<\/h2>\n

When one speaks to an immature Christian with the intent of causing them to grow to maturity, it is mandatory one speaks the truth, but it must be done with love. Both are essential for the growth of immature Christians (Ephesians 4:15).<\/p>\n

After talking about how Christians need to grow so they are not like children \u201ctossed here and there\u201d like a watercraft \u201cby [the] waves\u201d of any doctrine that comes along, Paul addresses how one should speak these truths to another. He says it must be done with love.<\/p>\n

The meaning of the word \u201clove\u201d as Paul uses it here is that of having the best interest of the person in mind. The speaker is filled with kindness because they are not seeking to win an argument, but rather a soul. Seeing the unrighteousness in the life of another person, the speaker wants to correct it so the person can \u201cgrow up in all aspects to Christ,\u201d to mature to a full grown image of Christ.<\/p>\n

Some see correcting other people as not being a loving person. They consider pointing out people\u2019s faults as socially unacceptable. However, that idea is contrary to the context of Paul\u2019s writing in this passage. Helping people to grow by pointing out their shortcomings is a very loving thing to do.<\/p>\n

One of the reasons people are hesitant to help people mature is their lack of confidence that they can speak the truth to someone in such a way that will actually cause them to make the necessary changes in their lives. They are afraid they will say something that will be taken the wrong way and it will \u201cdrive people away from Christ.\u201d While this is a possibility, we must think positively; we must focus on trying to help the immature to grow into \u201cthe image of Christ.\u201d We must think it can be done! We can say something that will change someone\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

One of the characteristics of love, as described by Paul, is that love \u201cdoes not seek its own\u201d (1 Corinthians 13:5). When applying this passage our efforts are not to prove how knowledgeable in the Scriptures we are, but rather to focus on helping the other person. We are not seeking to prove we are right, but rather to help the other person see what is right. It is about them and not about the speaker.<\/p>\n

It is of utmost importance that a teacher of God\u2019s word must speak the truth in all situations. Equally important, we must do it with love. The focus of our attention is to help those listening to us to mature so they are daily living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, June 9, 2025
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Ephesians #37: Characteristics of Immature Christians<\/h2>\n

After describing what the gifts Jesus provided to the church were to produce, Paul gave four characteristics of immature Christians. His description was in the form of a warning (Ephesians 4:14).<\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s first characteristic of the immature Christian was in contrast to the mature Christian. He called them immature children, which described them as being infants, little children, or minors. This description would also apply to those who were untaught and unskilled. These immature Christians were without knowledge. They had not matured. They had not grown into \u201cadulthood\u201d as Christians.<\/p>\n

These \u201cchildren\u201d had the characteristic of being \u201ctossed here and there.\u201d Using a watercraft as a metaphor, Paul said that an immature Christian had no stability. They believed \u201cevery wind of doctrine.\u201d Just like a boat without an anchor, the immature Christian would be tossed by the \u201cwaves\u201d and be \u201ccarried about\u201d by every false doctrine that comes along.<\/p>\n

These \u201cchildren\u201d were \u201ctricked\u201d by \u201cgrown men\u201d who taught false doctrine. The word Paul used here has the imagery of a \u201crigged\u201d dice that defrauds or cheats the players in a game. The false teacher was not being honest with the student. He was \u201ctricking them\u201d into believing something that was false.<\/p>\n

False teachers use \u201ccraftiness in deceitful scheming\u201d to influence the \u201cchild\u201d into believing something that is not truth. False teachers are clever at what they do, so the immature Christian is unaware he is being deceived, that he is being taught something that is not God\u2019s message. Some false teachers have a plan that is deceptive when they approach an infant in the faith.<\/p>\n

While we may not want to admit that there are false teachers today, we must admit there is the possibility of people teaching things that are not accurate, whether intentionally or innocently. Nonetheless, churches need to be making sure they are teaching the \u201cyoung in the faith\u201d the things which are necessary for them to become mature Christians.<\/p>\n

One of the great characteristics of children is that they will believe what they are told. Because of this characteristic, the mature Christian needs to make sure the \u201cbabes in Christ\u201d are getting what they need to grow up to be mature Christians.<\/p>\n

The church has a great responsibility to new converts to provide opportunities for them to learn about the word of God. The church needs to make sure there are competent, knowledgeable teachers of the Bible who use their talents to teach the immature Christians.<\/p>\n

Paul not only explained to the church at Ephesus about people becoming mature Christians, he also gave the characteristics of the immature Christian. Paul wanted all Christians to be mature and to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, June 2, 2025
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Ephesians #36: Gifts Produce Unity and Maturity<\/h2>\n

Jesus wanted there to be unity among His followers. He wanted them to grow into mature Christians. Paul said Jesus provided five gifts to \u201cequip the saints\u201d and to \u201cbuild up the body of Christ\u201d (Ephesians 4:11-13).<\/p>\n

These gifts were to be used continually \u201cuntil we all attain the unity of the faith,\u201d implying it is possible and expected for there to be unity among believers. This will require uninterrupted, consistent work. Believers should be perpetually striving and searching for unity among themselves.<\/p>\n

This unity is going to be about \u201cthe faith.\u201d In this context, \u201cthe faith\u201d is defined as the entire revelation God gave to the \u201capostles and prophets\u201d who have preached it to the world and have written it down for our learning. It is possible and expected for Christians to read this information and come to the same conclusion as intended for the original readers. We can have the same unity that congregations had as a result of Paul and others preaching the gospel in various locations. Today there must be unity because there is only one faith.<\/p>\n

These gifts will also produce maturity as seen by believers coming to a deeper \u201cknowledge of the Son of God, [becoming] a mature man, [reaching] the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.\u201d All of this implies that a Christian is to be growing. They will be developing just like a newborn baby develops into a mature adult.<\/p>\n

A mature Christian must truly understand who \u201cthe Son of God\u201d really is. This will require learning about the Son of God either in Bible study at church and in a private setting at home. It would require more than reading someone\u2019s thoughts about the Son of God. It would require reading the original source, the New Testament gospels, thinking about them, and coming to an understanding of what the original writer meant.<\/p>\n

A person must put into practice this knowledge they have learned from the teachings of Jesus, the apostles and the prophets. In most cases this will require a change in lifestyle.<\/p>\n

The ultimate goal of being a mature Christian is \u201cobtaining\u201d a \u201cstature\u201d that looks like Christ. This concept may best be illustrated by a child wanting to \u201cgrow up to be like\u201d their parents. The Christian should endlessly be striving to become more and more like \u201cthe Son of God,\u201d which can only be obtained by using the gifts Christ provided to the church.<\/p>\n

By using these gifts there will be unity among believers and individuals will be achieving the maturity Jesus desired of His followers. This unity and maturity will be seen because all Christians will be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, May 26, 2025
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Ephesians #35: Five Gifts to Accomplish Unity<\/h2>\n

Jesus gave to the church five groups of people so that there would be unity among all believers. These were: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11).<\/p>\n

Collectively, these five groups equipped the saints for the different services they were to perform, and made the saints stronger in their faith. When these goals were attained, Christians would be united. They would not be easily swayed in their decisions, but rather would be strong. The church would grow and work together in unity.<\/p>\n

The apostles, commonly referred to as \u201cthe Twelve\u201d in the New Testament, were appointed by Jesus to go into all the world and preach the message they had heard from Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Their major focus was to bring \u201call truth\u201d to the entire world. Even Saul of Tarsus was \u201chandpicked\u201d by Jesus to be an apostle sent to the Gentiles.<\/p>\n

The prophets were selected by the apostles, and guided by the Holy Spirit, to proclaim God\u2019s message to individuals and churches. They were \u201cGod\u2019s spokesmen.\u201d They traveled to various places, like Philip (Acts 8), and or stayed in a local area working with a congregation, like Philip did in Caesarea (Acts 8:40; 21:8).<\/p>\n

The pastors were a group of men, located at a single church, given the task and responsibility of shepherding the members of that congregation. The word \u201cpastor\u201d comes from a Latin word that meant to shepherd. Our text under consideration is the only place in our English Bibles where the word is used. This was a group of men, not a single man or person, who was accountable for the souls of the members.<\/p>\n

The evangelists traveled from place to place proclaiming the message of God. Their primary function was to preach the message, with the goal of teaching people what to do to become Christians, and what to do as Christians.<\/p>\n

The teachers were at a local church. In some instances, they might give new information to a person, but their primary function was to spend time explaining the message of God in such a way that people would commit to practicing it in their lives.<\/p>\n

These functionaries were very important to the early church, and are still important today. While there are no more apostles and prophets, since we have the complete message revealed in our New Testament, their message is still being proclaimed by evangelists, and is being taught by the pastors and teachers in individual congregations.<\/p>\n

Today there can be unity among believers because Jesus gave these five groups of people to the church. When these groups do their respective function within the local church, each individual will be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, May 19, 2025
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Ephesians #34: The Ascended One Gives Gifts<\/h2>\n

After encouraging the Ephesians to have unity and describing the area for unity, Paul begins a discussion of what God has done to help Christians achieve and maintain this unity by describing the one who gives the gifts, namely Christ, the Ascended One (Ephesians 4:7-10).<\/p>\n

It should be noted that the first gift given is grace, and that, to \u201ceach one of us.\u201d The \u201cus\u201d are those who have become a Christian, including Paul. The grace given was \u201caccording to the measure of Christ\u2019s gift.\u201d This is not some miraculous gift, but rather something Jesus (and His Father) wanted to do for mankind, with no partiality. This gift does not vary with individuals, but rather is the same gift to all those who have accepted salvation from the consequences of their disobedience to God.<\/p>\n

The second gift is a group of five functions which are listed in the following verses. Their purpose is to assist in equipping the individuals who are members of the one body to grow to maturity and to not waver from the faith.<\/p>\n

Paul uses a passage from the Psalms to describe \u201cthe Ascended One\u201d who gives the gifts and applies it to Jesus. This passage also tells us when the gifts were given. It says, \u201cwhen He ascended on high.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul explains this phrase by stating Jesus first had to \u201cdescend\u201d if He was to \u201cascend.\u201d Paul makes his point by asking a rhetorical question in an effort to get his readers to think about the passage and understand it\u2019s logic.<\/p>\n

Paul says Jesus \u201cdescended into the lower parts of the earth,\u201d which describes His burial. After His burial, Jesus \u201cascended far above all the heavens.\u201d This is describing the resurrection of Jesus and His ascension into the place where God is, not just the sky that we can see even through a telescope.<\/p>\n

It was after Jesus made this ascension that He accomplished all the things God wanted Him to accomplish here on this earth. Without Jesus being in heaven, sitting at the right hand of the Father, Jesus would not have been able to give any of the gifts necessary for the church to have unity. There would be no grace and there would be no functions.<\/p>\n

Jesus is the only one who claims to have died, be raised from the dead, and to sit at the right hand of God, a position of authority. Because Jesus, the Ascended One, has given these gifts, we can be saved and there can be unity among believers. When people take advantage of these gifts, they will become Christians and will be united in their efforts to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, May 12, 2025
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Ephesians #33: Seven Facts of Unity<\/h2>\n

To help the Ephesians to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, Paul lists seven facts of unity. This partial list of essential areas will bring about the unity Jesus wants for His church (Ephesians 4:4-6).<\/p>\n

These seven facts serve as a foundation to maintain the church Jesus built. All of them have the adjective \u201cone\u201d preceding them, signifying there are not \u201cmany,\u201d and therefore there is to be no denominating, no division.<\/p>\n

The first fact is \u201cone body,\u201d which Paul defined in an earlier chapter as \u201cthe church.\u201d These are ones who are called out of the world into the kingdom of God, comprising the universal church, thus eliminating denominations within this universal church.<\/p>\n

The second fact is \u201cone Spirit.\u201d The Holy Spirit is the only \u201cspirit\u201d people in Paul\u2019s world (and ours) should be listening to. The Holy Spirit delivered only one message, \u201call truth,\u201d to the apostles and prophets, which they proclaimed to every person.<\/p>\n

The third fact is \u201cone hope.\u201d All Christians should be focusing on going to heaven and being with God for eternity. Our hope would also include escaping the wrath of God because of our obedience to God\u2019s requirements to be forgiven.<\/p>\n

The fourth fact is \u201cone Lord.\u201d In the Roman world, the emperor was considered \u201clord,\u201d but Paul is telling the Ephesians there is \u201cone Lord,\u201d named Jesus. Christians must be united in their devotion to this \u201cone Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

The fifth fact is \u201cone faith.\u201d The word \u201cfaith,\u201d in this context, is the collection of all the teachings of Jesus given to the apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit to proclaim to the world. For there to be unity among Christians, there must be the same teachings, the same doctrine, the same information.<\/p>\n

The sixth fact is \u201cone baptism.\u201d This would be the baptism resulting in the forgiveness of an individual\u2019s sins. There was only one method practiced in the days of Paul and that was immersion.<\/p>\n

The seventh fact is \u201cone God and Father.\u201d Living in a society with multiple gods, Paul is stating there is only one God. He is also stating that there is only one Father of all creation. By using the conjunction \u201cand\u201d Paul is tying the two together to make one fact.<\/p>\n

As we consider these seven facts, we should conclude that there must be no division among churches as to their name, their doctrine, entrance into the church, and the god we should be serving. There cannot be division if there is to be unity. All Christians should be seeking unity among all believers because they strongly desire to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, May 5, 2025
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Ephesians #32: Diligently Preserving Unity<\/h2>\n

When Christians are walking in a manner worthy of their calling and maintaining the right attitude, then they will be people who are diligently preserving unity (Ephesians 4:3). They want unity within a local congregation as well as unity with Christians who are not part of their local church.<\/p>\n

In Paul\u2019s writing to the Ephesians, he tells them how they can achieve this unity. He says there are two elements to achieving this impressive goal. One factor is that the unity must be based upon what the Spirit instructs and the other factor is \u201cthe bond of peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

As we think about the definition of unity, we would all agree it means \u201cto be united,\u201d but what does that mean? It has the idea of coming together for a common purpose or action; to put together to form a single unit. It is continuity without deviation or change from what was the original. It is \u201cthe state of not being multiple.\u201d<\/p>\n

If the church is to be what God and Christ intended it to be, then the foundation of that church has to be based upon some concepts that are the common goals of each member. They are willing to do whatever is necessary and put forth all their energy to maintain this unity.<\/p>\n

However, this unity cannot be based upon the conclusion of one individual. It must be based upon what the Spirit has revealed to the apostles and prophets. There must be agreement and harmony between people concerning what God has revealed to mankind through the Spirit. This necessitates a diligence on the part of each individual to properly understand what has been revealed. Christians must accept the idea that the Bible can be understood, but it will only be understood after much effort.<\/p>\n

The second element to having unity is based upon the premise that there be peace. By stating the opposite, we can see the things Christians are trying to avoid, such as strife, anger between two individuals, and disagreement to the point of causing disruption within the group. There must be harmony and concord between all parties.<\/p>\n

This peace is the bond that unites everyone. It is bringing the members in closeness to one another. Maybe by using the word \u201cbond\u201d Paul is telling the Christians they are to be \u201ctied to each other\u201d like he was attached to the guards who were watching over him in the prison in Rome.<\/p>\n

When each member of each individual church is working very hard to preserve this unity, then there will be no divisions within a local congregation. Diligently preserving this unity is a must if a Christian is to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, April 28, 2025
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Ephesians #31: Four Attitudes for Living with Others<\/h2>\n

After his discussion on living in a worthy manner of being called to be a Christian, Paul now uses four words to describe the Christian\u2019s attitude for living with others, and especially fellow Christians (Ephesians 4:2). These four attitudes are to be accompanied with the type of love that is seeking the good of the other person.<\/p>\n

Humility, in Paul\u2019s world (and many times in our world) was a sign of weakness, and in some cases was considered an insult. However, we must consider Paul\u2019s meaning when we judge ourself to have little or no importance. There must be a balance between expressing humility and the image we portray of ourselves. This does not mean we think we are \u201cnothing\u201d or \u201chave no value.\u201d<\/p>\n

We want to communicate that we do not consider ourselves of more importance than another person. This is not to say we do not recognize the different traits and skills in another person, but rather we do not consider our own skills, attributes and characteristics as more important than the other person\u2019s. They have their own skills, attributes and characteristics. As long as others are godly, Christians must be willing to honor and acknowledge these traits as being valuable. Humility is not about \u201cputting ourselves down,\u201d but rather in our minds, elevating the other person to a position of importance.<\/p>\n

Gentleness, again is not a weakness for a Christian. A person with a mild disposition, who does not deal harshly with others, will not be one who is easily imposed upon, but rather one who has self-control, especially in dealing with others who are not kind or are angry.<\/p>\n

Patience, which is closely associated with gentleness, is the ability to endure the other person regardless of their traits. It may best be seen when our anger toward the actions of another person is not quickly expressed.<\/p>\n

Tolerance, usually, thought of in connection with one\u2019s reaction to the opinions of another person, is not the agreeing with or accepting the opinions of another person, but the attitude of being able to allow the other person to express their opinion without giving a negative reaction.<\/p>\n

Love is the motivator for these four attitudes. These attitudes are seen when goodwill, or benevolence and affection, are expressed toward another person. This type of love can best be described as wanting what is best for the other individual regardless of the consequences to the person giving the love.<\/p>\n

When these attitudes are an integral part of the Christian\u2019s life, then we will be people who will bring about unity in a church or community. We will have the necessary attitudes to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, April 21, 2025
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Ephesians #30: Living in a Worthy Manner<\/h2>\n

Paul has completed his description of God\u2019s efforts to bring the church into existence. In the final three chapters of Ephesians, Paul reveals God\u2019s commands concerning some characteristics for living as a Christian. He informs them of God\u2019s requirements for them to be living in a manner worthy of being invited, as members, into this church God brought into existence (Ephesians 4:1).<\/p>\n

Paul identifies himself as a \u201cprisoner of the Lord\u201d and not of the Roman government. He is the Lord\u2019s prisoner. He says this to encourage them to be unashamed of him being in prison. They should find encouragement in knowing he was willing to go to prison for the cause of Christ.<\/p>\n

This serves as a very good introduction to him wanting to \u201cimplore\u201d the Ephesians to \u201cwalk in a manner worthy of the calling.\u201d He is going to go into great detail earnestly begging them to live a certain lifestyle. He wants to impress upon them, in a very desperate way, the importance of living a life that could be labeled as \u201cworthy\u201d of being a Christian.<\/p>\n

The definition of the word \u201cworthy\u201d needs to be considered. The word Paul used could be translated \u201csuitable\u201d for being a Christian. One of the definitions of \u201cworthy\u201d is \u201cshowing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition.\u201d Paul\u2019s application is Christians should be living their lives in such a way that people who observe their life would say, \u201cThey are a Christian.\u201d<\/p>\n

A person would never know how to live this Christian life if God had not revealed it. Left to their own thinking, they would never have figured out what God wanted a follower of Christ to look like. However, God did reveal it to His \u201choly apostles and prophets\u201d who have written it down and people can read and understand it.<\/p>\n

What needed to be impressed upon the Ephesians, as well as us today, is that God is expecting human beings to live according to His standards. They were expected to change their life to conform to these characteristics; these same expectations exist for Christians today.<\/p>\n

Paul is writing in such a way as to inform people of God\u2019s expectation that every individual should be seeking to obtain this level of lifestyle. Paul is saying God commands Christians to be living in a manner worthy of being called a Christian. God will hold us accountable to these characteristics.<\/p>\n

Everyone who professes to be a Christian should accept that they can walk in a \u201cworthy manner.\u201d They should be thankful for Paul writing this letter. Christians should constantly be learning and putting into practice God\u2019s expectations because they want to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, April 14, 2025
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Ephesians #29: God Works Through Church Members<\/h2>\n

As Paul brings to a close his first section of his letter to the Ephesians, he gives praise and glory to God. Paul conveys the idea to the Ephesians that God, working through church members, can do abundant things for the church (Ephesians 3:20, 21).<\/p>\n

As visionaries, human beings do not see very far. They have a hard time seeing all the things that can be accomplished. Therefore, Paul reaffirms to them that God is \u201cable to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.\u201d<\/p>\n

What can the church accomplish? How large can it be? How strong spiritually can it be? The answer to all of these questions Paul says is, \u201cmore abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following this statement, Paul says, \u201caccording to the power that works within us.\u201d The members of the church Paul has been discussing since chapter one is the \u201cus.\u201d As Christians mature spiritually by putting into action the revealed message God, abundant things can happen. The church will grow because God will be assisting these members.<\/p>\n

Exactly how God will help Christians in their efforts to grow the church would be very interesting to know. We must focus on our efforts even though we cannot know for certain what He is or has been doing. Spending more time thinking about what we can do to cause the church to grow should be the focus, not on what God is doing.<\/p>\n

This may sound like the growth of the church is dependent on the actions of individuals. I would say that is correct. The intent of Paul\u2019s statement is not to leave out God, but rather to impress upon his readers the importance and the necessity of their involvement in the growth of the church. Paul says God will do His work through human beings.<\/p>\n

As Christians do their work God will receive the glory \u201cto all generations forever and ever.\u201d As Christians grow in their faith and put into practice their faith, then those outside the church will see the effects of the word of God in these church members. In some cases, this will cause the non-Christian to recognize that the church is something very special. They will realize that God must be working with the church members to have such an influence in the community.<\/p>\n

In the following section of Ephesians, Paul will describe the actions of the church members in this church God planned before the foundation of the world. As Christians put into practice the works God has planned for them to do, the people of the world will glorify God\u2019s church because its members are living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, April 7, 2025
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Ephesians #28: God Requested to Strengthen the Ephesians<\/h2>\n

Paul informs the Ephesians of his request to God on their behalf. After describing who \u201cthe Father\u201d is, Paul expresses what he wants the Father to grant to these people, namely that they may be strengthened because they comprehend all the minute features of \u201cthe love of Christ\u201d (Ephesians 3:14-19).<\/p>\n

The strength Paul is wanting God to grant to the Ephesians will come through their faith. In a time before the New Testament was completed and people could read what was revealed, Paul is asking God to communicate to the Ephesians, and other churches as well, what they will need to help them comprehend all the different aspects of \u201cthe love of Christ.\u201d The faith of these Ephesians would then be increased because they have heard what was spoken by those to whom God revealed His message.<\/p>\n

The Holy Spirit was the means by which this message was revealed to individuals. When people listen to what was spoken by these individuals and they applied it to their lives, then they would have Christ dwelling in their hearts. Today, we have the complete revelation of God\u2019s message in the form of our New Testament. Paul has already stated in this letter that when we \u201cread\u201d what has been written, we can \u201cunderstand [his] insights,\u201d which would include \u201cthe love of Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul has the desire that all the Ephesians \u201cmay be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ which surpasses all knowledge.\u201d There are several things to observe. Paul wants \u201call the saints\u201d to have this surpassing knowledge of \u201cthe love of Christ.\u201d We can accomplish this by reading our Bibles with the goal of understanding every detail (breadth, length, height and depth) of \u201cthe love of Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n

By writing, \u201cthe love of Christ which surpasses all knowledge,\u201d Paul is saying that this love which Christ has for all people is so remarkable that it is beyond any knowledge we may comprehend. Paul is not being contradictory, but he is emphasizing how great this \u201clove of Christ\u201d really is. We, as Christians, need to spend time thinking about this \u201clove of Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n

The more we read about \u201cthe love of Christ\u201d and the more we meditate upon this love, the closer we will get to achieving Paul\u2019s goal of all Christians being \u201cfilled up in all the fullness of God.\u201d By focusing on this \u201clove of Christ,\u201d then Christians will be \u201c[strengthened] with power through His Spirit in the inner man.\u201d With this strength Christians will be more faithful, consistent and extremely determined to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, March 31, 2025\u00a0
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Ephesians #27: Some Conclusions to God\u2019s Wisdom Being Known<\/h2>\n

Paul informed his Gentile readers that God\u2019s wisdom has been made manifest by looking at the church. He then gives three consequences, as they pertain to the Gentiles, to God\u2019s wisdom being made known (Ephesians 3:11-13).<\/p>\n

The first consequence is that the church, which was \u201cin accordance with God\u2019s eternal purpose,\u201d came into existence. All of God\u2019s plans for the church were complete \u201cbefore the foundation of the world.\u201d God had worked out everything in His mind before anything was created.<\/p>\n

After God created the world, all He needed to do was execute His plans. Paul tells us God \u201ccarried out [those plans] in Christ Jesus our Lord.\u201d After Jesus ascended to heaven, it was now time for the church to come into existence; and it did!<\/p>\n

Because the church came into existence, those who are Christians can have the \u201cboldness and confident access,\u201d through their faith, to approach God with anything they desire to talk to Him about. There is no reason to be shy when approaching God about anything! This is not an arrogant approach, but one full of confidence and courage.<\/p>\n

The third consequence that Paul mentions is that the Gentile brethren in Ephesus should not be ashamed of Paul being in prison nor the tribulations he was enduring because of his preaching God\u2019s mystery. Paul does not want them to be embarrassed because of his imprisonment. On the other hand, Paul wants them to consider his incarceration to be a cause for their glory.<\/p>\n

We might ask, \u201cWhy would Paul\u2019s imprisonment\u201d be a cause to glory? The answer might be that Paul was doing the work God had commissioned him to do so well and, as a result, Paul\u2019s enemies wanted to get rid of him and the message he was preaching.<\/p>\n

Paul did not want the Ephesians to become discouraged or \u201close heart\u201d because of his circumstances. Even though it might sound strange, Paul wanted them to be encouraged because of his imprisonment and his tribulations. It is very possible that he wanted them to see his \u201ctribulations on your behalf\u201d as being something positive. It was proof Paul had done and was doing what Christ had commissioned him to do.<\/p>\n

As Christians, when we consider these consequences to God\u2019s wisdom being revealed, it should cause us to be extremely happy. As members of this church that God planned before the foundation of the world, we can approach God with boldness and confidence. As Christians, Paul\u2019s tribulations are our proof that he was doing what God wanted him to do. Therefore, our conclusion should be that we want to be as diligent as possible at living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, March 24, 2025\u00a0
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Ephesians #26: Results of Paul Preaching God\u2019s Mystery<\/h2>\n

Labeling the mystery that had been revealed to him as God\u2019s grace, Paul gives several results of his preaching this grace. This mystery was given to him by God (Ephesians 3:8-10).<\/p>\n

Describing himself as \u201cthe very least of all saints,\u201d Paul is probably not being literal, but rather reflecting the way he looked at himself considering what God had done for him and the responsibility God had given him. He felt unworthy of such an important task, especially since earlier in his life he persecuted the church, even killing Christians. He considered himself unworthy of preaching \u201cthe unfathomable riches of Christ\u201d and the \u201cmanifold wisdom of God\u201d as it relates to the church.<\/p>\n

Paul mentions three results of his preaching God\u2019s mystery to the Gentiles. He proclaimed the \u201cunfathomable riches of God,\u201d he brought to \u201clight what is the administration of the mystery,\u201d and he made known \u201cthe manifold wisdom of God.\u201d<\/p>\n

Included in Paul\u2019s preaching, to both Jews and Gentiles, were things that could not be described or understood using human words. Paul wanted those who listened to him to know that the \u201criches of God,\u201d which were all the blessings God would give to His followers, were really incomprehensible for the human mind. By using the word \u201cunfathomable\u201d Paul reveals that nothing is superior to what God has to offer.<\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s preaching explained how \u201cthis mystery\u201d would be administered. Every project must have a plan. The more detailed the planning, the more likely the goal will be achieved. In the case of God\u2019s mystery, Paul says he revealed God\u2019s plans for the church, something \u201chidden in God who created all things.\u201d<\/p>\n

The final point Paul makes in this passage is informing the Gentiles that his preaching has made known \u201cthe manifold wisdom of God \u2026 through the church.\u201d When we consider the church, we see all the different aspects of God\u2019s wisdom. While possibly difficult to comprehend, we can understand this aspect of God when we purposefully read to understand Paul\u2019s writings.<\/p>\n

God wants mankind to know what He has done, especially in bringing the church into existence. At the beginning this was accomplished by those who preached the mystery of God. Today, we can know about the unfathomable riches of God, how the church is to be administered, and have a glimpse into the many different aspects of God\u2019s wisdom by reading what Paul, the other apostles, and the prophets wrote.<\/p>\n

By reading and understanding the New Testament, everyone can know about these results. When Christians apply what is recorded in the New Testament, then they will be faithful members of the church God established and will be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, March 17, 2025\u00a0
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Ephesians #25: A Portion of God\u2019s Mystery Revealed<\/h2>\n

After Paul describes how the Gentiles in Ephesus could read and understand the revelation God had given him, Paul then reveals a portion of God\u2019s mystery. He states the Gentiles are now \u201cfellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel\u201d (Ephesians 3:6, 7).<\/p>\n

Paul has been leading up to this statement since chapter two. The Gentiles are now on equal par with the Jews when both of them are \u201cin Christ Jesus.\u201d There is no distinction between the two, the \u201cwall\u201d has been broken. They are now part of the \u201cbuilding\u201d that is being built with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone and the foundation being the apostles and prophets.<\/p>\n

Something else is said in these two verses that we should notice. By these two groups of people, Jews and Gentiles, being united, there is now a new group of people who are \u201cGod\u2019s people.\u201d Collectively they are called Christians. They are heirs to the same thing, they are members of the same body, and they are partakers of the same promise that is \u201cin Christ Jesus through the gospel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both Jews and Gentiles can now receive the things God has \u201cbeen saving up\u201d to give to them. Both Jews and Gentiles are now constituents of the same body. And, both Jews and Gentiles are going to indulge in all the promises God has made to those who are \u201cin Christ Jesus through the gospel.\u201d<\/p>\n

The second thing to notice is that all of this is \u201cthrough the gospel.\u201d This gospel is the \u201cmystery\u201d that God has revealed to Paul, who was \u201cmade a minister, according to the gift of God\u2019s grace which was given to [him] according to the working of [God\u2019s] power.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul became a \u201cminister\u201d of this gospel that was preached to the Gentiles because of what God had done and not anything Paul had done. Paul was given this \u201cgift\u201d because of \u201cGod\u2019s grace.\u201d Paul became God\u2019s servant to the Gentiles because of Jesus appearing to Paul one day while he was traveling to Damascus. This appearance was for the purpose of giving Paul instructions concerning his salvation and to appoint him to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 26:12-18 and especially verses 16-18).<\/p>\n

Paul never forgot this \u201cgift of God\u2019s grace\u201d that was given to him. Christians today should not only be thankful for God being gracious to Paul, but also for Paul using this \u201cgift of God\u2019s grace\u201d to preach to the Gentiles. By reading, understanding and obeying God\u2019s revealed mystery, we can be heirs, members, and partakers as a result of everyday living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, March 10, 2025\u00a0
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Ephesians #24: God\u2019s Steward to the Gentiles<\/h2>\n

After stating the apostles and prophets were the foundation of the building Jesus would build, Paul begins to talk about being appointed as God\u2019s steward to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1-5). Before he was a Roman prisoner, Paul was given \u201cthe stewardship of God\u2019s grace\u201d for the sake of the Gentiles. What a contrast in positions!<\/p>\n

Paul begins to describe himself, his qualifications to speak to the Gentiles, how he received the message God wanted the Gentiles to hear, and how they would be able to understand this God-given message. Paul wants to make the point that God has appointed him to this position and given him this responsibility. Paul did not presumptuously take it upon himself.<\/p>\n

When writing this letter to the Ephesians, Paul was in a Roman government prison somewhere in Rome. However, he does not identify himself as a government prisoner, but rather he labels himself as a \u201cprisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles.\u201d He wants his readers to understand the real reason he is in prison. It is not for criminal activity, but rather for being a steward of God\u2019s message to the Gentiles.<\/p>\n

In describing himself, Paul is telling the Ephesians that God placed him in an official capacity with the responsibility of managing or overseeing the delivering of the message of God\u2019s grace to the Gentiles. Paul says he was given this message by revelation from God. He calls this revelation \u201cthe mystery.\u201d<\/p>\n

The readers would interpret this \u201cmystery,\u201d not as something that could not be known, but as something God had previously not revealed to mankind. Paul states in verse five that this \u201c[mystery] has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Paul\u2019s message to all Gentiles is that they could know about this \u201cmystery\u201d because he had written it down, they could read it, and they could understand what he wrote. By having his understanding, they would know what Paul understood about this mystery.<\/p>\n

Paul did not take lightly this stewardship, this enormous task and heavy responsibility, God placed upon him. The book of Acts records Paul\u2019s efforts of being a superb manager of God\u2019s message to the Gentiles. Paul\u2019s writings, as a component of this stewardship of God\u2019s message, can be read and understood.<\/p>\n

It is of vital importance that we understand what Paul wrote. It is imperative we do not place our own meaning upon the content of these various letters to congregations and individuals, but rather place the meaning Paul intended when he wrote them. By understanding what Paul received from God by revelation and applying it to our lives, we will be living God\u2019s way!<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, March 3, 2025\u00a0
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Ephesians #23: The Cornerstone and the Foundation<\/h2>\n

When individual Jews and Gentiles become a Christian, they form one spiritual unit, which Paul describes in several ways. He calls this union a nation, the household of God, and a temple. He says the apostles and prophets provide the foundation and Christ Jesus provides the cornerstone of this structure which is being built (Ephesians 2:20-22).<\/p>\n

There are four components to this building. They are the apostles, the prophets, Christ Jesus Himself, and Christians. When one contemplates these elements, one must conclude that the church is built upon the teachings of Jesus, along with what the apostles and prophets taught. Individual Christians are the \u201cwalls\u201d of the structure.<\/p>\n

It should also be noted that there is no mention of a \u201croof\u201d to this building, which means this building is still \u201cunder construction.\u201d As of Paul\u2019s writing, it was not completed! Today, it is still \u201cunder construction\u201d! New \u201cwalls\u201d are added daily.<\/p>\n

The beginning of building any structure is the cornerstone. From this \u201ccornerstone\u201d everything else in the building is related; the remainder of the foundation and the walls. Paul wants us to see that Christ Jesus is the focal point of this building. With Jesus being the cornerstone, He provides the stability and direction for the construction of this building, which is the \u201cmy church\u201d Jesus said, during His ministry, He would build (Matthew 16:18).<\/p>\n

Jesus commissioned the apostles to go and \u201cmake disciples,\u201d which are the \u201cwalls.\u201d From consulting the book of Acts, we see the apostles, with the emphasis upon Peter and Paul, preaching the gospel and individuals from all peoples being added to the church, another name for this \u201cbuilding.\u201d The book of Acts also tells us about men, who were labeled as prophets, preaching the same message. When we combine these two groups, the apostles and the prophets, we have the total message that would be delivered to all the nations.<\/p>\n

Today that complete message is contained in our New Testament. So as Paul will point out later in this letter, the work of the apostles and prophets (along with the evangelists, pastors, and teachers), was to strengthen Christians and to bring them to maturity (Ephesians 4:11ff). This was the \u201cgrowing into a holy temple in the Lord\u201d Paul mentions in this article\u2019s text. All Christians are to be \u201cfitted together\u201d, and \u201ctogether\u201d as one unit, we are to be \u201ca dwelling of God in the Spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n

The basis of a Christian\u2019s faith, their foundation, must be the teachings of Jesus, along with the apostles and prophets. By using this foundation and practicing what \u201cthe cornerstone and the foundation\u201d taught, people can become Christians and they can be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, February 24, 2025\u00a0
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Ephesians #22: Results of Jesus Preaching<\/h2>\n

The death of Jesus on the cross broke down the dividing wall between the Jews and the Gentiles. The preaching of Jesus brought about peace between these same two groups along with bringing peace between mankind and God (Ephesians 2:17-22).<\/p>\n

Using a passage from Isaiah, Paul illustrates his point by making an application of this passage to Jesus preaching \u201cpeace to [those] we were far away, and preach to those who were near.\u201d Based upon the context the \u201cfar away\u201d were the Gentiles and the \u201cnear\u201d were the Jews. Both of these groups are now one and have \u201caccess in one Spirit to the Father.\u201d<\/p>\n

The preaching of Jesus brought unity. It also allowed people to be \u201cno longer strangers and aliens, but \u2026 fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God\u2019s household.\u201d The Gentiles would be extremely glad and thankful to now be in a relationship with God.<\/p>\n

With Paul using the word \u201cwe\u201d when he is talking about \u201cour access in one Spirit to the Father,\u201d he is including himself, a Jew. So with this information, the conclusion one should reach is that the things described in verses 19 through 22 apply both to the Jewish people and the Gentile people. The final result is that followers of the teachings of Christ, Christians, are building a structure Paul calls \u201ca holy temple in the Lord \u2026 a dwelling of God in the Spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n

The religious people in the days of Paul believed \u201ctheir god\u201d lived in a temple. Paul uses this language to describe the place where God now dwells among Christians. Paul is not talking about a literal temple, but a spiritual temple which probably is a reference to the assembling of all people from all times into one \u201cplace.\u201d<\/p>\n

With this shift in his focus, Paul is describing what the church is like. He is not talking exclusively about a \u201cbrick and mortar\u201d church with a GPS location, although it would be included, but he is also talking about the church that is a \u201cgathering of all disciples from all over the world,\u201d referred to as \u201cthe universal church.\u201d Paul explains within this context how this \u201ctemple\u201d is going to be built.<\/p>\n

While focusing on Christians being the temple or household of God, let us not forget the importance of Jesus preaching the message He was given by God. This information is just as important as the death of Jesus on the cross.<\/p>\n

Without this preaching, and the preaching of the apostles, people would not know about the cross. They would not know how to live after becoming a Christian. It would be impossible for them to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, February 17, 2025\u00a0
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Ephesians #21: Christ Broke the Dividing Wall<\/h2>\n

In describing how the status of the Gentiles has changed because of the \u201cblood of Christ,\u201d Paul now describes what was accomplished in the death of Jesus. He brought about a \u201cpeace\u201d between the Jews and the Gentiles because He \u201cbroke down the barrier of the dividing wall\u201d (Ephesians 2:14-16).<\/p>\n

Before the death of Jesus, the Jews were separated, hostile toward the Gentiles. The Jews did not want to have anything to do with the Gentiles because they were not part of God\u2019s nation, as mentioned in the preceding verses. Metaphorically there was a fence between the two groups of people that kept them divided. There was \u201cenmity\u201d between the two groups and Jesus, through His death, broke down this fence or wall.<\/p>\n

Paul describes this \u201cenmity\u201d as being the Mosaic Law, which he defines as the \u201ccommandments contained in ordinances.\u201d This is a literary way of describing the biblical books of Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy. A good portion of these books contains \u201clegal descriptions\u201d of the commands God had given to the children of Israel. Considered to be the law of the nation of Israel, these books contained information about how to live with each other and how to worship God.<\/p>\n

By breaking down this wall, the focus is now upon what Jesus had spoken and commanded. It is \u201cin Himself\u201d that He has made both Jew and Gentile \u201cinto one new man, thus establishing peace.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the same time, Jesus has provided a way for the two groups to be reconciled to each other and therefore producing \u201cone body to God through the cross.\u201d It was the \u201ccross\u201d or the death of Jesus that \u201cput to death [this] enmity.\u201d<\/p>\n

With this enmity removed, it can be said that Jesus \u201cabolished\u201d the Law of Moses. How did Jesus \u201cabolish\u201d this law? The death of Jesus made the Law of Moses to be no longer in effect. Its jurisdiction over the Jews, and by implication the Gentiles, ceased. Now it is the \u201cLaw of Christ\u201d governing both groups. The Law of Moses is no longer a \u201cdividing wall\u201d between the Jews and the Gentiles. The \u201cfence\u201d has been broken down; there are no more boundaries between the Jews and the Gentiles.<\/p>\n

People all over the world should be celebrating with joy and with gratitude because Jesus died on the cross. It gives everyone an opportunity to be in the \u201cone body,\u201d which Paul later defines as the church.<\/p>\n

If everyone would become a member of this church, this body, there could be peace among all nationalities. By every member of this church practicing the law Jesus established, then everyone worldwide would be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, February 10, 2025\u00a0
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Ephesians #20: Status of the Gentiles Changes<\/h2>\n

After discussing God\u2019s work to bring about salvation for mankind and describing God\u2019s workmanship, Paul now addresses the Gentiles, specifically to talk about a change in their status with God. He writes about what they formally were and what they now are, because of the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:11-13).<\/p>\n

In describing the Gentiles, Paul also describes the status of people who are not Christians. He shows the relationship people have with God before they become Christians.<\/p>\n

Paul says Gentiles were called the Uncircumcised by the Jews who were also known as the Circumcised. Circumcision indicated a Jew was in a covenant relationship with God. When the Jews called a Gentile the Uncircumcised they were saying Gentiles were not in a covenant relationship with God.<\/p>\n

Paul goes on to list four different aspects of the status of Gentiles before they became Christians. He says they were \u201cseparated from Christ\u201d; \u201cexcluded from the commonwealth of Israel\u201d, and \u201cstrangers to the covenant of promise.\u201d Because of this Gentiles \u201chad no hope and were without God in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once they became Christians, this status changed. They are no longer considered \u201cfar off,\u201d but they are now \u201cbrought near by the blood of Christ.\u201d<\/p>\n

With this change in their status, Gentiles now are in a covenant relationship with God; they can enjoy the benefits of being a part of the community that belongs to God; they can have the hope of enjoying the promises contained in this covenant; they have God in this world.<\/p>\n

With the shedding of the blood of Christ, as Paul will describe in the following verses, those who are not Jews by birth can now be among the saved people. They can have the hope of going to heaven and being with God for all of eternity.<\/p>\n

Paul will explain to the Colossians (2:11, 12) how the Gentiles are now \u201ccircumcised\u201d people because they have been baptized. This action \u201cmade without hands\u201d now puts everyone, both Jew and Gentile, in a covenant relationship with God. As Christians today, once we are baptized, we are in a covenant relationship with God; He has added us to the church (Acts 2:41, 47).<\/p>\n

Christians have the hope of being with God eternally. We can have the confidence that God is with us in this world. Christians can enjoy all the benefits of being part of God\u2019s family, His people.<\/p>\n

What a marvelous thing God did for all of mankind through the shedding of the blood of Jesus! When we become a Christian, our status with God changes, just like the Gentiles\u2019 in Paul\u2019s day. Because of this status, Christians will want every day to be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, February 3, 2025\u00a0
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Ephesians #19: God\u2019s Workmanship<\/h2>\n

Paul summarizes how a man is made alive after being spiritually dead. He says it is by God\u2019s grace, through man\u2019s faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).<\/p>\n

People can be saved because of God\u2019s grace and the exercising of their faith. However, salvation is not solely by God\u2019s grace. A person\u2019s salvation is a result of both God and that person working together to accomplish the salvation of the person\u2019s soul, which is escaping eternal spiritual death.<\/p>\n

In the context of these passages, Paul\u2019s emphasis is upon what God has done, but it is not to the exclusion of what mankind must do. That is why both \u201cfaith\u201d and \u201cnot boasting\u201d are involved.<\/p>\n

A person\u2019s faith comes as a result of them putting their trust in the message of God, which they have heard. Hearing God\u2019s message and not practicing it does a person no good.<\/p>\n

Some would say that a person is saved by \u201cgrace alone\u201d or \u201cgrace only.\u201d There would be no reason for Paul to add the phrase \u201cthrough faith\u201d if this were true. However, Paul did include the phrase and mankind has a part in this process. They must exercise their trust, their confidence, their faith in what God has said if they want the forgiveness of their trespasses and sins.<\/p>\n

The same people who say a person is saved by \u201cgrace alone,\u201d also says a person must believe in Jesus. This is true. By a person having to \u201cbelieve in Jesus\u201d then it is no longer by \u201cgrace alone.\u201d It is now God\u2019s grace and a person believing in Jesus. They have done something; their works are involved.<\/p>\n

A second thing to consider from this passage is the phrase \u201cit is the gift of God.\u201d Many will say that the gift is salvation. However, the words \u201cit is\u201d are supplied in the English language, so we have the proper understanding of the Greek language. To what is the word \u201cit\u201d referring? Grammatically, it is referring to grace and not saved. Salvation is not the topic of the sentence. Grace is the topic.<\/p>\n

The grace of God is not dependent upon the works of man. If the grace of God was dependent upon man\u2019s works, man would have reason to boast. They could say they have earned it. However, God\u2019s grace is not dependent upon man\u2019s actions. It is based solely upon God\u2019s own desires and what He wants to do.<\/p>\n

Therefore people must conclude that they are saved because God wanted to make provisions for them to be saved. The actions of people must demonstrate their trust in these provisions. Christians appreciate God\u2019s grace and express this appreciation by daily living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, January 27, 2025\u00a0
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Ephesians #18: Saved by Grace through Faith<\/h2>\n

Paul summarizes how a man is made alive after being spiritually dead. He says it is by God\u2019s grace, through man\u2019s faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).<\/p>\n

People can be saved because of God\u2019s grace and the exercising of their faith. However, salvation is not solely by God\u2019s grace. A person\u2019s salvation is a result of both God and that person working together to accomplish the salvation of the person\u2019s soul, which is escaping eternal spiritual death.<\/p>\n

In the context of these passages, Paul\u2019s emphasis is upon what God has done, but it is not to the exclusion of what mankind must do. That is why both \u201cfaith\u201d and \u201cnot boasting\u201d are involved.<\/p>\n

A person\u2019s faith comes as a result of them putting their trust in the message of God, which they have heard. Hearing God\u2019s message and not practicing it does a person no good.<\/p>\n

Some would say that a person is saved by \u201cgrace alone\u201d or \u201cgrace only.\u201d There would be no reason for Paul to add the phrase \u201cthrough faith\u201d if this were true. However, Paul did include the phrase and mankind has a part in this process. They must exercise their trust, their confidence, their faith in what God has said if they want the forgiveness of their trespasses and sins.<\/p>\n

The same people who say a person is saved by \u201cgrace alone,\u201d also says a person must believe in Jesus. This is true. By a person having to \u201cbelieve in Jesus\u201d then it is no longer by \u201cgrace alone.\u201d It is now God\u2019s grace and a person believing in Jesus. They have done something; their works are involved.<\/p>\n

A second thing to consider from this passage is the phrase \u201cit is the gift of God.\u201d Many will say that the gift is salvation. However, the words \u201cit is\u201d are supplied in the English language, so we have the proper understanding of the Greek language. To what is the word \u201cit\u201d referring? Grammatically, it is referring to grace and not saved. Salvation is not the topic of the sentence. Grace is the topic.<\/p>\n

The grace of God is not dependent upon the works of man. If the grace of God was dependent upon man\u2019s works, man would have reason to boast. They could say they have earned it. However, God\u2019s grace is not dependent upon man\u2019s actions. It is based solely upon God\u2019s own desires and what He wants to do.<\/p>\n

Therefore people must conclude that they are saved because God wanted to make provisions for them to be saved. The actions of people must demonstrate their trust in these provisions. Christians appreciate God\u2019s grace and express this appreciation by daily living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, January 20, 2025\u00a0
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Ephesians #17: Mercy, Love, and Grace Motivates God<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

God, because He does not want people to be dead as a result of their \u201ctrespasses and sins,\u201d has made provisions for them to be \u201cmade alive\u201d or \u201cresurrected.\u201d His actions were motived because of His mercy, love, and grace (Ephesians 2:4-7).<\/p>\n

God has done a tremendous amount of planning and work in bringing about the necessary provisions for people to escape being spiritually dead. He wants them to be \u201cresurrected\u201d from this death and made alive so they can be with Him for eternity.<\/p>\n

Paul is saying that God is not only motivated by mercy, but He is \u201crich in mercy,\u201d indicating the abundance of God\u2019s mercy. God wants the spiritually dead to avoid being miserable eternally.<\/p>\n

The love God demonstrates toward mankind is not motivated by what they can or have done for God. It is solely motivated by God\u2019s desires for the spiritually dead. He wants to do for them what they cannot do for themselves, that is to obtain forgiveness for \u201ctheir trespasses and sins.\u201d<\/p>\n

These two actions, mercy and love, are a result of the grace God wants to extend to people. This favor, this act of loving-kindness, this good will God has extended to sinful people, is all because He wants to. It is not motivated by any human action.<\/p>\n

God is truly amazing! People have disappointed Him, rejected Him, and disrespected Him, yet He still wants to be gracious to them, do what is best for them, and not punish them.<\/p>\n

How can we as people truly appreciate these actions of God? How can His followers recognize the full worth of these actions?<\/p>\n

One thing Christians can do is to hold God in high regard and in high esteem. We can elevate His values and desires. We can encourage others to have a high opinion of God and all the mighty works He has done throughout history for the benefit of human beings.<\/p>\n

Another thing Christians can do is to be grateful for what God has done for mankind in making provisions for us to be \u201craised up with [Christ]\u201d and to be sitting with Christ in the heavenly places. When \u201cthose in Christ\u201d fully recognize and understand the magnitude of the implications of God\u2019s actions, then we should be overwhelmed with His character, abilities, and love.<\/p>\n

It may take a person\u2019s lifetime of studying the Bible to fully grasp the enormity of these actions. But that is not to say that a person who is young in this life cannot appreciate what God has done for them personally. Both the novice and the veteran can show their gratitude for God\u2019s actions by daily living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, January 13, 2025\u00a0
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Ephesians #16: Characteristics Identifying the Spiritually Dead<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

In contrast to Jesus being raised from the dead, Paul writes about a person being \u201cdead in [their] trespasses and sins.\u201d He identifies, in detail, characteristics of people who are \u201cspiritually dead\u201d (Ephesians 2:1-3).<\/p>\n

When Paul uses the word \u201cdead\u201d he is not speaking of being physically dead, but rather of being spiritually dead. One similarity between being physically dead and being spiritually dead is both incur a separation. In physical death there is the permanent separation of the air we breathe from our body. In the spiritual death we are separated from God resulting in us no longer being in a relationship with Him and no hope of being with Him eternally.<\/p>\n

However, because of what God has accomplished through Jesus, being spiritually dead can be temporary; it does not have to be eternal. Notice Paul states the Ephesians \u201cwere dead.\u201d This language identifies their past spiritual condition and not their current spiritual condition. Notice Paul uses the phrase \u201cin which you formerly walked.\u201d They have made some changes in their life so they are no longer spiritually dead.<\/p>\n

How would someone today be able to identify an individual who is \u201cdead in [their] trespasses and sins\u201d? Paul says they walk \u201caccording to the course of this world.\u201d They are following the way the world thinks one should live and not how God thinks they should live.<\/p>\n

They walk \u201caccording to the prince of the power of the air,\u201d which I believe is one description of Satan. They walk according to \u201cthe spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.\u201d This indicates the \u201csons of disobedience\u201d are being led by Satan.<\/p>\n

In describing the individual who is spiritually dead, Paul says they \u201clive in the lusts of [their] flesh.\u201d They are living however they want to live. They are the standard for their life.<\/p>\n

Those who are spiritually dead are living by their feelings or \u201cdesires of the flesh and of the mind.\u201d Their emotions are the deciding factor in how they will conduct themselves. These are people who are living by the philosophy of \u201cif it feels good, do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those who are spiritually dead are doing what they have always done and how they have always lived. They are \u201cby nature children of wrath.\u201d This means their life will result in experiencing the wrath of God, eternal punishment, if some changes in their life are not made.<\/p>\n

The key word in this passage is \u201cformerly.\u201d These people were no longer \u201cdead;\u201d they were \u201calive.\u201d No longer \u201cchildren of wrath\u201d but \u201cchildren of God.\u201d We should be like them. We should be \u201calive\u201d people who are now daily living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, January 6, 2025\u00a0
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Ephesians #15: Supreme Authority of Jesus Explained<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

After stating the God given position Jesus has in heaven, Paul explains this supreme authority by listing several categories (Ephesian 1:21-23). They include those in heaven, on earth, and even the church. Paul states this authority is permanent; it is not only for \u201cthis age, but also [for] the one to come.\u201d<\/p>\n

By using the phrase \u201cfar above,\u201d Paul is stating that there is no authority above Him. The authority Jesus has is superior to government\u2019s authority, those who have the right to rule in government, those who are commissioned to enforce the laws of the government, as well as those who have \u201cdominion\u201d over any person. Every government and every person working for a government is ultimately under the authority of Jesus.<\/p>\n

All the demonic beings, including Satan and all his followers are not \u201cabove\u201d Jesus. Even though they rebel and reject the supreme authority of Jesus, they are held accountable to this authority of Jesus.<\/p>\n

The phrase \u201cput all things in subjection under His feet\u201d comes from a military background meaning everything must submit to the authority of the supreme authority of Jesus. It implies there is to be submission without question.<\/p>\n

Using another human anatomy metaphor, Paul says Jesus is \u201chead over all things to the church, which is His body\u201d By using this phrase, Paul is saying the \u201cchurch\u201d and the \u201cbody of Christ\u201d are synonymous terms. The two metaphors connect Jesus and the members of the church, thereby describing unity.<\/p>\n

Like with our personal body, the head is the control center for all decisions of our body. By Jesus being the head of the church, He is the one who decided how the church would function and operate. Jesus is also the provider of all things the church will need to carry out those functions and operations.<\/p>\n

As we think about how we can apply this passage to our modern day churches, there are several points to be considered and agreed upon if our church is going to be the church Jesus purchased and established. We must agree Jesus has supreme authority. We must agree the programs and ministries the church desires to participate in are authorized by Jesus. Our acts of worship must be done in the manner Jesus has described in the New Testament. Church leaders must have the qualifications established by Jesus. Even the methods to raise the finances for all the church expenses and programs must be done how Jesus authorized it.<\/p>\n

Those who are followers of Jesus recognize He has supreme authority. They practice His policies. They teach them to others. They are setting the example in their daily lives. They are living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, December 30, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #14: Authority of Jesus Proven by the Resurrection<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

What evidence can be given that God can grant hope to the Christian and they will become His \u201cinheritance\u201d? Paul says it is the resurrection and the positioning of Jesus at God\u2019s right hand (Ephesians 1:19-20).<\/p>\n

In the days of Paul, people believed there were many different gods. Consider Roman and Greek mythology. Which god was the most powerful, the superior god?<\/p>\n

Paul and other writers gave many examples of God\u2019s strength and His superiority over all the \u201cother gods.\u201d Paul\u2019s example in this context is the resurrection of Jesus.<\/p>\n

Paul also stated that God \u201cseated [Jesus] at His right hand in the heavenly places\u201d with authority. How can we have the confidence God gave Jesus all this authority? Because of the resurrection of Jesus.<\/p>\n

Paul trusted the fact that God gave Jesus \u201call authority\u201d because he received this information from God by the Holy Spirit. Paul believed this fact, even though Paul himself did not personally see it.<\/p>\n

Paul wants the Ephesians to have the confidence (and us as well) that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God because God raised Jesus from the dead. If God can raise Jesus from the dead, then God can place Jesus at His right hand. The second is proven by the first.<\/p>\n

There are many proofs both inside and outside the Bible which prove Jesus was raised from the dead. To itemize them is not within the scope of this article. What we must focus on is Jesus being at God\u2019s right hand and having all the authority God has given Him.<\/p>\n

So what is the significance or importance of Jesus having all this authority? It means that there is no one who has more authority than Him. The one exception is God Himself, because God has to have more authority than Jesus in order to grant this authority to Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:27). God is not under the authority of Jesus, but Jesus is under the authority of God (1 Corinthians 15:28). One could say, \u201cGod delegated authority to Jesus.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a result of Jesus having authority over everything, including the church, then Christians, and especially the church, must be looking to Jesus for His permission or authority to do any and all things. Everything a Christian does in this world, both physically and spiritually, they must have the approval of Jesus for their actions.<\/p>\n

As Christians consider this fact stated by Paul that Jesus has been given \u201call authority,\u201d then we must constantly be learning what Jesus taught. As we apply the things He taught to our lives then we will have His permission and we will be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, December 23, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #13: Eyes of Your Heart Enlightened<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

Another request Paul makes in his prayer to God is for the Ephesians to have the eyes of their heart enlightened (Ephesians 1:18, 19). When this happens then they will be able to perceive the \u201chope of [God\u2019s] calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.\u201d<\/p>\n

The phrase \u201ceyes of your heart\u201d is used to describe how one is enlightened. The heart, as used in this context, is the center of man\u2019s emotions and his intellect. Speaking metaphorically, the heart has \u201ceyes\u201d allowing both the emotions and the intellect to \u201csee\u201d what God has done for the believer. Paul wants God to help his readers to have a better understanding of what God has provided.<\/p>\n

Our understanding will be achieved the more acquainted with God\u2019s provisions for the believer and the ramifications of these provisions we become. This understanding comes by continuing to spend time reading God\u2019s word (the Bible) and thinking about all the things He has done.<\/p>\n

As Christians become more acquainted with God fulfilling His promises, then they will have more confidence that He can provide \u201cthe hope\u201d He has promised with His calling, which is eternal life. This hope is not some wishful thinking, but rather an expected result. It is something the believer is anticipating based upon their faith in God\u2019s promises.<\/p>\n

The more we understand God\u2019s word, the more we will understand how precious the body of Christ, the church, all Christians, are to God. Because Christians are God\u2019s inheritance, we need to fully understand how valuable we are to God. We need to realize and fully comprehend that everything that is in this world and all that God has done in history is for the group of Christians called the church.<\/p>\n

As believers who meditate upon God\u2019s word and as we obtain a fuller understanding of all the things He has accomplished, we must acknowledge the power He possesses. Think about the two terms Paul uses to describe God\u2019s power \u2013 surpassing greatness. Paul is not only acknowledging that God\u2019s power is great, but he is saying God\u2019s power goes beyond being great. A phrase we might use today is \u201cGod is the one and only superpower.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Ephesians did not have the written word, therefore Paul was wanting God to reveal more about Himself to the Christians at Ephesus. Because the New Testament contains all God has revealed, Christians today can still be enlightened by reading it. As a result, the eyes of our heart will be enlightened; the more we will appreciate the importance of living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, December 16, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #12: Getting a Spirit of Wisdom and of Revelation<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

Paul addresses his prayer to the \u201cGod of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory.\u201d After expressing thanks for their faith and love for the saints, Paul now expresses one of his many requests on the behalf of the Ephesians. He wants God to give them \u201ca spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of God\u201d (Ephesians 1:17).<\/p>\n

Before discussing Paul\u2019s request, let us think about how Paul describes the \u201cgod\u201d whom he is addressing. He uses two phrases, \u201cGod of our Lord Jesus Christ\u201d and \u201cFather of glory.\u201d<\/p>\n

By describing God as being the \u201cGod of our Lord Jesus Christ,\u201d Paul informs us that Jesus had a \u201cgod\u201d to whom He was accountable. While Jesus was on this earth, He was required by God to be obedient to God, which is also required of every human being. Unlike mankind, Jesus was obedient to every command of God. Jesus never committed a sin (Hebrews 4:15), even though every other human being has committed a sin (Romans 3:23). Christians should be like Jesus, striving to be obedient to every command of God.<\/p>\n

Turning our attention to Paul\u2019s request, Paul is asking God to give Christians a \u201cspirit\u201d or disposition, an attitude for the wisdom of God and the knowledge of God. How God will grant this request, the text does not inform us. Christians do not need to know the how, as much as we need to have the confidence God will grant Paul\u2019s request.<\/p>\n

It should be pointed out that Paul is asking God to \u201cgive\u201d something to people who are already Christians. Paul is not asking God to act upon the unbeliever so they may become believers.<\/p>\n

It should also be pointed out that Paul is asking God to give something to people who have already demonstrated their faith, for which Paul has already given thanks. Paul seems to be asking God to give opportunities for their faith to increase. He is requesting that they receive more of God\u2019s wisdom and more of God\u2019s revelation about God Himself. It is not revealed how God grants this request.<\/p>\n

Very possibly, God granted Paul\u2019s request. The entire Bible contains many passages that God wants people, and especially Christians, to be able to practice His revealed message, as well as learn more about Him.<\/p>\n

As Christians, we need to recognize when \u201cdoors of opportunity\u201d have been opened for us to receive more of God\u2019s wisdom and the revealed knowledge of Him. As Christians, who want to follow God, we will recognize these opportunities. We will take advantage of these opportunities because we want to be even better at living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, December 9, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #11: Faith Lived and Saints Loved<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

As is customary in first century letter writing, Paul includes a prayer of thanksgiving for his readers. There are many things mentioned in this prayer, but today we will only look at Paul\u2019s comments about the faith the Ephesians lived and the love they had \u201cfor all the saints\u201d (Ephesians 1:15, 16).<\/p>\n

Paul spent many hours with the saints at Ephesus. He taught them in various ways and at different times. His closeness with this group is evidenced by his conversation with the elders from this church as he was making his final trip to Jerusalem (Acts 20). During the years after this final visit with these elders, Paul continued to \u201ckeep up with\u201d the saints in Ephesus as mutual friends would tell him about what was going on with this church.<\/p>\n

The only way a person can know about the faith of another person is by seeing their actions. In the reports Paul was receiving, his informants must have been telling him about the lives of these saints. As Paul listened to the reports, surely there was joy in his heart about their continued faithfulness. He was thankful they were continuing to practice God\u2019s message which he had proclaimed to them.<\/p>\n

Also, the text says Paul \u201cmentioned\u201d them in his prayers. In my mind, I imagine Paul having possibly \u201cmentioned\u201d them individually as well as collectively. He would be expressing to God certain wishes and desires he had for these fellow Christians.<\/p>\n

Not only did Paul mention to God about their faith, but he also \u201cmentioned\u201d how they had a \u201clove for all the saints.\u201d This is one of the things Jesus commanded His apostles to do and to teach those who would become disciples. Jesus even prayed that His people would have a \u201clove [for] one another.\u201d<\/p>\n

As we consider these two characteristics of the Christians in Ephesus, there should be some reflection on our own personal lives. We should be asking ourselves, \u201cIs my faith visible to others? Are other people talking to their friends and associates about my faith? If Paul were to hear about my faith or the actions of my church, would he give thanks to God?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about my love for all the saints? Is it visible? Can people see it in my actions, or is it only words.\u201d The word love in this context means that a Christian will be doing what is best for his fellow-Christians regardless of what will happen to him.<\/p>\n

What a great compliment Paul is expressing to his readers! To be living one\u2019s faith and to be loving all the saints is truly external evidence that a person is living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, December 2, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #10: Holy Spirit Seals Listeners and Believers<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

After having told the Ephesians they were God\u2019s inheritance, Paul now mentions how they became this inheritance. He says it begins with listening to the message of truth, believing the gospel of salvation, and being sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13, 14).<\/p>\n

Without someone listening to the message of God, there is no basis for putting one\u2019s faith in the message of truth. Paul told the Romans (10:17) that \u201cfaith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.\u201d This is not a religious concept; it is a reality concept. One cannot put their faith in something or someone they have never heard anything about. A person cannot be a believer without first being a listener.<\/p>\n

After hearing the message of God and acting upon it, then \u201cthe Holy Spirit of promise\u201d will seal them in Christ. This \u201cgospel of [one\u2019s] salvation\u201d contains things which the listener must do in order to have this salvation. Once they have completed these actions, then the Holy Spirit will place a \u201cseal\u201d upon those actions.<\/p>\n

The word \u201cseal\u201d in this context authenticates an action taken by the listener. The \u201cseal\u201d proves the listener has done what the message of truth commanded.<\/p>\n

The \u201cseal\u201d is also the \u201cpledge\u201d that the promise of God will come to pass. This promise is that those who are believers will be part of \u201cthe redemption of God\u2019s own possession;\u201d this \u201cpossession\u201d will be part of \u201cthe praise of [God\u2019s] glory.\u201d<\/p>\n

Based upon the language of this text, the function of the Holy Spirit is not some miraculous event. It is an action the Holy Spirit is taking and not something the Holy Spirit does upon the listener. This sealing comes after the listener has become a believer.<\/p>\n

By the use of the words \u201cyou also,\u201d Paul is indicating that the Gentiles can now be included as believers. The Gentiles can now be part of \u201cGod\u2019s possession.\u201d The Jews are no longer the only ones who are \u201cGod\u2019s possession.\u201d<\/p>\n

This final statement Paul makes, as to why God should be praised, is very powerful, especially for those who are not Jews by birth. This statement declares that both Jews and Gentiles can be part of \u201cGod\u2019s possession,\u201d because listening and believing are part of the requirements and not one\u2019s birth.<\/p>\n

Christians today should be very thankful for this provision in God\u2019s plan He designed before the foundation of the world. We should join Paul in praising God for this blessing. We will only be part of God\u2019s possession, if after we have heard the message, we believe the message, and until our death we are continuously living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, November 25, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #9: God Made Christians His Inheritance<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

As Paul continues his praise to God for the things God has done for the universal church, Paul mentions that God made Christians His heritage. Christians are the \u201cthings\u201d which God has created that in a figure of speech are His \u201cproperty,\u201d His inheritance that will be \u201cpassed on\u201d to the next generation (Ephesians 1:11, 12).<\/p>\n

When one considers the word \u201cinheritance,\u201d it is most often thought of as being the money or property or both which an individual receives after another person has died. Another word for inheritance is the word \u201cheritage,\u201d which is usually used to denote something of value that is passed down from previous generations. The point being is the \u201cinheritance\u201d is the \u201cwhat\u201d that is being passed down.<\/p>\n

An \u201cinheritance\u201d is the result of a life-long accumulation of assets. In our Ephesians passage, it is the result of God\u2019s purpose which He devised before the foundation of the world and worked out \u201cafter the counsel of His will.\u201d It is the collection of all the members of the church, from all time, who would bring about praise to God\u2019s glory.<\/p>\n

Some might think of this verse as Christians obtaining heaven. The word used in the passage is present tense, something that is current. Paul says he was among \u201cthe first to hope in Christ [resulting in] the praise of [God\u2019s] glory.\u201d Those who have their \u201chope in Christ\u201d are Christians. Therefore, this inheritance is something in existence today and not something to be \u201cobtained\u201d in the future.<\/p>\n

As Christians think about being the \u201cinheritance\u201d of God, the \u201cassets\u201d or \u201cproperty\u201d that God is acquiring through time, it should cause us to act with a certain mindset. Having the attitude that as members of this church we are the result of God\u2019s predetermined, prehistoric plan; we are not an \u201cafterthought.\u201d Christians are the result of God\u2019s counsel, His plan of action. Human beings had nothing to do with this plan, which God has executed because they were not in existence when God \u201cpredestined\u201d this \u201cinheritance.\u201d<\/p>\n

It should be considered by Christians an honor to be part of this group of people called the church. It is something special because it is the result of all of God\u2019s efforts to bring this church into existence. Everything from the beginning of time to the coming of Christ, as recorded in the Old Testament, was for the purpose of bringing this inheritance into existence.<\/p>\n

What is so marvelous about this inheritance is that it is growing daily. God is adding to this \u201cinheritance\u201d as people are changing their lives to become Christians. As part of this inheritance, we should constantly be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, November 18, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #8: God Makes Known the Mystery<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

Paul continues his praise to God for the things He has done for the universal church. Paul now turns his attention to God making known the mystery (Ephesian 1:8-10).<\/p>\n

In this context, Paul\u2019s definition of \u201cmystery\u201d is the plan God developed \u201cbefore the foundation of the world.\u201d This plan was given in segments to different prophets throughout history. However, before Paul wrote to the Ephesians, he says God has now \u201cmade know to us the mystery of His will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Today, we can read about this \u201cmystery\u201d because Paul and others wrote it down and it has been preserved throughout history. Paul states later he received this \u201cmystery,\u201d and has written it down \u201cin brief.\u201d When people read Paul\u2019s letters, then they can \u201cunderstand [Paul\u2019s] insight into the mystery of Christ\u201d He goes on to say that this mystery \u201cin other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit\u201d (Ephesians 3:3-5).<\/p>\n

God truly should be praised for revealing this plan, having faithful men write it down, and it being preserved in history for all of mankind who today can read this mystery with understanding. Without this revelation, no human being would know about God\u2019s great plan and the opportunity it presents for every person to have their sins forgiven and go to heaven when they die.<\/p>\n

Paul tells us that in making known this mystery, God did it \u201caccording to His kind intention which He purposed in Him\u201d (that is Christ). This is just another example of God\u2019s grace, which He has bestowed upon all of mankind.<\/p>\n

Giving the purpose for making known this mystery, Paul says God did it \u201cwith a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the time, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heaven and things on the earth.\u201d God used Jesus to bring this pre-historic plan to its conclusion. One might say, Jesus was God\u2019s culminating action in bringing into existence the church.<\/p>\n

All of the things God has predetermined to be done to bring the church into existence are from His gracious and kind heart. They are all important, but it could be said that without God making known this mystery, mankind would not have known about any of those things. People would not have known about the crucifixion nor the purpose of Jesus dying.<\/p>\n

Therefore, it is imperative that Christians join Paul in praising God for this action with their lips. However, it is more important that Christians show their thankfulness to God for making known the mystery by daily living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, November 11, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #7: Redemption Through His Blood<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

Paul, as he continues his praise to God for the things He has done for the church, turns his attention to Jesus shedding His blood for our redemption. This redemptive action accomplished two things for universal church members, the forgiveness of their sins and their redemption (Ephesians 1:7,8).<\/p>\n

Redemption, primarily a religious word, generally means to regain something in exchange for payment. A popular use of this term is in redeeming coupons at a retail store. The word is also used when speaking of returning containers (such as cans or bottles that required a deposit fee at the time of purchase) and redeeming the deposit.<\/p>\n

In Paul\u2019s letter to the Ephesians, he is speaking of using the blood of Jesus as the payment by which people are redeemed. He explains that redemption is \u201cthe forgiveness of our trespasses.\u201d<\/p>\n

To understand this statement and appreciate its significance, we need to examine the consequences for individuals who are guilty of \u201ctrespasses.\u201d The word, \u201ctrespasses\u201d is not a common word in our vocabulary but is primarily a religious word brought over from antiquity that means to \u201ccommit an offense against a person,\u201d which in this context is God. Paul\u2019s understanding of this word would have had the meaning of \u201ca lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness.\u201d Sin is another word for \u201ctrespasses,\u201d which John the apostle describes as \u201clawlessness\u201d (1 John 3:4).<\/p>\n

When a person commits a sin, they separate themselves from God and they become a slave of the devil. In order for a person to return to God, they must be \u201credeemed\u201d by having the forgiveness of their trespasses or their violation of God\u2019s law.<\/p>\n

Without the shedding of the blood of Jesus, mankind would not have the opportunity to have this redemption. When we think about this statement, it should motivate us to think about how horrible sin is if it takes the blood of Jesus to make the payment for sin.<\/p>\n

Once again Paul says this action by God was not only done because of God\u2019s grace, but God was \u201clavish\u201d with this gracious act. To say it another way, God was elaborate, luxurious with His grace. We might even say, God was not skimpy with His grace when it came to what was necessary for us to \u201chave redemption through [Christ\u2019s] blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.\u201d<\/p>\n

We, as Christians, need to join Paul in praising God for this costly but grand provision that He has made for the church. Without this action of God, no human being would be able to be a member of this church. As members, we should daily show our appreciation for God\u2019s gift by living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, November 4, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #6: God\u2019s Love and Grace Motivated Predestination<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

Before the foundation of the world, God predestined those who would be included in the church. The criteria for admission into this group of believers, as adopted sons, was motivated by God\u2019s love and grace (Ephesians 1:4b-6).<\/p>\n

God’s love for mankind is seen in many ways. This action of identifying the characteristics of the church before time began, demonstrates God\u2019s grace to mankind. Before He created Adam and Eve, the concept of the church and the standard by which individuals would be admitted to this assembly of His people was determined, and that is why Paul uses this word \u201cpredestined.\u201d<\/p>\n

When we consider that God determined beforehand, one could say no one person influenced God\u2019s choice or decision. God chose to do something for those who were created in His image, because He \u201cwanted to\u201d and not because He \u201chad to\u201d or was forced to. The grace He possesses motivated Him to make this decision.<\/p>\n

What is marvelous about this class of people, those \u201cadopted as sons,\u201d is that it is open to every individual who has lived since the first Pentecost after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. God has made it known what is the criteria and, every person who has the ability to understand, has the opportunity to make the choice to become a member of this church. Since God has made known the criteria to everyone, individuals simply need to act upon that criteria.<\/p>\n

Those adopted, whom this writer has known, say adoption is a wonderful feeling. To go from not being accepted, to having someone decide they want to adopt you and make you a part of their family is a great thing. One can hear, in their voices, the appreciation they have for their \u201cadopted parents.\u201d<\/p>\n

Christians need to approach this level of appreciation for the love of God and His gracious act of predestinating the criteria for those who would be \u201cadopted as son.\u201d Those of us who are members of this church, need to be like Paul and \u201cbless\u201d God for this wonderful act.<\/p>\n

We should consider this action of God to be something extraordinary. God not only decided before the world began that this is what He was going to d0, but He brought it about in the course of His time, according to His timetable.<\/p>\n

It is such a blessing to be included in this group of God\u2019s people who are added to the church by God after we have met His criteria. We should equally consider it a blessing from God that we will be included in this great assembly, from all times, if we are continually living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, October 28, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #5: Holy and Blameless Describes the Church<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

The church, the collection of Christians from all times, is described as holy and blameless (Ephesians 1:4). These two behavioral objectives were chosen by God \u201cbefore the foundation of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Because this choice was made before time began, it was something that God decided before any action of mankind was made. It was not made based upon the good merit or the failure of any one human being or a group of human beings. It was solely the thought and plan of God before He \u201ccreated the heavens and the earth.\u201d<\/p>\n

The idea behind the language of \u201cchose us\u201d is the same as that found in the Old Testament when God, through the prophets, described the nation of Israel. This choice was not based upon their size nor their righteousness, but based solely on the choice God made and declared to Abraham. It had nothing to do with Abraham\u2019s behavior or his descendants.<\/p>\n

The phrase \u201cin Him\u201d is significant because of its reference to Christ from the previous verse. Paul will use this phrase repeatedly throughout this book and his other writings to indicate the collectivity of Christians worldwide beginning on the day of Pentecost and lasting until the world is no more.<\/p>\n

In the verse under consideration, these two words (holy and blameless) describing the church are adjectives and they are plural in nature, meaning both refer to a group. The first word \u201choly\u201d means something that is sacred, set apart, or dedicated, for the worship of a deity, in this case God. It is referring to something in the religious world and not the secular.<\/p>\n

The second word \u201cblameless\u201d means \u201cfaultless,\u201d \u201cwithout blame.\u201d The church is \u201cinnocent\u201d of any wrong doing. This word is describing the status of this group of people God has chosen. This assembly of people is without any guilt as they stand in the presence of God. In Old Testament writings, this description was used to describe the animal to be sacrificed by an individual; it was to be \u201cwithout blemish.\u201d<\/p>\n

It is understood that individuals make up this group of people and that individuals should have these same characteristics. However, in the context of Paul\u2019s letter to the Ephesians, he is speaking of a group of Christians and not about an individual.<\/p>\n

When one considers these characteristics of the church, it should motivate all those who are members of this church to be the type of people described here. A Christian should not want to be the reason why the church would no longer be described as holy and blameless. Never wanting to bring a blemish on the church, Christians should always be living God\u2019s ways.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, October 21, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #4: God Should Be Blessed<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

We often think of the word \u201cblessed\u201d in the context of God doing something for an individual. However, in Paul\u2019s opening comments to the \u201csaints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus,\u201d he says God should be blessed for all the things He has done (Ephesians 1:1, 3).<\/p>\n

In his opening remarks, Paul is saying these people, collectively known as the church, should be thanking God for all the \u201cspiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ.\u201d Paul enumerates several things God has done for this church, which was purchased with the blood of Jesus. As one thinks about all these different things, every person, and especially Christians, should give thanks to God for what He did for the body of Christ, the church.<\/p>\n

Paul is talking about a group of people who receive these blessings from God. While this group is made up of individuals, the blessings are upon the group. So in order for an individual to receive these blessing, they must first of all be a member of the group.<\/p>\n

Paul goes on to describe what God has done for the members of this church. Christians should be ever thankful that God was willing to grant these \u201cspiritual blessings.\u201d Again, these blessings come as a result of being a member of the church planned by God \u201cbefore the foundation of the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Paul talks about choosing \u201cus,\u201d he is talking about the church, and not an individual. When he talks about predestinating \u201cus,\u201d he is talking about the church, and not an individual. In this context, the group who has been redeemed through the blood of Jesus is the church and not an individual. The plural pronoun \u201cus\u201d is referring to the church and not to an individual. The \u201cus\u201d is identifying the collectivity of the members of the church which Jesus purchased with His blood.<\/p>\n

Paul, in these opening comments, is describing what God has done for this group of people known as the church, and not an individual. To make the application to an individual is to misapply the intent of Paul when he was writing this letter. He wants Christians everywhere to hear and to know what God has done for this group of people from all over the world, beginning on the day of Pentecost and lasting until the world is no more.<\/p>\n

Everyone in the world, and especially Christians, should be thanking God because of what He has done for mankind when He brought the church into existence. Christians should bless God for revealing this information about the church and how, as a member of this church, one can be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, October 14, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #3: The Saints and the Faithful<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

Paul, appointed to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, writes a letter to a group of people he identifies as the saints and the faithful (Ephesians 1:1). These two descriptive words, saints and faithful, describe not only the people who make up the church at Ephesus, but also the church Jesus purchased with His blood. It is the church of which Jesus is the head.<\/p>\n

It should be noticed that Paul is writing to a living group of people who are called saints. These are people who have been declared sacred by God. They are people whom God has made blameless because they have been forgiven of their sins. They are people set apart from the rest of the world because they are devoting themselves to God.<\/p>\n

The saints are also referred to as the \u201cbeloved of God\u201d (Romans 1:7). They are sanctified people (1 Corinthians 1:2). They are a group of people referred to in a specific location such as Rome and Corinth, as well as living in a region such as Achaia.<\/p>\n

The faithful are people who are loyal to God and are steadfast in their beliefs. They have not wavered in their allegiance to God and the principles God has revealed. Their actions demonstrate how committed they are to the teachings of God and the commandments of God.<\/p>\n

In addressing the people in Colossae, Paul uses similar language; he calls them \u201csaints and faithful brethren in Christ\u201d (Colossians 1:2). To the church at Smyrna, John the apostle encourages the brethren to be faithful until death and they will receive a crown (Revelation 2:10).<\/p>\n

The church is composed of people who are both saints and faithful. They are Christians either in a local sense such as Ephesus, or they are members of the church from a universal sense. This universal sense includes all of the people who have become Christians from the day of Pentecost until the last day the world is in existence.<\/p>\n

People must become saints while they are living. Once they become saints they must remain faithful to God regardless of what might happen to them.<\/p>\n

As we contemplate these two descriptive words, let us ponder their significance to the content of this letter. Let us ask ourselves are we saints who are faithfully living out God message in our daily lives?<\/p>\n

In most of Paul\u2019s letters, he is revealing God\u2019s information as to how those who are members of the universal church and who want to be saints and faithful to God should be living. By applying this information to their lives, then Christians will be saints and faithful in living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, October 7, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #2: Will of God Appoints Paul<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

In introducing himself to the Ephesians, Paul identifies himself as \u201can apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God\u201d (Ephesians 1:1). There are several points that need to be mentioned about this \u201ctitle\u201d that Paul gives to himself. Paul is saying that he did not appoint himself as an apostle, but that he was appointed to be an apostle by the will of God.<\/p>\n

In the days of Paul, the word \u201capostle\u201d was not necessarily a religious word. It could mean a delegate or a messenger, but added information had to be given to understand who this \u201capostle\u201d was representing. In the New Testament, it applied to the twelve men Jesus appointed from among His followers to be His special delegates or messengers to the world. Paul, in other writings, claims to have the same authority as these original twelve men.<\/p>\n

In Ephesians, Paul indicates that God appointed him to be an apostle. Therefore, the things Paul wrote would be the message God wanted people to hear. This would apply both to when Paul spoke on behalf of God, as well as when Paul wrote what God wanted him to write. In other words, Paul\u2019s writings are authoritative and not his opinion. It is not \u201cwhat Paul thought God was saying\u201d, but rather \u201cwhat God was saying.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a delegate, messenger, or ambassador of Christ Jesus, Paul is stating that he is speaking on the behalf of Jesus. Paul is not delivering his own message, but rather is delivering the message of Christ Jesus.<\/p>\n

Reading through the book of Ephesians, we must remember that Paul is describing how God brought the church into existence, why He brought it into existence, and how He wants this church to function. By Paul having this authority to write God\u2019s message, and by him writing out God\u2019s message, then after reading this letter and understanding this letter, then we can have the knowledge God gave to Paul about the church God planned before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 3:3-7).<\/p>\n

One of the conclusions that must be reached is that the church in our world today should look the same as the church in the day of Paul. There was only one church in the days of Paul, and because Paul taught the same thing in all the churches, they looked the same. It should be the so today.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

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Monday, September 30, 2024\u00a0
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Ephesians #1: God\u2019s Plan for the Church<\/h2>\n

Click here to listen to an audio version of this article. You can read along with the audio.<\/a><\/p>\n

As \u201can apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God\u201d (Ephesians 1:1), Paul received information directly from God about different subjects pertaining to Christianity. One such revelation was concerning a \u201cmystery.\u201d The book of Ephesians records this \u201cmystery\u201d \u2013 God\u2019s plan for the church. Paul wrote it down so we can read it, understand it, and apply it to our lives.<\/p>\n

In the New Testament, the word \u201cchurch\u201d is used in two senses. One sense has a very narrow application, such as a local church, like the \u201cchurch\u201d at Jerusalem, Antioch, Philippi, Corinth or Ephesus. The other sense has a very broad application, such as when Jesus said He would build His \u201cchurch\u201d, or the \u201cchurch\u201d was purchased with the blood of Jesus, or people are added to the \u201cchurch\u201d by God. In his opening comments of the book of Ephesians, Paul states he is writing to both those \u201csaints who are at Ephesus\u201d (the narrow sense) and to the \u201cfaithful in Christ Jesus\u201d (the broad sense) (Ephesians 1:1).<\/p>\n

This article is focused on the broad sense of the word \u201cchurch.\u201d What was God\u2019s plan for the church in \u201cthe broad sense\u201d?<\/p>\n

We can see the book of Ephesians is divided into two parts \u2013 Chapters 1-3 and Chapters 4-6. Chapters 1-3 show what God did to plan for this church, why He planned it, and how we can know about it. Chapters 4-6 show what God planned for those, who would be members of this church, to be doing.<\/p>\n

Paul says God made all these plans before the foundation of the world. God knew exactly what He wanted to do and He accomplished His plans. The motivation behind God making these plans was to display to mankind His great love, mercy and grace. He revealed this plan to mankind through the apostles and prophets, who heard it and wrote it down. It has been preserved through time for us to read, understand, and apply.<\/p>\n

God wanted there to be unity among all believers. God provided five groups of people to edify these believers so that they would remain steadfast and not lose their faith. He also revealed how He wanted the members of this church to interact with one another as members and how to interact within the family setting. He even gave instructions as to how a person should be equipped so they would remain a Christian and to fight the spiritual battles that would confront them.<\/p>\n

The book of Ephesians is a great book for everyone to read and study if they want to know God\u2019s plan for the church. When Christians properly apply God\u2019s plan, then they will be living God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n

We invite you to contact us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about God\u2019s word. \u2013 Carlton G. McPeak<\/p>\n

___________________________________<\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

LESSONS FROM PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS. Have you seen a yard sign like the one below? Many members of the church here display a yard sign inviting the community to come to this page every Monday for a new article. Scroll down to view all previous articles in this series.\u00a0\u00a0 Click here to make a comment or leave us a message. Monday, December\u00a0 8, 2025 Ephesians #63: Concluding with…Keep Reading<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4515","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.middleburgchristians.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4515","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.middleburgchristians.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.middleburgchristians.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.middleburgchristians.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.middleburgchristians.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4515"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.middleburgchristians.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4515\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4974,"href":"https:\/\/www.middleburgchristians.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4515\/revisions\/4974"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.middleburgchristians.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4515"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}