John 20:17-31: John continues his characteristic focus upon people who interacted with Jesus through the end of his gospel account. Mary Magdalene’s devotion to Christ allowed her to be the first withness of the Resurrection, then she is sent to inform the fearful disciples hiding in Jerusalem. Jesus appears through locked doors to commisson the […]
Passages from John 11-20; John’s gospel is uniquely personal and focused on the actions of people encountered by Jesus. We start with the Pharisees just prior to the Triumphal Entry at the beginning of Passion Week and trace the interactions of key individuals on the way to the cross…..the burial….and empty tomb.
Mark 11:1-7; John 12:12-19: The arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem just prior to Passover during the third year of His ministry was very special. Rather than walk into Israel’s capital city as another religious pilgrim celebrating the festival, He rode into town to the cries of “Hosana! Blessed is he who comes in the name […]
Ephesians 4:25-32; Paul clearly defines the difference between living “your former way of life“, which he identifies as the “old self“. and putting on the “new self“, which is “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness“. The apostle lays out several behaviors that do not align with a spirit indwelled believer in […]
Ephesians 4:17-24; After diverging a bit from his focus on Christian living in 4:1, Paul returns to his instruction by stating, “you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking”. He continues by precisely defining those negative behaviors, which he calls the “old self”, and contrast that with the […]
Ephesians 4:11-16; Paul elaborates on the “grace” of Christ that is given to the church by defininng a group of gifted individuals that form the foundations of the Church. He notes that Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers are given to “equip his people for works of service”. Paul then defines the prominent difference between […]
Ephesians 4:1-10; Following three stout chapters of deep theological instruction, Paul shifts focus to the matter of practical Christian living. He begins chapter 4 with the exhortation, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received,” then lays out the foundations of a genuine Christians walk of faith. Included in […]
Ephesians 3:14-21; Paul concludes the first half of his letter to the church in Ephesus with a profound prayer. He petitions the Lord for strengthe and power through the Holy Spirit so Christ msy dwell richly in the heart of believers. The apostle also requests that the church come to understand the full measure of […]
Ephesians 3:1-13; After relating the profound truth that God has called both Jews and Gentiles to be one new people in the church (chpater 2), Paul continues by elaborating upon the “mystery” that he received by revelation from God in chapter 3. Paul’s commission as a preacher of the gospel of Christ came from God’s […]
Ephesians 2:11-22; Paul follows up his powerful teaching on the nature of God’s gifts of grace and faith through salvation in Christ from Ephesians 2:1-10, with another profound contrast. Gentile believers were once “far away” from the Lord because they were not His chosen people. Israel was the means by which the nations should have […]