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24 Days Through Paul's letter of encouragement to the Ephesian Church!

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Ephesians Study Day 24 We come to the end of Paul’s wonderful letter of encouragement to the Ephesians with the final verses: Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus will tell you everything. He is a dear brother and a faithful minister in the Lord. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, to let you know how we are, and to encourage your hearts. Peace be to the whole community, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ. He ends his letter with faith, love, peace, and grace – which he has been stressing throughout his letter. What a joy it’s been to share this time with you! Here’s the final video: And here’s a final song – How Great Thou Art – wit
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Ephesians Study Day 23 Today we come upon taking up the armor of God. We need all of it to protect us! Here are the verses that we should all memorize and live by – Ephesians 6:10-18: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench
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Ephesians Study Day 22 Today we continue with Chapter 6 with these words: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. The wiles of the devil. Often, we’re tempted to think that “the devil” or Satan is an old concept, but that’s not true at all. The reality of evil is very present in our world today, not just in demon possession (though that’s also very real) but also in terms of demon seduction – being seduced to do and say and think things that we know we shouldn’t. It’s very much of a reality, and we need the whole armor of God to withstand those things. We’ll talk about the armor of God tomorrow, but for today, let’s talk about the challenge of being a faithful Christian in a world that can, at times, be very evil. Here's the video: And here’s a wonderful video entitled Bless The One, by Mack Brock, which reminds us that nothing can stop us because God has
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Ephesians Study Day 21 We’re in chapter 6! And after talking about mutuality with husbands and wives, now Paul talks about respect and restraint in raising children. As you listen to the video you’ll see how these words were radically different from how children were raised in Paul’s time! We might not think much of them, but wow – they were a huge departure from the way children were raised back then. Here are the verses from 6:1-4: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother – this is the first commandment with a promise: “so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Listen in and remember to pray for your children and grandchildren! I know we’ve heard Josh Groban’s You Raise Me Up before with these videos, but here he is with a group of beautiful little children from Africa. Enjoy the faces
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Ephesians Study Day 20 Today we finish up Chapter 5 with Paul’s admonition for mutuality and respect in relationships. But wait! Here’s where Paul writes, “Wives, be subject to your husbands as you are to the Lord.” Such an awesome verse! However, it’s a verse that really needs to be understood in it’s context in Ephesians and in the context of Biblical times, so listen in to the video! And since it’s election day, just enjoy this peaceful violin version of In Christ Alone.
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Ephesians Study Day 19 Today we’re still on the beginning verses of Chapter 5 and focusing on Paul’s encouragement for them (and us!) to live as beloved children of God. And in order to do that, not only do we need to try to understand what the will of God is, but we need to live not unwisely, but live wisely as children of light in a dark world. That informs how we live with those who live differently than we do, who may not be Christian, or who may live lifestyles that are counter to what we believe. Rather than shutting ourselves up in a monastery, Paul encourages us to bring light into the darkness around us. Shine your character and honesty into a world that doesn’t value it like we do. Bear the fruit of your character. Live as children of the light! And most of all, remember verse 10: Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord! Here’s the video: Here’s a wonderful Celtic version of Be Thou My Vision.   Enjoy!
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 Ephesians Study Day 18 Today we continue in Chapter 5 with a whole laundry list of things that Christians ought NOT to do!  Read verses 3-20 just for a listing of those, though the most important one in there is verse 10:  Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord!   And at the beginning of the video I mention an outline of chapters 4-6 as to how Paul talks about the "actions" of the Christian life, after the "assurances" of the Christian life in chapters 1-3.  Here's that summary of chapters 4-6: Walk in Unity - 4:1-16 Walk in Purity - 4:17-5:20 Walk in Harmony - 5:21-6:9 Walk in Victory - 6:10-24 So there you have the outline - now listen in to the video: And just for fun, since it's October 31, listen in to this wonderful version of Bach;s  Toccata in D Minor.   How do his fingers move so quickly?!?
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