Zion Ephesians Study!

Ephesians Study Day 17 Today we start on Chapter 5 with just the first few verses: Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  Notice the THEREFORE, like in chapter 4.  Based on what Paul writes in chapter 4, therefore...be imitators of God. There's a lot in just those verses that are our focus for today, so listen in! And I'm sure you love memorization of the Scriptures as much as I do.  But do you have as many verses memorized as a 4 year old who has them memorized by the alphabet?  See what you think!

Ephesians Study Day 16 Today we end up Chapter 4 with some wonderfully touching and insightful words from Paul for the local congregation.  I really love how Paul has a real heart for God and wants to pass that along to his fellow believers in Ephesus.  Today we're looking at 4:25-32 so take a little time to slowly read those wonderful words and then listen to the video!   And with Paul's words about love, here's a golden oldie that you likely know, Amazing Love!

 Ephesians Study Day 15 Today we're continuing through Chapter 4 with verses 4-16.  It's a little long to post here so if you can read those verses before listening to the video, that would be helpful.  There are some strange verses in there (9-10) but I think the context of those verses that I share with you will help make it a little easier to understand. Paul is such a masterful writer and an incredible theologian who just loves those Christian believers in Ephesus, and his passion for them continues in these verses! Here's the video: And here's a wonderful song entitled King of Kings - telling the history of the incarnation of Jesus.  Sing along if you know it!

 Ephesians Study Day 14 Today we're still on the very first part of Ephesians Chapter 4 since it's such an important and transitionary portion of Ephesians! Here's Ephesians 4:1-6: I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. Such masterful writing.  And notice the "therefore."   Critical connective word!  Here's the video: Here's a wonderful song with beautiful scenery, called "Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus."  Enjoy and sing along!

Ephesians Study Day 13 Today let's just spend some time with Ephesians 4:1 before we get into the second half of Paul's wonderful letter. Ephesians 4:1 reads like this: "I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called..." What a wonderful verse!  It's actually one of my favorite verses.  And, based on yesterday's lesson, it's time to lead that life right now, rather than putting it off until tomorrow.  That's the theme of our lesson today! Here's the video: Here's a familiar song entitled Oceans , beautifully sung by a father and a son.  Enjoy!

 Ephesians Study Day 12 Let's take a pause today from Ephesians itself to think and wonder about what happened to that congregation at Ephesus which Paul loved so much.  We've just talked about the height, depth, length, and width of God's love for them (and us) in Paul's beautiful prayer for the Ephesian believers. But what happened to them?  Interestingly, we know from the book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John, about 30 years after Paul wrote to the Ephesians.  And it's kind of a sad story.  Revelation 2 and 3 tell of John's letter to the seven churches of Revelation - seven churches that Paul had planted.  Read Revelation 2:1-7, and then listen to the video. Here's a wonderful song about trusting the God Who Moves The Mountains by Corey Voss.  Enjoy!

 Ephesians Study Day 11 Today we have before us Paul's wonderful prayer for the Ephesian believers, rounding out Chapter 3.  Tomorrow we'll look at what happened to the church of Ephesus!  But for now, just let these wonderful words roll over you with the height and depth and width of God's love for you.  Here is how Paul concludes Chapter 3: For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work with...