My friend Christina shamed me into posting a new blog. I think I had a combination of writers block and acute laziness. Thanks, Christina. I needed that.
We finished week 6 of the 8 for the series in Ephesians. One of the huge lessons I have learned is the idea of
identity. Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus was received by a people who were looking to belong. Ephesus was a giant city that was probably the third largest in the Roman Empire. They were a culture that wanted to understand the "mystery" of a deeper life. The only way to discover that mystery was to be involved in the cult of
Artemis. Social, economic, religious, and political life was all centered around the goddess' temple. Life was found there.
For three chapters Paul digs a deep foundation to help us understand who we are. He exposes our soul in the light of the Gospel.
- It is God who has initiated the relationship with humanity.
- The light inside our hearts can turn on to help us understand spiritual things.
- The outrageous grace of God eliminates the stench of death.
- The grace of God unites all believers world-wide
- God has chosen the church to be the means for the world to hear about Grace
- There is a huge contrast between the mind of one who does not know Christ and one who does.
Again and again as the soul is exposed we see the great investment that God has made so that we can know him. Coming to grips with truth always tells us what we need to do.
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