Tag Archives: Studying the Bible

Daily Bible Reading “Walk Worthy” (Ephesians 4:1-16)

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Walk Worthy

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 4:1-16. Paul, who considers himself a prisoner of the Lord, exhorts the Ephesians to walk worthy of the calling they have received. Why do you think Paul admonishes the Ephesians to do this? He says they should be humble, gentle, patient, and enduring with one another in love. He exhorts them to diligently try to keep the body of Christ united in the Holy Spirit, in peace.

Paul reminds them that there is one body, one Spirit, one hope of their calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, through all, and in us all. Everyone is given the gift of grace by the measure of Christ’s gift.

In Ephesians 4:8, where Paul says, “Christ ascended on high, led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men,” he is referring to Psalm 68:18 where the Scripture says, “Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.”

Paul says that, “He who descended is the same who ascended above the heavens, that He might fulfill all things. God gives different gifts to each believer; some are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.”

As Christians we are a part of the body of Christ, which is the church. God gave us each different gifts so that we would fit together to make one body. We are given these gifts in order to minister and equip the saints, and to build up the church. If we all had the same gifts then parts of the body would be missing. God chose who would have what gift so we might be unified in our faith and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He wants us to become mature Christians and be filled with the presence, power, and riches of Christ.

First Corinthians 12:18-20 reminds us, “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body.”

Paul goes on to say we need to be mature in Christ so we are no more like children, who are easily deceived. As Christians we should know and speak the truth and grow in the knowledge of Christ, who is the head of the church. Christ has fit together the whole body of the church so we might work together to edify the body of Christ in love.

We need to study the Bible for ourselves in order to know the truth of the Word of God so people can’t deceive us. Paul warns us that there will be those who try to take advantage of us or lead us down the wrong path.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 4:1-16

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

 

Thing to think about:

  • What are some of the gifts God gives to fulfill the needs of the church?
  • Why does Paul refer to the church as a “body?”
  • What gifts has God given you to help further His kingdom?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians where Paul encourages us to be united together in our faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. He tells us to love and be patient with one another. Help us to work together to bring about Your will in the life of the church today. Help us to encourage and lift up our fellow believers in Christ. Help us to use the gifts You have given us to further Your kingdom. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of …

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the vocation wherewith ye are called,

– Ephesians 4:1

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “The Gift of the Grace of God” (Ephesians 3:1-12)

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The Gift of the Grace of God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 3:1-12. Paul starts this chapter by saying “I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles…” What do you think Paul meant by this statement? Was it meant as a way of identification or was he sharing his credentials?

Paul was in prison in Rome when he was writing this letter. Paul wasn’t in prison for criminal acts as we understand it today in our society, but for his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar, the King of Rome, when he was accused of causing a riot.

Paul considered himself to be the prisoner of Jesus Christ for the Gentiles. Paul had given up his own life as a Jewish scholar and government official to do, instead, what God wanted him to do. Paul felt he was where he was by the will of Jesus Christ.

The grace of God to the Gentiles was revealed to Paul through the mystery of Christ. Paul spoke of this mystery in the previous chapter. The mystery wasn’t revealed to men in the past, but was now revealed to God’s holy apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit.

The mystery was that the Gentiles would have an equal share and be of the same body as the Jews. The Gentiles were made to be part of the blessed promise of Christ through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The ministry that God gave Paul was to the Gentiles and he was carrying out the ministry regardless of his location. Paul was called to be a minister by the gift of the grace of God. Through the working of God’s power, he was called to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. Even though Paul thought of himself as being “less than the least of all of God’s chosen people,” God gave him the grace to preach to the Gentiles about the unsearchable riches of Christ.

It was Paul’s duty to explain the plan of God for salvation to the Gentiles. God had kept His plan for the Gentiles a secret from the beginning of time. The plan was that through the church, the wisdom of God would be known to all the apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit.

God’s plan from the beginning was that through Jesus Christ we might all have boldness and confidence to access God, the Father, through our faith in Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior. It no longer mattered if we were a Jew or a Gentile.

We are reminded of this in John 3:16 which says, “For God so loved the word, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God is not a respecter of persons. Notice in this Scripture He said “whosoever believeth.” He made a way for all of us through His precious Son.

Paul reiterates the fact that the gospel of Christ was for both the Jew and the Gentile in these Scriptures:

Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Romans 2:10: “But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.”

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 3:1-12

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

 

Things to think about:

  • Paul was called of God to preach the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles. What has God called you to do for Him?
  • God has given us all special gifts and talents we can use for Him. What are the gifts with which God has blessed you?
  • In what ways has God used you to spread the gospel?
  • What are some ways we can use our gifts and talents to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

In this Scripture we see Paul’s dedication to carry out Your will by preaching Your plan of salvation to the Gentiles. Help us seek to do Your will in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in this day and age. Thank You that You made a way for us all to become Christians and be saved from our sins. We thank You that we have access to You through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Help us to pray and come boldly to Your throne of grace with all our cares and concerns. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and …

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partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. – Ephesians 3:6-7

 

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “One in Christ” (Ephesians 2:11-22)

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One in Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 2:11-22. In this Scripture Paul tells the Ephesians to remember since they were Gentiles by birth they weren’t part of God’s plan in Old Testament times? The law was given by God for the people of Israel, who were Jews. The Jewish people were called the Circumcision because part of God’s law required the men to be circumcised. The Gentiles were called the Uncircumcised because they weren’t under the same law of God.

Paul tells them during the time they were without Christ; they weren’t included in God’s people, Israel. They didn’t know the promises God had for them. They were without hope and without God in this world.

Thank God for Ephesians 2:13, in which Paul says, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Paul says, now Christ has made peace between the Gentiles and the Jewish people by making us all one people. He broke down the partition between us.

When Christ died on the cross He fulfilled the law, which the people hadn’t been able to keep anyway. Jesus Christ became the ultimate sacrifice for sins for both the Jew and the Gentile, making peace between the two of them. By His death on the cross our hostility to each other was put to death. There was no more reason for us to be separated. We were all made one in Christ.

Jesus Christ came and preached peace both to the Jewish people and the Gentiles because through Him we can both come to the Father through the Holy Spirit. Since Jesus’ death on the cross the Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners, but are included as citizens along with the saints and are included in God’s family.

We, the church, are His house, built upon the foundations of the apostles and prophets, and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. We, who are believers, are joined together to become a holy temple for the Lord. Through Christ, the Gentiles were joined together with the Jews to become part of the dwelling place of God through the Holy Spirit.

First Corinthians 6:19 -20 tells us, “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

If you are a Christian, you’ve accepted Christ as your Savior; your body is the temple or dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells in you because you’ve accepted God. You aren’t your own because you were bought with the price of Jesus’ blood through His death on the cross. Therefore, we ought to glorify God in our body and spirit, which is God’s since we were redeemed or purchased by Jesus’ precious blood.


Daily Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:11-22

11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

 

Things to think about:

  • What do you think about the fact that only the Jewish people were included in God’s plan in the Old Testament?
  • In what ways do you show God that you are thankful that He made a way so we all can be saved?
  • If you are a Christian, you have the Holy Spirit living in you. How do you honor your body as God’s dwelling place?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians where Paul tells us about Your provision for the Gentiles. Thank You that You made a way for us that we, as Gentiles, could be saved, through the death of Your Son on the cross. Help us to tell others about this precious gift that You have provided for all of us, both the Jews and Gentiles alike.

We love You, Lord and thank You for the Holy Spirit that comes to dwell in us to lead us and guide us through our lives. Help us to be fit vessels for His dwelling place and for Your temple. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. – Ephesians 2:18

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-This is an excerpt from The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus by Deborah H. Bateman

Click the link above to get your copy now!

 

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Spirit of Wisdom” (Ephesians 1:15-23)

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Spirit of Wisdom

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 1:15-23. We will continue looking at Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus. In lesson one, we saw that as believers in Christ we are blessed with spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). We are chosen by God to be adopted into the family of God as His children and to be made holy in Christ, as Paul explained in Ephesians 1:4.

We are redeemed through the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7). We are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). How does that make you feel? If you are a Christian, God has you in the palm of His hand and He is not going to let you go.

In lesson two, Paul says he heard of the faith of the Ephesians in the Lord Jesus and their love to all the saints. He tells them that he thanks God and prays for them continually. Do you make a habit of praying for other Christians? I would love to have you pray for me.

Let’s take a look at Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians in Ephesians 1:17-23.

Paul prays that God would give them wisdom and knowledge in Him. His desire is that they would understand and know the hope of His calling and the majesty of the inheritance God has for His children. He also prays that they would know the incredible greatness of God’s power to those who believe, by the working of His mighty strength, which He demonstrated when He raised Christ from the dead and set Jesus Christ at His right hand in heaven.

God gave Christ a position which is far above all principality or power or might or dominion (which means governing body) rule over every name that is named in this world and the world to come. God put everything under the authority of Christ and made Him the head of the church. The church is His body, the fullness of Christ, who fills everything everywhere with His presence.

I would love to have someone pray this prayer for me, wouldn’t you? In order for us to understand the things of God it will take the work of the Holy Spirit to reveal it to us. When you hear God’s Word, put your trust and faith in Him, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and receive Him as your Savior, you inherit all the benefits of being a Christian. The most important benefit is the forgiveness of your sin and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

It’s not God’s will that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Not everybody who hears the gospel will trust and believe. That part of the equation is up to you. God is not going to force you to become a believer; He gave you a free will. Have you put your faith and trust in Him?

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 1:15-23

15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,

16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

 

Things to think about:

  • Why should we thank God for other believers?
  • What are some prayers we can pray for other believers?
  • How should we pray for those who are not yet believers?
  • Have you asked God to give you wisdom, knowledge, and understanding so you might know and understand the things of Christ?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians. We pray today that You would give us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding so we might know the hope of Your calling and the riches of Your inheritance to Your children. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, whom You raised from the dead and who sits at Your right hand in heaven. Help us to understand the authority You gave Him over the church and to submit to His authority so we may be pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give …

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unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

– Ephesians 1:17

 

-This is an excerpt from The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus by Deborah H. Bateman

Click the link above to get your copy now!

 

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “We are Chosen” (Ephesians 1:1-14)

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We are Chosen

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 1:1-14. The book of Ephesians is one of many books in the Bible that are letters written by the Apostle Paul to the churches of his day. Paul’s letters were meant to encourage the churches and help them to follow the ways of God. Some of the churches Paul founded. We know from reading Acts 19 that Paul lived in Ephesus for two years. Paul refers to himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. By addressing the letter this way he is telling that he wrote the letter.

You may be a mom, dad, grandparent, pastor, teacher, etc. by the will of God. You are where God has placed you for a reason. He has a plan for your life.

Paul addresses the letter to the saints at Ephesus and the faithful in Christ, which includes those of us who are saved. He greets them by wishing them grace and peace from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul gives glory to God saying, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ.” Paul is talking to Christians and he wants them to understand all the blessings they have in Jesus Christ.

He reminds them that we were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, and we should be holy and blameless before Him in love. We were created to become God’s children and to have an personal relationship and fellowship with God.

Paul says God predestined us to become His children by adoption through Jesus Christ, by His will and for His pleasure. We praise God that because of the glory of His grace, we were made acceptable in the “beloved,” (verse 6) which is Jesus Christ. We have been redeemed.

Jesus paid for our sins through His blood and forgave us because of the riches of His grace, which He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. God’s secret plan, which He designed long ago according to His purpose, is centered on Christ and He has revealed it to us.

God’s plan is that at the right time He will bring everything in heaven and earth together in Christ. In Him we were chosen to receive an inheritance, because He predestined it according to His will. We who first trusted in Christ were chosen to live for the praise of His glory.

When you heard the truth of the gospel of your salvation and believed in Christ, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit, whom God promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that He will give us all He has promised us and that He purchased us to be His children, to the praise of His glory.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 1:1-14

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

 

Things to think about:

  • Have you ever thought that becoming a Christian was similar to adoption?
  • Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If yes, when did you come to know Him? If no, have you considered accepting Jesus as your Savior?
  • What does it mean to be sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that in this Scripture we are reminded how much you love us and that You chose us to be Your children before the foundation of the world.  We pray that You would help us to be obedient and to show Your love to the world so they might come to know You as their Heavenly Father, as well.  We thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who gave His life on the cross so we might be redeemed and forgiven of our sins.  We see in this Scripture that everything is for the praise of Your glory.  We love You, LORD and thank You for all the promises You have given us.  In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 1:2

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-This is an excerpt from The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus by Deborah H. Bateman

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Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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