This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we move from the Gospels and Acts into the Pauline Epistles.
What Is Ephesians? In this letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul calls the Ephesian believers to unity in Jesus because of the gift of salvation they have received. He writes that this unity is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.
How Ephesians Fits Into the Story: Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is an anthem to the grace of God displayed toward sinners in Christ. It contains some of the worst and best news in all of Scripture: we were once spiritually dead because of sin, but God made us alive through Christ. Because of this grace and the gift of salvation, we are called to live righteous lives.
Reflection Questions:
1. Read Ephesians 2:1–6 again. According to verses 1–3, what were the conditions of our old life? According to verses 4–6, what are the conditions of our new life?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
@Kristen Me as well, love how The Chosen really brings it to life for us!! Such a touching scene! Encourage you all to watch it!
Thank goodness for the grace of God, and the forgiveness, washing away all those sins! wow! Thrown away, never to be again! I was on a road trip yesterday discussing this with my sister and her daughter who is 21, and has struggled so much with anxiety and depression since her young teens. I asked for prayer for her a few weeks ago, for she is pregnant from basically a one-night affair. So I was telling her how horrible I was in my twenties and wish I could have turned from it. My sister even made the off-hand comment a bit later of “wow- who would have thought you would be so extreme about religion from how you were in your twenties!” ouch! lol. But yes, we are ALL sinful, others more apparent than others, lol, but we all need Jesus’ forgiveness and direction. I responded that I am passionate about my faith, and want to live it and shine it! But it is sometimes the hardest for us to share with those in our families. ( Of course too with all the split feelings on current affairs today). I am so happy that God tested my faith by bringing me to my knees and drew me close to him and turned my life around. Some of us it takes repeat and repeat of “our” sin, But God….He rinses us clean with the blood of Jesus. Happy Friday friends!
SARAH D Good morning, my dear — I pray you slept last night. I felt every word, every letter of your comment from last night. Please know I am praying for you and, in slightly different circumstances, am feeling the same way! When I went for some spiritual guidance this week, so many topics came up related to my situation (e.g. God’s good will vs. His permissive will).
Also that “There is a time and purpose for everything under Heaven” — I, like you, have tried MY BEST (although realizing sometimes misguided) and have regret on one side and, on the other, frequent “replays” of the things that were said/done to me that are NOT OK — TODAY, I can tell you I am able to believe God will work within each of us and bring about the best possible solution, in His time!! I pray I can say the same tomorrow ;). I’m praying for you, Love
But God!!!
@Bessie and Margaret thank you for sharing! What testimonies to His unmatched power and love!!!
I couldn’t help but think of the scenes in The Chosen when reading about the woman at the well. One encounter with Jesus and she was changed. Her shame was gone and she was joyful! She went and told so many others! Praying this happens for all that need that encounter and that they may find forgiveness, Hope, joy, and salvation in the only One that could pay the price for us! Amen! God bless you all today and always!
I was dead in my sin. By His loving grace & forgiveness I am alive (forever) in Christ! His love moves me forward, and never leaves me. Thank you just isn’t enough—by His Spirit I must live for Him & be a light for others.
This scripture (emphasis mine) goes along with the other scriptures we read today and I wanted to share it with you:
2 Timothy 1:6-14 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 HE HAS SAVED US AND CALLED US TO A HOLY LIFE—NOT BECAUSE OF ANYTHING WE HAVE DONE BUT BECAUSE OF HIS OWN PURPOSE AND GRACE. THIS GRACE WAS GIVEN US IN CHRIST JESUS BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF TIME, 10 BUT IT HAS NOW BEEN REVEALED THROUGH THE APPEARING OF OUR SAVIOR, CHRIST JESUS, WHO HAS DESTROYED DEATH AND HAS BROUGHT LIFE AND IMMORTALITY TO LIGHT THROUGH THE GOSPEL. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 GAURD THE GOOD DEPOSIT THAT WAS ENTRUSTED TO YOU—GUARD IT WITH THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO LIVES IN US.”
Be Blessed today dear sisters!!
I’m so glad jesus loves me enough to forgive me. I want more of the Holy Spirit in my life to lead and guide me. Please pray I have been in terrible pain since yesterday and has awful sleep last night. I’m still pretty uncomfortable.
Praying now Melanie.
Praying for you Melanie