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.
Sarah D. I have been reading the comments a day later and saw yours about your family. Praying for strength, wisdom and peace in your heart and in the relationship. I am struggling with one as well with one of my brothers and his current wife, and even though we are many states away l feel the Lord telling me to keep praying even though we can not meet face to face any time soon.
Today’s reading hit deep for me. Especially the Lamentations portion, it just put and explanation point on all the rest. His compassion is new EVERY morning! It does not fail.
Thank you SRT family, I have only posted one other time, but your comments prayers and requests help me to stay grounded in the word!
This reading could not be more timely. At this moment, my husband is at church camp with a group, and as I’ve spoken with him, we’ve both been so grieved over the state of the hearts of our young people. They openly declare that they don’t want God to be in charge of their life, that they want to make their rules. At least they are being honest I suppose. This reminded me that we all have and had those rebel hearts. We were all dead. We were all in agreement and loyalty to the ways of the world. But God! It is God who works, it is God who saves, it is God who draws us out of darkness into light because of His great love! oh thank you Jesus, for dying for us and fixing the brokenness. 
Bessie H and Gerin, thank you for sharing. I tend to drift towards despondency over my perceived inadequacies and feel as though I’m disappointing God and I’ll never be good enough. But these verses really reminded me that God has infinite grace and mercy and there is nothing I can do to make Him love me more. God is so good and merciful. Praise Him!
Even when we were dead in our sins (our old lifestyle) Christ died for us. That’s how much He loves us because he doesn’t want heaven without us. HE wants for us to one day be in heaven with Him.
ARINA – May God go before you and with you!
LEXI B – Praying for you that God gives you wisdom re: His will for you AND, if a green light, put people who know how to manage the “business” part in your path.
BESSIE and MARGARET WELLS — Wow!!!
CLAIRE B – Yay! and please listen to TAYLOR :)
TAYLOR – “…He WANTS other people to see us together.” – I especially LOVE that part!!
MAURA – Praying for Lindy and you.
VICTORIA E – praying!
ERB – Thanks!
❤️ So thankful for everyone in this group, and that I even feel the prayers of those who don’t comment! I feel so blessed re: being entrusted with testimonies that allow the “She” to share but, also allows each of us another glimpse into the challenges, valleys, redemption and triumphs of our long-term and short-term situations…it has really impacted my faith journey.❤️
Our old self chased after our fleshly desires, varied they may be for everyone. Now in our new redeemed self those sins are dead. As we seek God our desires become his desires for our lives. We can live fulfilled lives in our new selves. It is comforting to know our transgressions our dead. I often see people shrouded in shame because of past transgressions, yet they are dead and forgiven. The past transgressions no longer need to define you because you are a new creation.
Praying for the many requests.
Hi Everyone! I know I just posted, but I went over to read another devotional that I do and I felt like this fit with what Bessie had written about! Here is a link: https://myf5.co/524984
Just amazing at the joy and freedom Jesus can give!!!
How great is the love God has for us Sisters. Thankful for the word. Always love the mercy for the woman at the well, the woman who was going to be stoned, the lessons these teach us about His unconditional amazing love and grace. Love Lamentation verses this morning – The Lord is my portion, I will put my hope in Him. Praying I can walk as Ephesians 4:1-6 asks, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing, with one another in love, 3 making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Please pray for my daughter Lindy she went to the ER with an appendicitis late last night. Taking off soon to go be with her. Thank you Sisters, His love and joy to your day. His mercies never end. Amen to this. Hold fast to our Lord God, He loves you so dearly.