2005 11 November

For several months we will be going through the Book of Ephesians with a fine tooth comb and expect to glean some of the great truths found there in. One author said, "In this Epistle we enter into the Holy of Holies of all of Paul's writings." A. C. Gaebline said, "This Epistle is God's highest and best. Even God cannot say more than what He has said in the filling-full of His Word." We are going to walk along the rim of this "Grand Canyon of Scripture" and see some of the simple words that highlight these truths. We will see: The Saints in Christ; His calling; His inheritance; The purchased possession; The Church is His body; the fullness of Him; His workmanship; One new man; One body; The household of God; God's habitation; The perfect man; Members of His body; Members of one another; A glorious church; The wiles of the devil; Principalities and powers; The rulers of this world; Rulers of darkness, And the whole Armour of God. The above list should give us food for thought and meditation because of the inclusiveness found therein.

God's sovereign working according to His own good pleasure 1:5. God does as He pleases, and we don't have anything to say about it. We may not be pleased with His pleasure for us at a particular time, but in the long run and when we look back we will see that He knew what was best for that particular time. Some one may say, "That's not fair!" Let me ask those who think it's not fair; did you have anything to say when you were born into this world? You had no choice in the first birth and as God begins to work on the heart of the unsaved it is much like the first birth. In the first birth it is one cell dividing and making two and ad infinitum until the body is completely formed and ready for birth. In the Spiritual birth God works in ways we don't understand, but looking back on it, we see the hand of God working on us day after day until we respond to his tender loving care and mercy for us. I've never met a born-again person who complained about being born into the family of God. Have you? "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" I'm glad God worked in our lives and gave us the gift of eternal life. RJS

Blessed be God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. In this sentence the apostle Paul opens the door into Ephesians and gives us a glimpse of what awaits us. It is the key to His house of spiritual treasures. Paul cannot wait to unfold these riches, so he places, as it were, a nugget of gold in our hands as an earnest of what we will find inside. In one sentence Paul gives us a revelation of what the Book will unfold to us as we read and study it. In one little nugget we have an opened door to the blessings God is going to give us and they are as follows: Blessed us, v.3; Chosen us, v.4; Predestined us, vs. 5, & 11; Made us accepted, v.6; Redeemed us, v.7; Abounded towards us, v.8; Made known unto us, v.9; Given us an inheritance, vs. 11, & 14; and Sealed us, v. 13.

Now we come to the bequeathed! I want to share an outline I received many years ago from an elderly minister who is now with the Lord regarding God's will and gifts to us. His Perfect Will, vs. 1:1,5,9,11; His Grace, vs. 1:6,7; His Glory, vs. 1:12,14; His Power, v. 1:19; His Love, 2:4; His Good pleasure, v. 1:9; Purpose, vs. 1:11, 3:11; His Calling, v. 1:18; His Inheritance, v 1:18, and Workmanship, v. 2:10. We will miss the blessing if we do not understand that all that God has done for us is to glorify His Son. What Paul has said so far is in perfect agreement with the prayer of our Lord in John 17: 21 and 24.

There is not the slightest trace of down heartedness in Ephesians even though it was written from the Mamertine Prison in Rome. On the contrary, the Apostle Paul steps over the threshold of his suffering and leads the readers into a deeper peace and assurance than any of his other writings. The vast deposit of riches to be found in Ephesians is not according to our riches deposited in heaven, but rather the riches that Christ has deposited to our account and they are there for the Christian to withdraw from every moment of ever day. It is these riches that we are going to delve into in these devotions, so start looking for the riches. RJS

The resources are ample for our needs, and also inexhaustible. No matter how much we withdraw, we are never overdrawn. They cover all past debts, present liabilities and provide for all future needs. They are threefold: The riches of His grace 1:7, the riches of His glory 3:16 and Christ's own personal riches are at our disposal 3:8. Now to enumerate some of the riches found in this Book: "Grace" is mentioned 12 times, "glory" 8, "inheritance" 4, "riches" 5, "fullness" 3, "fill or filled" 4, the last and the almost incomparable, "in Christ" or its equivalent 27 times. This is so different from what is taught by some churches; they believe you or someone else can do good works and then you are able to draw on the resources from them. No one can do good works for another, nor can we expect our good deeds to merit anything. We are only saved by His grace, filled with His glory, obtaining an inheritance, and given His riches, because otherwise we are beggars. We cannot in ourselves, obtain the fullness of the filling of the Holy Spirit. He chose us and gave us the filling before the foundation of the world.

The Reserves in Heaven's Bank are beyond our imagination. We can only think in dollars. Dollars mean nothing in heaven! The vaults of heaven are full of gold, silver and precious stones whose value is beyond our comprehension, filled before the foundation of the world and the believer was named as co-owner with Christ millenniums before time was established. Earthly banks can be sold, fail, lose all their assets, but the treasures laid up in heaven were determined in eternity past and will be there for eternity future. Our hearts can rest in confidence, because the all-sufficient reserves are in Christ. You are in Christ and you have an inheritance that was bought with His precious blood. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in all spiritual blessings," 1:3. In John 17:21-24, we read that before Christ died, He made arrangements for us to share in every thing that belonged to Him. Nothing was left to chance; everything was prepared before He could say "It is finished." RJS

In the Greek, these verses form the longest sentence in the Bible. There is no part of this sentence where a stop can be made. Paul is telling us that God carries us from eternity to eternity by His grace and glory. Let us now look at some of the wealth we have in Christ.

We are CHOSEN; 4According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: In God's sovereign will, He made the choice before the foundation of the world to choose you. That choice was both absolute and final. However, we also have a choice; we are not robots, but He knew in advance who would respond. Oh, the joy of being one of the chosen and in this choice He is conforming us to the image of His Son.

We are PREDESTINED; 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Jesus Christ is uniquely His Son by the virgin birth, in that the eternal Son took upon himself a human body in order that he might be the Crucified Saviour of all who were chosen before the foundation of the world. We are adopted into the family of God by the work of Christ, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Word of God brought conviction; the Holy Spirit used the Word of God to bring that conviction into our hearts. Through regeneration, or the new birth, we now have a new nature and a new Father. Truly God is our Father. The results of this transaction is that we are now joint-heirs with Christ and share all the possessions and privileges of our risen Lord Jesus Christ.

We are ACCEPTED; 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. What a gracious word! What a wealth of experience that is. We, who were the children of wrath, disobedient, far off, strangers and without hope are now accepted in the Beloved Son and the merciful Father. These three are just the beginning of what is in store for us. There is more, much more, and we shall see it as we pursue this long sentence (verses 4-14) that Paul gave us for our edification and spiritual education. RJS
(continued tomorrow)

Redeemed from the slave markets of sin; 7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.; So often we hear people say, I'm going to do my own thing! That's not true, they are going to do the bidding of Satan and are, without knowing it, subjects of his slavery and cannot see it. Sin is so deceitful. It looks good and everybody is doing it. It is the only way to be popular and in the "in society." What they don't understand or care about is that sin requires a payday. It may not be in this world, but its wages are death and hell. "Redemption" is a present-tense verb and is now our personal possession. It is given to the believer by God's mercy and grace. Who can take away or remove a gift from God? Here is a question - Why did God send His Son to the cross to die for us? The Bible gives us the answer, According to the riches of His grace.

We are enlightened; 8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself. The word "mystery" does not mean some mysterious action, but it is revealed to us what that action is. "Mystery" is something that was not understood by the prophets of old; therefore they sought to look into it but could not find the answer. We know what it is when we understand that it is a work of God that as mankind we could not do. This was done according to good pleasure of His will and cannot be changed. God does not change; therefore, our salvation is as assured as the sun will rise every day until God stops the rotation of the earth. We were dead in our trespasses and sins, but now are made alive in Christ; therefore, we can now know the will of God and discern what He wants according to His will. The unsaved are a slave to Satan; we are bond slaves to Christ. The sinner does not know of his slavery, we know and by choice are servants, "bond slaves" to Christ, because we love Him and want to do His will. RJS
(continued tomorrow)

We have obtained an inheritance; 10That 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. Many Christians look forward to a "pie in the sky" experience, not knowing that it is a here and now experience. 11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will. We have already obtained this inheritance in Christ; we are as wealthy as He is right now. We want to add a few verses that strengthen what we are reading about. 1 Cor. 3:21-13, For all things are yours . . . whether things be present, of things to come; all are yours ; and ye are Christ's and Christ's is God's. Romans 8:32, He that spared not his own son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also give us all things. Romans 8:17, If children then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Take a moment to stop and thank God for these verses and the promises that He has given us. A time of praise and prayer will give you more assurance that you now possess all that is Christ's. 12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13In 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. There are three steps involved in this verse. You heard, the Word presented to you is God's instrument to your salvation. You believed, in Christ as your Saviour and received Him into your heart, and at that moment you were born into God's family as His child. You are sealed, God marks his own as the rancher brands his cattle. God's special mark is upon you and that identifies you as belonging to God and Satan has no more power over you. Oh yes, he tries and sometimes is successful for a time, but you always return to your family and your father. You are a child of God and as such are the purchased possession of God through the work of Christ on the cross. Don't ever let some cultist come along and destroy your wonderful faith that is based on the great truths of the Scriptures. RJS
(continued tomorrow)

Lastly, are you secure? 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. There is a question that haunts many true believers, which is, "Once saved by grace, are we eternally saved?" Yes, a thousand times yes! God's promise for the present and the future are His pledge or the earnest of the Holy Spirit. When God purchased us as His very own, He gave the Holy Spirit as a down payment, which was His pledge for all eternity. Until the redemption of the purchased possession Ephesians, more than any other book in the Bible, reveals the eternality of our salvation. One old country preacher said, "I was saved, I am saved and I shall be saved." What he meant was, I was saved when I trusted Christ as my Saviour, I now know that I am saved, and I will be saved for all eternity. It is a finished work that no man can change, not even you. I used the following illustration in church several years ago. Anna Allemang was a very small child and I asked her to come to the front of the church. She came forward and I clasped her hands in my hands then I asked the biggest strongest man in the church to come and enclose my hands in his hands. Then I asked Anna to pull her hands out from my hands and she could not do it. You see, we are clasped in Christ's hands and His hands are clasped in the Father's and there is no way we can pull our hands out of this double eternal clasp. John 10:28-29 I gave unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. The eternal Godhead worked all this out before the foundation of the world and with the triune God nothing changes. To the praise of his glory. If a single redeemed one, saved by His grace missed the final glorification, God's own glory would be greatly diminished and Christ's prayer would be unanswered. Every saint must be glorified on that day and be forever with his Saviour. We feel sorry for those believers who do not have this eternal hope in their hearts, and are always afraid they will lose their salvation. RJS

15Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints. I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. The Apostle had heard from other sources of the faith of these Ephesian believers, however, when we turn to Revelation 2:4 and read Nevertheless I have something against you, because you have left your first love. What a tragedy to have lost that relationship of enduring love for Christ. Paul prayed specifically for these believers that their faith in Christ should not waver, and this was a daily or unceasing prayer for them. If you have an unsaved loved one that you are praying for, how often do you pray for their salvation, once a day, once a week, or once a month? Persistent prayer changes the person for whom you are praying. Remember the woman who would not take no from the judge, she finally won by her persistence, Luke 18:2-8.
17That 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: Paul continued to pray that these believers would receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation; wisdom to understand the Word of God and the knowledge that God wanted them to have regarding the present and the future.

18The 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. The eye gate and the ear gate are the most open to gaining knowledge and understanding. That's why the television is so popular and steals so much time from the Christian. It is through the eye and ear that we gain knowledge of the riches of the glory and inheritance we have in Christ Jesus.

19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. The first word for power is "dunamis" means miraculous power, the power used in your salvation. The second power is "kratos" = dominion, might, great power and strength. You did nothing in your salvation, but you can do all things in Christ. Think about that! Try it, you'll like it! RJS

22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church. 23Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. This picture of the church being the body of Christ is seen only in Paul's writings. The church being the body of Christ is ruled by the Head and is under the compelling will of the Head. Cf. Col. 1:18, He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. This means that Christ as the Last Adam is the Creator of a whole new race of born-again believers. Truly we are a new creation in Christ Jesus, II Cor. 5:17, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are past away; behold all things are become new. A Redeemer without the redeemed would be no Redeemer, but now as members of His body, we are full and complete in Him who brings all things to completion. The church is a piece of heaven on earth; Philippians, 3:20, For our conversation (manner of life) is in heaven from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. We don't always show it, but the church is a separated people, separated unto God and sheltered from the evil one. In these evil days when the sensual sins are so proliferated in every form of communication, we need more than ever before to be walking in the Spirit and moment by moment controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Because we are inherently joined together by the Spirit we form a living unit and one organism in the body of Christ. I Cor. 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. and II Cor. 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Regardless of our family tree or national background or status at birth, we are all one in Christ and therefore living in liberty. Let's not take liberty for license, lest we be backsliders and tarnished with the ways of the world. RJS

And you hath he quickened (made alive) who were dead in trespasses and sins. We were dead in trespasses and sin and didn't know it. Most of the world is also in that state of spiritual unconsciousness and are lost in their sins. We were like them, but God stepped in and changed our destiny from hell to heaven. This is the love of God that was extended to all at the cross of Calvary. Christ died for the sins of the world, but we must accept that on an individual basis as the Holy Spirit works in our hearts.

2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. We were slaves to sin and did not know it. We thought we were in charge of our destiny and had nothing to worry about, but we were wrong.

"Invictious"
"Out of the night that covers me
Black as the put from pole to pole
I think whatever gods maybe for my unconquerable soul
In the fell clutch of circumstances I have not winced nor cried aloud under the budge openings of chance
My head is bloody but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years finds and shall find me unafraid
It matters not how straight the gate how chard with punishments the scroll I am the master of my fate I am the captain of my soul."

What the author of the above poem did not know was that Satan was at the helm of his ship and his final destiny was hell.

3Among whom also we all had our conversation (manner of life) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. All that are without Christ are as the poor soul in the poem, but thanks be to God, His mercy reached down and laid His hands on us and we responded to His love and compassion. RJS

4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). This passage begins with the conjunction of contradiction "BUT". Verses 1-3 tell us what we were, and then verse 4 opens up with a complete change of thought. So often we hear two or three people talking about someone, and most of the conversation is regarding the good of that person and then one will say, "But have you noticed such and such about them?" That one sentence now changes the conversation to the problem brought up. In our text God tells us how bad we were, but He now enters into a new thought of how much He loves us and tells of His plan to save us. What a wonderful God we have to take us in our sinful state and transform us into a new creature that now is in the likeness of His Son. We were dead in sins, but now are "quickened" made alive in Christ. Not only changed from the worst here but changed for the best now and over there. By grace you are saved, what is grace? We've used this before, but the best explanation I know of is in the form of an acrostic, "God's riches at Christ's expense." The first movement of our salvation is not of man moving toward God, but just the opposite, God moves toward us. This inner-working is preformed by the Holy Spirit as He leads us through some medium of hearing and seeing and then convincing us that we are sinners in need of salvation. Once that inner-working is in process, things begin to fall together and we start thinking about our manner of life and future destiny.

6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenlies in Christ Jesus: 7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Now God again works in preparing us to be a trophy to be paraded before Satan to show what He can do with one of Satan's children and begins the process of conforming us to the image of Christ. This transformation is a miracle. Some times we meet people who say there are no miracles today, but they are wrong; every born-again Christian is a modern miracle. RJS

8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. All of the world's religions are oriented around "DO" works in one form or another. All the cults are also set up on a form of works. However, for Christians it is "DONE." This is the main difference between religion and Christianity. Never refer to your faith as a religion because it is not; it is a faith in Christ who did all the work for us at Calvary. Not one Christian can boast that he did something to be saved. I once asked a deacon how long I would have to pray to be saved? He responded, "You can pray until you die and not know that you are saved." It's not prayer that saves us; it's faith in Christ's finished work.

10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. What part does man have in the transition from being a sinner to being a saint? God tells us plainly, "NOTHING!" Just as we had nothing to do with our salvation, that is we could not work for it, neither can we work for our sanctification

11Wherefore 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; 12That 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: 13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Let us never forget what we have been saved from. Also, let us never forget that it was God's choice in setting aside Israel, for a time, and choosing the Gentiles to be the heirs of eternal life through Christ. Believers are charged with the responsibility to reach out to others and salvage them from Satan and the ways of the world. You were saved because someone told you of your lost condition and led you to Christ by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit that was working in and through them is now working in you to reach out and tell another lost soul what it means to be saved and lead them to Christ. RJS

14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. Christ broke down the wall or fence that separated Jews and Gentiles. A wall of stone, about six feet high, separated the court of the Gentiles from the Jews in the Temple compound. To climb over that wall meant death to any Gentile. Even though the Jews lived among the Gentiles then, and still do, they endeavor to separate themselves from the Gentiles as much as possible. To the unbelieving Jew even today, in their mind, the Gentile is a "goyim," or non-Jew. At Christ's death, the wall was broken down and that was shown to both Jew and Gentile when the Temple Veil was rent in half and all men had access to the Holy of Holies. The Law of Moses was no longer in effect, it was set aside for the new covenant that opened the door to all people to come to God through Christ Jesus.

15Having 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. Both Jew and Gentile now had access to the throne of Grace and Mercy in Christ. The first Church in Jerusalem was Jewish, and even they did not fully comprehend that the Gentiles could come to faith without circumcision. That's why there was contention in the church as recorded in Acts 15:13-21.

16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. 17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. Christ's death on the cross and the Holy Spirit came and preached through the Apostles the perfect plan of salvation in Christ. Now through Christ we have access to the throne of the Father and that's why we should always approach the Father in the name of the Son. After all, the Son came to glorify the Father and we too are to glorify the Father through the Son. We who were strangers are now the sons and daughters of God and it is perfectly proper for us to call Him "Abba" or Papa. RJS

15th

November 15
The Chief Corner Stone
Ephesians 2:10-22

20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. The church is the body of Christ and it is built on the teachings of the Apostles and Prophets with Christ being the Head, or the Corner Stone. The true Foundation was Christ and the Apostles and Prophets have been made part of the foundation of Christianity. All believers are built on this foundation, and are kept in good repair by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Oh, by the way, this is not the only mention of the cornerstone. Christ is referred to the head of the Corner or the Corner stone in the following verses: Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; I Peter 2:6, 7. Fitly framed (harmoniously) together to form a unity of believers that work together to continue building the church from generation to generation. Unto an holy temple in the Lord, The Temple of Solomon, the rebuilt Temple of Ezra and the Temple of Herod have all been destroyed and there is now a new temple, it is the body of Christ and each individual is a part of the present temple. The Temple was the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit here on the earth. Now the believer is the Temple! It is interesting that the temple of Diana, the pagan goddess of fertility was in Ephesus. This area of Western Turkey also had a small temple to Satan at Pergamos. About the turn of the 20th century a German archeologist took that temple apart stone by stone, numbered each of them and reassembled it in Germany. Paganism and the cults also have temples, but these are man made and are built on false teachings and denial. They all set forth the idea that we are gods and we don't need another God. Some year's ago a book was published under the name "The God Makers." It revealed the false teachings of one of a major cult in the Rocky Mountains and reaching out to the world by their young missionaries going two by two and door to door with their false teachings. Dear friend, don't let your guard down and fall into false teachings that are so prevalent today. RJS

16th

November 16
The Church a Special Revelation to Paul
Ephesians 3:1-9

God states in this passage that He is doing a new thing; He had planned it before the world was formed and now it is coming to fruition through the prophets who wrote about it not knowing what they were writing. It is a new dispensation and a new relationship with God through Christ that had not before been known. 1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2If (since) ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5Which 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. 6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: That the Gentiles would be fellow-heirs and partakers of the promise in Christ. What a statement and this was offensive to the Jews, but opened the door for our salvation. Anti-Semitism is alive and well. Some years ago a church in another part of the world, announced that "Jews would no longer worship with them." One of the members was a dedicated Messianic Jewish Missionary to the Jews in that city. He was forced to leave the church and start a Jewish Church. This was over 60 years ago and there is a movement among several of the larger denominations in America which are taking an Anti-Semite position towards local Jewish believers and also against Israel. They have forgotten that we are one in Christ; the middle wall of partition has been broken down.

7Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8Unto 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;
Note the humility of the Apostle 8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given. It would pay rich dividends if we, as Christians, would practice this today among our fellow believers. To be Christ like is to show great humility and not be proud of it. RJS

17th

November 17
What is this Great Mystery of Fellowship
Ephesians 3:10-12

9And 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: 10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
REMEMBER there was a time that you were helplessly and hopelessly lost in the depths of sin. REMEMBER that you were a pagan and foreigner belonging to a pagan society and under the curse of sin and eternal damnation. REMEMBER that God has no favorites, all are equal in His sight, and everyone has the same access to the throne. After all, we are a royal priesthood and a chosen generation. REMEMBER that we are a new creation, we belong to a super race and share a super destination. We belong to the heavenly nation and our allegiance it to the Ruler and Creator of the Universes and all that is therein. REMEMBER that you did nothing to earn your salvation, it was a gift from God and His mercy and love purchased you from Satan's house of slavery with the Blood of Christ.

13Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. As was mentioned earlier the Apostle was in prison in Rome and under extreme persecution. In all his suffering he was rejoicing that the people in this church were faithful and students of the teachings he had given them.

14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. Have you learned the simple secret of prayers that give praise and glory to God for all that He has done for you? As the angel said, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth Peace and Good will." David learned that the only prayer that counted was to praise God and thank Him for the forgiveness that only God can give. Paul speaks of praise and thanksgiving all through his writings. Isaiah knew what it was as the seraphim's cried out, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts." RJS

18th

November 18
Paul's Two Prayers
Ephesians 3:14-23

Paul's first prayer in this book is recorded in 1:15-23 that you may know the revelation and enlightenment. 23 that you may know the Power of God working in you; You are in Christ and the fullness of Christ is in you. The Second Prayer in our text as follows: 14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. 16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. 17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (Love is the soil in which we must grow and the foundation on which we must build). 18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height (Love is boundless breadth; Endless, length; Fathomless, depth; and Measureless, height). All that is included in these four is submerged in the love of God; the love that comprehends all that is above, below, and past, present and future. It encompasses the universe and time, it is eternal. It reaches into the depth of sin and infamy, to the height of the infinite divinity. It passes all knowledge and wisdom. God's gift to us is the measure of His love to us and the blessed ministry of the Holy Spirit that transforms men and women from the life of sinners to the life of saints.
19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly (Super-abundantly above the greatest that we may ask or think. In His willingness to do for His people there are no limitations according to His promises), above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. The church will exist throughout eternity. We use the word ages because we don't understand eternity. Eternity is a timeless experience that the human mind cannot understand. This prayer brings the realization and ennoblement that you are now experiencing the fullness of Christ; The power of God working through Christ in you. RJS

19th

November 19

The Walk of the Christian
Ephesians 4:1-6

Ephesians 1-3 gave us a revelation of our wealth in Christ. A wealth that is not to be hoarded, but rather kept in circulation that it may minister to others. These last three chapters show others how Christ should be seen here on earth. We are going to begin with the seven-fold walk of the Christian life.

A Walk in Unity: 1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We are created a new creature in Christ and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, therefore we should show the unity of the Godhead in all that we say or do. 4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling. John 17:20-23, (please read these verses). He did not pray that there would be one church, but rather He prayed for ONE BODY. On the birthday of the church at Pentecost, the 120 were in prayer together for the ministry of the Spirit and the HOLY SPIRIT descended upon them and anointed them for their ministry. ONE HOPE was placed in their hearts and they went forth preaching the Gospel of Christ's Death, Resurrection and coming again. Followed by. 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. The Triune God dwells in every born-again believer and will never leave nor forsake His own. We are to walk worthy of our calling, vs.1. We are to walk in all lowliness and humility, vs. 2; Acts 20:19; I Peter 5:5. We are to walk in meekness, vs. 2; Matthew 5:5. We are to walk in longsuffering, vs. 2; I Cor. 13. We are to walk forbearing one another in love vs.3. We are to walk in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of love, vs.3. Seeing that all these things are required of us, we need to re-examine our attitudes towards others and show forth the love of Christ to all our fellow-men! Many believers do not go to the same church we go to, but are in love with the Lord even as all Baptist's should be. All believers are in the Body of Christ. Fall on your knees and thank God you are part of the Body as you pray for others. RJS

20th

November 20
The Diversity and Unity of Gifts in Christ
Ephesians 4: 7-10

7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. There is not a believer that does not have the gift of Grace. The only problem is that most of us do not understand just what that gift is. We are to show forth grace to our tormentors, even when we are being persecuted or opposed in our stand for the Lord. Some times this is difficult and we allow the old flesh to come through and when that happens we lower ourselves to their level. Some years ago in a church a man was telling the deacons everything that was wrong with me in my presence. I listened and never said a word in my defense. Finally that man ran out of things that were wrong and asked them what they were going to do about it. They said, "Nothing"! He was so furious that he stomped out of the meeting, and that was the last we saw of that man. "A soft word turneth away wrath." Proverbs 15:1.

The scene changes and we are given some insight as to where the Old Testament saints were, and where they are now. 8Wherefore 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? 10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) When Christ descended into the earth during the time his body was in the tomb, he gathered the Old Testament saints that were in "Abraham's Bosom," as recorded in Luke 16:19-31. The believers from Adam to the time of Christ's death were liberated and carried through the atmosphere (Satan's dominion, for Satan is the prince of the power of the air). Christ's victory flight is to show Satan's defeat at the cross. Their bodies were still in the ground, but their souls and spirits were alive with Abraham and all went with Christ into paradise. This included the poor beggar that was carried by the angels to Abraham's Bosom. This proves the immortality of the spirit and soul of all humanity. Now all who die in Christ go directly into glory, Paul said in II Corinthians 5:7-10 that we go directly into his presence and await the rapture when all the saints, dead and alive, will be gathered in heaven for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, Hallelujah! RJS

21st

November 21

Nine-fold Purpose of the Gifts
Ephesians 4:11-14

11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, Four different offices are mentioned above, and each has his designated office or ministry. It is believed, by most commentators that the Pastors and Teachers should be "Pastor-Teacher" or one office with a double barreled ministry, for the work of the ministry. Every minister should be a good teacher. He should preach on the great, cardinal truths found in the scriptures and never deviate from them. He should not leave any of them out, but should teach and answer any questions that arise so that all, who listen, will get the message, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Feeding and shepherding the flock is his primary responsibility. A well-fed flock will reproduce and reach out in the community with the good news that Salvation is available to all who will accept it. 13Till 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 fullness of Christ. It is so sad that many preachers have departed from these great truths and now are feeding the flock on pabulum and short rations, neglecting to bring the flock to an adult understanding of the measure and stature of the fullness of Christ in them. 14That 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. A child is easily swayed from the truth by other children or false teachers, but we are to be adults and aware of any false teacher that comes to our door with a new revelation, teaching or doctrine that is not scriptural. Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. RJS
(to be continued)

22nd

November 22
Nine-fold Purpose of the Gifts (Continued)
Ephesians 4:15-16

15But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. There are three ways of speaking the truth, 1. That others will not be offended or turned off by our witnessing. 2. That others will receive it in wise counsel and not be offended, but will respond. 3. After much prayer and speaking in love, that the Holy Spirit will lead you to say just the right things, and not be offensive or use words that are not understood by the one you are witnessing to. 16From 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. All believers are in one body, the Body of Christ, therefore we need the leading of the Spirit in all conversations and action that others will truly understand that we are sincere and believe what we say.

Walking in Holiness
Ephesians 4:17-19
17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind. The word "therefore" is used seven times in Ephesians and it is always a signpost to bring two thoughts together and it compels our attention. Therefore the old has been set aside for the new and the new is God's working through the church. Vanity of vanities is spoken by Solomon in Eccl. 37 times in 12 short chapters. Solomon set out to show the utter fallacy of earthly things - - sins, pleasures, and pursuits of the flesh are the chief end of life, then all is vanity. He also said the final conclusion of the whole of life is to fear God and keep His commandments. Pride is the result of vanity and a high look and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked is sin Proverbs 11:34. We are charged again by Paul to remember what we were and now to walk in the newness of life. This is not just a change of mind, but a complete change of character and attitude toward the world and its ways. That's why Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, by the renewing of your mind. RJS
(to be continued)

23rd

November 23

Walking in Holiness
Ephesians 4:17-19

17This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind. 18Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. 19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. The nine fold state of the unbelievers is listed for us in these verses and we are not to walk in any of them. 1. Vain in mind - controlled by ego and self-glory. 2. Dark in understanding - simply blind to the great truths and on many occasions totally denying the truth. 3. Alien to God's word and life - there are so many people today that know nothing about the Bible and could care less. All restraints are removed when we destroy the Ten Commandments. No one could keep the Commandments, and that is why the law was fulfilled when Christ died on the cross. He kept them for us! 4. Ignorant of God - Paul enjoys using "ignorant" because he is warning us to be "enlightened" just the opposite. If we are not taught the great truths of the Scriptures and do not read the Bible, we are ignorant and blind to the truth. 5. Blind in heart - The god of this world has blinded the minds of them that believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ should shine unto them, 2 Cor 4:4. 6. Past feeling - No longer any compunction to do what is right and good. 7. Lustful - Amoral is the next step and we are there in our society today. All moral standards are put away and anything goes. Marriage between one man and one woman is out of style and old fashioned. 8. Unclean - Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 9. Greed - The love of money is the root of all evil. Gambling and state run lotteries keep the poor, poor and white collar crimes in the business world. Yes, things have changed. RJS

24th

November 24

Things to Put Off
Ephesians 4:20-24

20But ye have not so learned Christ. In verse 20 and following, God makes it perfectly clear that our identification with Christ, His death and resurrection we are new creatures, but we still have the old Adamic nature and will have it until we leave these sinful bodies and enter into His presence. Romans chapter 6 is very clear that we have been delivered from the power of sin, but not one verse says we are delivered from the presence of sin. Sad to say the old nature is not eradicated, instead we now have two natures. The old sinful nature is poisoned with the blood of the first Adam. The blood of the Second Adam, our Lord Jesus Christ, cleanses our new everlasting nature. Within every saint are two natures; the old yields to the instigation's and the enticement of the world and seeks to regain a foot hold in our lives, but by the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the new nature we can be over comers. In Chapter 5:18 we are told to be filled with the Spirit, a more acceptable translation of this verse is "be being filled," it is in the present tense and a continuous action. We will write more on this when we get into the 5th chapter.

21If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Again we see the contrasts between the two natures in these verses. However, returning to Romans 6:6 we read We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. We are crucified and that means we are now dead to sin. When the Spirit controls your life the old nature is dead. Reckon, (Count) it dead and live unto Christ! Put off … the old man. In God's reckoning we died with Christ and in that death with Christ the old man died and God is recreating new creatures in the resurrected Christ; that's you and me. What a glorious life it will be when we fully understand this and count ourselves to be as dead as God counts us. RJS

25th

November 25
True Holiness Demands Putting Off the Former Life
Ephesians 4:25-29

25Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. It is unbecoming of the Christian to even insinuate a falsehood. The beauty of truth is that when you tell the truth, you don't have to remember what you said.

26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: There are reasons for righteous wrath, but we all need to learn to control our tempers and anger. Road rage is a form of anger and we need to show patience towards the foolish drivers that cut us off and make turns with out signaling. If you do lose your temper and say something that you should not have said, make sure that you apologize before you go to bed.

27Neither give place to the devil. Resist the devil and he will flee from you, according to James 4:7. Don't be like the little girl who has told not to touch the cake on the table because it was for friends who were coming later that day. She cut a piece of cake and late the mother told her that she should have told the Devil to get behind her. The child replied, "I did, but I also told the Devil to get behind me and push."

28Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Shop lifting is out! If you receive too much change from the cashier you should inform them that they made a mistake and return the extra amount you received.

29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Slang words such as "Gosh, darn, gee" are only slang for "God, damn, Jesus". We need to watch our language because others are listening. Off-color jokes are not to be in our conversations because the unsaved hear them and consider our testimony to be false. Unclean and foul language can only be traces to one thing, the heart. Remember the heart is deceitful above all things, who can know it, Jeremiah 17:9 and Matthew 15:18-20. Whatever in the slightest degree is morally tainted or destructive to faith is utterly out of place in the Christian's conversation. RJS
(Continued tomorrow)

26th

November 26

True Holiness Demands Putting Off the Former Life
Ephesians 4:30

30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. This is addressed to Christians, and it proves that it is possible for them to grieve the Holy Spirit. The word used here means to afflict with sorrow; to make sad or sorrowful. It is rendered to make sorry, or sorrowful, Thessalonians 4:13. It is rendered "grieved," 1 Peter 1:6. The common meaning is, to treat others so as to cause grief. Do not act toward the Holy Spirit in a manner that would produce pain in the bosom of a friend who loves you. There is a course of conduct which will drive that Spirit from the mind as if he were grieved and pained by your ingratitude to the heart of an earthly friend, and cause him to leave you." If asked what that conduct is, we may reply:
(1) Open and gross sins. They are particularly referred to here; and Paul means that theft, falsehood, anger, and kindred vices, grieve the Holy Spirit and cause him to stand aside.
(2) Anger, in all forms. Nothing is more suited to drive away serious and tender impressions from the mind, than the indulgence of anger.
(3) Licentious thoughts and desires; the Spirit of God is pure, and He dwells not in a soul that is filled with corrupt imaginings.
(4) Ingratitude. We feel ingratitude more than almost anything else; and why should we suppose that the Holy Spirit would not feel it also?
(5) The Spirit of God is grieved by our neglect. Often he prompts us to pray. When we neglect these treasured moments we lose sweet fellow-ship with God.
(6) Resistance. Christians often resist the Holy Spirit. He leads us to be dead to the world; yet we pursue our plans for gain. He would teach us the folly of fashion and vanity; yet we deck ourselves in the most frivolous apparel. All these things are needful for a Christian to show piety. To yield to the gentle influences of the Spirit that would draw us to prayer and closer to heaven. It is sad that these things are not discussed more frequently in Christian circles, but we always talk about mundane things, such as the children, our homes, our cars, our vacations and tomorrows plans. Shame on us! RJS

27th

November 27
Christians Walking in Love
Epesians 4:31-32

31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
And wrath The word here does not differ essentially from anger. All cherished, unreasonable anger. And clamour Noise, disorder, high words; such as men use in a brawl, or when they are excited. Christians are to be calm and serious. Harsh contentions and strife's. And evil-speaking Slander, backbiting, tale-bearing, reproaches, etc. With all malice Every form of evil is to be put away, and you are to manifest only that which is good.

32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
And be ye kind one to another 1 Peter 3:8. Christianity produces true courteousness, or politeness. It does not make one rough, crabby, or sour; nor does it dispose its followers to violate the proper rules of social contact. The secret of true politeness or a desire to make others happy; and a Christian should be the most polite of people. There is no love in a sour, hate of distrust and mean temper; none in rudeness, stiffness, and repulsiveness; none in violating the rules of good breeding. There is a hollow-hearted politeness, which the Christian is not to copy. Our politeness is to be based on "loving kindness;" Colossians 3:12. Our courtesy is to be the result of love, goodwill, and a desire of the happiness of all others; and this will prompt to the kind of conduct that will render our conversation with others agreeable and profitable. Tenderhearted Having a heart filled with compassion, and especially disposed to show kindness to the faults of erring brethren. Forgiving one another as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you As God, on account of what Christ has suffered and done, has pardoned you. He has done it: "freely" without merit on your part when we were in the wrong. If we were to forgive as God forgives and remember it no more what a blessed family we would have. What a different world it would be and as one has said, "Almost heaven on earth." RJS

28th

November 28

Be Followers of God
Ephesians 5:1-2

1Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; "Be ye therefore being imitators of God as children beloved," from the Greek New Testament. Notice that this refers to children in simplicity and humility. If I remember rightly, as a first or second grader we had a game called "Follow the Leader." We were to imitate what the leader did, and if we failed we were put out of the game and the winner was the one that stayed the longest doing exactly what the leader did. Paul is telling us to be following or imitating what Jesus did in all circumstances. That would be quite an order for most of us, but it is commanded. We are to mimic in speech and all manner of life as children mimic their parents. Imitate Christ's words, acts, nature, ways, graces, and Spirit. If we were to follow this admonition, we would truly be a living testimony of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us (you), and hath given himself for us (you) an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Don't just talk the talk; but walk the walk! I John 3:8, Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth, and I John 4:16 …God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and He in him. This is an out-standing demand, but a very reasonable one. As father - so child! As He is and does we are to be and do, for the Father rightly set the standard for His family and His household. To love as God loves is one of the greatest proofs that we are His. As Christ also hath loved us. He did not love us because we loved Him, No, No! He loved us when and because we did not love Him. He loved us because of our desperate condition and utter helplessness in the slavery of sin. Many go to church and toss a coin in the offering on Sunday; thinking they paid their dues for that week, but few have learned to give sacrificially of both time and money to glorify their Saviour. John 15:13, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Few and far are those who give and live a sacrificial life. Having read this, how do you grade yourself as to your love and sacrificing because you love Him? Do you rate an A or is it so close to an F and are you under conviction? RJS

29th

November 29
There was a Time when you were Living in Darkness
Ephesians 5:3-5

3But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 5For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Ephesus was a wicked city. It was a notable seaport in what is now called Western Turkey and as such, many sailors from all over the Mediterranean were visitors, and paid well to enjoy the ways of that wicked city. In it was the temple of Diana the goddess of fertility and unbridled sexual love. We have visited it on two occasions and have seen the ruins that still speak silently of the wickedness in Ephesus. Paul admonishes the Christians to live above the ways of the sinners and have no part in their wickedness.

4Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. This writer cringes on many occasions when he is in a place of business and hears the language that transpires between the workers and the purchasers. My ears are not used to such filthy language and blasphemous words. When you are born again there are many changes and your language is one of them. Your vocabulary changes and new words become part of your every-day conversations. Someone has said, "That vulgarity or swearing is a sign of a weak mind trying to assert itself."

5For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Those who live in the above sins have no hope of entering the kingdom of heaven.

6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light. For Satan to accomplish his works of evil he uses men, some unregenerate, other times carnal Christians to deceive us and lead us into false teachings and into things that are wrong. We have an indwelling light and are to walk in that light before our fellowmen, Amen! RJS

30th

November 30

The Fruit of the Spirit is Goodness and Righteousness and Truth
Ephesians 5:9-13

9For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; 10Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. We turn to Galatians 5: 22-23 for the fruit of the spirit. These are not nine different fruits, but rather all nine make up the fruit of the Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. We could say that if you are missing in one aspect of the above your life is not manifesting the fruit of the Spirit.

11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Some Christians try to get just as close to sin as possible without getting burnt. We have a friend that thinks he can drink beer with a sinner in a bar and witness at the same time. That's not possible; we have to live above them in order to witness. When we lower ourselves to their level we have lost our testimony.

12For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. Do you have a little closet that you have not given to the Lord, a place where you can enjoy sin and not let anyone know about that sin? If we were to study the life of Paul with a microscope we would find that his life was transparent before God and man.

13But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Many unsaved people are convicted by the godly light that shines through the saint. A little girl attended a church that had large stained glass windows and when she came home the mother asked her why she spent so much time looking at the windows. The child's response was, "Mother, I saw the light shining through the saints pictured in the windows." Does the Light of God shine through your face and words, if not, why not? Perhaps there never was a time in the church, when there was a greater need for men and women to shine forth the light as did Peter, Stephen and Paul than today. The world is in the darkness of a starless night and the only light they will see is the light that shines through us. What a challenge we have to be the light that shines into their darkened hearts. RJS

31st

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