But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.Ephesians 2:4I find it pretty easy to love those closest to me. To love those who love me back. The profound kindness of God is that He loved and showed mercy to the unlovable. We were like prisoners in a jail who spit and scream. We...  Read More

22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.Ephesians 1:22-23How big is your Jesus?There are many in our world who consider us to be a fringe group. And in Australia, a dying one at that. Is that how you see Jesus? A King, fading to the sidelines. His glory years...  Read More

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the churchEphesians 1:22I wonder if you have ever had anyone appointed to be your boss that you just weren’t sure about. Maybe they didn’t really have runs on the board. Or maybe you just didn’t know them at all.Well, as far as appointments go, this has got to be the most justified. God has appointed Christ a...  Read More

That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.Ephesians 1:19-21I wonder, have you ever had a moment where you felt like you were passed over for rec...  Read More

18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,Ephesians 1:...  Read More

18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,Ephesians 1:18Ok. Continuing on from yesterday. We saw that the hope to which we are called is to be God’s holy people who are Christ’s inheritance. It’s not in the first instance about what we receive but about what Chri...  Read More

18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,Ephesians 1:18This is a funny verse. At first glance I want to write about the new creation. The rich inheritance that we look forward to receiving as His holy people. But notice, that’s not actually what Paul says. What ...  Read More

17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.Ephesians 1:17One of the realities of being a Pastor is that you share a lot of people's burdens. This isn’t a complaint, it’s just a reality. And my personality + my sin (I’m tempted to be the saviour) leads me to desire above all else a so...  Read More

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.Ephesians 1:15-16What do you give thanks for? It’s a powerful question that offers a window into our hearts and minds. If you are anything like me - chances are you give thanks for stuff that really benefits you. A ...  Read More

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him wi...  Read More

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him wi...  Read More

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him wi...  Read More