Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Ephesians 4:1-16; Philippians 2:3; Psalm 68:18; Acts 2:1-47; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Corinthians 12:27-30; Isaiah 5:4. Memory Text: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV). One of Aesop’s fables is called “The Belly … Continue reading –>
Fighting With Scripture: Part 3 By Andrew McChesney That night, Almira woke up after having another nightmare, and she resolved to go to the Seventh-day Adventist church the next Sabbath. But in the morning, she thought, “I’m not a Christian. I can’t go there.” The following night, she had another nightmare, and she struggled again … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Ellen G. White, “Modern Revivals,” in The Great Controversy, Pages 461-478. “How can we harmonize our dwarfed spiritual condition with the presentation of our text [Ephesians 3:14-19] that describes the fullness of knowledge it is our privilege to possess? How can Heaven look upon us, who have had every spiritual and temporal advantage that … Continue reading –>
Paul concludes his prayer report with a doxology, a brief, poetic statement of praise to God. For what does he praise God? Ephesians 3:20-21. Paul has been recording his prayers for believers (Ephesians 3:14-19). Now he prays directly and powerfully. Paul’s doxology raises two questions: 1. Does the passage inappropriately elevate the church, placing it on a par … Continue reading –>
Compare Paul’s earlier prayer request, Ephesians 1:16-19, with his plea for believers in Ephesians 3:14-19. In what ways are the two requests similar? Behind the English translations of Ephesians 3:14-15, is an important play on words. When Paul says that he bows before “the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named” (ESV), he is exploring … Continue reading –>
What does Paul say about God and the actions of God in Ephesians 3:7-13? Paul again lays claim to being a “minister” through “the gift of God’s grace” (Ephesians 3:7, ESV; compare Ephesians 3:1-2). This gift, like the gospel itself, is not granted because of the worth of the recipient, but through God’s grace. Paul underlines this point by … Continue reading –>
What is the mystery that has been entrusted to Paul? Ephesians 3:1-6. As you study Ephesians 3:1-6, note the following: First, Paul writes this part of the letter specifically to Gentile believers in the house churches of Ephesus (Ephesians 3:1). Second, Paul claims to be the recipient of something he labels “the stewardship of God’s grace,” given to him … Continue reading –>
Read Ephesians 3:1-21. As you do so, identify one or two main themes. What major points does Paul make? Ephesians chapter 3 displays an interesting structure. Paul begins the chapter with these words: “For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles” (Ephesians 3:1, NKJV). Then, he breaks off for what turns … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Ephesians 3:1-21; Job 11:5-9; Ezekiel 43:13-16; Amos 7:7-8; Revelation 11:1-2. Memory Text: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and … Continue reading –>
Safe in Jesus: Part 2 By Andrew McChesney One afternoon, 16-year-old Almira decided to take a nap after returning home from school, exhausted from months of fitful nights. She lay down on a couch, her face to the open door of the room. She was at home alone. Suddenly, she sensed the presence in the … Continue reading –>
