If you've been following me, you know we just finished studying the book of Joshua. Our church is headed into the book of Ephesians to study the attributes of Christ. Follow along as we read through the chapters and try to find these attributes yourself as I teach about them.
The first attribute of Christ is that he is our entrance. Entrance to what? The entrance to a life with meaning and purpose. To a life with joy and thanksgiving. In the unbelieving mind, the highest power in your life is yourself. You never experience true love and everything is hinged on what you can and can't do. These cans and can'ts are decided by strongholds, personal victories, and fear. The life of the unbeliever is defeating and has no real purpose or joy. Your life is driven by addictions, sickness, and an unending attempt to find happiness.
Now is the time to read EPHESIANS 1. I ask before you read it to pray and request God to open your mind and heart to what he wants you to learn. Be prepared for the immensity of this chapter. It might blow you away if you read it through Christ centered lenses.
You can see from Ephesians 1 that Christ enters the equation. God sent his son to save you and his love for his son and you is so big that you don't even know what it means. If you do, help me because it feels bigger than the oceans...and that's big. I used this picture for obvious reasons...the CHRISTmas tree in the background and the door that you can enter because of him.
God created man and reestablished order in the Kingdom by sending Jesus to pay for our freedom. (Ephesians 1:4-6) The freedom spoken of in this passage breaks the chains the makes us revere ourselves over all else. Our new DNA releases the ties that bind us to strongholds, addictions, fear and shallow joy. Jesus brings us a deep joy anchored in our hearts that shows us how much we are loved. God knew you before you were made and WANTED you.
His love is so big and so immense that your earthly brain can't comprehend it. His plan is so intricate and large that it might make you feel small and insignificant. BUT he knows you so well and cares for and loves you individually. He knows every hair, freckle and thought that you have. He notices you. He loves you. He empowers you. He supports you. He encourages you. All these things give purpose...not through your own abilities but through the love of God in you.
You are small and one of many past and present but your purpose is unique. Your life matters not because of yourself but because you're part of the plan to bring his Kingdom and dominion on Earth through the Holy Spirit within you (if you've accepted him). You are not driven by yourself or your own emotions but by the Holy Spirit dwelling inside you. The Holy Spirit deposits his love in your heart. This love is the answer to all your questions. It solves all your problems because it is not an earthly love but a heavenly one. His love fires a light inside you that saves your from yourself.
The first attribute of Christ is that he is our entrance. Entrance to what? The entrance to a life with meaning and purpose. To a life with joy and thanksgiving. In the unbelieving mind, the highest power in your life is yourself. You never experience true love and everything is hinged on what you can and can't do. These cans and can'ts are decided by strongholds, personal victories, and fear. The life of the unbeliever is defeating and has no real purpose or joy. Your life is driven by addictions, sickness, and an unending attempt to find happiness.
Now is the time to read EPHESIANS 1. I ask before you read it to pray and request God to open your mind and heart to what he wants you to learn. Be prepared for the immensity of this chapter. It might blow you away if you read it through Christ centered lenses.
God created man and reestablished order in the Kingdom by sending Jesus to pay for our freedom. (Ephesians 1:4-6) The freedom spoken of in this passage breaks the chains the makes us revere ourselves over all else. Our new DNA releases the ties that bind us to strongholds, addictions, fear and shallow joy. Jesus brings us a deep joy anchored in our hearts that shows us how much we are loved. God knew you before you were made and WANTED you.
His love is so big and so immense that your earthly brain can't comprehend it. His plan is so intricate and large that it might make you feel small and insignificant. BUT he knows you so well and cares for and loves you individually. He knows every hair, freckle and thought that you have. He notices you. He loves you. He empowers you. He supports you. He encourages you. All these things give purpose...not through your own abilities but through the love of God in you.
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