Ephesians

Know God’s Power, Ephesians 1:19

The third, and final, request of Paul in this opening prayer is for the church to know the profound power of God “toward us who believe.” To add emphasis and color…

Nate HoldridgeMarch 22, 2018

person holding brown and black round fruits

Christian Life

Become United To The Reality Of His Riches (Ephesians 1:18)

Now we come to Paul’s second prayer for the church, that we would know of the inheritance God has given us. Paul referred to the inheritance as “riches” six times…

Nate HoldridgeMarch 15, 2018

person holding black and brown globe ball while standing on grass land golden hour photography

Christian Life United For Unity

United To Reality — His Calling, Ephesians 1:18-19

Paul continued his prayer for revelation with three specific requests. Three realities stood out in Paul’s mind. He believed that, if the church knows these realities — deeply, inwardly — the…

Nate HoldridgeMarch 8, 2018

Christian Life United For Unity

United To Reality — Through Enlightenment, Ephesians 1:15-18

When the Syrian army encamped against Elisha’s home, his servant saw them first. Trembling, he ran to Elisha. Elisha exhorted him, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with…

Nate HoldridgeMarch 1, 2018

person holding compass facing towards green pine trees

Christian Life United For Unity

United To Blessings — Location And Purpose, Ephesians 1:3-14

Before moving to the next portion of Paul’s letter, we must ask two questions of the blessings Paul has already spoken of (see Ephesians 1:3-14). First, where are they located?…

Nate HoldridgeFebruary 22, 2018

Christian Life United For Unity

United To Blessings — From The Spirit, Ephesians 1:13-14

Each of the blessings Paul lists in Ephesians 1:3-14 can only be understood from a spiritual vantage point, for they are spiritual blessings. Fortunately, one of the greatest blessings God…

Nate HoldridgeFebruary 15, 2018

low angle view of cross with red garment

Christian Life United For Unity

United To Blessings — From The Son, Ephesians 1:7-12

Next, Paul moves from the spiritual blessings from God the Father to the spiritual blessings from God the Son. The first blessing believers have received from the Son is that…

Nate HoldridgeFebruary 8, 2018

silhouette of man and woman kissing during sunset

Christian Life United For Unity

United To Blessings — From The Father, Ephesians 1:4-6

Here, Paul runs on with his sentence of praise regarding the blessings which come from God. He first focuses on blessings from God the Father, next the Son, and finally…

Nate HoldridgeFebruary 1, 2018

silhouette of man standing beside shore under brown sky during daytime

Christian Life United For Unity

United To Blessings — Spiritual Blessings, Ephesians 1:3

Paul begins Ephesians with a long song of praise to God, for praise is what is meant by the word “blessed.” God is to be blessed. Paul aims to worship. His…

Nate HoldridgeJanuary 25, 2018

black Corona typewriter on brown wood planks

Christian Life United For Unity

The Author, Ephesians 1:1-2

Paul was custom made by God to bridge the Old Testament Scriptures to the New Testament church. He was called “the apostle to the Gentiles.” Billions of non-Jews have been blessed…

Nate HoldridgeJanuary 18, 2018

heart shaped concrete wall with heart shaped shadow

Christian Life United For Unity

The Heart Of Ephesians

Before his death, Moses had to sing. Before the people of Israel embarked on their journey into the Promised Land, Moses wrote and recited a song for them. He knew…

Nate HoldridgeJanuary 11, 2018