Ephesians 1:15-23
INSIGHT
THE MORE WE FOCUS ON THE RISEN JESUS, THE MORE WE, TOO, CAN FACE WITH COURAGE AND GRACE WHATEVER HARDSHIP MAY COME OUR WAY.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Judges 18-19
Psalm 118
1 Corinthians 11
LORD, GIVE US REVIVAL
with Ray & Anne Ortlund
The Bible says to wait on the Lord, yet we think we can schedule revival on our own timetable. If we really want spiritual renewal, it has to happen God's way. Ephesians 1:17 Or a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also 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 the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him 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 title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 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.
What enabled Paul to write such encouragement in his letters? How did Peter, Thomas, Mary and the others keep going in the midst of so much persecution and struggle? What made it possible for them to persevere in their faith but with great joy? In crowds, they proclaimed the news of Jesus as if their lives depended on it. In prison, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy of the suffering. In every journey and adventure, every gathering and tragedy, they did not merely complete a task; they lived a life that was overflowing with peace and grace. How could they?
Maybe the better question is how could they not? The God of Creation had personally pursued each of them and gave them the power they'd need for their mission. And that power was like the power that raised Christ from the dead!
When He went to the cross, they reached an all time low. Despair and grief overwhelmed them - until they saw the risen Lord! And when they encountered Him, they knew beyond a doubt that Christ was Lord of All.
INSIGHT
THE MORE WE FOCUS ON THE RISEN JESUS, THE MORE WE, TOO, CAN FACE WITH COURAGE AND GRACE WHATEVER HARDSHIP MAY COME OUR WAY.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Judges 18-19
Psalm 118
1 Corinthians 11
Ephesians 1:15-23
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
Thanksgiving and Prayer
15
Footnotes:
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a]a. LORD, GIVE US REVIVAL
with Ray & Anne Ortlund
The Bible says to wait on the Lord, yet we think we can schedule revival on our own timetable. If we really want spiritual renewal, it has to happen God's way. Ephesians 1:17 Or a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also 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 the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him 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 title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 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.
What enabled Paul to write such encouragement in his letters? How did Peter, Thomas, Mary and the others keep going in the midst of so much persecution and struggle? What made it possible for them to persevere in their faith but with great joy? In crowds, they proclaimed the news of Jesus as if their lives depended on it. In prison, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy of the suffering. In every journey and adventure, every gathering and tragedy, they did not merely complete a task; they lived a life that was overflowing with peace and grace. How could they?
Maybe the better question is how could they not? The God of Creation had personally pursued each of them and gave them the power they'd need for their mission. And that power was like the power that raised Christ from the dead!
When He went to the cross, they reached an all time low. Despair and grief overwhelmed them - until they saw the risen Lord! And when they encountered Him, they knew beyond a doubt that Christ was Lord of All.
"...and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead..."
(EPHESIANS 1:19-20)
(EPHESIANS 1:19-20)
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