14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. Man! I wanted to choose all the verses in this chapter. I love what Ephesians means for us! We are the gentiles and would have been considered "uncircumcised heathens" to the Jews before our Lord and Savior came to save us! I chose this verse because it really demonstrates one of the true purposes of Christ's death on the cross for us....to bring peace among us! There was so much hostility between the Gentiles and the Jews and God wanted that to be done with. If God felt that strongly for the separation between two completely different groups of people...how do you think he feels about the separation of those who now call themselves part of the family of God? Think about that the next time you want to start talking bad about someone who is your brother or sister in Christ. God wants peace! Jesus died for it!
Okay so it might be against the rules, but I had the hardest time picking between these two verses so I am doing both. Plus, they are related so it works out
ReplyDelete10- For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
22- And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
First thing I can say is wow. It is so comforting and gives me such peace reading these verses. It is amazing that even before we are created that the Lord has already put these things in place for us to do good works and help others. Before we even take our first steps, God has planned for us to honor him and spread his love to others. Also, as we carry out what he has planned for us we continue to grow in Him and become a temple for the Spirit. I think it is just awesome knowing that as we continue to grow in Christ, God is creating this "dwelling" in us in which He lives in each of us which in turn helps us spread his love even more.
Ephesians 2:8-10
ReplyDeleteFor by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
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Salvation is nothing that we can do ourselves. Oftentimes we feel as if we are somehow superior to others when we walk in faith, but God clearly says that Salvation is not by works but by his grace. Why?
Well if I could save myself by works, then I would have every right to boast. Ultimately, if I earn my salvation, then I am glorified. But if it is God who saves me, that it is he who is glorified.
We should never strive for our own glory, but for the Lord's because he has given us life eternal. The least we can do is live out our (relatively short) lives in a manner which brings glory to He who has redeemed our souls. Therefore, walk in the good works of Christ Jesus, so that we might live lives worthy of the gift we have been given; not so that we may boast in our good works, but that we may boast in our great Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
4-6; 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. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus
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Heard it a million times from this person, that sermon, this billboard, that status, etc. Still... it doesn't take away the hope it gives, nor the peace it transmits, nor the encouragement we take.
Tito, I was actually going to put down the verse you did. Well poo. However, I think that that verse just speaks volumes about what Christ did for us despite it being only one sentence.
ReplyDeleteAnother verse that stood out to me was verse 19:
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,
--That's what his sacrifice did for us :)
Not to jump on the bandwagon, but versus 8 through 10 stood out as beautiful and incredibly important. While we cannot earn salvation through good works, that does not mean that we should simply be content to have faith inside our hearts but dishonor God with our actions.
ReplyDeleteTo add something new, here's verse 21:
In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
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Different denominations who are constantly in disagreement with one another over certain matters should look to this verse. The Gospel is a message of love, and that love is what unites all who believe in Christ. We could all do to remember that, and to bring God all the more glory by standing unified.
We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.
ReplyDeleteIt just reminded me that we are not our own. We were bought with a price. To me, I know i watch what I say and do in church. Everyone does. It's q church. But our bodies are a "church" for Him and we should watch it just as carefully as if we were in the church building.