“In Him…” (Ephesians 1:4,7,9,10,13)

            Repetition is always intentional in the Bible.  God is not known for His abundance of words.  Considering that the Bible is God’s instruction book for life and His explanation of all of human history and His eternal plans – He is amazingly concise in His verbiage.

            So, when Ephesians repeats the phrase “in Him” over and over again… it should make us stop and meditate.  Of all the relationships you ever have and of all the places you ever go and of all the titles you could ever earn, the greatest one is “in Him”.  If we are in Christ, we have attained the most grand position possible.  He is the meaning of life.  He is the pinnacle of our existence.

            Are you in Him?

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him” (Philippians 3:8-9)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 1:11-23

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.” (Ephesians 1:10)

The news is full of talk about “this administration” or “the previous administration”; as we follow current events, we are constantly reminded of the fact that there are government entities across the globe managing the affairs of mankind.  All of these administrations are temporary, and they are all consistently shown to be incapable of meeting the needs of mankind.

Governments come and governments go.  Some are better than others, but all are flawed.  This was as true in the days of the apostle Paul as it is true today.  The early Christians recognized the inferiority of earthly administrations.

Enter Jesus.  With a view to an eternal administration unencumbered by man’s corruption and mortality, God set up an eternal kingdom with perfect governance.  All things are summed up in Christ.  The nations rage, and the rulers of this world enjoy their fleeting moments.  Jesus endures.

His administration is over both heaven and earth.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 1:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“I have sent him back to you in person, that is, sending my very heart…” (Philemon 1:12)

            Onesimus was a runaway slave.  Paul didn’t know him until he somehow showed up in the city of Rome.  Paul and Onesimus started out strangers, and then through some providential chain of fortunate events, the Lord drew Paul the aged together with this young man with a wayward and rebellious spirit.

The gospel connection – it’s real, and it works.

By the time Paul figured out who Onesimus was and who he ran away from, Paul was referring to Onesimus as “my child” and that sending him back to Philemon was “sending my very heart”.

Love can grow if we give our hearts to Jesus.  Jesus has a way of opening our hearts to strangers until they become friends.  He connects tax collectors (Matthew) and Pharisees (Paul), Jews and Gentiles, and young and old.  Onesimus filled a place in Paul’s heart that Paul didn’t even realize was there until Onesimus showed up… and I suspect Paul did the same for Onesimus.

Let the Lord teach you to love – imitate Him in your care for others, and let the gospel connection grow the bonds between you.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philemon 12-15

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.” (Philemon 1:6)

            You can’t effectively use a tool if you don’t understand how it works or what it is capable of.  You must know what the capabilities of the tool are to properly get the most out of it.  I once had the exact right tool to remove grout, but I didn’t realize that I could use it for that purpose.  My ignorance led to me using the wrong tools when the right equipment was already at my workbench.

            Fellowship is another word for common shared work.  When Christians work together, they have fellowship.  You want to make the fellowship of the faith more effective?  Start to understand the good things you are capable of for Christ’s sake.  Stop being enamored with what other Christians can do and start pushing yourself to see what you can do.  Make the fellowship effective by figuring out what you are capable of and then put your foot on the gas and do something.  Add your strength to the fellowship of the faith!

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philemon 1-11

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“{Epaphras is} always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers.” (Colossians 4:12)

            Prayer is work.  Epaphras was a laborer on behalf of the church at Colossae by praying.  His prayers were effective work in the kingdom and a blessing to that congregation.  Even when Epaphras was many miles away in the distant city of Rome, he had fellowship with the saints and their efforts in the city of Colossae.

            There is power in prayer, but it is a strength that must be mined for with effort.  We must be earnest laborers if we seek to affect the world by prayer.  If you thought of prayer like a job, how would it change your habits?

            A job has some consistency to the hours – does your prayer time have that?

            A job has specific goals and focus – do your prayers have goals?

            A job requires preparation and forethought – do you keep a list of things to pray about?  A list of gratitude and a list of petition?  Have you considered reviewing your petition list to see what needs to be moved to the gratitude list?

            These things may sound like a lot of work, and maybe they are… but it’s the best kind of work to be an earnest laborer in the fellowship of the Lord.  Not sure how to contribute to the kingdom?  Everyone can pray – it’s good work.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Colossians 4:1-18

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another…” (Colossians 3:16)

            A rich man has decided that he would rather have more than “just enough” money.  Riches are an abundance beyond what is necessary.  Rich food packs more of a punch than meager rations.  Rich relationships are deeper and more intimate than cursory acquaintances.  Riches always point toward lavishness and luxury – a prosperity and depth that far exceeds basic necessities.

            Does the Word of Christ richly dwell within you?  Is there a depth and an abundance to your study and meditation upon God’s Word?  Or does the Word dwell in you only on Sundays when it descends from the pulpit… or does the Word dwell in you on a Tuesday afternoon, too?  How rich is your Bible study?  How deep is your consideration of God’s Word?  Riches come through consistent investment.  Invest time in the Book, and you will reap immense dividends.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Colossians 3:11-25

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception…” (Colossians 3:8)

            The ideas and philosophies of men are captivating.  From political debate to self-help books to TED talks to online discussion boards – the opinions and worldviews of mankind are varied, interesting, and each carry a certain weight of wisdom to it.  Yet, those kernels of truth found in the philosophy of men are built upon a foundation of sand.  Without Jesus, there is no bedrock to our belief.  All human philosophy leaves out the Creator, and a worldview without Jesus isn’t a worldview that will endure the fire of the Judgment Day.

            Don’t be fooled by philosophy.  Make sure every belief can be backed up by Scripture.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Colossians 3:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us…” (Colossians 2:14)

            A certificate is official proof of the facts.  A marriage certificate officially attests to your marriage, a graduation certificate attests to your academic achievement, and a stock certificate attests to ownership of a particular piece of stock.

            At the judgment, what will your certificate attest to?  What will you have achieved in your life?  What sins will you own?  What relationship with the devil and sin will you be wed to?

            If you are in Christ, it will not matter how nasty the certificate reads, nor how hostile it is.  In Christ, the debt is canceled.  In Christ, we are set free.

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Colossians 2:11-23

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“…for even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:5)

            Our hearts can be where our bodies cannot.  The apostle Paul traveled far and wide, preaching the gospel, and when he was in Thessalonica, he was not in Corinth… when he was one place, he could not simultaneously be in another.  That is how this world works.  We cannot be everywhere at once.  Such power is left only for the omnipresence of God.

            However, Paul could be with the Colossians in spirit though his body was in prison.  His heart could rejoice at their success and weep with their trials.  His mind could be actively engaged in thinking of them and entreating Jehovah on their behalf.  Down here, the church is physically separated by space and time, but our spirits can serve together as one, and our hearts can be knit together in united fellowship with Christ.  May we strive to have a heart like Paul that ever loves and thinks of our spiritual family all over the globe.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Colossians 2:1-10

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

“to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

            To the Jewish mind, the Christ belonged to them.  The prophecies of the Old Testament are littered with references to the Messiah and the hope that He would bring to the nation of Israel.  The Jews had waited for their Savior for dozens of generations.  When the Christ came, He would save them.  He would lead them, He would guard them.  He would bring them victory.  He would be their King, and they would be His people.  To the Jew, the most glorious picture of the Messiah was possessive – He was their white knight.

            And so, Paul pushes back against the Jewish mind.  They had undersold the Messiah.  Jesus the Christ was far more glorious than merely being a king of Israel.  Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords.  Jesus, the Christ, is Savior of the whole world.  What is more glorious than the Christ in Israel?  The Christ in Israel and every other nation, too.  Jesus, King of all.  The Jews had underestimated the hope of glory.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Colossians 1:24-29

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision