Ephesians (2020)

In this teaching, Ryan Lowery introduces Paul's intimate letter to Christians who lived in Ephesus. We learn about one of the most astonishing aspects of Gods grace -- His willingness to adopt us as His sons and daughters.

Even as our economy is rocked by the coronavirus crisis, God is offering us a spiritual wealth that is totally secure and far more precious than money. What are some features of this spiritual wealth? Why is it so important, especially in a time of crisis? How can we lay hold of it? Join us as we explore the apostle Paul's answers to these questions.

As believers in Christ, we possess immense spiritual wealth, yet for many Christians that remains an impotent abstraction. Understanding our spiritual wealth in a practical way requires illumination from the Holy Spirit, which we can gain by praying for illumination, meditating on God's provisions found in scripture, and thanking and praising God for his provision.

The more we understand and appreciate what God says about our plight apart from Him, the more we appreciate the rescue He has provided through Jesus. In this passage, the Apostle Paul describes our total need, God's total help, and how to respond to His total help.

As Paul details the incredible blessings we have in Christ, he reminds his audience how Jews and Gentiles were reconciled together by God. God can overcome any human divisions, and both the ?far off? and the ?near? can be reconciled to God together into one new man.

Paul continues unfolding the ?riches of Christ,? revealing a key for enduring trials: understanding God's incredible plan and the privilege of the role we play in it. God has a comprehensive plan to redeem, and it is at work right in the midst of our problems. When we comprehend this, we can face trials with bold confidence.

Paul concludes his description of our ?riches in Christ? with an epic prayer that his readers would be strengthened and would comprehend God's boundless love for them. We will explore the relationship between this love and Paul's challenge to ?walk in a manner worthy.?

After spending three chapters on all of the amazing things God has done for us, Paul shifts his focus to what our response should be. God already laid the foundation for his church, and now he invites us to build on it by showing his love to the world as a group of believers committed to humility, gentleness, patience, and unity.

God works through people to build his church--not just people we see up front teaching and leading, but all Christians. This has implications for the church as a whole and for us as individuals. We need to be in tune to leading from the Holy Spirit, stay connected to Christ, speak the truth in love, and be aware of and actively use our spiritual gifts to serve and build up others.

Recent events have left many people hurting, outraged, and eager to see real and lasting change. In this passage, Paul explains the kind of changes God wants to bring about in our lives, the core reason why change is needed, and a key dynamic in the Christian life that makes change possible.

In this section of Ephesians, Paul focuses on practically applying who we are as children of God to ?walk the walk.? This comes as a result of truly knowing God and involves loving others Christ's way, living as lights in the world so that God may be visible through us, and aligning our priorities with God's.

Marriage in our culture is in a state of crisis, with half of all marriages ending in divorce and many electing not to get married at all. Added to this is confusion about what the Bible has to say about God's design for marriage. But when we look closely at what the Bible outlines for marriage, we find principles for marriage that can lead to the kind of fulfilling union God intended.

In our culture in which marriages fail at staggering rates, many people wonder how to sustain a healthy intimate relationship. In this passage, Paul takes us back to God's original design for marriage in Genesis and applies the principle of oneness to a truly satisfying life together.

In this very practical section of Ephesians, Paul applies the principles of walking God's way to concrete relationships. In this passage, he instructs children and parents how to play their role in the family God's way.

Paul continues this section of Ephesians, applying the principles of walking God's way to concrete relationships. In this passage, he gives instructions for Slaves and Masters as they interact with one another. Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not condone slavery, bu rather presents a radical message of love and equality. Practical application can be drawn for anyone in a relationship of authority.

Paul begins the concluding section of the book with a call to arms: to stand firm against the Devil. Who is the enemy? How does he fight? And what do we do about it?

The apostle Paul was chained to Roman soldiers when he wrote this letter. He uses their armor to illustrate God's resources for our battle with supernatural evil. This time we discuss the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth and the shoes of peace.

The apostle Paul was chained to Roman soldiers when he wrote this letter. He uses their armor to illustrate God's resources for our battle with supernatural evil. This time we discuss the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.

The Apostle Paul continues his instruction on spiritual warfare by explaining some key elements of prayer in this context. \r\n Specifically we should pray for other Christians in the power of the Holy Spirit and as a first response.