Ephesians 3:12

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

 

 

¹² In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.





It is an awesome privilege to be able to approach God with freedom and confidence. Most of us would be apprehensive in the presence of a powerful ruler. But thanks to Christ, by faith we can enter directly into God's presence through prayer. We know we'll be welcomed with open arms because we are God's children through our union with Christ. Don't be afraid of God. Talk with Him about everything. He is waiting to hear from you.





Joe










 

Ephesians 2:19-22

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

A Temple for the Lord

¹⁹ So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. ²⁰ Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. ²¹ We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. ²² Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

A church building is sometimes called God's house. In reality, God's household is not a building, but a group of people. He lives in us and shows Himself to a watching world through us. People can see that God is love and that Christ is Lord as we live in harmony with each other and in accordance with what God says in His Word. We are citizens of God's kingdom and members of His household.

 

 

 

 

Joe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ephesians 2:10

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.





We are God's masterpiece. Our salvation is something only God can do. It is His powerful, creative work in us. If God considers us His works of art, we dare not treat ourselves or others with disrespect or as inferior work.





Joe

Ephesians 2:8-9

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

 

⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.





When someone gives you a gift, do you say, "That's very nice - now how much do I owe you?" No, the appropriate response to a gift is, "Thank you." Yet how often Christians, even after they have been given the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to God. Because our salvation and even our faith are gifts, we should respond with graditude, praise, and joy.





Joe





 

Ephesians 1:16-17

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

 

 

 

¹⁶ I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, ¹⁷ asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.

 

 

 

 

Paul prayed that the Ephesians would know Christ better. Christ is our model, and the more we know of Him, the more we will be like Him. Study Jesus' life in the Gospels to see what He was like on earth, and get to know Him in prayer. Personal knowledge of Christ will change your life.

 

 

 

 

Joe

Ephesians 1:1


1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:




"Faithful in Christ Jesus" - what an excellent reputation! Such a label would be an honor for any believer. What would it take for others to characterize you as faithful to Christ Jesus? Hold fast to your faith, one day at a time; faithfully obey God, even in the details of life. Then, like the Ephesians, you will be known as a person who is faithful to the Lord.




Joe

Luke 2:11

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹¹ The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!


The greatest event in history has just happened! The Messiah had been born. For ages the Jews waited for this, and it finally occured, the announcement came to humble shepherds. The good news about Jesus is that He comes to all, including the plain and the ordinary. He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to accept Him. Whoever you are, whatever you do, you can have Jesus in your life. Don't think you need extrordinary qualifications - He accepts you as you are.


My Family and I wish you a Merry Christmas. Enjoy today with your family!
Joe