WELCOME TO EPHESIANS

Ephesians is a letter that is not written to confront heresy or problems in the church. It was sent to strengthen and encourage the churches in the area. Paul had spent over three years with the Ephesian church, and as a result, he was very close to them. As this letter was written to the church at Ephesus and was intended to be circulated to the neighboring local churches. It stands that it was also written to encourage and strengthen us, the body of the church, as well. As we read through this awesome description of the church, we should always thank God for the diversity and unity in His family. Pray for our brothers and sisters around the world, and draw closer the those in our churches.

EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

Ephesians 1:3

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ

1:3 “Who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing” means that in Christ we have all the benefits of knowing God—being chosen for salvation, being adopted as his children, forgiveness, insight, the gifts of the Spirit, power to do God’s will, the hope of living forever with Christ. Because we have an intimate relationship with Christ, we can enjoy these blessings now. The “heavenly realms” means that these blessings are eternal, not temporal. The blessings come from Christ’s spiritual realm, not the earthly realm of the goddess Artemis. Other references to the heavenly realms in this letter include 1:20; 2:6; 3:10. Such passages reveal Christ in his victorious, exalted role as ruler of all. Tyndale. Life Application Study Bible NIV.

WOW that means we have all those blessings ONLY due because of our relationship with JESUS CHRIST!!! BUT we are blessed none the less whether we deserve it or not.

ON THE WAY HOME WALK WITH JESUS knowing we are blessed because of our walk with JESUS in our daily lives!!

onthewayhomeministries.org by RICHARD DEAN BROOKS