Ephesians – An introduction

12views — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:41:03 +0000

Over May 2012 we’re going to be taking a look at the book of Ephesians (aka the Epistle to the Ephesians) and thinking about what it meant to the church back then, and what it means to us today as the Body of Christ. We’ll be asking for your thoughts, encouraging some creative responses, and asking what actions and challenges this book has for us.The best way to get involved in the conversation is to scroll through and add your comment.

Quick Facts

It’s the tenth book in the New Testament and the fifth letter, the book after Ephesians and before Philippians.

Paul

Around 60 AD when Paul was in Prison

This book was written to show that we are all part of the same body, and how God’s love should make all Christians united. Paul also teaches of how we are ‘In Christ’.

Overview

God’s plan

The main line is that God had planned all this from the start – Jesus and all. God has given us love and that means the law of Moses is destroyed and that the barriers between Jew, Gentile and all peoples have been broken down. Paul reflects his job is to bring the news to the gentiles.

Living for God

We can’t just talk about Christian unity we have to live it. Paul talks more about unity and goes onto to look at the different roles for Christians within the church.

The fight

Paul talks about putting on Spiritual armour and how we need to make sure we have the whole lot on. Being a Christian isn’t easy but we can endure the bad stuff if we are ready and have the right equipment for the fight.

Verse to remember

All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as yoiu were given one hope when you were chosen to be God’s people. We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. There is one God who is the father of all people. Not only is God above all others, but he works by using all of us, and he lives in all of us. (4:4-6)

Jesus and the book

The phrase ‘In Christ’ is used over 30 times in Ephesians – We are what we are In Christ.

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