Deeper Christian Bible Study in Ephesians • Study 29

Paul is passionate that we understand three key aspects of God’s work in our lives:

1. His calling (Ephesians 1:18)
2. His inheritance (Ephesians 1:18)
3. His power (Ephesians 1:19)

In our previous study, we discovered that God has changed our heart of darkness to a heart of light so we can know these three aspects.

In today’s expositional study, Nathan Johnson looks at the first aspect of Paul’s prayer and how we are to understand the hope of our calling – which is not an activity or job we do but rather its an invitation to a banquet of intimacy.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperchristian.com/ephesians-study-029/

Deeper Christian Bible Study in Ephesians • Study 28

The Bible is clear that every person is born with a heart of darkness – cold, calloused, and condemned.

Yet for us to become, live, and grow as Christians, we must allow God to change our hearts, shining forth His light upon us that we might be able to clearly see spiritually.

In this expositional study from Ephesians 1:18, Nathan Johnson examines the heart of Paul’s prayer for God to “enlighten” the eyes of our hearts.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperchristian.com/ephesians-study-028/

Deeper Christian Bible Study in Ephesians • Study 27

Are you continually growing deeper in your walk with Christ? Or has it become stagnant, stale, or still?

The Christian life is not a passive hope that we will grow in Christ or eventually look more like Him, rather it is an intentional pursuit of Him.

In short, every believer should experience the reality of an ever-deepening experience into the life of Jesus Christ.

In this expositional sermon, Nathan Johnson examines Paul’s desire and prayer in Ephesians 1:17 and looks at what it means to have God’s wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Himself … in this ever-increasing life we experience in Christ.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperchristian.com/ephesians-study-027/

Deeper Christian Bible Study in Ephesians • Study 26

All of us are known for something, the question becomes, what am I known for?

In Ephesians 1:15-16, Paul says that he knows two things about the Church – their faith and their love.

In this expositional message, Nathan Johnson talks about Paul's declaration in Ephesians 1:15-16 and discusses how we as believers should be known for these two essential characteristics.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperchristian.com/ephesians-study-026/

Deeper Christian Bible Study in Ephesians • Study 25

The phrase "tip of the iceberg" often refers to the idea that we've only experienced a small part of the whole.

And that is certainly true when it comes to the fullness of the life of Christ.

While the life of Christ indwelling us through His Holy Spirit is absolutely amazing this side of heaven, we must remember that is still only a downpayment of the future inheritance we will have in Him!

What an amazing thought!

When we believe in Christ Jesus and put our faith in Him, we receive the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit not only gives us the grace to live out the Christian life, but Paul says that He is the downpayment of the future inheritance in Christ.

In this expositional sermon, we talk about the fact that what we get to experience this side of heaven is merely the tip of the iceberg of all there is … but that we should pursue Jesus Christ with all we are for the rest of our days.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperchristian.com/ephesians-study-025/

Deeper Christian Bible Study in Ephesians • Study 24

Truth is important. In fact, it is the truth that sets us free (see John 8:32).

Yet if all we do is hear the truth, we will actually receive no benefit from it. While hearing the truth is indeed important, we must go beyond mere hearing and actually believe it.

In Ephesians 1:13, Paul declares that yes, you do need to hear the Word of Truth (which is the Gospel of your salvation), but mere listening won't save you. 

So while we do need to hear the truth (otherwise how will we know what to believe), let's not presume that just because we have heard the truth, we actually have the truth. There is something more than merely hearing the truth, and in this expositional study of Ephesians 1:13, Nathan Johnson tells you what that is.

-------------------- 

** Please note: the end of the message is a bit distorted. While we tried to clean it up the best we could, it is a bit difficult to hear. Sorry for the tech problems and inconvenience.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperchristian.com/ephesians-study-024/

 Deeper Christian Bible Study in Ephesians • Study 23

Have you ever had a bad day?

One of those days where nothing goes right, circumstances press you down, and you're not sure whether you'll make it through to the night?

Perhaps it's been longer than a day – financial struggles, family pressures, chaos, circumstances, or things seemingly out of control.

In such circumstances, we tend to forget that Romans 8:28 is still true today – that God is working all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

When we as Christians grab a hold of this truth, our lives and perspectives will radically change. God is indeed working all things according to His good purpose in Christ.

In this expositional sermon from Ephesians 1:11-12, Nathan Johnson looks at the idea that we have been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His own will – and shows how though God doesn't cause everything, He is using everything for our sanctification and for the praise of His glory. And knowing this, changes everything.

 Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperchristian.com/ephesians-study-023/

Deeper Christian Bible Study in Ephesians • Study 22

You have a GRAND inheritance!

It's not money, land, or a new car … but it's better than all those put together.

In this expositional study of Ephesians 1:11-12, we examine Paul's statement that IN Christ, we have received an inheritance – and when we understand it, this truth will change our lives.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperchristian.com/ephesians-study-022/

Deeper Christian Bible Study in Ephesians • Study 21

As a culture, we are obsessed with time. Everything revolves around the clock.

But in God's economy, everything is to revolve around Jesus Christ. He is the central point, He is the North Star, He is the preeminent focus. And it is the life of Christ which is the essence of the mysterious plan for the fullness of time (God's clock).

Over the past several studies in Ephesians, we have been unpacking the great mystery, hidden from ages and generations. In this study, we look at Ephesians 1:9-10 and examines five aspects which Paul gives concerning this mysterious plan for the fullness of time and how this "mystery" is to be central and foundational for our lives.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperchristian.com/ephesians-study-021/

Deeper Christian Bible Study in Ephesians • Study 20

A great mystery, hidden from ages and generations, has now been made known. This mystery isn't known through facts and academics but rather through the embrace of the mystery itself. 

In this message, we examine Ephesians 1:9 and discuss what it means to know this grand mystery which has been revealed.

Download the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperchristian.com/ephesians-study-020/