Transcript

Podcast Introduction

In our reading today we’ll read Ephesians 1-3. After the reading I’ll have some comments. I’m calling today’s episode “United.”

Comments on Ephesians 2

I don’t know about your upbringing, how your parents and extended family and others around you treated you, but I’ve been around long enough to know that when a child is taught from his earliest years that he is really something special, that child begins to believe that he really is above everyone else. He believes that he is better, that he is entitled. Over the years I have met and gotten to know a few people who were famous, who had adoring fans all around the world. Some of these people began to believe that they were as special as their fans thought they were. (By the way, for those of you who have listened to my podcasts for years, don’t even try to guess who I might be talking about. The artists that I’ve had on my shows are dear friends of mine and each of them are wonderful human beings.)

You have probably met or known someone who thought much higher of him-or-herself than they should. 

In chapter 2 of Ephesians, Paul was talking to Gentiles, non Jews. Remember, Paul was raised as a Jew. It was common then for Jews to believe that they were better than non Jews because they were God’s chosen people. It’s easy to imagine how that might cause one to think pretty highly of one’s self, right? God gave *us* the promise! God speaks to *our* prophets! Etc, etc, etc. 

But Paul explained in verses 11-22 that anyone who believes in Jesus can be reconciled to God and become fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. This idea was a hard pill for some of the Jews to accept, and it was a glorious revelation for many Gentiles, of which I am one.

There is no longer Jew and Gentile. No longer the privileged and outcast. No longer black and white. In Christ, we are all one. 

Design: Steve Webb | Photo: Rolf Schmidbauer on Unsplash

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1-2 CEV; Ch. 3 NKJV

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

When you buy through links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission, and you will earn our gratitude.

Transcript

Download .txt

Please rate or review the show by clicking the heart!

Experiencing God (2021 Edition): Knowing and Doing the Will of God

By Henry & Richard Blackaby, Claude V. King / B&H Books

Experience the book that has restored, reoriented, and renewed millions of people---now thoroughly updated with seven new chapters and dozens of additional stories! Whether you're reading it for the first time or eager to encounte...