Fellowshipmtz

Ontology = the nature of being.  A very important topic pertaining to GOD, every individual, and the Church.

Ephesians 3:1(ff)

Beginning a new chapter in Paul letter (first delivered to Ephesus), Paul hardly gets started before he "interrupts" his main thought in order to clarify the importance of what he prays for the Gentile believers.

John 17:13-19

Following the baptismal portion of the service, Brian Baker shared a shortish devotional message from Jesus's high priestly prayer!

A short teaching on the ordinance/sacrament of baptism, followed by four persons baptisms.  (The audio quality is not nearly as good as normal since wireless microphones were not being used.)  The baptismal portion of the service was followed by a devotional message from Brian Baker (uploaded as a separate audio file).

Matthew 27:32-44

Ephesians 2:19-22

Verse 19 starts, "So then you [Gentiles] are no longer strangers and aliens," -- so what are they?  Paul employs three metaphors in quick succession to communicate what they are now "in/because of Christ".

Ephesians 2:14-18  In order for Christ to bring about the nearness spoken of in these verses, Jesus had to eliminate the HOSTILITY (hatred) that existed, and replace it with PEACE!

• HOSTILITY between Israel (Jews) and Gentiles

Ephesians 2:14-15

The English Standard Version translates that Christ "abolished" the Mosaic Law in order to tear down the wall of hostility that separates Gentiles from Israel.  If true, how are we to understand it?  What does Scripture teach?  And what about Jesus's statement in Matthew 5:17 that He did not come to destroy the law?

Ephesians 2:13-22

This message continues to build on the groundwork that was laid last week that explored the relationship between Biblical text and our systematic theological structures (our "systems" of understanding the larger themes and topics in the Bible).  Next week should address the real "nuts and bolts" of this particular passage.

The Ephesians text is potent no matter who is looking at it.  The particulars of the text are challenging (disruptive?) to both traditional dispensational theology and traditional covenantal theology.  In order to prepare for future exposition (examination), I think it is fitting to clarify the relationship between the TEXT of Scripture and the structures of systematic theology.

Ephesians 2:11-13

Twice Paul calls upon the Gentile believers to "remember."  Previously, he had made it clear they were "dead in the trespasses and sins in which they one walked."  Now, he emphasizes the highly disadvantaged position of the Gentiles as a whole before God intervened.