Deeply seated in the first family was an element of discontent. A discontent that fostered a disregard for a command to the extent of disobedience. The peril: They had everything they needed. Don't sacrifice everything you have for temporary pleasure!

The first mile is one of obligation. The second mile is one of opportunity. However, you will never reach the second mile unless you finish the first mile. Our roads of obligation open up to us various opportunities.

Some of the wonders of being in the church are as follows: 1) Redemption, 2) Forgiveness, 3) Inheritance, 4) Trust/Hope, and 5) Sealed.

Paul has a desire to finish namely two things in his life: 1) His course and 2) His ministry. The ministry Paul had simply was to testify or be the voice. Although God could work independent of us, he has devised a plan to work through us. God wants us to be his voice.

Fountain or cistern? Living water or stagnant water? In reality, when we try to substitute our man-made plans for God-made plans, they are broken and useless from the very beginning. If you are going to make your cistern, make it big because cisterns that hold no water many times become prisons. In this case, a prison of your own making.

In speaking to the Ephesian church, Paul tells them how God foreknew and predestined not an individual but a group of people. God knew he would have a church (us in Him) and he designed a plan for that church. The choice is yours to be a part of the church or not.

Worship and serve are two words with a thread of connection throughout God's Word. Worship is an expression of our service. You will not worship a God you do not serve.

At times, marriages are in competition with various other concerns of life. These items tend to divide and separate spouses from each other emotionally and physically. Therefore, we must be intentional about being there for the other.

The stage is set in order to facilitate our study of the book of Ephesians. Hopefully by setting this foundation listeners may appreciate some of the reasons Paul said or mentioned what he did.

This session finishes the twelve tools for communication and views resolving conflict through a Biblical lens.