Ephesians 2 gives us rich doctrine. It reminds us of who we once were—dead in trespasses and sins, children of wrath. But God, who is rich in mercy, loved us, intervened, and saved us by grace. The passage makes it clear that our salvation is not of ourselves; it is a gift from God. Brother Paul emphasizes that we should remember both who we are by nature and who we are by grace. Each day, we can exercise this remembrance: we are no longer strangers, but citizens of His kingdom, and we can now call Him Father.

When we look at our experience in this life the correct way, we draw nearer to the Lord and our hope is strengthened. Our hope keeps us anchored and steadfast in the journey. In the world, hope is a wish that may or may not come to pass. But in the word of God, it is a sure and steadfast expectation. Elder Chris examines “hope” in the scriptures and concludes that our expectation is to be with Him and like Him at the last day.

Scoffers who dislike the Word of God often claim that the Gospels contradict one another. In reality, they are written from different perspectives. Elder Chris examines the opening remarks of each Gospel to show this clearly. Mark presents Jesus as the Servant. He begins with the proclamation of the good news—that Jesus is the Son of God—and focuses on what Christ is doing for the children of God. Luke, believed to be the writer of the Apostle Paul, emphasizes the ministry and sufferings of Christ as a man. He affirms that these things are most surely believed among us and declares that what is laid down in the Word of God is perfect for our understanding, even though we were not eyewitnesses. Matthew gives us the perspective of Jesus as King. And John presents Heaven’s view of Jesus, the Son of God. He does not focus on Christ’s birth, baptism, or temptations as a man. Instead, his perspective reaches back before the foundation of the world and presents Christ as seated in Heaven. The Word was made flesh, and we beheld His glory. Each gospel works in harmony and provides different perspectives for our understanding.