Messages by Dolph Painter

A local church has but one captain -Jesus- and one playbook -scripture-. The introduction of multiple heads and-or sources of authority lead to division. This lesson addresses the importance of oneness -part 7 in the series-.

Jephthah was a man of faith, but with a chip on his shoulder and a distrust for his fellow man. Despite his rough manners, Jephthah was listed in Hebrews 11. This is the first of an eight biography series. -Note- a technical failure caused us to re-record this message-.

God is so much bigger than we can imagine. He is bigger than our problems, and He is bigger than our sins.

Recorded in Eph 3-14-21 is the second prayer Paul prayed for this church. Paul's 1st prayer -1-16-21- was primarily a head prayer- asking for wisdom, revelation, and understanding. Paul's 2nd prayer was more of a heart prayer- asking to strengthen the inner man, dwell in hearts through faith, and fill with the fullness of God. -part 6 in the series-

The Gentiles were given access to the N.T. Church, and Paul was the apostle given the oversight of this ministry. Paul's ministry was unique in many regards. Some times this ministry rewarding- but more often, it was challenging. -This is the 5th installment in the Ephesian Series-.

Racial conflict existed between Jew and Gentile during the First Century. Neither reparation, legislation, nor social theory and indoctrination would or could fix the problem. Eph 2-11-22 describes how two races were brought together and how twain became one body... resolution came through Jesus- -Part 4 in the series-

The time we spend on earth will not always be trial free- however, there is coming a day when all trials shall cease. O.T. saints hoped for the day when Babylonian oppressors would be overcome- but N.T. saints hope in the day when all oppression will be overcome ... when Christ returns.

In order for the saints at Ephesus to become part of God's family, a genetic and a racial hurdle had to be overcome. Eph 2-1-10 describes how the genetic hurdle was overcome -this week's message-. Eph 2-11-22 describes how the racial hurdle was overcome -next message in the series-. Part 3

This is the first of two recorded prayers Paul prayed for the Ephesians. This first prayer is narrow in scope. Paul asked God to increase knowledge, understanding, and wisdom with respect to Christ's sovereignty and promises for these church members. Several of these requests were granted, as seen in Rev 2-1-6. -part 2-

Our having been chosen, predestinated, adopted, made blameless - acceptable, redeemed, forgiven, enlightened, and given an inheritance was and is by God's will alone. Matter of fact, Ephesians 1-1-14 is so packed with God's workings, that there is no room for man to take or be given any credit or responsibility. -part 1-