Ephesians 3 Day Three

1. Write down each of the following things:  

• What did Paul do? (v. 14) Knelt before the Father
• What does God the Father do? (v. 16)  Prayed for strength through his spirit. 
• What does Jesus do? (v. 17) Dwell in our hearts
• What could the Ephesians (and us) do? (v. 17b-19) We can have power together as a family in Christ Jesus knowing the fullness of God.  

2. God will receive glory in the Church and Christ Jesus forever. How is He receiving glory in your life right now? (This isn't just some question to make you feel guilty, although it might be convicting. But try to really think about how God receives glory.)  I'm convicted... I think God does enjoy it when we use our gifts to honor him. For me I think that means taking care of me is a way to honor Him. Bike rides or runs in his creation are a good way to free he mind and connect with Him. Overall I think I do a good job of being a "good" person that models a "good" life. I do not think, however, that "good" is enough. I need to start being better and sharing gifts in ways that will affect others. 

Ephesians 3 Day Two

1. Why do you think God kept it a mystery for so long that all people could be a part of His family? Was he building His base before sending the church into the world? Could He have been presenting it as something "Special" for a select group of people? Does love really win? I'm struggling with this question...
    
2. Verse 10 states that angels learn about the many parts of God's wisdom by observing the Church! Does this change how you think or feel about the Church? I feel bad for the angels? I'm curious what the church is teaching them now? I think it also brings a higher meaning and responsibility to being a family within the larger church. The church needs to focus on maintaining the relationship and not the stuff. 
    
3. What does our faith in Jesus provide for us according to verse 11? Do you feel the same as these words in verse 11? if not, does that mean there's something weak or wrong with your faith? I believe the intent of the question is to show that through him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. While I believe that to be true, it is also a bit intimidating. I'd say less weak and more wrong with my faith in that as I take a moment for retrospect I wonder if I should be there at all. It begs the question what have I done to deserve this? To earn this? 

Ephesians 3 Day One

1. What is the mystery of the gospel? In reading through verses 5-6 it appears that the mystery of the gospel is that is is meant for everyone, not just a select group of people. Everyone is a member of His one body and shares the promise in Christ. 
    
2. What is the power at work within us? if we have this power at work within us, why do we sometimes feel so weak? The power at work within us is the full power of God's Holy Spirit. I think we feel weak because we don't ask always ask for that power to be known, to be active, to be seen/felt. It could be that we rely on the shoulders up instead of our hearts. 
    
3. God can do far more abundantly than we ask or think, according to the power at work within us. What do you want God to do? Would you consider it to be something that could only be accomplished by God's amazing and abundant power? And do you believe He is able to do it? I do believe God is able to do it. I have seen in first hand in some cases. I think for me I want God to change my heart and lead me to trust less in myself and more in Him. I want to do a better job of putting God first and modeling what that relationship means to my wife and my children. I have a feeling God can do this and will do this. I'm just not sure I'm going to be ready for it when he does. 

Ephesians Day Three

Day 3

Read verses 1-10.

1. Verse 5 says that we have been made alive together with Christ. How did this happen? What does it mean to be alive together with Christ?

• Through God's gift of Jesus on the cross we are made to be alive together with Christ. It means we are no longer children of wrath, but saved imperfect beings living to honor Christ.  

2. What does it mean to be saved by grace (verse 5)? What does it mean to be saved by grace through faith (verse 8)?

• V5 - I think this means we are saved as a gift or offering from God. We didn't earn it or deserve it but we get it anyway. 
• V8 - The longest journey beings with a single step - The acceptance of God's grace beings with the acknowledgement and trust in Him that by believing in Him and living our lives for him, we are saved.  

3. What’s the difference between faith and grace? 

• I think grace is an action or gift that is given. Faith is the act of receiving the and accepting the gift.