Word@Work Eph1 - Ephesians 1:1
Published: Fri, 09/26/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
APPOINTED FOR GOD'S SERVICE
Read Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: (NIV)
Welcome to Ephesians! Check out the map and description of this amazing city at http://bibleatlas.org/ephesus.htm. The site also shows you where to find the narrative accounts of how Paul got involved and stayed involved with the church there. God chose apostles and saints to be essential parts of the church, although both are misunderstood today. But Paul wastes no time in introducing us to them.
'Apostle' comes from a general 'missionary' word; but the remaining 11 disciples plus Paul had 'apostle' as a unique title. Each of these 12 apostles, including Paul, had a personal encounter with Jesus, were personally commissioned by Him and had a very special role, that exceeds that of other missionaries. They had the special task of defining the ministry of Jesus in the light of the Old Testament illustrations - so that Christians could be confident about what is true, and know how to live it out. Paul accepted this responsibility from the Lord as a 'foundation messenger' (cf. Acts 9:15; Acts 26:15-18; 1 Cor 9:1), although he felt unworthy because of his shameful past (cf 1 Cor. 15:8-9). As Paul's letters make a large contribution to our understanding of what it means to be a Christian, it is important that we realise that God had specially chosen to speak through his writing, to us.
The 'saints' are not just pictures in stained glass windows; the word that refers to everybody who is faithful in trusting Jesus Christ. So if you believe that Jesus died for you, and you want to follow Him - you are a saint! This letter is for saints like you! It was initially sent to the biggest commercial city of the area, but from there it got carried to many other places - by people who heard God speaking to them through it. Perhaps you might be the person who passes it on in your workplace - possibly by forwarding this email and encouraging others to sign up to Word@Work. It could also be a good basis for a workplace Bible discussion group each week too!
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for letting me read Your thoughts through what You gave Paul to write. Help me to grow more as a Christian as I read Ephesians, and to help others by passing it on. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Welcome to Ephesians! Check out the map and description of this amazing city at http://bibleatlas.org/ephesus.htm. The site also shows you where to find the narrative accounts of how Paul got involved and stayed involved with the church there. God chose apostles and saints to be essential parts of the church, although both are misunderstood today. But Paul wastes no time in introducing us to them.
'Apostle' comes from a general 'missionary' word; but the remaining 11 disciples plus Paul had 'apostle' as a unique title. Each of these 12 apostles, including Paul, had a personal encounter with Jesus, were personally commissioned by Him and had a very special role, that exceeds that of other missionaries. They had the special task of defining the ministry of Jesus in the light of the Old Testament illustrations - so that Christians could be confident about what is true, and know how to live it out. Paul accepted this responsibility from the Lord as a 'foundation messenger' (cf. Acts 9:15; Acts 26:15-18; 1 Cor 9:1), although he felt unworthy because of his shameful past (cf 1 Cor. 15:8-9). As Paul's letters make a large contribution to our understanding of what it means to be a Christian, it is important that we realise that God had specially chosen to speak through his writing, to us.
The 'saints' are not just pictures in stained glass windows; the word that refers to everybody who is faithful in trusting Jesus Christ. So if you believe that Jesus died for you, and you want to follow Him - you are a saint! This letter is for saints like you! It was initially sent to the biggest commercial city of the area, but from there it got carried to many other places - by people who heard God speaking to them through it. Perhaps you might be the person who passes it on in your workplace - possibly by forwarding this email and encouraging others to sign up to Word@Work. It could also be a good basis for a workplace Bible discussion group each week too!
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for letting me read Your thoughts through what You gave Paul to write. Help me to grow more as a Christian as I read Ephesians, and to help others by passing it on. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@WEph1 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on