In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, Ephesians 3:12-15

Being a Christian is not an easy walk, there will be many times when you are discriminated against possibly even persecuted. We have the daily struggle of “walking in the Spirit and not of the flesh” It’s a daily struggle to carry our crosses and follow Christ with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. So how can we accomplish this? It’s only through Christ!

As the Apostle Paul said famously “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13) I know this scripture has become cliche for sports athletes and others, but this scripture should be a way of life for us. Because without Christ we can’t please or serve God. Without Christ we are not capable of being saved or fulfilling our higher calling. It’s only through Christ that we are saved and we are capable of doing anything for Gods will. This should be our starting point every day when we wake up in the morning, because of Christ we have boldness and confidence by faith!

There will be tribulations, there will be times of trouble, as the Apostle Paul said “don’t faint” at these, don’t become tired and weary of the journey. Those who wait upon The Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31)

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:16-21

The Apostle Paul goes on to pray for the Christians of Ephesus, “that they might be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in the inner man” The Holy Spirit will equip us to become sanctified as Born Again believers in Christ. The Holy Spirit will empower us to produce fruit for the Kingdom of God. Our inner strength comes from God, Father , Son, and Holy Spirit. 

According to the power that worketh in us, what power is this? This is the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. This is why Jesus said “You must be Born Again” (John 3:3) You can’t become Alive in Christ until the Holy Ghost breathes upon your Dry Bones! Amen!

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: Ephesians 3:7-9

The Apostle Paul wrote over half of the New Testament, he planted many Churches throughout Asia Minor, he performed miracles through God and preached the gospel to countless people. Yet look at Paul’s attitude, he says “I am least of all the saints” Even though many Christians would elevate Paul, he sees himself as not even worthy to be called an Apostle.

This is the humble attitude we all should have, the understanding that we are all servants of Christ, and we are only worthy because of God’s grace. It’s an honor and privilege, to be able to serve God and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no higher calling than to be a minister of Christ, that includes all Christians. If you are a Born Again Christian (John 3:3) then you are a minister of Christ and you should share the gospel of Christ with honor and privilege

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: Ephesians 3:10-11

God is to be made known by the Church, the body of Christ, the Salt and Light. If the Church strays away from the Word of God, then the Church becomes useless, like used salt. We as Christians, are the hands and feet of Christ, this again is a higher calling, an honor and privilege. You don’t just “join a Church” to have your name written down or a social club. The Church is the Body of Christ, if you stray away from your Lord and Master, you have become worse than a non-believer

Thank you Jesus for saving a wretch like me! It’s an honor and privilege to be a servant of Christ and help build Gods eternal Kingdom, Amen!

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Ephesians 3:1-3

Charles Spurgeon has a quote “While others are congratulating themselves, I have to sit humbly at the foot of the cross and marvel that I’m saved at all.”

Notice how the Apostle Paul addresses himself here, “I , Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ” Alot of people today in ministry love to puff themselves up and brag about all the things they accomplished, and I’m sure the Apostle Paul could overshadow their accomplishments, but Paul kept a humble mindset. He calls himself a Prisoner of Christ! How many people would gladly take this title? 

The original Greek word is “desmios” meaning captive or bound. Does this describe you and your ministry? Are you a prisoner of Christ? Are you bound to The Lord? I can predict many people would be offended by this, however as Jesus said “Anyone who wants to be my disciple, must deny themselves, carry their cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24)

Paul, a prisoner of Christ, to share the gospel to the Gentiles, about the dispensation of Gods grace. Through Christ we can now be reconciled back to God and become his children. We become “Spiritual Jews” through Christ, this is the mystery Paul revealed, that we are saved because of Jesus Christ and not our nationality, race or creed

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Ephesians 3:4-6

People often ask “How can I trust the Bible”? Or “How do I know the Bible is the Word of God”? Paul reveals here “as it is now revealed unto his Holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit” The Word of God was revealed to men by the Holy Spirit. You can trust the Bible because its source is God Almighty!

The Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. This is a summary of the New Covenant, Jew and Gentile are all one in Christ our Lord Amen!

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Ephesians 2:17-18

People who deny the Trinity of God, I want to you read this scripture carefully, “Through Him (Christ) we both have access by One Spirit (Holy Spirit) unto the Father (God) We see the Father, Son , and Holy Spirit all mentioned in this scripture, all working together in the Triunity of the Godhead. 

Through Jesus Christ, we are reconciled back to our Heavenly Father and baptized and filled by the Holy Spirit. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all essential to your salvation, to deny one of them is to deny all of them. Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty, the blessed Trinity

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

Before we became Born Again in Christ, we were strangers to God, why? Because even though we are made in the image of God, we were separated from God due to our sin. It’s a false teaching to tell everyone they are automatically a Child of God. You can only be reconciled back to God if you become Born Again through Christ and be filled with the Holy Spirit

Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone, as prophesied throughout the Old Testament. Christ is the Rock, we build the foundation of our faith on. Christ is the foundation of our entire life, without Christ there is no foundation and we will crumble from building on the sand. 

Notice again the Triune language used by Paul, “Unto a Holy Temple in The Lord (Jesus), in whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God (Father) through the Spirit (Holy Spirit)” We see the Triune Godhead working together for our salvation

How do we become saved? It’s only through Jesus Christ the Son of God. How do we become reconciled back to God our Father? It’s only through Jesus Christ the Son of God. How do we get baptized by the Holy Spirit? It’s only through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Amen!

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13

We need to remember that we are all saints with a past, we need to remember that we were all unsaved sinners just like the world. When you’re Born Again and filled with the Holy Spirit, its easy to get disgusted with this world. It’s easy to feel remorse , even anger towards unsaved people, however we must remember we were once just like them! And we can use our past and our testimonies, to share people the good news of Jesus Christ!

We must remember that at one time we were without Christ! Hopefully this seems impossible to comprehend, but at one time we were prodigal children. We were the lost sheep without a Shepherd. When your reconciled back to God through Christ, it makes you realize how great our God is. Because there is no hope without Christ! There is no possibility of eternal life without Jesus, all our hope is in our great Lord and Savior!

We were once far away from God, we were dead in our sins, unable to stand in the presence of our Holy Father. However because of the price Christ paid on the cross, The Lord has reconciled us back to God. This is why its called Amazing Grace!

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;  Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: Ephesians 2:14-16

Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) and we can’t have peace without Christ, why? Because without Christ, you are at war with God, you are at war with the Holy Spirit, living in the flesh , dead in your sins. But Christ paid the ransom for your sins on the cross, and made you a new man by the Holy Spirit. You are at peace with God through Jesus Christ, because The Lord paid it all!

There is no other way to peace and reconciliation without Jesus Christ! If your looking for peace today, look for Jesus Christ, and look at the cross and what Christ accomplished for you there! We are Born Again through Jesus Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit, Amen!

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-7

Why did Jesus die for us? The answer is simple, because Christ loves us. When you understand the price Jesus Christ paid for our souls, and the only reason this was performed was because God loves us, you understand how deep our relationship with God is and should be. 

You might ask “how do I know God loves me”? All you have to do is look at the cross, God demonstrated his love towards us, even though we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8) Imagine the Creator dying for his creation, even when his creation didn’t deserve it. That’s why God is “rich in mercy”, Gods grace and love, is so much deeper than our human minds can comprehend. 

How did we get saved? It’s very simple, by grace you are saved! We didn’t do anything to “earn” our salvation or “work” our way into Heaven. It’s impossible for us to be able to save ourselves, it’s only by the grace of God that we are saved. As the scripture says “even though we were dead in our sins” even though we were depraved godless sinners, Christ saved us. We became Born Again by the blood of Christ and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It’s only by grace that any of us are saved, period

And one day, we will be raised up, meaning we will be resurrected, with an immortal perfect body, and we will reign with Christ in the Heavenly realm. Think about that, before you were dead in your sins, you were separated from God because of our transgressions, however not only were you forgiven, but you were made a new creature. You were reborn and reconciled back to God as his child, hallelujah to the Lamb of God!

Did we deserve this grace and mercy? Absolutely not, again it’s only because God loves us, that we received his grace and mercy. Can we comprehend this deep love of Gods grace? No, because human love will always fail us, humans will always let us down, but Christ has already redeemed your soul, Jesus will never leave or forsake you, because you were bought by the price of his own blood, Amen!

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Ephesians 2:1-3

Is it possible to be saved without Christ? The world will tell you there are many religions or paths to God, this is false. There is only one way to be saved, only one way to be reconciled back to God , and that’s through Jesus Christ. Why? Because we were all dead in our sins and trespasses. You are either Born Again in Christ or your dead in your sins, there is no other option. 

Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) Why? Because you are dead in your sins, you are the Dry Bones in the valley of death, there is no spiritual life inside you. You live for the flesh like an animal, not living by the Holy Spirit as a Child of God. Until your soul has been regenerated, you could never see the Kingdom of Heaven or stand in the presence of God

Before you were Born Again, you used to walk according to the course of this world. Everything about this world is in opposition to Christ. That’s why Paul said “Don’t conform to the ways of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2) This world is completely Anti-Christ, that’s why everything this world does is blaspheme The Lord’s name. You hear it on a daily basis, over and over again, because the world hates Jesus Christ, because Jesus is the truth, the life, and the way (John 14:6)

Who is leading this rebellion? According to the prince of the power of the air, Satan. You either worship Christ or Satan, there is no other option. You might say well I’m an Atheist or a New Age, they all bow down to Satan. Anyone who rejects Jesus Christ is an Anti-Christ and worships Satan. There is no in-between, you’re either Born Again or dead in your sins. You are either a Child of God or a Child of disobedience. It’s very simple, the narrow path or the broad road to Hell. The path of life or the path of death, which way will you choose?

JC Ryle said “You are either Born Again or wish you were never born at all” The point is if you are not Born Again, you are dead in your sins, then the penalty of your sins will fall upon you. Its a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God, repent and put your faith in The Lord Jesus Christ before it’s too late! Amen!

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:19-23

The Holy Spirit has been given to us , those who have faith in Christ, according to the working of Christ’s mighty power. It’s not by our works that we are saved, it’s by the mighty works of Christ , that we are saved! As the scripture says “When God raised him from the dead” Christ defeated sin, death , and Satan when Christ walked out of that tomb on Sunday morning! Jesus Is Risen!

And then God set him at his own right hand in the Heavenly places, when Jesus ascended back to Heaven, all power and authority was given to Jesus Christ! Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and the name above every name! (Philippians 2) There is nobody above The Lord and there will never be anybody greater than The Lord, Christ Jesus shall reign forevermore!

And God has put all things under Christ’s feet, Jesus Christ is King of all Kings. Everyone, and every angel, and every demon is in subjection to the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation (John 14:6), this is why Jesus Christ is the only path to God, there is no other possible way to save your soul. Without the blood of Christ, you will be condemned for all eternity, pardon for your sins is only possible by The Lamb Jesus Christ!

Christ is the Head of the Church, it doesn’t matter who your pastor is or who your religious leaders are, everyone is in subjection to Jesus Christ. Any Church Laws that violate the commandments of God, violate the Headship of Jesus Christ. As The Lord said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) If you are a Christian, you are in subjection to Jesus Christ as Lord, any Church not in subjection to Christ, is not truly a Church, but lukewarm Christians and Christ will spit you out of his mouth (Revelation 3:16)

The Church is the body of Christ, the hands and feet of God, the Light of the world and Salt of the Earth (Matthew 5) But what if that salt loses its flavor? What good is it? It’s worthless and will be thrown out. The same is with the Church, if the Body of Christ can’t preserve justice and God’s law, then it becomes good for nothing, and will be thrown out. Jesus Christ is our Lord, we must remain in subjection to Christ, The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Amen!

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-14

We have obtained an inheritance, what did we obtain? Eternal life, reconciliation back with God, justification in Christ, and also the Holy Spirit living inside of us. The gifts that God has given us already , through our Lord Jesus Christ, are blessings beyond our comprehension. The fact that there are people still begging God for more things, makes me come to the conclusion that they don’t understand the price of their salvation

So why did we become saved at all? Because we were predestined by the will of God to to be the elect. Again this is a concept alot of people have a hard time grasping, however the word predestination is used multiple times in this first Chapter of Ephesians. You were predestined to be a Child of The Most High through Christ!

Now notice the next part of the scripture, “after you have heard and believed the gospel of your salvation” (v13) We must respond to our calling of predestination by having genuine faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord. Now here’s the question, can the spiritually dead understand the gospel message? The answer I believe is no, Jesus said “Nobody can come to me unless the Father draws them” (John 6:44)

Nobody can come to Christ or understand the gospel, unless the Holy Spirit draws them to Christ! This is a radical reality of Gods will for the elect, this is why not everyone will receive the good news of Jesus Christ, this is why Jesus said “Narrow is the road that leads to life, and very few will find it” (Matthew 7:14) Jesus actually says very few are actually going to be saved and the majority of the world is on the broad road to Hell, which road are you on?

Once you are Born Again in Christ (John 3:3) you are Sealed by the Holy Spirit. Your body is now the Temple of God and the Holy Spirit is now living inside of You (Romans 8:11, 1 Cor. 3, 6) You have been transformed to walk in the newness of Life, to conform to the image of Christ to be a Child of God in Jesus name Amen!

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Ephesians 1:7-10

We all know the old hymn “Are you washed by the blood of The Lamb”? This is an essential foundation of our faith, as the scriptures say “We have redemption through His blood” When Christ willingly went to the cross for you, Christ paid the penalty for your sin, the debt has been pain, you are declared righteous before God because of Christ’s blood on the cross. You have been redeemed through Christ blood!

What also happened with the shedding of Christ’s blood? Your sins have been forgiven. As it says in Isaiah “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:8) You have been purified by the blood of Jesus Christ! The Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world!

Why did Christ do this? As it says in the scriptures “According to the riches of His grace” Christ willingly went to the cross for you because He loves you, because Christ has chosen you before the foundations of the world. This is a deep love, this is not a shallow love the world demonstrates. This is Agape, a sacrificial love , that could have only been accomplished by the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ

God has made known the mystery of His will , which he has purposed in himself. Throughout the gospels, Christ continually revealed that the Son of Man would die in the hands of sinners and would rise again on the 3rd day. The mystery of the gospel was made clearly known through Jesus Christ, the mystery of God’s will is clearly foretold in the Word of God, the Bible, if you want to know God , you have to study your Bible!

In the fullness of time, to bring all things together in Christ. The New Covenant was established by Christ, all power and authority on Heaven and Earth was given to Jesus Christ! As Christ said on the cross “It Is Finished” the debt for your sins has been paid, you are now in a New Covenant with God through Christ , by the redemption of His blood, Amen!