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Posts Tagged ‘Ephesians 02’

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, [Jesus] expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. – Luke 24:27

Two travelers on the way to a town called Emmaus, seven (7) miles from Jerusalem, picked up a stranger. Though unrecognized until the last, he took them through the Bible from a new perspective — Christ in every Book, Letter, and Psalm. “Did not our hearts burn within us!”, they said!1

The Bible really is a book about just one man — All the apostles saw it that way. Here is just one (1) example:

Paul, quoting a very familiar passage about Adam and Eve but with a new twist:

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh … I speak concerning Christ and the church.” – Ephesians 5:30-32

Neither we nor Jesus are any longer just ourselves, but eternally linked in covenant like a husband and wife! Him taking my sinfulness, me taking his righteousness,2 becoming one new man,3 the last Adam4 (male and female 5). We, together, approach God with nothing owing and all debts paid, God’s grace working is us (Christ and me) in all circumstances to bring about our good and God’s glory.6

Wow, what a book, what a savior, what a God, what a privilege!

— fritz@langgang.com
1 – Luke 24:32
2 – 2nd Corinthians 5:21
3 – One new man (not referring to Jew and Gentile but us and Christ) – Ephesians 2:14-15
4 – Last Adam – 1st Corinthians 15:45
5 – Adam, male and female – Genesis 1:27
6 – See Post from July 11, 2010 – “Where is God’s Blessing”

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>Job’s Lament Granted…

>

“Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat! I would order my cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me….he would pay attention to me.” – Job 23:3-5,6b (ESV)

Job lamented he could not go to the “seat” (throne) of God. He knew, if he could, God would listen to his deepest hurts and troubles and he would find relief!

The barrier to God was only bridged by special prophets and seers. To hear from God one had to ask a holy man to interceed or a priest to use the “Urim and Thummin”, like casting lots. Personal interaction with the Almighty was just not possible.

Then Jesus came, paid for our sins, and sent the Holy Spirit; Job’s lament has been granted for every believer!

(God)…”raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” – Ephesians 2:4-7 (ESV)

Question: If you really believed you were seated with Jesus at the throne of God, how would your prayer life change?

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>Difference between Love and Intimacy.

>If we don’t earn our way into heaven, then why do good works? If God doesn’t play favorites, why do some appear closer to Him than others?

These are questions often heard.

The Bible clearly says salvation (all that means both now and eternally) is a gift by God’s grace not based on the good works we do but the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross (Eph. 2:8-9). It also tells us God does not play favorites (Romans 2:11).

I think of it in terms of my own children. I love each one equally but the “closeness” I feel to each differs and sometimes fluctuates.

Love moves me to provide for their needs, sometimes above my own, to act in their best interest even when they don’t appreciate it, to not hold grudges against them and to long for a greater closeness to each.

Some of my children have at times felt I loved others of them more and have said so, but I know that is not true. What is true is that the actions of some have, at times, developed an intimacy not always shared by others at all times. Love can be one direction but intimacy can not! The level of intimacy has always been their choice, not mine.

While there is nothing more they can do for my love (they each already have it) there are things they can do to increase our intimacy.

Desiring to spend time with me is a good first step. Showing my opinions are valued also helps. Doing what I consider “good” things simply because I consider them “good” things makes love a two way communication and joys my heart.

The purpose of us doing “good” works is because it brings God pleasure. Taking the time to read His word, the Bible, in a desire to know Him better, fosters a two way communication available to anyone but chosen by only some. Moving towards Him doesn’t make Him love us more, it makes us love Him more. It doesn’t change Him, He is already at 100% for us; it changes us.

A pastor friend often said in his sermons, “You can be as close to God as you want.”

Something to think about.

Fritz.

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