Ephesians Outline [podcast]

Paula White Exposed [video]

THAT’s My King! Pastor Lockridge [video]

Powerful Prayers from Children-This Will Shake You [video]

The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil: Pride, and Arrogancy #shorts [video]

Ephesians Background Info (below)

Satanic Artifacts Burned Acts 19:19 (below)

Chosen for Holiness – Ephesians 1 (below)

The Life of Jesus Manifested in Our Lives – Ephesians 1 (below)

PRAYING BIBLICALLY, POWERFULLY, AND EFFECTIVELY (below)

I’M NOT WHO I ONCE WAS: Ephesians 2:1-3 (below)

Ephesians 2:4-10 – Grounded in Grace (below)

Made Nigh by the Blood of Christ (below)

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ Ephesians 3 (below)

Speaking the Truth in Love (below)

Ephesians 5:1-21 (below)

EPHESIANS
Outline

—–THE ORIGINAL WWW !!! – The glorious book of Ephesians naturally divides into 3 basic sections which form the acronym WWW – Worship, Work, Warfare – see outline below to help you better understand the mind of Christ revealed in this treasured epistle which has blessed countless sojourning saints for 2 millenniums now.

Let us observe from an overview perspective, the doctrinal letter the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to pen to “the saints which are at Ephesus.” (1:1) In Ephesians, the integral involvement of all three divine Members of the Godhead are seen in creation (Eph. 3:9), the redemption of mankind (1:4, 7, 13), the maturing of the body of Christ (4:4-6), and eternal well-being of His elect (Eph. 1:3-6, 10; 2:6). God’s will for His people’s maturity is stated in 4:5: “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” One sure way to speak His truth in love is to devour the contents of this blessed letter, asking Him to make them an integral part of your life as He conforms you to His holy image. His new life in us should produce a transformation in the spirit of our minds, as we put on the “new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” (4:23-24).

This book is a treasure chest of divine knowledge and essential jewels for Christian maturity for the church of Jesus Christ. Read it, study it, saturate and bathe your heart and mind in it, and pray it into your life. As you discover new platinum nuggets, record them on index cards to commit to memory. This will significantly benefit you personally and others as you share them.

As you go through this outline in your own Bible, feel free to reference, cross reference, and write notes in the margins. You are encouraged to use this outline as it best suits you for learning of the LORD and humbly, prayerfully instructing others.

Author: Paul, the servant and apostle of Jesus Christ (1:1)

Date written: 60-65 A.D.

Theme: Some would say that Ephesians is the second doctrinal letter in the New Testament cannon, the first being the book of Romans which perhaps Ephesians builds upon.

Ephesians pictures the believer as positionally “seated together in heavenly places in Christ” (2:6). The redeemed are blessed in that the Father made us, chose us, and found us, saving us through the blood of His only begotten Son (Eph. 1:3-4, 7). He has made us to be citizens in His family (Eph. 2:19; 3:15). The believer’s wealth and walk with Christ are expounded upon in the first 3 chapters while chapter 4 and 5 deal with his walk, and chapter 6 with kingdom warfare. As a doctrinal letter, the book of Ephesians contains the highest of truth for the Church. This is in contrast to other New Testament writings which deal with order and the practical implementation of local church functions to build up the saints and win the lost to Christ in light of His soon return.

KEY TERMS in Ephesians:

“In Christ” appears 12x

“In him” appears 2x

The fact that the terms “in Christ” and “in him” appear 14 times in this all-important letter to all the saints in this period of grace, reveals that God wants us to apprehend who He is and who we are in Him. This will require God’s grace working in you, personal study, prayer, and meditation. By His holy blood we are in Jesus Christ, “builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Eph. 2:22) The believer’s identification is to be Christ – above all else (1 Cor. 2:2, 6:19-20; Gal. 2:20, 6:14). The way a person sees/views himself (identification) determines how he will live this life. What possesses us propels us. Being “in Christ” means being brought ever more by Him into a deeper and more intimate intertwining and oneness (Jn. 17).

KEY WORDS in Ephesians:

Below, look up and read each of the key word and term verses below as you prayerfully follow the divine design of love, and grace for His Church, including the unity of each member of His body.

“Love” appears 14x
“Grace” appears 12x
“Church” appears 9x
“Inheritance” appears 4x
“Unity” appears 2x

2 KEY VERSES of Ephesians:

Divine, Eternal Purpose Revealed:

“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 1:10

His Purpose/Goal for our Walk with Him:

“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” Ephesians 4:13

PAUL’S PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS UNDER THE NEW COVENANT 1:18-19

God wants to open our spiritual senses to reveal:

“the hope of his calling” v18
“what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” v18
“the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe” v19

OBJECTIVE/GOAL OF THE TRIUNE GOD WITH HIS ONE UNIVERSAL CHURCH AS EXPRESSED IN EPHESIANS:

NOW: “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect (mature) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:” Ephesians 4:13
IN ETERNITY: “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times (eternity to come) he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” Ephesians 1:10

God is going to bring all His children together in one place – the New Jerusalem.

Record both of the above verses on index cards. Prayerfully read over them 5 times each before continuing.

“One body” (4:4) Especially chapter two speaks of the union of believing Jews and Gentiles in Christ’s one body. Jew/Gentile: No difference between Jews and Gentiles in Christ/salvation: Acts 10:45-48, 11:18, 13:46-48, 14:27, 15:3-23; 26:17-23, 28:28; Rom. 2:28-29; 3:9,29, 11:11-25, 15:9-18,27; 1 Cor. 10:32, 12:13, Gal. 3:28, Eph. 2:11, 3:6-8, Col. 1:27, 3:11

Made One Body by Christ’s Blood

Every born again, blood bought saint of Christ is “of the household of God.” Jesus came and He built the foundation of His kingdom “upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;”

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” Ephesians 2:19-20

“The household of God” – picture being a child in the, under the blessed protection, command, privilege, authority, and provision of “the Almighty” Himself (Revelation 1:8).

NATURAL DIVISIONS IN EPHESIANS:

Ch’s 1-3 of the book of Ephesians deal with our Wealth in and Worship of Christ
Ch’s 4-5 of the book of Ephesians deal with our Walk with Christ
Ch 6 of the book of Ephesians deals with our Warfare in Christ with the enemy

By design God sets forth His wealth to and justification of the believer first (Ch.’s 1-3). He then gives instruction on how to walk out that new life of worship He has freely given us (Ch.’s 4-6), including guarding it by vigilant prayer and warfare (Ch. 6).

God, by whom “we have obtained an inheritance” and according to “the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will … hath purposed in himself,” according to “the good pleasure of his will,” to adopt us as His “children by Jesus Christ to himself.” (Ephesians 1:5, 9, 11)

The Involvement/Work of Each Divine Member of the Godhead is Seen in:

1. Creation of “all things” 3:9

2. Redemption Ch. 1 The involvement with each divine Member of the Godhead

– Chosen of the Father 1:4

– Redeemed by the Son 1:7

– “Sealed with that holy Spirit of promise” 1:13

3. Sanctification of each individual redeemed saint and the corporate body of Christ in:

– “one Spirit” 4:4

– “one Lord” 4:5

– “one God and Father of all” 4:6

All these things have the Father, Word, and Holy Ghost done to secure the heavenly family eternally in His everlasting kingdom, where His Christ will be exalted and His saints blessed beyond fathom (1 Cor. 2:9; Rev. 21). Watch for this love theme throughout this letter (Eph. 1:3-6, 10; 2:6).

Prayers in Ephesians

By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the apostle Paul pens two magnificent prayers effectual for all saints throughout the NT era. If we use these two monumental, Holy Spirit inspired prayers in Ephesians, our Father will change our lives. At this time, go read and simultaneously pray to your heavenly Father these prayers in Jesus’ name. Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-21. Ask the LORD for these things to be manifested in your life and the life of His people, the world over.

Capturing a Few of the Treasures of Ephesians

Verses in Ephesians to write out on index cards with references and then read aloud five times each before proceeding:

1:3
2:8-10
3:16, 17, 20
This part of 3:9 – “God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.”
4:3, 11-12
5:11, 21, 26-27
6:10, 17

Ephesus Background Information

The historical account of God’s work among the people in the city of Ephesus picks up in Acts 18. Origins and Background of the work of the LORD at Ephesus – Paul was in Ephesus ministering appr 10 years prior to writing his epistle to the Ephesians. John recorded the words of Jesus to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7 in about 95 AD.

Saul participates in Stephen’s stoning. Acts 7:51-60. (33-34 AD)
Saul of Tarsus wreaks havoc on Christians. Acts 8. (33-34 AD)
Saul’s conversion: Confronted on the road to Damascus. Acts 9. (33-34 AD)
Paul pens the epistle to the Ephesian believers in prison (60-65 AD)
John the apostle receives the Revelation in which he records the message of Jesus to the church at Ephesus. Revelation 2:1-7. (95 AD)

If you wish to research the record of the beginnings of the Gospel and origins of the church in the city of Ephesus, read Acts 18:18 – 20:38.

“Ephesus” appears 17 times in God’s Word beginning with Acts 18:19 and ending with the LORD Jesus’ letter to the Ephesian church in Revelation 2:1-7. Much is given to us as followers of Christ in the work of God through Paul and others in the believers at Ephesus.

The Apostolic New Testament Program

“Apostolic” simply refers to Christ’s apostles who were earnestly contending for and carrying forward His Gospel. After Jesus rose from the dead and was seated back at the right hand of the Father, Christ’s apostles made sure when Jesus saved souls, that those newly saved saints had the opportunity to receive the gift of the full measure of the Holy Ghost – an integral part of New Testament Christianity and without which the believer cannot and will not be powerfully used of God. Here is Paul, the apostle of Christ in Ephesus:

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.” Acts 19:1-6

Here’s another example of the apostles of Christ making sure every believer was baptized with the Holy Spirit:

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God (got saved), they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” Acts 8:14-17

BACKGROUND: More Information on God’s Work Among the Ephesian Saints

One background commentary on Ephesus reads: “The capital of Ionia, a celebrated city of Asia Minor, situated near the mouth of the Cayster, about forty miles southeast of Smyrna. It was chiefly celebrated for the worship and temple of Diana, which last was, accounted one of the seven wonders of the world. See DIANA. Paul first visited Ephesus about A. D. 54, Acts 18:19,21. This first brief visit was followed by a longer one towards the close of the same year, and continuing through the two following years, Acts 19:10 20:31. The church thus early established, enjoyed the laborers of Aquila and Priscilla, of Tychicus and Timothy. It was favored with one of the best of Paul’s epistles; its elders held an interview with him at Miletus, before he saw Rome, and he is supposed to have visited them after his first imprisonment. Here the apostle John is said to have spent the latter part of his life, and written his gospel and epistles; and having penned Christ’s message to them in the isle of Patmos, to have returned and died among them. Christ gives the church at Ephesus a high degree of praise, coupled with a solemn warning, Revelation 2:1-5, which seems not to have prevented its final extinction, though it remained in existence six hundred years. But now its candlestick is indeed removed out of its place. The site of that great and opulent city is desolate. Its harbor has become a pestilential marsh; the lovely and fertile level ground south of the Cayster now languishes under Turkish misrule; and the heights upon its border bear only shapeless ruins. The outlines of the immense theatre, Acts 19:29, yet remain in the solid rock; but no vestige of the temple of Diana can be traced.”

Paul rebuked the sin in Ephesus – “that they be no gods, which are made with hands.” (Acts 19:26) He was assailed for doing so as is a consistent reaction with the preaching or the original Gospel which begins with the command to repent (Matthew 11:12). Contrast this with the hirelings who set up churches in our cities today….. modern pastors aren’t rebuking anything, especially not themselves. They simply seek to set up and establish their church businesses and be able to make money for themselves and pay the mortgage….by entertaining the people, their prey. They coddle men in sin instead of calling them to repent before a holy God as did John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2), the LORD Jesus (Matthew 4:17), and the apostles of Christ (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31; 20:21, etc.).

Preaching the original Gospel of Jesus will stir devils and religious frauds (Matthew 23, etc.). All one has to do to behold such is to read the Gospels and book of Acts to witness the vicious diabolical attacks on Jesus and His apostles. There is a great difference between powder puff counterfeits and true disciples of Christ who deliver the message of the original Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit.

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:28-29

Ephesians | Galatians Outline | Grounded in Grace |

Ephesians Narrated [podcast]

Ephesians 1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by […]

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ [podcast]

The Mystery Revealed Ephesians 3 Paul gave no glory to the sinful men who imprisoned him. Eph 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, The apostle took pleasure in these afflictions for the sake of Christ. We are reminded of his thorn in the flesh where Paul gave no glory to “the messenger of Satan” whom God allowed to afflict him … 2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, […]

The Riches of God's Grace in Christ [podcast]

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:7 It’s been said that “God bankrupted Heaven to buy us back to Himself!” “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15 Jesus judged sin on the cross so we don’t have to be judged for our sin and so we can experience “the exceeding riches of his grace” both now and forever (John 12:31-32; Ephesians 1:7; 2:7). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through […]

Apostasy

“Simple Concerning Evil” [podcast]

Holy Scripture uses the phrase “simple concerning evil.”

“For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple (innocent) concerning evil.” Romans 16:19

“But I would have you – Not only obedient, but discreet also. Wise with regard to that which is good – As knowing in this as possible. And simple with regard to that which is evil – As ignorant of this as possible.” John Wesley

Concerning Romans 16:19 Donald Stamps writes:

“God wants believers to be innocent (Gk. akeraios) in what is evil; this word means ‘unmixed’ or ‘pure,’ i.e., innocent like a child whose mind has not yet been exposed to evil or mixed with the values of the world (cf.1 Cor. 14:20). (1) This biblical principle is in direct opposition to the idea advocated by some that children of Christians should be exposed to sin, immorality, ungodliness, and the things of Satan in order to learn to confront temptation. Some suggest that children need not be guarded from ungodliness. However, according to biblical revelation, the philosophy is not only against God’s will for the believer, but also represents Satan’s own desire that everyone be exposed to the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 3:5). (2) Knowledge of evil, along with continual exposure to Satan’s ways, will lead many from the path of faith and obedience. Lot found this out to his deep sorrow, losing his entire family for this reason (Gen. 13:12-13; 19:1-38). Scripture warns that ‘evil communications’ (i.e., company) corrupt good manners (1 Cor. 15:33), and that ‘Jesus Christ … gave himself … that he might deliver us from this present evil world’ (Gal. 1:3-4). Those who advocate exposing innocent children to an ungodly environment and/or influence are in danger of violating Jesus’ warning in Matthew 18:6. (3) Believers should do all within their means and power to guard their children from being exposed to the deceitfulness and sin and the perverseness of this generation. To refuse to protect our children in this respect disregards the Holy Spirit’s desire that they be innocent and babes regarding what is evil.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 1959

Spoil the innocence of a child or others and God will spoil, bring ruin to you.

“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6

“Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” 1 Corinthians 14:20

Concerning the fact and principle of offering children to Satan on the altar of Moloch, one source notes the following:

“Based on historical and biblical accounts, child sacrifice to Moloch was a Canaanite and Phoenician ritual, often described as offering children to a deity in a “tophet” (place of burning). Scholars interpret this act as a desperate attempt to appease a god associated with the underworld or to ensure divine favor in exchange for the ultimate sacrifice.

Why Children Were Offered to Moloch:

Appeasement of a Deity: Moloch (or Mlk) is identified by some scholars as an underworld deity or a Phoenician god linked to the underworld, requiring the ultimate sacrifice to ensure favor or safety.”

“Lot … Pitched His Tent Toward Sodom”

“Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. 13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” Genesis 13:12-13

Of the act of Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom, the late Donald Stamps wrote:

“PITCHED HIS TENT TOWARD SODOM. Lot’s great failure was that he loved personal gain more than he hated the wickedness of Sodom (v10-13). (1) If he had loved righteousness sufficiently (see Heb. 1:9), it would have caused him to remain separate from the wicked ways of sinful people. Instead he tolerated evil and chose to live in wicked Sodom (v13). Perhaps he reasoned that the material advantages, culture, and pleasures of Sodom outweighed the dangers, and that he was strong enough to remain faithful to God. Thus, he exposed himself and his family to the immorality, and ungodliness of Sodom, only to learn the bitter lesson that his family was not strong enough to resist its evil influences (Gen. 19:24-26; 30-38). (2) Parents must be careful not to place themselves or their children in a “Sodom,” lest they come to spiritual ruin as did the family of Lot.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 27

“Although Lot was distressed by the filthy deeds he saw and heard (2 Pet. 2:7-8), he still was willing to tolerate the wickeness of Sodom for social and material advantages (13:12 note). This compromise brought tragedy to his family (v24). Likewise, believers today who expose their families to ungodly environments and evil influences for social or material gain are setting themselves up for family tragedies.” Donald Stamps, Life in the Spirit Study Bible, p. 34

Gentlemen, if we lust for the things of this world, it will cause us to sacrifice God’s truth on the altar of our greed and cause needless destruction in our families.

Ephesians 5:1-17

“1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

“And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Mark 4:17-19

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

Key to a pure, innocent heart…. is that the LORD Almighty is truly first in our lives, that we are truly one with Him—just as Jesus prayed in John 17. The futile god of self must be denounced, as well as the sin of spiritual adultery and idolatry.

“Keep thyself pure.” 1 Timothy 5:22

PRAYER: “LORD, right this moment, I release everything and everyone that I might be holding onto tighter than You….I will have no other god before You dear LORD…You Jesus Alone Are My LORD And Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Marlene Austin

Overcoming Whoredom [podcast]

ARE parents setting their own children up for failure, ruin, and damnation by sending them off to college? ONLY THE BIBLICALLY ILLITERATE WONDER WHY AMERICA IS COLLAPSING. HINT: THE FOUNDATION IS GONE (Psalms 11:3; 68:6) More and more it becomes apparent that most college degrees are useless and that “educated” would be more honestly termed “indoctrinated.” Are parents who indoctrinate and push their daughters to “go get a degree/education” guilty of prostituting their own daughters, making them whores? Does this lead to “college educated” and also “college prostituted” daughters? “Do not prostitute thy daughter, to cause her to be a […]

Parenting and the Eternal Destiny of Your Child [podcast]

There’s no such thing as a Christian who is a parent and isn’t teaching their child(ren) God’s Word. So you programmed and indoctrinated your own child to “go get an education” from a commie university, with nothing but antichrist’s as “professors”, who merely read and teach marxist textbooks full of every evil known to mankind. And yet you still wonder why they turned from Christ? – if you even taught them the Bible in the first place. Time for you to get saved. God holds you personally accountable for allowing and inviting evil upon the minds and hearts of the […]

Articles

Grounded in Grace [podcast]

“What a powerful message! Life changing for sure. It truly blessed me. Every believer should listen to this video! But God! Two little words that I missed. And found this phrase used at least 44 times in the KJB. Those little words takes the focus off us! If it wasn’t for God coming to save our wicked souls we would be doomed forever to burn in hell. Psalm 49:15 “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me. Selah.” We are saved by the grace of God and kept by the power and grace of God. To which none of us can boost! (Ephesians 2:8, 1 Peter 1:5).” Karen Cochran | Grounded in Grace [podcast]

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 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: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-10

Satan continues to pick off people with the same exact law-keeping deception he snared the Galatians with. They become in unbelief about Christ’s perfect sacrifice and begin to add law to salvation’s equation. This is deadly. Having begun in faith, in the Spirit, they fall away from the faith by trying to help God save them through self-effort, law-keeping (Galatians 3:3; 5:4). Many of those snared are seduced into this by way of the sabbath keeping deception, foolishness.

Being established in the saving grace of God is the only defense against the many deceptions creeping in among God’s people.

When the self-righteous legalist hears someone preach that Christians are saved by grace and not under the old testament law, they react – because they are still trusting self and have not truly repented/surrendered and putting their whole faith in christ. Law and grace don’t mix! You MUST choose! (John 1:17) Either you are saved by Jesus or your own law keeping works. There’s no in-between! It’s time to get into God’s Word, asking Him to give you a NEW Testament clue!

Especially with the upsurge of Judaizers and the law-keeping doctrines they perpetrate, every true born-again believer should pray, seek out, and study to be grounded in God’s saving grace in Christ.

SAINTS, we are saved by the LORD Himself, by His grace and not our own works. People who are still self-righteous, thinking THEY are earning their own justification, get very uneasy when the saving grace of God is preached. They are not yet students of NEW Testament truth. WE MUST have an ever-deepening biblical revelation of God’s justification by grace and faith! Please begin by memorizing Romans 5:1-2. AND, please read Romans chapters 3-5 prayerfully and over and over, this week.

To the Galatians, when Paul said “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump”, he was saying that trying to mix even “a little” law keeping into the equation of salvation Christ alone 100% earned for us, ruins your whole relationship with God (Galatians 5:9). In fact, you don’t have one if you don’t 100% trust Jesus Christ!

Remember when Jesus saved you? He found and saved our wretched soul alllll by Himself!!!!! Right? Please pause and let that soak in. …. In light of this reality, this sheer mercy, how is it that we still strive in the flesh, thinking we are going to earn divine forgiveness, merit His blessings, etc. – “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” (Romans 4:4-5)

“But God”

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” Ephesians 2:4

After hanging the backdrop (vv. 1-3), reviewing our alienation, our past life of trespasses and sin, how we are now found and rescued—brought back to life from our dead state—by the LORD, the writer now transitions upward.

Of Ephesians 2:4, William MacDonald writes:

“The words, But God, form one of the most significant, eloquent, and inspiring transitions in all literature. They indicate that a stupendous (astonishing, stunning) change has taken place. It is a change from the doom and despair of the valley of death to the unspeakable delights of the kingdom of the Son of God’s love.

The Author of the change is God Himself. No one else could have done it, and no one else would have done it.

“One characteristic of this blessed One is that He is rich in mercy. He shows mercy to us by not treating us the way we deserved to be treated (Psalm 103:10). ‘Though it has been expended by Him for six millennia, and myriads and myriads have been partakers of it, it is still an unexhausted mine of wealth, as Eadie remarks.’

The reason for His intervention is given in the words, for his great love wherewith he loved us. His love is great because He is its source. Just as the greatness of a giver casts an aura of greatness on his gift, so the surpassing excellence of God adds superlative luster to His love. It is greater to be loved by the mighty Sovereign of the universe, for instance, than by a fellow human being. God’s love is great because of the price He paid. Love sent the Lord Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, to die for us in agony at Calvary. God’s love is great because of the unsearchable riches it showers on its object.” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 1917

Satan attempts to make God out to be an unloving Father. Only mankind is created in God’s image, and He loves us beyond words (Ephesians 2:4-9). He loves us so much so that He gave His only begotten Son to die a horrible yet redeeming death on the cross, raising Him from the dead three days later to fully, completely justify us (John 3:16). God still has a remnant who trust Him and not self (Romans 5:6-8).

Justification

ARE YOU justified by sinful self or the Savior? Good luck flashing those “filthy rags” at the Throne of the Almighty who sent His only begotten Son to die for you! (Isaiah 64:6) You have called Him a liar! (Galatians 2:21) Righteousness comes from knowing and trusting the only One to ever keep the law perfectly and not from trying to keep the law (Galatians 2:16). Though the law be righteous, there is NO righteousness in the law other than repenting of your own efforts and putting your full trust in the only One who ever kept the law! (Romans 10:4) You deserve judgment and hell. You have nothing to offer God except a deeply repentant, honest, contrite, humble heart! (Psalms 34:18; 51:17; Matthew 5:3) You are a guilty sinner and must trash your stupid, ridiculous, laughable religious fig leaves which are a sham at best! True NEW Testament saints are dead to the law (Romans 7:1-4). Law keepers, do-gooders, and moralists are completely self-righteous antichrists who’ve put themselves in place of Jesus Christ as their own savior – denying Christ that place while vainly believing they can earn their own justification before a holy God and Judge of their eternal soul (James 2:10). Anti in the biblical word “antichrist” means “in place of.” Selah (meditate on that) God doesn’t want His children trying to keep the old law but rather to choose to worship, love, trust, and obey Him who is the only One to keep it and then nailed it to the cross and took it out of the way!

Revelation 2:8 “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.”

Revelation 3:9 “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.”

William MacDonald writes:

“His kindness toward us (2:7)

“His grace in His kindness toward us (2:7)

“The riches of His grace in His kindness toward us

“The exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us

“Now it follows that if God will be disclosing this throughout eternity, then we will be learning throughout eternity, then we will be learning forever and ever. Heaven will be our school. God will be our Teacher. His grace will be the subject. We will be the students. And the school term will be eternity.

“This should deliver us from the idea that we will know everything when we get to Heaven. Only God knows everything, and we will never be equal with Him.

“It also raises the interesting question: How much will we know when we get to Heaven? And it suggests the possibility that we can prepare for the heavenly university by majoring in the Bible right now.

“2:8 The next three verses present as clear a statement of the simple plan of salvation as we can find in the Bible.

“It all originates with the grace of God; He takes the initiative in providing it. Salvation is given to those who are utterly unworthy of it, on the basis of the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“It is given as a present possession. Those who are saved can know it. Writing to the Ephesians, Paul said, ‘are ye saved.’ He knew it, and they knew it.

“The way we receive the gift of eternal life is through faith. Faith means that man takes his place as a lost, guilty sinner, and receives the Lord Jesus as his only hope of salvation. True saving faith is the commitment of a person to a Person (Christ).

“Any idea that man can earn or deserve salvation is forever exploded by the words, ‘and that not of yourselves.’ (2:9) Dead people can do nothing, and sinners deserve nothing but punishment.

“‘It is the gift of God.’ A gift, of course, is free …. The gift of God is salvation by grace and through faith. It is offered to all people everywhere.

“2:9 It is not of works, that is, it is not something a person can earn through supposedly meritorious deeds. It cannot be earned, for instance, by:

Confirmation

Baptism

Church membership

Church attendance

Holy communion

Trying to keep the Ten Commandments

Living by the Sermon on the Mount

Giving to charity

Being a good neighbor

Living a moral, respectable life

“People are not saved by works. And they are not saved by faith plus works. They are saved through faith alone. The minute you add works of any kind or in any amount as a means of gaining eternal life, salvation is no longer by grace (Rom. 11:6). One reason that works are positively excluded is to prevent human boasting. If anyone could be saved by his works, then he would have reason to boast before God. This is impossible (Rom 3:27).

“If anyone could be saved by his own good works, then the death of Christ was unnecessary (Gal 2:21). But we know that the reason He died was because there was no other way by which guilty sinners could be saved.

“If anyone could be saved by his own good works, then he would be his own savior, and could worship himself. But this would be idolatry, and God forbid it (Exod. 20:3).

“Even if someone could be saved through faith in Christ plus his own good works you would have the impossible situation of two saviors – Jesus and the sinner. Christ would then have to share the saviorhood with another, and this He will not do (Is. 42:8).

“Finally, if anyone could contribute to his salvation by works, then God would owe it to him. This, too, is impossible. God cannot be indebted to anyone (Rom 11:35).

“In contrast to works, faith excludes boasting (Rom 3:27), because it is non-meritorious. A man has no reason to be proud that he has trusted the Lord. Faith in Him is the most sane, rational, sensible thing a person can do. To trust one’s Creator and Redeemer is only logical and reasonable. If we cannot trust Him, whom can we trust?

“2:10 The result of salvation is that we are His workmanship – the handiwork of God, not of ourselves. A born again believer is a masterpiece of God. When we think of the raw materials He has to work with, His achievement is all the more remarkable. Indeed, this masterpiece is nothing less than an new creation through union with Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passes away; behold, all things have become new (2 Cor 5:17).

“And the object of this new creation is found in the phrase, for good works. While it is true that we are not saved by good works, it is equally true that we are saved for good works. Good works are not the root but the fruit. We do not work in order to be saved, but because we are saved.

“This is the aspect of the truth that is emphasized in James 2:14-26. When James says that ‘faith without works is dead,’ he does not mean that we are saved by faith plus works, but by the kind of faith that results in a life of good works. Works prove the reality of our faith. Paul heartedly agrees: ‘we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.’ (2:10)

“God’s order then is this:

“Faith->Salvation->Good Works->Reward

“Faith leads to salvation. Salvation results in good works. Good works will be rewarded by Him.

“But the question arises: What kind of good works am I expected to do? Paul answers, Good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. In other words, God has a blueprint for every life. Before our conversion He mapped out a spiritual career for us. Our responsibility is to find His will for us and then obey it. We do not have to work out a plan for our lives, but only accept the plan which He has drawn up for us. This delivers us from fret and frenzy, and insures that our lives will be of maximum glory to Him, of most blessing to others, and of greatest reward to ourselves.

“In order to find out the good works He has planned for our individual lives, we should: (1) Confess and forsake sin as soon as we are conscious of it in our lives; (2) be continually and unconditionally yielded to him; (3) study the Word of God to discern His will, and then do whatever He tells us to do; (4) spend time in prayer each day; (5) seize opportunities of service as they arise; (6) cultivate the fellowship and counsel of other Christians. God prepares us for good works. He prepares good works for us to perform. Then He rewards us when we perform them. Such is His grace!” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 1918

“Riches” appears five times in Ephesians

Ephesians 1:7 – “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

Ephesians 1:18 – “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”

Ephesians 2:7 – “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 3:8 – “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;”

Ephesians 3:16 – “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;”

Ephesians 2:1-10
WHAT GRACE HAS DONE by FB Meyer

“Evidently dead men may walk; that is, they may be dead to the eternal world but alive to this world, which is moving past like the films of a moving picture. The death of the spirit is compatible with much active interest in the course of this world. Behind the shifting scenes of the material is the great enemy of souls. As the Spirit of God works in the obedient, so does the evil spirit work in the disobedient. Note this trinity of evil-the course of this world, the lusts of our flesh, and the prince of the power of the air. If we desire to save men, we must be in living union with the all-conquering Spirit of Christ.

Notice, also, the past tense which describes the finality of Christ’s work, Eph_2:5-6. In the purpose of God we have been raised from the grave of sin and are seated with the risen Lord in the place of acceptance and victory. We were one with Christ when He lay in the grave and arose. In God’s thought we have already taken our seat with the glorified Christ upon the throne; only the pity is that we do not believe this or act as if we had done so. All this is the gift of God’s unmerited love. By grace have we been brought into this position, and by grace are we maintained in it. We are of God’s “making;” such is the Greek word for workmanship, Eph_2:10. We have been created for good works; they have been planned for us and we have only to walk in them.”

Support | STORE | | Podcasts

Is God faithful to save us if we aren't faithful to Him, if we deny Him?

Would the GOD Ever Deny One of His Own People? What Does Scripture Teach? The Word of God is the truth (John 17:17). Something isn’t true just because you want it to be true. It’s true because the LORD says it – in the context of the whole of His Word (Romans 3:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17, etc.). Those not honest with the Bible demonstrate that they aren’t honest with its Author (John 8:47; 2 Timothy 4:2-4). MESSAGE FROM SOMEONE MAKING A VAIN ATTEMPT TO JUSTIFY OSAS/ETERNAL SECURITY: “‘If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny ‘himself.'” 2 […]

Does Sin Defile a Saved Person? [podcast]

Contrary to popular, heretical opinion, no one, not one person who dies in sin will be anywhere but hell – irrevocably. Recently I was quickened to approach a certain group of pastors about a young pastor whom they work with. Regrettably, there was zero concern in those pastors concerning the blatant sin of the younger pastor. Be assured that my approach was gentle and biblical, with the desire to restore (Galatians 6:1-2). This group of pastors refused to even respond. I am guessing that if I’d have approached them with the idea of making a large financial donation, they’d […]

Grace Abounding

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 The divine tapestry, the assimilation of grace, works, assurance, and faith. WHEREVER you see sin in the world, or in your own life, remember that there is a way out – God made that way through His only begotten Son. All sin can be overcome and so repent and be refreshed and REJOICE because where sin is, God’s grace can abound much more: “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where […]

Abiding

5 Soul Damning Sins Named! Learning from History! [podcast]

THE 5 SINS THAT KEPT ISRAEL (God’s own covenant people) OUT OF THEIR PROMISED LAND OF BLESSINGS and will keep us out if not relinquished. Friend, please read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 with all your might. Make this text your meat.

The world seeks to romance sin but if God says it’s sin, that’s what it is. Toning down the terms changes nothing. Judgment Day is on the way.

We are fighting the good fight of faith, “striving against sin” and “more than conquerors” over sin through Jesus who loves us and bought us with His own blood! (1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 12:4; 13:12; Acts 20:28; Romans 8:37)

There are the 5 sins listed here that kept God’s people out of His blessings. We all need to L.I.F.T.M. up to the LORD in repentance and for His perfect forgiveness and cleansing. God the Holy Spirit warns us here through Paul’s pen (1 Cor. 10:1-13), that Israel and these sins are “examples” (vv. 6, 11) to all NT believers. God destroys those who go back on Him after knowing Him (transgressors – Ps. 68:21; 73:28; 125:5, etc.). If not ridden out of our lives, any one of these 5 sins WILL keep us out of our promised land. God is holy (Heb. 12:14). As taken in order from 1 Cor. 10:6-10, here are those 5 sins:

Lust
Idolatry
Fornication
Tempting Christ
Murmuring

This simple acronym should help us to remember these sins and remain separate from them as we grow today to know and love our Savior more fervently. “Keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).

Committing the sin is one thing (1 John 1:8-10, right) and refusing to repent of it is yet another. Refusing to acknowledge, repent, confess, and cease is what snares the soul and ousts us from Christ (Proverbs 28:13).

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

If the Holy Spirit has quickened any offences of your heart, simply L.I.F.T.M. up to Christ the Redeemer, Forgiver, Cleanser, and Transformer of lives.

WHATEVER it takes – those who choose to get real with God will sever themselves from anything and anyone who causes them to sin. This is what Jesus says about sin and hell:

“And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” Mark 9:43-50

NOTICE: When a believer or group of believers backslides, they no longer separate from the transgressors who are unrepentant:

Fornication Defiles

“It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have (Gr. possessed and wouldn’t repent) his father’s wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-2

1 Corinthians 10 completely destroys the OSAS / eternal security argument.

Notice the word “OUR” in verses 6 and 11. This is directly spoken to warn NEW Testament saints that they are going to hell if they live and die in sin.

Case closed.

1 Corinthians 10:1-12

1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things were OUR examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also LUSTED.

7 Neither be ye IDOLATERS, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

8 Neither let us commit FORNICATION, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

9 Neither let us TEMPT CHRIST, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

10 Neither MURMUR ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for OUR admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Eternal security is a false teaching. 1 sin separated Adam and Eve from God and “The wages of sin is (still) death” because God is Holy (Rom 6:23, etc.). Moral coward counterfeits hate, despise the Gospel essential of the cross, the crucified life. They want Jesus to save them to Heaven but not from sin. These are the sin-justifying, grace-perverting “ungodly men” Jude warned us about (Jude 4).

The divine declaration that “The wages of sin is death” which means separation from God, appears throughout Scripture (Romans 6:23).

“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die.” Proverbs 19:16

Die or death always means separation.

OSAS/eternal security is a lie from hell. OSAS was Satan’s first lie and so it’s blasphemy to teach this doctrine of devils and claim it’s part of the Gospel. You are attributing Satan’s lie to the LORD Jesus. Repent now sinner. See Genesis 2:17; 3:4; Romans 11:20-22; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39; 2 Peter 2:20-21; Jude 4, etc..

The concept of an un-conditional eternal security is not established in Scripture … Except for it being Satan’s first teaching, His first lie – the “Ye shall NOT surely die” lie (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).

Eternal Security/Once saved always saved is a lie from hell.

PEACE with GOD

The Myth of Eternal Security [podcast]

“For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.” Psalms 73:27 BAD NEWS FOR CROSS-LESS COUNTERFEITS WHO HIDE BEHIND THE “ETERNAL SECURITY” SHAM: YOU WILL BE ETERNALLY SECURE WHEN AND IF YOU ARE WITH JESUS IN ETERNITY, NOT BEFORE! Can’t leave Christ after He saves you? Think again… dear one who continues to search for a way to justify your sin, for not truly repenting and laying down your life in this fleeting sinful world and overcoming (Luke 9:23-24; 14:27, 33; 17:33; 19:27; Titus 2:11-14; , etc.). All […]

Clear Proof that the Bible is the Only Sacred Holy Book on God's Planet [podcast]

There is only one holy book and name in the earth, the sacred name of Jesus Christ who is the grand subject of all of Holy Scripture (Philippians 2:9-11). God left us with His Word so we can know Him and not be deceived by the “MANY false prophets” He promised would come and deceive many just before His return (Matthew 24:11). God gave us His Word to protect us (2 Timothy 3:15-17). “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the […]

Can a Believer be Cut Off After being Saved? [podcast]

Paul reminds us Gentiles believers of how God “cut off” His own people, the Jews, when they rebelled against Him, and that He will also “cut off” any of us who do not continue in His goodness and severity (Romans 11:20-22). Any person who rejects this truth is a grace-perverting, sin-justifying fraud who has made a fake god in their own image due to the refusal to truly repent. “Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches (Jews), take heed lest he also spare not […]