Month: March 2013

Ephesians, The Daily WordLeave a comment

The Logical Connection between Grace and Peace (Ephesians 2.11–18)

georgepwood

SCRIPTURE READING: Ephesians 2.11–18 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT In Ephesians 2.11–18, Paul writes: Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called ‘the uncircumcision’ by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands — remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has … Continue reading The Logical Connection between Grace and Peace (Ephesians 2.11–18)

Ephesians, The Daily Word1 Comment

The Good News about God’s Grace (Ephesians 2.4–7)

georgepwood

SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 2.4­–7 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT According to Ephesians 2.1–3, we are “dead” in sin. The metaphor is an apt one. A dead person is physically unable to do anything except rot. Similarly, a spiritually dead person is incapable of saving himself. All he can do is experience further moral and spiritual decay. Our spiritual death is the bad news we need to hear about ourselves first. But it is not the last word on the subject. The last word is grace. Here’s how Paul describes the good news: But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love … Continue reading The Good News about God’s Grace (Ephesians 2.4–7)

Ephesians, The Daily WordLeave a comment

First, the Bad News about Sin (Ephesians 2.1–3)

georgepwood

SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 2.1–3 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT In Ephesians 2.1–22, the Apostle Paul summarizes the Christian message of salvation. We might outline his points as follows: Sin: “you were dead in the trespasses and sins” (verses 1–3). Grace: “But God, being rich in mercy…made us alive together with Christ” (verses 4–7). Faith and works: “by grace you have been saved through faith…not [as] a result of works” (verses 8–10). Peace: “[Christ] himself is our peace, who has…broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (verses 11–18). Church: “In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place … Continue reading First, the Bad News about Sin (Ephesians 2.1–3)

Current Events, Interesting, Politics & Culture, Theology2 Comments

Mo Sabri: ‘I Believe in Jesus’

georgepwood

Mo Sabri is a Muslim who believes in Jesus. No, he’s not part of the insider movement. He’s a Muslim…who believes in Jesus. It may surprise Pentecostal and evangelical Christians to learn that Muslims believe that Jesus, among other things, was born of a virgin, was commissioned to preach, ascended into heaven, and will return again to Jerusalem. Alongside these orthodox beliefs, which are reflected in Mo Sabri’s song, Muslims deny that Jesus was God incarnate and the atonement for our sins. So, from the standpoint of Christian theology (and of historical truth), the Muslim view of Jesus is deficient. … Continue reading Mo Sabri: ‘I Believe in Jesus’

Ephesians, The Daily Word2 Comments

A Marvelous Example of Prayer (Ephesians 1.15–23)

georgepwood

SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 1.15–23 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT How should we pray for others? In Ephesians 1.15–23, Paul describes his prayers for the Ephesians. His words offer us a marvelous example of prayer. First, we should be aware of what is going on in the lives of the people we are praying for. Paul writes, “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints” (verse 15). Even though he was not physically present with the Ephesians, Paul kept himself informed of their way of life. Why? Because the Ephesians were dear to him; he … Continue reading A Marvelous Example of Prayer (Ephesians 1.15–23)

Book Reviews1 Comment

What We Talk About When We Talk About God by Rob Bell

georgepwood

Next Tuesday, Rob Bell’s new book comes out Tuesday, March 11. It’s titled What We Talk About When We Talk About God. I’ve pre-ordered it on Amazon kindle and hope to have a review out later next week. In preparation for the book lunch, Rob released this book trailer: I’m sympathetic to Rob’s argument that some Christians’ theology is wrong. And I too believe that God is with us and for us and pulling us into a better future than we can imagine. Though I imagine that advocates of complementarianism, a traditional understanding of hell, and a literal 7-day creation … Continue reading What We Talk About When We Talk About God by Rob Bell