Weekly Devotionals - Gloria
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:1-10
Our Title for this Sunday, brought to us by Pastor Aaron, is ‘Now What? Part 2.’ He refers, back at the fact that Jesus has been crucified, He died, was buried, He rose, and now He is seated at the right hand of the Father.
‘Now what?’
We were in darkness, now Christ has brought us into His Marvelous Light. He reminded us that Jesus Is our Light! A Powerful symbol representing Truth, Goodness, Safety, Life and the Divine Presence of God. Jesus stands in contrast to darkness, which symbolizes spiritual blindness, evil and suffering.
Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians in Ephesus to strengthen and encourage them. Refer to Ephesians 2:1-10; The emphasis is on verses 1-5. “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions---it is by grace you have been saved……….” It is by Grace (the unmerited favor of God.) We don’t have to work for it and we can do nothing to deserve it.
Why do you suppose that is?
The suffering and sacrifice of Jesus made it possible for us to repent. We have moved from the Exodus of oppression to a celebration of Passover in Remembrance of Jesus’ broken body and His Precious blood.
‘Now What?’
We must take up our cross and follow Him. The first fill-in says, “Following the way of Jesus means we look inward, as well as outward.” God Is doing a work on the inside of our hearts, and after our transformation, Jesus wants us to look outward and help guide others into His Marvelous light. You see It’s not just about us, It’s All about Jesus, who paid the price for everyone! And, here’s a juicy nugget Pastor Aaron shared with us: He asked us to tell somebody, “The Kingdom of God Involves Me, But it’s Not About Me!” Following the way of Jesus means, we are part of God’s Rescue Plan. It’s all about Jesus, not about us.
We are the Body of Christ, in the Kingdom of God, so Now What? I agree with Pastor Aaron, God does not want us to keep the ‘Good News’ of salvation to ourselves! We all have the same testament: Jesus Christ Is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. We all have a testimony. Share your story of the marvelous things God has done in your life. Talk about Who Jesus is to you. (Deliverer, Healer, Provider etc.,) As He commissioned the Disciples, He wants us to go throughout the whole earth and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Tell others to Repent, be Baptized and turn from Sin. Now What? We are free to expand, free to grow, free to be successful and free to help build The Kingdom of God. Let’s Thrive and cause others to do the same.
So now I’ll ask you,
Now What?
Gloria Miller
Ephesians 2:1-10
Our Title for this Sunday, brought to us by Pastor Aaron, is ‘Now What? Part 2.’ He refers, back at the fact that Jesus has been crucified, He died, was buried, He rose, and now He is seated at the right hand of the Father.
‘Now what?’
We were in darkness, now Christ has brought us into His Marvelous Light. He reminded us that Jesus Is our Light! A Powerful symbol representing Truth, Goodness, Safety, Life and the Divine Presence of God. Jesus stands in contrast to darkness, which symbolizes spiritual blindness, evil and suffering.
Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians in Ephesus to strengthen and encourage them. Refer to Ephesians 2:1-10; The emphasis is on verses 1-5. “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of His great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions---it is by grace you have been saved……….” It is by Grace (the unmerited favor of God.) We don’t have to work for it and we can do nothing to deserve it.
Why do you suppose that is?
The suffering and sacrifice of Jesus made it possible for us to repent. We have moved from the Exodus of oppression to a celebration of Passover in Remembrance of Jesus’ broken body and His Precious blood.
‘Now What?’
We must take up our cross and follow Him. The first fill-in says, “Following the way of Jesus means we look inward, as well as outward.” God Is doing a work on the inside of our hearts, and after our transformation, Jesus wants us to look outward and help guide others into His Marvelous light. You see It’s not just about us, It’s All about Jesus, who paid the price for everyone! And, here’s a juicy nugget Pastor Aaron shared with us: He asked us to tell somebody, “The Kingdom of God Involves Me, But it’s Not About Me!” Following the way of Jesus means, we are part of God’s Rescue Plan. It’s all about Jesus, not about us.
We are the Body of Christ, in the Kingdom of God, so Now What? I agree with Pastor Aaron, God does not want us to keep the ‘Good News’ of salvation to ourselves! We all have the same testament: Jesus Christ Is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. We all have a testimony. Share your story of the marvelous things God has done in your life. Talk about Who Jesus is to you. (Deliverer, Healer, Provider etc.,) As He commissioned the Disciples, He wants us to go throughout the whole earth and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Tell others to Repent, be Baptized and turn from Sin. Now What? We are free to expand, free to grow, free to be successful and free to help build The Kingdom of God. Let’s Thrive and cause others to do the same.
So now I’ll ask you,
Now What?
Gloria Miller
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