Discoveries Bible - Ephesians 1
1:1-2
People of God from Ephesus. This is Paul, the one God chose to be a worldwide church starting leader. I want you to experience God on the inside all the time, no matter what's going on around you. I want you to find the benefits He brings with Him.
1:3
Now let me tell you about God. Here's reason for gratitude: God our Father has given us the full range of the best stuff we could ever desire all because of Jesus.
1:4-6
Way, way back before earth stood, God picked us out because He wanted us as His special people people without imperfection - living right where He lives. Why did He do this? Because He loves us. Because He wants to. He likes doing it. He wants us in His family. We are God's children. This is all because He gives and keeps on giving like nobody else in the universe.
1:7-8
Now think about this: The charges against us piled up high in the Heavenly Court. There was no escaping the doom that hung over us. But then Jesus showed up. He took care of it all. Our crimes were pardoned. Jesus paid the way for us to be released forever from prison, and brought back into God's family. God outsmarted the enemy and solved the biggest moral dilemma of history! Isn't He smart!
1:9-10
Now He's starting to let us in on His secrets, family secrets, His plans to turn this whole universe around. Everything He plans happens exactly on schedule. And, guess what! We're right in the middle of it! Jesus our Jesus will be clearly in charge of everybody and everything everything in the universe. Even the worst of the worst will bow at His feet.
1:11-14
Let me tell you more about God choosing us. God is Mr. Success. When He makes plans, watch out! What He plans happens. He takes every setback, every reversal, everything good or bad and turns it around to carry His program forward. Why does He do this? Because He wants to include us in His triumph. We are Exhibit A, proof that He prevails. This includes you, because you heard the truth, the powerful good message that lifted you from doom and brought you into this dream come true. Your faith opened the door for God to place his indelible coat of arms on you I'm talking about the Holy Spirit who lives inside you. That same Holy Spirit is God's unbreakable guarantee that everything He promises you will certainly come about. Remember, you are Exhibit A; radiant proof that He is the Triumphant One.
1:15-23
This is why ever since I got the news about you, your faith in Christ, your love for your brothers and sisters in Christ I can't stop thanking God and praying for you. Here's what I pray for: I want God to open your eyes to know Him better. I want God to show you the great things that He has stored up for you, how rich you really are, and the true power of what He is doing for us. I'm talking about the same kind of power that took Jesus out of the grave after He was executed like a common criminal took Him out of the grave and gave Him life, but not just any life: indestructible life. But it didn't stop there. God put Him in charge, higher in rank than the men who sentenced Him to death, higher in rank than the spirits that deceived those men, way, way, way higher than any title or position that can be given now or in the ages to come. God put everything under the feet of Jesus. He's the head of all Christians the ones who now walk this earth in the place of Christ. Think about it: The One they killed has returned, and now He's in charge of everything.
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