The Lordship of Jesus Christ is a central theme throughout the Bible, highlighting His authority and divine nature. The New Testament calls Jesus "Lord" hundreds of times. This title shows who He is. Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, said his son would prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:76-77). An angel told shepherds about a Savior who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11). Even two blind men called out to Jesus, asking for mercy, addressing Him as "Lord, Son of David" (Matthew 20:30).
When many disciples left after a difficult teaching, Peter affirmed, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). Jesus Himself accepted this title, telling His disciples, "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am" (John 13:13). Even the thief on the cross recognized His authority, asking, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). These instances show that people understood Jesus's unique identity.
During the week before His crucifixion, Jesus challenged the Pharisees with a question about David. He asked how David, in the Spirit, could call his descendant, the Christ, "Lord" (Matthew 22:41-45). This confused them because descendants were thought to be less than their ancestors. The answer reveals that the Christ had to be more than just David's son; He had to be divine. In the Old Testament, the word "Lord" (often in all capital letters) often represents God's holy name, YHWH. Jews used "Adonai" or "Lord" to avoid misusing God's name. So, when the New Testament calls Jesus "Lord," it acknowledges His divinity. It means Jesus is God.
Even though Jesus is God, He submitted Himself to God the Father. Jesus often said His Father was greater than Him. He told the rich young ruler, "No one is good except God alone" (Mark 10:18). He also said, "My Father is greater than I" (John 14:28). Jesus never acted on His own. He said, "The Son can do nothing of His own accord, but only what He sees the Father doing" (John 5:19). He consistently sought the Father's will (John 5:30). This willing submission, as described in Philippians 2:6-8, shows that Jesus, though existing as God, chose to humble Himself and become a man, even to the point of death on a cross. This incredible act of humility was for our salvation.
Finally, God declared Jesus to be Lord upon His resurrection. Because Jesus was obedient to death, God highly exalted Him (Philippians 2:9-11). Peter said that God made Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). God put all things under Jesus's feet, giving Him all authority in heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:19-23). The Lordship of Jesus Christ is complete and universal.
This segment focuses on Ephesians 4:22-24, where Paul instructs believers to "put off concerning your former conduct the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God in true righteousness and holiness." Paul elaborates on the "old man"—our pre-Christian self—characterized by corruption fueled by "deceitful lusts." Sin deceives by promising fulfillment it cannot deliver and minimizing its consequences. This former way of life, influenced by worldly patterns and Satan (as mentioned in Ephesians 2), leads to increasing corruption.
Crucially, Paul presents Christian transformation as a two-part process. It's not enough to simply "put off" the old, sinful ways (resisting temptation). Believers must also actively "put on the new man"—embracing righteous living. Simply ceasing sinful actions without pursuing righteousness is incomplete. Jesus illustrated this concept in Matthew 7:13-14 with the imagery of two paths: the broad way leading to destruction and the narrow, difficult way leading to life. Leaving the broad path necessitates actively walking the narrow one.
Central to this transformation is being "renewed in the spirit of your mind." Christian living originates internally; righteous behavior flows from righteous thinking and feeling. This inner renewal is not solely a human effort but is empowered by the Holy Spirit, as Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:16 for believers to be strengthened "with might through His Spirit in the inner man." God works with us in our transformation (Philippians 2:12-13).
Paul then provides practical examples of this "putting off" and "putting on":
This process of putting off the old self and putting on the new, renewed in mind and empowered by the Spirit, is the path to practical holiness and transformation outlined by Paul in Ephesians.
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To understand the Trinity, we first need to define "God" according to Scripture. The Bible presents God as eternal, the self-existent "I AM" (Exodus 3:14), existing from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 90:2), the first and the last (Isaiah 41:4). He is the Creator, not created. Secondly, God is immutable, meaning He is unchanging. While creation is in constant flux, God remains the same (Psalm 102:25-27), with "no variation or shadow of turning" (James 1:17). This unchangeableness provides a firm foundation for faith.
Furthermore, God is omnipotent – all-powerful and sovereign. As Job acknowledged (Job 42:2) and the angel Gabriel declared, "with God nothing will be impossible" (Luke 1:37). While His nature imposes certain logical limits (e.g., God cannot lie), His power is absolute within His character. God is also omnipresent, present everywhere simultaneously. The Psalmist marveled that wherever one might go, from heaven to the depths, God is there (Psalm 139:7-10). Paul affirmed God is "not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:27). Finally, God is omniscient – all-knowing and all-seeing. He knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9-10) and is the source of all wisdom and knowledge (Isaiah 40:13-14).
With this understanding of God's nature, we approach the concept of the Trinity – the idea that God is triune, or tripartite. This means God exists as three separate and distinct persons (Father, Son/Word, and Holy Spirit) who work together as one God. Hints of this appear even in the Old Testament. Genesis 1:1-3 shows God (the Father), the Spirit of God, and God's spoken Word involved in creation. Genesis 1:26 has God saying, "Let us make man in our image," implying plurality. Isaiah 42:1-4, speaking prophetically of Jesus, also suggests the distinct persons of the Godhead.
The New Testament provides clearer examples. At Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:16-17), the Son (Jesus) is baptized, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father speaks from heaven. Paul groups them together in Ephesians 4:4-6, mentioning "one Spirit," "one Lord" (Jesus), and "one God and Father of all." All three persons are presented as eternal and involved in creation. They are one God in substance, yet distinct persons.
This raises the central question: How can God be both three and one, especially when the Bible strongly emphasizes monotheism (Deuteronomy 6:4 - the Shema)? An imperfect analogy from science is the "triple point" in thermodynamics, where a substance like water (H2O) can exist simultaneously as solid, liquid, and gas under specific conditions – one substance, three phases. This helps conceptualize unity in diversity.
The meaning of "one" in Scripture also needs consideration. It often emphasizes that Jehovah is the only true God, in contrast to false idols (Isaiah 44:8, 45:5, 18, 22). "One" can also signify compound unity or unity in plurality. In Exodus 24:3, the multitude of Israel answers with "one voice" – many voices speaking in perfect agreement. Similarly, humans are considered one person, yet composed of spirit, soul, and body. Thus, the biblical declaration of "one God" might refer to His unique status as the sole deity or His perfect unity within the three persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In summary, the Bible defines God by His attributes: eternal, immutable, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. It presents Him as a Triune being – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – one in divine essence but distinct in personhood. Understanding the concept of "one" as potentially signifying uniqueness or compound unity helps reconcile the idea of three distinct persons existing eternally as the one true God.
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In Ephesians 4:15-16, Paul revisits the metaphor of the church as a body with Christ as the head. Just as every part of a physical body has a function, every Christian has a role within the church. This counters the common tendency to attend church merely to receive; instead, Paul emphasizes that believers should aim to give and contribute, doing their share. This mutual service knits the body together in unity and love. This unity fulfills God's plan, revealed in Christ, to break down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, forming one new body. The Spirit initiated this unity, and believers are urged to maintain it through peace. Even with diverse backgrounds, believers are growing together in Christ toward unity in faith and knowledge. Serving one another deepens these bonds, allowing the church to edify—build itself up—in love. Love is the essential building material, grounded on the foundation of Christ, the apostles, and prophets. Crucially, this love must be coupled with truth; as Paul stated, we must speak the truth in love (v. 15), recognizing that while knowledge can inflate, love builds up (1 Cor. 8:1). Presenting truth lovingly helps others receive it.
Transitioning in verse 17, Paul returns to an earlier theme: the call to live differently. He exhorts believers, "You should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk." This contrasts the new life in Christ with the former life described in Ephesians 2 – being dead in sin, following the world's course, and led by fleshly desires. God, through His grace and Christ's sacrifice, has raised believers and seated them with Christ, bestowing every spiritual blessing. Therefore, Christians are called to live consistently with this new identity.
Paul describes the Gentile way of life as marked by "futility of their mind"—focusing on meaningless, temporary things. Their understanding is "darkened," tainted by sin, leading to alienation from God's life. Ignorance and "blindness of their heart" prevent them from perceiving God's ways. Christians have left this behind.
Verse 19 deepens the analysis, stating the world is "past feeling." This signifies a corrupted, seared conscience. The conscience, our faculty for discerning right from wrong, can be deadened by habitual sin, becoming inoperable like branded flesh (1 Tim. 4:2). Consequently, they "have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness." Paul highlights the pervasive sexual immorality ("lewdness," "uncleanness") prevalent in first-century pagan culture, often embedded within their religions, warning the Ephesians not to return to it.
Why leave these ways? Because, as Paul states in verses 20-21, "you have not so learned Christ." The teachings of Jesus stand in direct opposition to such practices. Jesus taught that sins like sexual immorality originate from the heart (Matt. 15:19) and defile a person. He defined marriage as between one man and one woman (Matt. 19:1-9) and condemned all sexual activity outside this bond. Central to Jesus' message was repentance—turning away from sin and toward righteousness (Luke 5:31-32; Luke 13:1-5; John 8:11).
Therefore, claiming to be a Christian while willingly continuing in sin without striving to change is self-deception. While Jesus loves sinners, His love calls for repentance. Relying on His love as an excuse for ongoing sin is clinging to false hope. True love for Jesus manifests in obedience to His command to repent. He died for our sins so we might live for righteousness. The call is clear: stop sinning, stop living for self, and start living fully for Jesus.
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This exploration delves into the biblical understanding of speaking in tongues, examining key passages to determine its purpose and duration.
In Numbers chapter 11, God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders of Israel to help bear the burden of leadership. God promises to take some of the Spirit that is upon Moses and place it upon these elders (Numbers 11:16-17). When this occurs, as described in verses 24-25, the Spirit rests upon the seventy elders, and they prophesy. Significantly, the text notes they "never did so again." This incident establishes a principle: the visible, miraculous manifestation (in this case, prophecy) served as a temporary sign confirming that the Spirit had indeed been given to these individuals for their specific role.
This principle finds resonance in the New Testament, particularly on the Day of Pentecost described in Acts chapter 2. As the apostles were gathered, the Holy Spirit descended upon them with visible and audible signs (wind, tongues of fire). Crucially, they "were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:4). These "tongues" were actual foreign languages understood by the diverse crowd gathered in Jerusalem, languages the Galilean apostles wouldn't naturally know. Peter later explains to the crowd that what they "now see and hear" (Acts 2:33) – the speaking in tongues – is the evidence of the resurrected and ascended Jesus pouring out the promised Holy Spirit. Like the prophecy of the elders in Numbers, the miraculous speaking in tongues at Pentecost served as an undeniable sign that the Spirit had been given.
A similar event occurs in Acts 10, during the pivotal moment when the gospel is first formally preached to Gentiles in the household of Cornelius. As Peter speaks, the Holy Spirit falls upon these Gentile listeners (Acts 10:44). The Jewish believers accompanying Peter were astonished because they heard the Gentiles "speak with tongues and magnify God" (Acts 10:46). When Peter recounts this event to the church in Jerusalem (Acts 11), this speaking in tongues is presented and accepted as the definitive sign from God that He had granted "repentance to life" (Acts 11:18) to the Gentiles, validating their inclusion in God's plan. Again, tongues functioned as a confirmatory sign of the Spirit's outpouring upon a new group.
Further insight comes from Philip's ministry in Samaria (Acts 8). Philip preached, performed miracles, and many Samaritans believed and were baptized. However, Luke explicitly states that the Holy Spirit "had fallen upon none of them" until the apostles Peter and John arrived from Jerusalem and laid their hands on the believers (Acts 8:15-17). Simon the Sorcerer observed that it was specifically "through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given" (Acts 8:18), implying a visible manifestation occurred, consistent with the pattern of sign gifts.
This connection between the apostles' actions and the reception of the Spirit's miraculous gifts is confirmed in Acts 19. Paul finds disciples in Ephesus, ensures they are baptized correctly in Jesus' name, and then "laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied" (Acts 19:6).
The ability to impart these miraculous gifts, including tongues, is consistently linked to the ministry of the apostles through the laying on of their hands (Acts 8, Acts 19). Nowhere in the New Testament is this specific type of miraculous gift-giving shown to occur apart from the direct presence or action of an apostle. Therefore, given that the foundational role of the apostles was completed in the first century and they are no longer physically present to lay hands in this manner, the conclusion drawn is that the specific, miraculous sign gift of speaking in tongues, as demonstrated in Acts, has ceased along with the apostolic age.
Christian maturity is the focus of this discussion of Ephesians chapter four. The Apostle Paul explains how Christ, like a conquering king, gave gifts to His church. These gifts are not material possessions but roles of service: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. These roles were given to equip the church to grow.
The apostles and prophets, who wrote the New Testament, laid the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20). Evangelists, like Philip (Acts 8) and Timothy (2 Timothy 4:5), spread the good news and established new congregations. This work continues today. The gospel still needs to be spread.
Pastors, also called elders or overseers (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 5:2), lead and protect local congregations. They ensure the church is spiritually nourished. They also guard against false teachings. Paul describes the qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3:1-8 and Titus 1:6-9.
Teachers, who may overlap with the role of pastor (1 Timothy 3:2), have a strong understanding of the Bible and communicate it effectively (James 3:1, Hebrews 5:12). All these gifts work together for the "equipping of the saints" (Ephesians 4:12).
Paul's vision of the church is not a place to be served, but a place to serve. It's a living organism where every member contributes (Ephesians 4:12-14). Many Christians today mistakenly view church as a place to receive benefits. This selfish view hinders growth. True Christian maturity comes through serving others and building them up.
This maturity leads to unity in faith and knowledge of Jesus. It also means becoming more like Christ. Furthermore, maturity provides protection. Mature Christians are less likely to be swayed by false doctrines (Ephesians 4:14). They are like a house built on a rock, stable against storms.
The greatest sign of Christian maturity is love (Ephesians 4:15, John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:20, Galatians 5:22). Love for God, for one another, and for the truth are all vital. The truth is found in Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the teachings of the apostles and prophets (John 16:13). The church must love the truth to achieve Christian maturity. By embracing these principles, the church can grow into the fullness of Christ.
Repentance is at the core of the Christian message and the subject of this podcast. It's different from confession. Confession means admitting you did something wrong. While confession is vital to Christians, it is not repentance. Repentance is the decision to turn away from sin. It is a change of heart. It means feeling regret and deciding to change. The Bible emphasizes its importance for salvation.
John the Baptist and Jesus began their ministries by calling people to repent. The Apostle Peter told people to "Repent and be baptized" (Acts 2:38). Paul said God commands everyone to repent. This shows that repentance is central to obeying the Gospel. God forgives sins when people turn away from them (Acts 3:19). The angels in heaven rejoice when a sinner repents (Luke 15).
Many people think believing in Jesus is the only way to be saved. However, the Bible states that belief alone is not enough. True belief leads to repentance. Jesus warned that unless people repent, they will perish (Luke 13:2-5). God doesn't want anyone to perish. He wants everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
So, how does someone repent? First, recognize your sin. The Bible lists many sinful behaviors (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Everyone has sinned (James 4:17). God is holy. Those who follow Him must turn away from sin.
Genuine repentance starts with feeling sorry for your sin. Paul calls this "godly sorrow" (2 Corinthians 7:10). Godly sorrow leads to a change in behavior. Old habits must be replaced with new, righteous ones. True repentance means living for Christ, not ourselves (2 Corinthians 5:15). Our actions should prove our repentance (Acts 26:20).
If you believe in Jesus, have you repented? Are you living differently than before? The Bible is clear: To have your sins forgiven, you must turn away from them. It's a choice between repentance and perishing. Dedicate your life to righteous conduct. Change your mind and life today.
The concept of one body is central to understanding Ephesians chapter four. In this passage, Paul shifts from explaining God's plan to showing how Christians should live. He urges believers to live in a way that reflects what God did through Jesus. This means being humble, gentle, and patient. It also means working to keep the unity of the Spirit.
Paul explains that there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. He already showed how Christ brought Jews and Gentiles together in chapter two. The cross removed the barriers between them. All believers are part of one body because the Holy Spirit lives in each of them.
Paul emphasizes this unity by referencing 1 Corinthians 12:12-13. Just like a physical body has many parts, the church comprises many different people. But they are all united by the same Spirit through baptism. This means that no matter someone's background, they are part of the one body if they believe in Jesus.
The apostle John opposed those who denied the reality of Jesus in the flesh. Paul condemned those who altered the message of the gospel. It is essential to protect the unity of the Spirit. We do this by holding on to the core teachings of the Christian faith.
The New Testament teaches specific things about baptism. The word itself means immersion. Jesus taught that we are reborn of water and the Spirit (John 3:5). His disciples practiced water baptism (John 4:1-2). Jesus commanded baptism for all believers (Matthew 28:19-20). Peter said that God gives the Holy Spirit to those who repent and are baptized (Acts 2:38-39). Paul taught that nd resurrectionRomans 6:3-4).
However, there is much disagreement about baptism today. Some groups practice sprinkling or pouring instead of immersion. Others deny its importance for salvation. This division goes against the idea of one body.
Paul also discusses the gifts that Christ bestowed upon the church. He references Psalm 68:18, portraying Jesus as a victorious king. This king grants gifts to his people, which include apostles and prophets. The apostles served as special witnesses of Jesus and possessed unique spiritual abilities.
The apostles and prophets are two gifts that established the one body we call the church.
These gifts were crucial for revealing God's plan to unite all people in Christ. This plan was hidden for a long time. God revealed it through the apostles and prophets of the first century. They form part of the church's foundation.
The Bible does not address interracial marriage directly because the concept of race as we understand it today is not biblical. Instead, the Bible teaches that all humans descend from Adam and Eve through Noah, making us one human race. In Genesis 10, often called the "Table of Nations," God divided the world into nations based on families and languages, not skin color. This division was not racial but cultural and linguistic.
Moses emphasizes this unity in Deuteronomy 32:8, where he refers to all nations as "the sons of Adam." The Bible consistently points to a common ancestry for all humanity. While the Old Testament distinguishes between Jews and Gentiles, it never draws distinctions based on skin color. The idea of racial divisions based on skin pigmentation originated during European colonization and was used to justify slavery.
Some people have twisted Scripture to claim that skin color is tied to descent from Cain or Ham. However, the Bible does not support this. Cain’s descendants likely died in the flood, and Ham’s descendants include diverse groups, not just those with darker skin. Dark skin is found among the descendants of Japheth as well, showing that skin color is not tied to a specific lineage.
The Bible’s focus is on spiritual unity in Christ. In Galatians 3:28, Paul writes that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free. The gospel transcends human distinctions, including skin color. When it comes to marriage, the Bible’s primary concern is that Christians marry other believers (2 Corinthians 6:14). Interracial marriage is not a biblical issue because race, as we define it, is not a biblical concept.
Racism, however, is a real and sinful distortion of God’s design. The church must confront and reject prejudice based on skin color. Christians are called to love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of physical differences. For more resources on this topic, visit https://www.thegospelsaves.me.
The love of Christ stands at the heart of Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesians 3. This prayer asks God to strengthen believers, helping them become rooted and grounded in love. Paul encourages faith in Christ to remain unshaken amid challenges. The imagery of being rooted like a tree and grounded in a strong foundation illustrates spiritual stability. Paul’s plea for Christians is to live in a love deeply anchored in their faith, as seen in Ephesians 3:17-19.
Love, defined by the Greek word agape, prioritizes others’ needs, regardless of personal cost. Paul demonstrates how God, through Christ, built salvation on love. Ephesians 2:4-5 reminds us that while mercy and grace allow salvation, it flows out of God’s perfect love. Christ’s sacrifice was compelled by love, forming the very foundation of Christian life. Romans 5:8 further highlights this truth: while we were sinners, Christ died for us. This shows how the love of Christ surpasses human knowledge.
Paul prays for divine help for believers to understand the unknowable depths of Christ’s love. Knowing and living in this love requires God’s intervention through the Holy Spirit. Paul reminds us in Romans 5:5 that God’s love is poured into our hearts by the Spirit. Additionally, Galatians 5:22 emphasizes that love is the Spirit’s first fruit. This divine influence shapes our ability to embrace and live out Christ’s love. This level of love, while impossible alone, demonstrates Christ’s transformative power in action.
Paul concludes with praise, declaring that God can do far beyond all we ask or imagine. He inspires believers to trust God’s great power, which has already worked throughout scripture and continues to work in the lives of ordinary people. From the strength shown by Daniel or Hezekiah to the power holding Christians today, God’s extraordinary ability is demonstrated.
This lesson urges believers to trust God, walk in love, and live lives worthy of their calling, a theme Paul explores in Ephesians 4. Christians made alive through Christ’s sacrifice, are empowered to build a new life rooted in His love.
Is tithing required for Christians?
The Old Testament shows us that tithing was a command for the Israelites. Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek in Genesis 14. Jacob also promised a tenth of his possessions to God. Under the law of Moses, three tithes were instituted. One supported the Levites, another was for festivals, and a third, every three years, helped the poor. It seems the Israelites may have given up to 30% some years.
By Jesus' time, some took tithing to an extreme. In Matthew 23:23-24, Jesus criticized the Pharisees. He rebuked them for focusing on minor details. He said they neglected important matters like justice, mercy, and faith. Jesus didn't condemn their careful tithing. He criticized their lack of focus on more important things.
However, tithing doesn't seem to be a practice carried into the New Covenant. The New Testament shows a different approach to giving. In Acts 2:44, early Christians shared everything. They sold possessions and gave to those in need. There's no mention of a specific 10% amount. Acts 4:34-35 repeats this pattern. Ananias and Sapphira, in Acts 5:1-11, were punished for lying about their giving, not for withholding a tithe.
Giving in the early church was based on individual judgment. The church in Antioch, in Acts 11:29, gave according to their ability. Paul teaches this principle in 1 Corinthians 16:2. He says each person should give as they prosper. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul says giving should be cheerful, not forced.
The purpose of giving in the New Testament was to care for people. The church supported widows, as seen in Acts 6:1-6 and 1 Timothy 5. They helped poor believers, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 and Romans 15:26. The church also aided those facing disasters, like the famine mentioned in Acts 11. Christians in prison received support, as Paul did from the Philippians. Finally, those who preached the gospel were supported, as described in 1 Corinthians 9 and Galatians 6:6.
Both Old and New Testament giving focused on people. The Old Testament used tithes. The New Testament left the amount up to each person. The speaker does not think tithing is necessary today. The New Testament emphasizes giving from the heart to meet the needs of others.
God's eternal plan is a central theme explored in this episode. Paul reveals in Ephesians 3 that God foreordained a plan to save all of humanity through Jesus Christ. Like the mystery religions familiar to Greeks and Romans, this plan was hidden for ages but has now been fully disclosed. This “fellowship of the mystery” unifies all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, into one church. The church plays a critical role in revealing God’s eternal plan to both human and spiritual realms.
Paul highlights the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. This refers to angelic and demonic beings, which exist in spiritual hierarchies. Even angels, who are in God’s presence, did not fully understand His plan until it was revealed through apostles, prophets, and the church. For example, Peter notes in 1 Peter 1:10-12 that angels longed to comprehend God’s purpose. However, they, like humans, observe and learn from God's revelation. Satan and his demons also lacked complete understanding. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 that if they had understood, they would not have influenced the crucifixion of Christ.
This eternal plan also offers encouragement. Paul assures the Ephesians that, through faith in Jesus, Christians have unprecedented boldness and access to God. Inspired by this privilege, Paul prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit, to resist the struggles presented by both human and spiritual opposition, and to allow Christ to dwell in their hearts through faith. This faith is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4). Thus, Paul encourages the Ephesians to boldly trust God’s eternal plan, knowing it leads them to salvation and victory over the forces of evil.
Biblical hope points believers toward a future resurrection from the dead, accompanied by eternal life. This confident expectation is deeply rooted in God's promises and distinguishes Christian hope from wishful thinking or fantasy. As explored in Hebrews 6:13–20, God's unchangeable counsel and the oath He swore secure this hope for Christians. For example, Abraham believed God's promises despite apparent challenges, showcasing how trust in God's immutability can inspire perseverance.
Paul often focused on the hope of resurrection in his teachings. When put on trial, he testified about the hope of resurrection both before the Sanhedrin and King Agrippa (Acts 23:6, 26:6–8). He highlighted the future promise of a body redeemed and glorified beyond present sufferings (Romans 8:18-23). This hope does not eliminate suffering; instead, it encourages believers to look beyond temporary pain to the eternal glory awaiting them in Christ.
A critical aspect of biblical hope is action. In 1 John 3:2–3, hope compels believers to purify themselves in anticipation of being made like Christ. While all Christians share the same ultimate hope, their paths towards fulfilling their faith differ. Diverse life experiences, trials, and obstacles all contribute to forming a stronger hope rooted in God. Hebrews 11 reminds us that characters such as Abraham, Noah, and Moses faced unique challenges yet expressed the same confident expectation in God’s promises.
Obstacles are an essential part of hope's formation, as Paul explains in Romans 5:3–4. Tribulations lead to perseverance, which shapes character and produces deeper hope. This hope assures believers that their future will be better, offering freedom from suffering, glorification, and eternal life through Jesus Christ—the ultimate anchor of the soul.
Biblical hope is not only forward-looking but also transformative. By embracing God's promises, believers find not just consolation in difficult times but a call to action, shaping their lives toward the eternal glory that lies ahead.
The mystery of Christ is at the heart of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, presenting God’s plan to unite Jews and Gentiles into one church. In Ephesians 3, Paul explains that this mystery had been hidden but was revealed by God to His apostles and prophets, including Paul himself. This message emphasized that Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of God’s promises in Christ through the gospel (Ephesians 3:5-6).
Paul ties this revelation to a broader theme of grace. Though he once persecuted the church, God transformed him into an apostle to the Gentiles. As Paul states, his ministry was not due to his own merit, but rather God's grace working through him (1 Corinthians 15:9-10). Paul’s humility and gratitude fueled his passion to serve Christ and spread the gospel.
The term “mystery” resonated with first-century Gentiles, who were familiar with “mystery religions.” These cults promised hidden knowledge to their initiates, but Paul redefined the word. For Paul, the mystery of Christ did not remain hidden—it was revealed by God and shared openly. The mystery was that salvation through Jesus Christ was always intended to extend to all nations, not only the Jews. Paul connects this concept to prophetic passages, such as Isaiah 11:10, in which the Gentiles are prophesied to seek the Messiah, and Genesis 22:18 , where God promises Abraham that all nations will be blessed.
Through Paul's writings, we see that no one is beyond redemption. Paul’s own history of violence against the church reminds us of God's transforming grace. As Paul declares in 1 Timothy 1:15 , Christ came to save sinners, and this grace is available to all who believe in Him. God’s desire to reconcile all people to Himself through Christ underscores the immensity of His mercy.
Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles reveals an important truth: God’s plan has always been to unite believers into one body through Christ. This message is both timeless and deeply relevant, offering hope and grace to all.
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The Bible's perspective on marriage and divorceis explored in this podcast episode, starting with the Old Testament. Genesis 2 shows God's design, where man and woman complement each other. Genesis 2:24 speaks of a man leaving his parents to join his wife. This verse is a key passage. Jesus also later quotes it.
Deuteronomy 24:1-4 allowed men to divorce their wives for "uncleanness." The meaning of "uncleanness" was debated for many years. This passage demonstrates that men under the old law could initiate divorce. Wives were given a certificate. This allowed women to remarry. They could not, however, return to their first husband if divorced a second time.
Malachi 2, written around the 5th century BC, shows a time when divorce was rampant. God expressed his anger. He said men were treating their wives "treacherously." Verse 16 states that God hates divorce. He sees it as a violent act.
The podcast then examines the state of marriage and divorce in the first century. Roman society had a high divorce rate. Historians reveal that around 30% of upper-class marriages ended in divorce. It's believed the lower classes followed this trend. Roman women, according to Seneca, even measured years by their number of husbands.
Among Jews, there was debate. It stemmed from differing views of Rabbis Hillel and Shammai. The debate was over Deuteronomy 24. Hillel believed a man could divorce for any reason. This was the common view in Jesus' day. Shammai held a much narrower view. He taught divorce was permissible for infertility. Adultery, per Numbers 5:11-31, was another reason. Neglect by a husband, as described in Exodus 21:10-11, also allowed a woman to divorce.
Jesus' teaching on **marriage and divorce** is found in Matthew 19:3-9. The Pharisees questioned him. They asked if divorce was lawful for any reason. Jesus quoted Genesis 2:24. He emphasized God's intention that marriage should last. He stated, "What God has joined together, let not man separate." When asked about Moses permitting divorce, Jesus cited the "hardness of men's hearts."
Jesus permitted divorce only in cases of sexual immorality. He stated that remarriage after divorce, except in this case, constitutes adultery. Matthew 19:9 says that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery. This limit of one condition contrasts with Shammai's broader allowances.
Paul echoes Jesus' teaching in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11. He emphasizes that couples should stay together. If separation occurs, they should remain unmarried or seek reconciliation.
The New Testament's message is that marriage and divorce should be rare. Divorce is permitted only when adultery is committed. Reconciliation should always be the goal. The podcast acknowledges unanswered questions. These include situations of abuse or mixed-faith marriages. These will be addressed in future episodes. The host encourages listeners to hold fast to biblical teaching. This contrasts with shifting cultural views. He concludes with Hebrews 13:8-9, reminding listeners that Jesus Christ is unchanging.
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the Christian faith, as explained in Ephesians chapter 2. When someone believes in Jesus, repents, and is baptized, God creates a new spiritual life within them. While physically unchanged, their sins are forgiven, and they become part of God's kingdom. This transformation is available to everyone, regardless of their background. Jesus brought unity by fulfilling the Old Testament law, allowing all believers to be one through faith and the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit provides many benefits to Christians. One crucial benefit is direct access to God the Father. As Paul explains in Romans 8:15-16, the Spirit allows us to call God "Abba, Father," signifying a close, familial relationship. Jesus also promises in John 14:13-14 that prayers made in his name will be answered. The Spirit helps us communicate with God, even when we don't know exactly what to say (Romans 8:26).
Because of the Holy Spirit, Gentile Christians are no longer outsiders. They are "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19). The term "saints" doesn't refer to a special group of super-Christians. It means "holy ones" – anyone cleansed by Jesus' blood.
The church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). The apostles, like Peter and Paul, witnessed Jesus' life and resurrection. The prophets spoke God's word, both in the Old Testament and the early church. The New Testament writings of these men guide the church. Jesus is the crucial cornerstone, holding everything together. Without him, there's no foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Paul uses several metaphors to describe the church. It's Christ's body (Ephesians 1:23), a kingdom (Ephesians 2:19), God's household (Ephesians 2:19), and a temple (Ephesians 2:21-22). The church is a temple because the Holy Spirit dwells within it. Each Christian is like a living stone in this temple (1 Peter 2:5). Just like a mason shapes stones to fit, God shapes believers from different backgrounds to fit together in unity.
God planned for a diverse church from the beginning. Paul, imprisoned for preaching to Gentiles, understood this (Ephesians 3:1-4). Jesus appointed Paul as an apostle in an unusual way (1 Corinthians 15:8), specifically to reach non-Jews (Acts 26:16-18). Paul saw his imprisonment as part of God's plan to bring all people into His kingdom.
The Gates of Hades, mentioned in Matthew 16:18, represent a powerful biblical concept tied to death and resurrection. In this episode, the promise Jesus makes to His church—that the gates of Hades will not prevail—was explored in depth. Hades, distinct from hell, is described as the realm of the dead where souls reside between death and resurrection. Jesus’ victory over Hades, through His resurrection, assures Christians that death cannot hold them either.
The foundation of this promise lies in Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus declares that this confession is the "rock" upon which His church is built. The gates of Hades, which symbolize the power of death, cannot overcome the church because of Jesus’ authority. In Revelation 1:18, Jesus proclaims that He holds the keys to death and Hades, signifying His control and ability to open the gates.
The episode also connects these ideas to Acts 2:24, where Peter explains that Jesus was raised because it was impossible for death to hold Him. Jesus, being sinless, did not belong in Hades, and His resurrection broke its power. Similarly, Christians who believe in Jesus, confess His name, and obey His teachings can share in this victory. Romans 10:9-10 emphasizes that belief in the resurrection and confession of Jesus leads to salvation, ensuring that the gates of Hades cannot hold believers.
The episode also addressed the concept of purgatory, concluding that it is not supported by Scripture. Luke 16:26, in the story of the rich man and Lazarus, illustrates that after death, one’s destiny is fixed. There is no crossing between the realms of the righteous and the unrighteous. Eternal punishment or eternal life, as described in Matthew 25:46, are the only outcomes.
Ultimately, this episode underscores the hope Christians have in Jesus’ resurrection. By confessing Him as Lord and following His teachings, believers can be assured that death and Hades will not prevail against them.
"Unity in Christ" is the central theme of this episode of *The Gospel Saves Podcast*. The apostle Paul explains in Ephesians 2 that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice unites all people, regardless of race, nationality, or background. Before Jesus, the Gentiles were separated from God, strangers to His promises, and without hope. Through the blood of Christ, these divisions were broken down, creating peace between Jews and Gentiles.
Paul describes Christians as God’s workmanship, created for good works. When we are baptized into Christ, we become a new creation, leaving behind sin and selfishness. This transformation is essential for walking in Christ. Scripture often uses the metaphor of walking to describe how we live. For example, Enoch and Noah walked with God (Genesis 5:22; 6:9), and Christians are called to walk in love and light (Ephesians 5:2, 8). Walking in Christ means living a life of righteousness and good deeds, as God prepared for us.
The episode also explores how circumcision once divided Jews and Gentiles. Circumcision was a physical sign of God’s covenant with Abraham’s descendants. However, Jesus abolished the law of Moses, including circumcision, through His death. This act removed the barriers that caused division and hostility between Jews and Gentiles.
Paul emphasizes that all Christians, regardless of their background, are united through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is given to those who believe, repent, and are baptized. This gift creates one body—the body of Christ. As Paul writes in Colossians 3:11, distinctions like nationality, ethnicity, and social status no longer matter in Christ.
This unity fulfills God’s plan to reconcile humanity to Himself and to each other. While the Tower of Babel divided humanity, the cross of Christ reunites us under one banner. Christians are called to walk in unity, live righteously, and perform good deeds as part of God’s purpose.
What Happens After Death?
The question of what happens after death has puzzled many, but the Bible provides insight. The Old Testament introduces a place called Sheol, where all the dead—righteous and unrighteous—reside. Sheol, translated as "the pit" or "the grave," is mentioned in passages like Job 17:16 (Job 17:16 ESV) and Isaiah 38:10 (Isaiah 38:10 ESV). In Psalm 16:10 (Psalm 16:10 ESV), David speaks of Sheol as a temporary dwelling for the dead. The Greek translation of Sheol is "Hades," a term also used in the New Testament.
Jesus provides more clarity about the afterlife in Luke 16:19-31 (Luke 16:19-31 ESV). He tells the story of a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. Lazarus, after death, is carried by angels to Abraham's side, a place of comfort. The rich man, however, suffers in torment in Hades. This story reveals that the righteous and unrighteous are separated after death. A great chasm between these two places makes crossing impossible, and one’s eternal destiny is fixed at death.
Jesus also teaches that the righteous dwell in "paradise," as seen in His promise to the repentant thief on the cross in Luke 23:43 (Luke 23:43 ESV). Paradise, described as the garden of God, is a place of peace and restoration.
After His crucifixion, Jesus Himself went to Hades, as foretold in Psalm 16:10 and confirmed by Peter in Acts 2:27 (Acts 2:27 ESV). However, Jesus entered the part of Hades reserved for the righteous—paradise. His resurrection demonstrated victory over death and Hades, offering hope to Christians that they too will overcome death (Acts 2:24, Acts 2:24 ESV).
In summary, the Bible teaches that after death, the righteous and unrighteous are separated. The righteous dwell in paradise, awaiting resurrection, while the unrighteous face torment. Jesus’ victory over death ensures that Christians will also triumph over Hades.
Welcome to today’s episode, where we continue our study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.
Last time, we explored the end of chapter one and the beginning of chapter two. Paul reminded the Ephesian church of God’s incredible power, the same power that raised Christ from the dead. He emphasized Jesus’ authority over all things and His role as head of the church.
In chapter two, Paul shifts focus to our condition before Christ. Without Him, we were spiritually dead in our sins, living under the influence of the world and Satan. But God, rich in mercy and love, intervened through Jesus Christ.
Today, we’ll dive into Ephesians 2:4-7, exploring God’s mercy, love, and grace. These three characteristics are central to our salvation. Mercy means God doesn’t give us the condemnation we deserve. Grace means salvation is a gift we can never earn. Love is the foundation of God’s plan for redemption.
Paul explains that we are made alive together with Christ. Through faith, repentance, and baptism, we share in His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is not something we can achieve through works—it is a gift of God’s grace.
However, faith must be accompanied by action. As James says, “Faith without works is dead.” True faith leads to good works, not to earn salvation, but as evidence of a transformed life.
Join us as we explore the balance between grace, faith, and works, and how they work together in God’s plan of salvation.
Let’s open our Bibles and continue our study of Ephesians. May this lesson strengthen your faith and deepen your understanding of God’s riches in Christ Jesus.