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Do you know what spiritual gifts are? Paul discusses these in his letter to the Corinthians. As we discuss where these gifts come from, we'll also learn how they are to be used. Paul will show us that we are all part of one part, working together for the benefit of the whole body of Christ.

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:9-10 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. Reflect What do you think motivated Paul, Silas, and Timothy to work so hard among the Thessalonians? Why were they willing to labor without compensation from them? Ministry is har

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 1:1-2   This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. 2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.     Paul was in a Roman prison as he authored Ephesians, one known as the “Prison Epistles” along with Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. He had spent three years ministering in Ephesus. This lett

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 1:11   11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.     Paul continues to tell what believers possess because they are united with Christ. A loving and just God chose them in advance. Paul had mentioned in verse 4 that God has chosen believers before the foundation of the world. Now Paul assures believers they have receive

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 1:19-21   19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.     Paul further describes about God. Having referred to Go

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 2:6-7   6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.     Paul reveals how believers are identified with Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection. Plus, the believers are now

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 2:17-18   17 He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. 18 Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.     Whereas hostility existed between the Jews and Gentiles, Paul brought believers from both groups a message of peace. It was not for something physical but spiritual. Members of both groups could come to God by mean

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 3:6-7   6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. 7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.     Although alluding to it previously, Paul now explains what the mystery is. It is that believ

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 3:16-17   16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.     Paul tells believers what he is praying for in their regard. He prayed they would be empowered ”with inner strength through his Spirit.” Paul’s concern was not simply what God would do through th

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 4:5-6   5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all,   who is over all, in all, and living through all.     Paul wrote to the believers about their need for personal unity. Now he expresses the unity in the heavenly realm One Lord Jesus Christ, one faith by which everyone becomes right with God, and one baptism associated with Jesus may be water baptism by which believers identify with Christ and His followers. Paul reveals

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 4:14-15   14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.     When gifted people equip believers to do the work of the ministry, Paul tells of the res

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 4:24-25   24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.     Believers are to put off characteristics of the old nature and put on the characteristics of the new nature. The new nature is “created to be like God.” To be “righteous” is related to doing right. Being “holy” is being separated to God. Lying should have no part i

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 5:1-2   5 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.     Paul continues telling believers how to live. They are to imitate God in all they do. They do this by having a life filled with love and following Jesus as an example. Even though mankind was not worthy of His love,

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 5:10-11   10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them     Paul wants believers to exercise their knowledge and wisdom to do that which pleases the Lord. Notice what Paul calls the works of evil and darkness—they are “worthless.” Rather than taking part in these useless activities, believers are to use their spiritual insight and energy to expose them. One way to expose

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 5:21-22   21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord.     Some are concerned about wives being told to “submit” to their husbands. The word “submit” is not in the original Greek language of verse 22. It is implied from what is said in verse 21—that an evidence of being filled with the Spirit is that believers should submit to each other. Rejecting what verse 22 says

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 5:31   31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”     Here Paul quotes Genesis 2:24. After God had made Eve from Adam’s rib, Adam exclaimed, “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’     because she was taken from ‘man.’” Jesus also referred to this when He said, “Haven’t you read the Scriptures? They record that from the beginning

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 6:7-8   7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 8 Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.     Paul continues to tell how Christian slaves/servants should express they are filled with the Spirit. They should focus on pleasing the Lord, not just their earthly masters/bosses. This will be easier to do if they remember the Lord will someday reward t

Day 1  READ   Ephesians 6:15-17   15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.     The Christian soldier is to have the message of peace with God that comes from the gospel. The soldier is also to use faith for protection against the

How should Christians live in light of Jesus’ return? This article explores the rapture, second coming, millennium, final judgment, and how each one shapes daily spiritual fitness, faithfulness, and hope for the future.

A good father forgives, restores, and keeps His promises. Sherri Kreps introduces us to our good, heavenly  Father who invites us into a relationship with Him to be known, forgiven, and renewed. Memorize and rest in your heavenly Father’s promise which says, He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12)

The celebration of Communion is an important part of the Christian service. And one that has been practiced from the very beginning. But what is it about? Paul takes some time in his letter to the Corinthians to explain the importance of this special ritual.

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.. Reflect Think of a Christian leader who had a strong influence on your faith. Were they more of a “bulldog” personality or gentle leader? You’ve probably heard the cliche: “There’s nothing like a mothe

Jason leads our prayer time today with a prayer asking God to remind us that we can trust Him always.

If you somehow had to carry around 100 pounds of weight throughout your day at work and home, wouldn't you look for ways to get rid of that burden? Guilt is a lot like that weight that many of us carry each day. Mark is here to share some hopeful news from the Bible that will help you get rid of that guilt and finally walk in freedom.