– Today’s Community Scripture – 8/28/2025
What we know about God and what we do for God have a way of getting broken apart in our lives. The moment the organic unity of belief and behavior is damaged in any way, we are incapable of living out the full humanity for which we were created. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians joins together what has been torn apart in our sin-wrecked world. He begins with an exuberant exploration of what Christians believe about God, and then, like a surgeon skillfully setting a compound fracture, “sets” this belief in God into our behavior before God so that the bones—belief and behavior—knit together and heal. Once our attention is called to it, we notice these fractures all over the place. There is hardly a bone in our bodies that has escaped injury, hardly a relationship in city or job, school or church, family or country, that isn’t out of joint or limping in pain. There is much work to be done. And so Paul goes to work. He ranges widely, from heaven to earth and back again, showing how Jesus, the Messiah, is eternally and tirelessly bringing everything and everyone together. He also shows us that in addition to having this work done in and for us, we are participants in this most urgent work. Now that we know what is going on, that the energy of reconciliation is the dynamo at the heart of the universe, it is imperative that we join in vigorously and perseveringly, convinced that every detail in our lives contributes (or not) to what Paul describes as God’s plan worked out by Christ, “a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.”
Ephesians Introduction (MSG)
– Reflection:
The book of Ephesians begins by reminding us of our identity in Christ. Paul, writing from prison, addresses believers as people who are deeply loved and chosen by God. From the start, he highlights the incredible gifts we’ve received—grace, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit to lead us. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter, which explains not just what we believe but how we’re called to live. Ephesians guides us on a journey from understanding our identity in Christ to living it out daily—through unity, love, and spiritual strength. It’s a powerful guide that shows us how to walk with purpose and stay rooted in faith, regardless of what we face.
– Where do we go from here?
Now that we’ve seen how Ephesians begins with a strong reminder of who we are in Christ, it’s time to take that truth and live it out daily. Paul will guide us in what it means to live intentionally, stay united as believers, and grow stronger in faith. We’ll learn how to love better, serve humbly, and stand firm in the face of life’s challenges. This journey through Ephesians isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s about transformation. As we move forward, let’s stay open, stay connected, and let God shape us into the people He’s called us to be.
– Our Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for reminding us that we belong to You. You’ve chosen us, loved us, and given us a new start through Jesus. As we begin this journey through Ephesians, help us to live like people who know who we are in You. Teach us to love others, stay united, and walk in Your truth every day. Help us to be kind, strong, and faithful, even when life gets hard. Let our lives reflect Your grace and goodness in everything we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
What we know about God and what we do for God have a way of getting broken apart in our lives. The moment the organic unity of belief and behavior is damaged in any way, we are incapable of living out the full humanity for which we were created. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians joins together what has been torn apart in our sin-wrecked world. He begins with an exuberant exploration of what Christians believe about God, and then, like a surgeon skillfully setting a compound fracture, “sets” this belief in God into our behavior before God so that the bones—belief and behavior—knit together and heal. Once our attention is called to it, we notice these fractures all over the place. There is hardly a bone in our bodies that has escaped injury, hardly a relationship in city or job, school or church, family or country, that isn’t out of joint or limping in pain. There is much work to be done. And so Paul goes to work. He ranges widely, from heaven to earth and back again, showing how Jesus, the Messiah, is eternally and tirelessly bringing everything and everyone together. He also shows us that in addition to having this work done in and for us, we are participants in this most urgent work. Now that we know what is going on, that the energy of reconciliation is the dynamo at the heart of the universe, it is imperative that we join in vigorously and perseveringly, convinced that every detail in our lives contributes (or not) to what Paul describes as God’s plan worked out by Christ, “a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.”
Ephesians Introduction (MSG)
– Reflection:
The book of Ephesians begins by reminding us of our identity in Christ. Paul, writing from prison, addresses believers as people who are deeply loved and chosen by God. From the start, he highlights the incredible gifts we’ve received—grace, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit to lead us. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter, which explains not just what we believe but how we’re called to live. Ephesians guides us on a journey from understanding our identity in Christ to living it out daily—through unity, love, and spiritual strength. It’s a powerful guide that shows us how to walk with purpose and stay rooted in faith, regardless of what we face.
– Where do we go from here?
Now that we’ve seen how Ephesians begins with a strong reminder of who we are in Christ, it’s time to take that truth and live it out daily. Paul will guide us in what it means to live intentionally, stay united as believers, and grow stronger in faith. We’ll learn how to love better, serve humbly, and stand firm in the face of life’s challenges. This journey through Ephesians isn’t just about gaining knowledge; it’s about transformation. As we move forward, let’s stay open, stay connected, and let God shape us into the people He’s called us to be.
– Our Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for reminding us that we belong to You. You’ve chosen us, loved us, and given us a new start through Jesus. As we begin this journey through Ephesians, help us to live like people who know who we are in You. Teach us to love others, stay united, and walk in Your truth every day. Help us to be kind, strong, and faithful, even when life gets hard. Let our lives reflect Your grace and goodness in everything we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.