EPHESIANS: Inheritance and Indwelling CH. 1:7-14

EPH 1:10-11
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ . . . even in him:
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance . . .

We completed the first seven verses of Ephesians ch. 1, and here we continue to pursue this incredible study and by God's Spirit, plumb the depths of this rich and lush epistle, teeming with spiritual truth!

EPH 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Redemption is 'to purchase back' and in the actual Greek, can imply to 'buy out of the market place'. Slaves, those in debt, and those conquered in war time were purchased in the market place in ancient cultures.

EPHESIANS: Born Into God's Family: Intro and Beginning of CH. 1:1-7

EPH 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel 

A group of brothers and myself have for a while now, been in downtown Tucson on Friday nights, preaching on the streets and sharing the Gospel. It occurred to us that we should start up a Bible study where those of us who are called to teach can exercise their gift, and this would also serve as a means of discipling any potential converts that will no doubt be coming our way.

One of the two books we've been looking at is the epistle of Paul to the Ephesians; for the past two weeks or so I've come across different passages here and there in my goings about, and these have all been verses from this book, and they've spoken quite powerfully!

So I thought I'd whet my whistle a bit and do a short series on this book, beginning (of course) with chapter one.

The CROSS, The KINGDOM and The CROWN

1 CORINTHIANS 1:17-18

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 

1 CORINTHIANS 1:21, 23
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 

2 TIMOTHY 4:8
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

1 PETER 5:4
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

REVELATION 3:11
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

REVELATION 4:4
And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.