EPHESIANS: The QUICKENED CH. 2:1-10

As was previously outlined in Chapter One, we saw much in the way of doctrinal truth expounded upon by the apostle Paul. These scriptures spoke of our being born into God's family (vs. 3 "in Christ"; vs. 4 "in Him"; "accepted in the Beloved" vs. 6); as well as receiving a "predestined inheritance" (vs. 11, 14, 18). It was stated that the Holy Spirit is "the earnest" (down payment) of our redemption and that the fullness of this redemptive plan will ultimately be realized by the LORD Himself (vs. 13, 14) and also that we as Christ's church are enabled to receive spiritual enlightenment and understanding, not through secretive, hidden knowledge and wisdom carefully guarded by Gnostic societies, or through any sort of scholastic 'higher' education from the minds of mere humans but by the direct influence of the Holy Spirit, the LORD Jesus and our heavenly Father (vs. 17-18). The chapter closes with an examination of the power that we, as the body of Christ, His church, possess in and through Him who was raised from the dead (vs. 19-23).

EPHESIANS: Paul's Powerful Prayer for the Body of Christ CH. 1:15-23

In this concluding segment of chapter One of the book of Ephesians we receive a prayerful message from Paul the Apostle. Judging from the content of his prayer, I'd say he was one serious prayer warrior! Imagine what it would've been like attending prayer meeting with Paul the Apostle?

Wow! His prayers are as powerful as his teachings, and I think there is a connection here; let me explain: A Preacher of Power is also a Preacher of Prayer! Anyone who desires to be powerful in their preaching and, or teaching must spend time in prayer, closeted with the Author of the Book. One can have acquired all the schooling, and knowledge of the Biblical languages, and learned from the best of the biblical scholars; all of this is meaningless without Holy Unction, and Divine anointing. This can ONLY be cultivated by relationship with our precious LORD, and by a life consecrated to Him as our chief love and adoration. It's been said before: The LORD doesn't want to be number one on a list of ten. He wants to be number one on a list of ONE!