B.F. Westcott, commented on Ephesians 5:21, “In mutual subjection all realize the joy of fellowship. Such harmonious subjection of one to another is the social expression of the personal feeling of thankfulness.”Having just taught on the consequence of thankfulness being one of the results of “careful living,” this quote grabbed my attention. Doesn't it make [...]
Earlier I wrote about the importance of unity in the church. There were several areas that were considered to be of great importance. Today I want to focus on a few areas that could create and/or allow division to impact a church.One matter that can divide a church is heresy, that which is against the [...]
In Ephesians 4 Paul uses the word "one" seven times following an important statement about maintaining unity. I can't express how significant the theme of unity is for the church. This week I am going to be writing some further thoughts on this passage in anticipation of the Word bringing transformation to each of our [...]
The text for Sunday morning is Ephesians 4:1-6. What an incredibly rich passage! I thought it of extreme importance to highlight the character qualities that Paul was inspired to communicate in this passage. These qualities are essential for every believer's possession and practice if the church is going to truly and effectively glorify God. MacArthur [...]
While preparing for the message on Ephesians 2:11-22 I came across an important word in the original Greek. I hope that the brief analysis and some highlights of this word's occurrence in other passages enriches your faith and love for our God.Paul is addressing the Gentiles in Ephesus and encourages them to remember their former [...]
I remember sitting in Dr. Brian Richardson's class, while attending Bryan College, and being asked a question about the persecution of Jesus. It was similar to this, “Is Jesus still being persecuted today?” My initial response was “No, how can Jesus be persecuted today while He is seated beside God the Father in Heaven.” I [...]
The last 4 weeks I have been teaching through the prophecy of Hosea. It has been incredibly rich, much more than I ever imagined. In chapter 4 there is a verse that struck me as most profound during my studies. In verse 9 we read this short statement, “And it shall be like people, like [...]