Ephesians (Stephen Russell)

Ephesians explains how the Church comes to full spiritual maturity in Christ. It explains the nature and purpose of the church, the body of Christ.Major themes include:Chosen and sealedSaved by graceUnity in the body - that the church is living!The practice of believers, in relation to each other, spiritual gifts, our former life and evil, the Holy Spirit, home life, and work - that we have come into a new family! Ephesians shows that out of the reality of our being seated with Christ flows our walk (how we live this out) and our standing in the face of any spiritual opposition. When we start to see that “reality” our whole life changes. Ephesians speaks of the love story between God and his Church for the last 2000 years, and that story reveals that Christ did not only give himself for the Church, but he also gave various gifts so that the Church would come to a place of maturity and fullness. Paul provides significant teaching on salvation, reconciliation, the nature of God's family, and the Christian identity. Paul's goal for all of this teaching was to encourage and energise believers in their faith.