Ephesians 1:13-14 - Blessings From the God the Holy Spirit

Today,as we go through Ephesians chapter 1, we're looking especially at verses 13 and14. But remember back in verse 12, the Apostle Paul as he's writing to thechurch at Ephesus, he spoke to the fact that we who first trusted in Christshould be to the praise of His glory and then he continues in verse 13 to speakhow the Ephesians also trusted in Him. Notice how Paul first trusted in Christ,found salvation, his life was transformed and then he became that greatmissionary out of the church at Antioch that we know about in the book of Acts. Paulis clearly making the point that only by trusting in Christ is the only way ofsalvation. And when did they trust? When did you trust in Christ for your salvation?  It was, “after you heard the word of truth,the gospel of your salvation in whom also having believed you were sealed withthe Holy Spirit of promise who is the guarantee of our inheritance until theredemption of the purchased possession to the praise of His glory”.  Rememberin the first verses of this chapter we read about the blessings from God theFather (vs. 4-6). He blessed us in eternity past before the foundation of theworld, He chose us. He adopted us. He accepted us. And in Him we havesalvation. And He chose us to be what? “To be holy and without blame beforeHim in love”. And that's eternity past.  Inverses 7-12, we have the blessings from God the Son, Jesus Christ. And that'sin history past. Jesus came, as incarnate God to planet earth, died on thecross in our place for our sins, and gave us the salvation that we have. Andthat was the experience of the Ephesian believers there in Ephesus. Now we'relooking at present tense because it is now that the Holy Spirit is the Oneworking in our lives. If you read Acts 19, you definitely will see thatwonderful story there.  Again,looking at the first part of this verse, we find the way of salvation is bytrusting in Christ. Now I don't understand all about predestination, electionand all those things. But I know this, that God also created us with a freewill. And because of that, whosoever will may be saved. And the Lord is notwilling that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. And howdo you get saved? After you hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, the death, burial,and resurrection. 1 Corinthians chapter 15. Then, it is the work and ministryof the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and minds and change our lives as the Wordof God comes into our heart that we trust in Christ. That's how we experienceHis great salvation.  Continueto pray today for us as we travel and for our dear friends and their families. Again,thank you for your prayers! Godbless!