As we continue on in the “walk” portion of Ephesians, we are learning the truth that love is much more than a feeling or a sentiment. It is more than an ideology or lip-service. It is a command and it must be obeyed through actions; it must be ​demonstrated. What does love look like? This is the question that we can answer by looking at the life of our Lord Jesus. He said and lived His love like this, “For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends”

As we continue on in the “walk” portion of Ephesians, we are learning the truth that love is much more than a feeling or a sentiment. It is more than an ideology or lip-service. It is a command and it must be obeyed through actions; it must be ​demonstrated. What does love look like? This is the question that we can answer by looking at the life of our Lord Jesus. He said and lived His love like this, “For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends”

Ephesians - Session 14

How wonderfully Holy Spirit, through Paul’s writing, has built us up and given us clear vision. Before we can “walk” we have to “sit” in the rest of all that we have in Christ. From the perspective of being seated in the heavenly realm in Christ, secure and sealed by the Spirit, we are ready to walk out a life of sincere love. Knowing our identity and resting in that identity enables us to walk ​worthily. It also helps us receive Paul’s strong words of instruction in godly living that keep us on the path of righteousness!

How wonderfully Holy Spirit, through Paul’s writing, has built us up and given us clear vision. Before we can “walk” we have to “sit” in the rest of all that we have in Christ. From the perspective of being seated in the heavenly realm in Christ, secure and sealed by the Spirit, we are ready to walk out a life of sincere love. Knowing our identity and resting in that identity enables us to walk ​worthily. It also helps us receive Paul’s strong words of instruction in godly living that keep us on the path of righteousness!

Ephesians - Session 13

The “five-fold ministry gifts” are the five Grace gifts of: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. These are commonly thought of as “platform” ministries, but we should have a fuller view of their workings within Christ’s Body. Let’s “stir up” the gifts within our hearts as Paul admonished Timothy; perhaps within you is a pastoral or prophetic gifting that needs to be activated by faith and cultivated by practice. All five grace gifts are at work in the church today in order to equip the saints. Apostles and prophets did not “pass away”; in fact we need them now more than ever. If we limit these giftings, we hinder the function of Holy Spirit in our lives and in our churches. God is such a gracious giver! Beloved, let’s be joyful ​receivers!

The “five-fold ministry gifts” are the five Grace gifts of: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. These are commonly thought of as “platform” ministries, but we should have a fuller view of their workings within Christ’s Body. Let’s “stir up” the gifts within our hearts as Paul admonished Timothy; perhaps within you is a pastoral or prophetic gifting that needs to be activated by faith and cultivated by practice. All five grace gifts are at work in the church today in order to equip the saints. Apostles and prophets did not “pass away”; in fact we need them now more than ever. If we limit these giftings, we hinder the function of Holy Spirit in our lives and in our churches. God is such a gracious giver! Beloved, let’s be joyful ​receivers!

Ephesians - Session 12

In previous chapters Paul laid out the amazing “catalogue” of blessings we have in Christ, showing us all that we already possess simply because we are in Him. From the position of unearned grace, we have so much as members of God’s household. We can’t get more blessed and we can’t get any higher! We are ​seated in the heavenly realm in Christ. Now, knowing how to sit in the fullness of being in Christ… ​we walk! There is no victim mentality displayed here by Paul. No, he doesn’t see himself as a prisoner of Rome or of any man, but rather he sees himself as a prisoner of the Lord. He knows he is guided and directed by God and therefore he is in the center of God’s will, whether freely preaching or bound in chains. Real freedom is being a “prisoner of the Lord”!

In previous chapters Paul laid out the amazing “catalogue” of blessings we have in Christ, showing us all that we already possess simply because we are in Him. From the position of unearned grace, we have so much as members of God’s household. We can’t get more blessed and we can’t get any higher! We are ​seated in the heavenly realm in Christ. Now, knowing how to sit in the fullness of being in Christ… ​we walk! There is no victim mentality displayed here by Paul. No, he doesn’t see himself as a prisoner of Rome or of any man, but rather he sees himself as a prisoner of the Lord. He knows he is guided and directed by God and therefore he is in the center of God’s will, whether freely preaching or bound in chains. Real freedom is being a “prisoner of the Lord”!

Ephesians - Session 11

There is no way we can understand divine mystery unless God reveals it to us. God is the only one who can reveal God. The doorway to revelation is not the intellect. If it were, the smartest humans would have greater access to the divine, and that is certainly not the case! He has chosen to reveal mysteries to us, those who love Him with childlike faith and simplicity: “Then Jesus, overflowing with the Holy Spirit’s anointing of joy, exclaimed, “Father, thank you, for you are Lord  Supreme over heaven and earth! You have hidden the great revelation of this authority from those who are proud,  those wise in their own eyes, and you have shared it with these who humbled themselves. Yes, Father. This is what  pleases your heart and the very way you’ve chosen to  extend your kingdom: to give to those who become like  trusting children.” 

There is no way we can understand divine mystery unless God reveals it to us. God is the only one who can reveal God. The doorway to revelation is not the intellect. If it were, the smartest humans would have greater access to the divine, and that is certainly not the case! He has chosen to reveal mysteries to us, those who love Him with childlike faith and simplicity: “Then Jesus, overflowing with the Holy Spirit’s anointing of joy, exclaimed, “Father, thank you, for you are Lord  Supreme over heaven and earth! You have hidden the great revelation of this authority from those who are proud,  those wise in their own eyes, and you have shared it with these who humbled themselves. Yes, Father. This is what  pleases your heart and the very way you’ve chosen to  extend your kingdom: to give to those who become like  trusting children.”

Ephesians - Session 10

God’s riches at Christ’s expense! Oh, how blessed we are to be born again, born from above, into God’s holy family. Cherished and dearly loved, we have been lifted up to what we could never, ever attain by human will or effort—​we are seated at His side! We can’t get any higher than His embrace, so all that is left for us to do is give thankful, humble, worship and service to our King! Grace is what brought us here, and...only grace keeps us here.

God’s riches at Christ’s expense! Oh, how blessed we are to be born again, born from above, into God’s holy family. Cherished and dearly loved, we have been lifted up to what we could never, ever attain by human will or effort—​we are seated at His side! We can’t get any higher than His embrace, so all that is left for us to do is give thankful, humble, worship and service to our King! Grace is what brought us here, and...only grace keeps us here.

Ephesians - Session 9

We learned in Ephesians chapter 1 that we can’t get any more blessed, and in this lesson we will see that we can’t get any ​higher! Even when we were “dead and doomed” (2:5), He united us into the very life of Jesus Christ, His Son. Now, He sees us fully and completely ​wrapped in Jesus. He doesn’t see our sins; He sees His Son!​ He blessed us as His children, chose us before the world began, and bestowed upon us ​every blessing, blessing us as much as it is possible for any human to be blessed. The Apostle Paul takes a moment here in Ephesians chapter two in order to share with us one of the greatest revelations in all of the Bible: we are raised, seated and joined with Christ!

We learned in Ephesians chapter 1 that we can’t get any more blessed, and in this lesson we will see that we can’t get any ​higher! Even when we were “dead and doomed” (2:5), He united us into the very life of Jesus Christ, His Son. Now, He sees us fully and completely ​wrapped in Jesus. He doesn’t see our sins; He sees His Son!​ He blessed us as His children, chose us before the world began, and bestowed upon us ​every blessing, blessing us as much as it is possible for any human to be blessed. The Apostle Paul takes a moment here in Ephesians chapter two in order to share with us one of the greatest revelations in all of the Bible: we are raised, seated and joined with Christ!

Ephesians - Session 8

We will never encounter a problem, a sickness, a foe, or a fight that is bigger than our King! Every time we trust Him in the face of contrary circumstances we are enthroning Him as He is worthy. He is the worthy one, highly exalted “not only in this age but in the age that is coming”, forevermore!

We will never encounter a problem, a sickness, a foe, or a fight that is bigger than our King! Every time we trust Him in the face of contrary circumstances we are enthroning Him as He is worthy. He is the worthy one, highly exalted “not only in this age but in the age that is coming”, forevermore!

Ephesians - Session 7

Are you ready? Paul describes for us in these next verses the indescribable! In his effort to do so, he practically exhausts the Greek language, stretching it to the limits in an attempt to convey the awesome manifold and multifaceted power of the Most High. He uses one “power word” after another to create as it was ​stepping stones​ for us. Why such an effort? He longs for believers to ​continually experience​ the limitless power of Jesus that is AVAILABLE. It is not for “someday” or for someone else. No, it is for you and it is for right now! As you go through this lesson, climb up the stepping stones that Paul has placed for you in these verses and receive More Power in your life. An awesome price was paid at Calvary for you to have what is beyond your human power...supernatural power!

Are you ready? Paul describes for us in these next verses the indescribable! In his effort to do so, he practically exhausts the Greek language, stretching it to the limits in an attempt to convey the awesome manifold and multifaceted power of the Most High. He uses one “power word” after another to create as it was ​stepping stones​ for us. Why such an effort? He longs for believers to ​continually experience​ the limitless power of Jesus that is AVAILABLE. It is not for “someday” or for someone else. No, it is for you and it is for right now! As you go through this lesson, climb up the stepping stones that Paul has placed for you in these verses and receive More Power in your life. An awesome price was paid at Calvary for you to have what is beyond your human power...supernatural power!

Ephesians - Session 6

This is Paul’s epic, apostolic prayer for the believers in Ephesus. The “darlings” of God are receiving the powerful prayer of a true spiritual father. Your ministry extends as far as your love. Think about it! Where your love ends, your ministry influence and authority ends. Likewise, as far as your love extends, your power and influence extend. Let’s be challenged and inspired by the life and love of Paul displayed in His spiritual influence. As it was for Paul, so it is for each of us; our realm of influence is determined by LOVE, not titles or giftings. Let us love extravagantly!

This is Paul’s epic, apostolic prayer for the believers in Ephesus. The “darlings” of God are receiving the powerful prayer of a true spiritual father. Your ministry extends as far as your love. Think about it! Where your love ends, your ministry influence and authority ends. Likewise, as far as your love extends, your power and influence extend. Let’s be challenged and inspired by the life and love of Paul displayed in His spiritual influence. As it was for Paul, so it is for each of us; our realm of influence is determined by LOVE, not titles or giftings. Let us love extravagantly!

Ephesians - Session 5

The goal of this work is to trigger inside of every English speaker an overwhelming response to the truth of the Bible as it is unfiltered by religious jargon – unfolding the deep mysteries of the Scriptures in the language of love, the language of the heart. Accurate to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, but passionately powerful in a contemporary form.So why another translation? Many wonderful versions of our Bible now grace our bookshelves, bookstores, software programs, even apps on our phones. So why add one more? The reason is simple: God wants His message of love to be received in every culture, every community, and every language. So, what about the language of love? There is a language of the heart that must express the passion of this love-theology. That is the purpose of the Passion Translation.

I look forward to future recordings with no background music. This translation is already music to my ears anyways. Additionally, my hearing isn’t strong enough to hear the music plus easily distinguish the spoken words. Perhaps the recordings can be edited to remove the background music for us baby boomers.

music to my ears

This is a great series, but the piano in the background is incredibly annoying. If that could be removed, that would be great.

Great series minus the piano

The goal of this work is to trigger inside of every English speaker an overwhelming response to the truth of the Bible as it is unfiltered by religious jargon – unfolding the deep mysteries of the Scriptures in the language of love, the language of the heart. Accurate to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, but passionately powerful in a contemporary form. So why another translation? Many wonderful versions of our Bible now grace our bookshelves, bookstores, software programs, even apps on our phones. So why add one more? The reason is simple: God wants His message of love to be received in every culture, every community, and every language. So, what about the language of love? There is a language of the heart that must express the passion of this love-theology. That is the purpose of the Passion Translation.

The Passion Translation

It’s no longer a matter of who you are; it’s a matter of ​where you are! You have been positioned in Christ in heavenly places. In that powerful place...you have been (past tense) blessed, so fully blessed. The picture here is you ​wrapped in Jesus Christ. That is how God, all of heaven, and all of hell sees you. How do you see you? It’s time to envision it, believe it, and live it—you are in Christ! This important truth cannot be overemphasized. In fact, Paul says it eleven times just in this first chapter of Ephesians! ​Your eternal position is fully in Him.​ However, this does not yet match our condition, does it? And so, we press on “to lay hold of that for which Christ laid hold” of us. We believe He has placed us in the Secret Stairway of the Sky, in Christ, and by faith and love, we submit to the process of Him taking us...where He has already placed us ​by grace.  “For you are my dove, hidden in the split-open rock. It was I who took you and hid you up high in the secret stairway of the sky…” Song of Songs 2:14 (TPT)

It’s no longer a matter of who you are; it’s a matter of ​where you are! You have been positioned in Christ in heavenly places. In that powerful place...you have been (past tense) blessed, so fully blessed. The picture here is you ​wrapped in Jesus Christ. That is how God, all of heaven, and all of hell sees you. How do you see you? It’s time to envision it, believe it, and live it—you are in Christ! This important truth cannot be overemphasized. In fact, Paul says it eleven times just in this first chapter of Ephesians! ​Your eternal position is fully in Him.​ However, this does not yet match our condition, does it? And so, we press on “to lay hold of that for which Christ laid hold” of us. We believe He has placed us in the Secret Stairway of the Sky, in Christ, and by faith and love, we submit to the process of Him taking us...where He has already placed us ​by grace. “For you are my dove, hidden in the split-open rock. It was I who took you and hid you up high in the secret stairway of the sky…” Song of Songs 2:14 (TPT)

Ephesians - Session 3

Secrets are for friends. How wonderful to know that God delights to bring you and me into the understanding of the mysteries of His heart. In Christ, the secret desires and hidden mysteries of God are unveiled! And through the revelation of the Anointed One, he unveiled his secret desires to us—the hidden mystery of his long-range plan, which he was delighted to implement from the very beginning of time. God has given us every spiritual blessing in Christ, including being chosen in love, given redemption’s power, sonship, and grace. Now Paul turns to the revelation of Christ and the wisdom that it imparts. Wisdom has much to teach us and will always lead us back to Christ. Paul speaks of the revelation of the Anointed One (Christ) unveiled to us showing us clearly the secret desires hidden in His heart. ​This means that through knowing Christ intimately we know God’s intimate secrets.​

Secrets are for friends. How wonderful to know that God delights to bring you and me into the understanding of the mysteries of His heart. In Christ, the secret desires and hidden mysteries of God are unveiled! And through the revelation of the Anointed One, he unveiled his secret desires to us—the hidden mystery of his long-range plan, which he was delighted to implement from the very beginning of time. God has given us every spiritual blessing in Christ, including being chosen in love, given redemption’s power, sonship, and grace. Now Paul turns to the revelation of Christ and the wisdom that it imparts. Wisdom has much to teach us and will always lead us back to Christ. Paul speaks of the revelation of the Anointed One (Christ) unveiled to us showing us clearly the secret desires hidden in His heart. ​This means that through knowing Christ intimately we know God’s intimate secrets.​

Ephesians - Session 4

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