A Series of Messages on the Book of Ephesians
October 8- November 19

Preaching from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is always a soul-shaping experience for me. To know again that my attempt to attract God’s attention or approval by my best religious effort falls short – that is the “bad news” that opens me to truly good news. God has loved me before any attempts or efforts on my part. This is at the heart of the letter to the Ephesians:

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast (2.8)."

Everything necessary for my salvation has been done by God’s grace in Christ. This gift is not earned or deserved. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. “Through faith” is not a work we have accomplished, but our response to God’s costly and gracious initiative. Grace, when rightly understood, is the greatest motivation in the world. It brings forth not rigid rules, but right relationships. My hope is that you will take some time to meditate on these words of E. Stanley Jones:

"Grace binds you with far stronger cords than the cords of duty or obligation can bind you. Grace is free but when once you take it you are bound forever to the Giver, and bound to catch the Spirit of the Giver. Grace makes you gracious; the Giver makes you give."

Faithfully,
Gary D. Stratman