Ephesians 2:14 – 16 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. (see Isaiah 57:19)
Romans 5:1 tells us that because we believe, we have peace with God through Jesus. That is good news indeed. But the above mentioned peace goes further: it seems Jesus desires and provides for peace with others.

Reflection Questions
How did Jesus abolish the enmity?
How can the Law be a barrier to peace?
How far does the peace of Jesus extend?

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Ephesians 2:12&13 ..remember, that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenant of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
‘Separate’, ‘excluded’, ‘strangers’, hopeless, godless: this is us without Christ. Paul tells us to remember these things, but I suggest you do not dwell too long on them.

Reflection Questions
Why do you think Paul instructs us to remember?
How does the ‘excluded’ clause affect you?
We know there is no God without Jesus. So how did you embrace this truth?..and how do you relay it to your skeptical, unbelieving friends?

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Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
The JPP (Jesus prepositional phrase) here connects the Son with Creation, your creation. And, we know we are not saved by our works; but post salvation, we should be busy.

Reflection Questions
How do we know that these ‘good works’ are not our own?
Can you list some? (See John 6:29, 14:12)
Is our view of ‘works’ somewhat narrow?

Every Saturday there is a breakfast at 9 am where we can get together to discuss the reflections and share our thoughts. Please let us know if you plan to come by signing up below:

Ephesians 2:7 ..so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Paul joined the apostles and they started the Church. We have this enduring record in the book of Acts and the Letters.

Reflection Questions
What does this record mean to you?
Do you think the New Testament authors knew how far their letters would reach?
What is it about this record of the early believers that makes it so remarkable?

Every Saturday there is a breakfast at 9 am where we can get together to discuss the reflections and share our thoughts. Please let us know if you plan to come by signing up below:

Ephesians 2:4 – 6 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus..
What a transformation! Just look at those verbs: ‘made alive’, ‘raised’, and ‘seated’. We know that Jesus died, was buried, rose again, stayed with His disciples 40 days, then ascended to God’s right hand; then 10 days later reappeared at Pentecost in the Spirit.

Reflection Questions
How does Paul, in the above passage, view the ‘Passion’ for believers? What clues do the PPs (prepositional phrases) give us?
..’raised up’.. Is this a reference to the resurrection or the ascension?

Every Saturday there is a breakfast at 9 am where we can get together to discuss the reflections and share our thoughts. Please let us know if you plan to come by signing up below: