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Acts 28:1-31; Ephesians 1:1-2:22<\/strong><\/span> Acts<\/strong> \u2013 Today we finish the book of Acts!\u00a0 Interesting segment in today\u2019s readings when Paul encounters the snake on the island of Malta.\u00a0 Everyone first believes that justice is being done, and that Paul will die by the snake.\u00a0 When he doesn\u2019t die, they then decide he is a god.\u00a0 Interesting\u2026\u00a0 They were first cursing him, then suddenly worshiping him.\u00a0 I wonder if we do this in our lives too?\u00a0 Do we sometimes curse things one minute and then worship them the next?\u00a0 Do we sometimes even do this with God?\u00a0 Let us pray for consistency in our lives and actions, in particular in the area of Who we worship.<\/span><\/p>\n We then read in today\u2019s readings about Paul arriving in Rome and beginning to preach the Gospel just 3 days after he arrives!\u00a0 Paul wastes no time.\u00a0 He is so focused on preaching the Gospel that he makes it happen no matter what.\u00a0 I think we would do well to pay attention to Paul\u2019s zeal for the Gospel.\u00a0 Why do you suppose Paul was so zealous for the Gospel?\u00a0 Should we be zealous for the Gospel today like Paul was back then?\u00a0 Are you zealous for the Gospel today like Paul was back then?<\/span><\/p>\n Okay, in Acts chapter 28 we have a very important verse for all of us to pay attention to.\u00a0 Verse 28.\u00a0 These are Paul\u2019s last words recorded in Acts.\u00a0 Commentaries suggest that this verse is actually the main point of the book of Acts.\u00a0 So if you remember nothing else from the book of Acts, remember the book was about this:\u00a0 \u201cSo I want you to realize that this salvation from God is also available to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.\u201d\u00a0 <\/em>Seems like such a simple verse\u2026\u00a0 But do you see the weight of it?\u00a0 Do you believe that salvation from God is available to all?\u00a0 Have you accepted this salvation?\u00a0 Perhaps now is a good time for us to remember Paul\u2019s acceptance of this salvation on the Road to Damascus earlier in our Acts readings, as painted by the artist Michelangelo below in the year 1544 \u2013 <\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s Acts readings titled \u201cPaul in Rome\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link.<\/span><\/p>\n Ephesians<\/strong> \u2013 Today we begin Paul\u2019s letter to the church in Ephesus!\u00a0 The map below shows where Ephesus is located, as well as other churches Paul wrote epistles to:<\/span><\/p>\n ~ Ephesians ~<\/strong> There are so many amazing verses in Ephesians chapter 1 today!\u00a0 I love verse 18: \u201cI pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0 How does this verse speak to you?\u00a0 Is your heart flooded with light today?\u00a0 Do you believe that your heart can indeed be flooded with light so that you can understand your wonderful future in Christ?\u00a0 I love this imagery of our hearts being flooded with light!\u00a0 Let Jesus\u2019 light flood us today!<\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s readings in Ephesians titled \u201cThe Hope of Glory\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link.<\/span><\/p>\n Today in Ephesians chapter 2 verses 8 through 10 we read: \u201cFor it is by grace you have been saved, through faith\u2014and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God\u2014 not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God\u2019s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.\u201d<\/em> (NIV) Have you been saved by grace through faith?\u00a0 Do you believe that salvation is a gift that cannot be earned?\u00a0 Have you ever felt that you had to work for your salvation?\u00a0 What does Paul say about works related to salvation in these verses?\u00a0 Do you believe that you are God\u2019s very workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works?\u00a0 \u00a0Do you believe that God has prepared good works for you to do in advance?\u00a0 Are you participating in God\u2019s plan for you life?<\/span><\/p>\n Bible.org\u2019s commentary on today\u2019s readings in Ephesians titled \u201cThe Guilt of Men and the Grace of God\u201d<\/strong> is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.\u00a0 Below is a great image from Ephesians 2:10 from today\u2019s readings:<\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:<\/strong> Today\u2019s readings in Acts reminds me of the song by Third Day titled \u201cCall My Name:\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n
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Author<\/span>: Paul the apostle
Place<\/span>: Rome
Date<\/span>: A.D. 60 or 61
Content<\/span>: Paul wrote this letter while a prisoner in Rome, his purpose being to comfort and encourage the believers in Asia Minor. He presents them with an overview of history, beginning in eternity past where God worked out his plans for the world, moving to the present where God is saving those who believe in Christ, and then to the future where all evil will be overcome. He points out that in the present there will be great conflict because our battle is with the forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), but because we are members of Christ\u2019s body, we have the power to withstand. Paul then deals with practical matters relating to living the Christian life: marriage, behavior, parents and children, and servants.
Theme:<\/span> The basic idea in Ephesians is that God\u2019s eternal plan is being worked out through Christ and his body, the church. When a man believes, he is in Christ and finds salvation and safety. God had planned for this from all eternity and has given to the believer everything that he needs for his Christian life, but it is for him to avail himself of the resources at his command. Paul closes the book by describing the provision that God has made for the believer so that he may withstand the worst of Satan\u2019s attacks and when the battle is over, to be victorious. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers \u201cThe One Year Bible Companion\u201d p. 26) <\/em>More great commentary on Ephesians is <\/span>at this link<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n