Thursday, May 31, 2018

Ephesians 4:3-6 Part 1 of 2

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit 
Romans 15:5-6  May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

through the bond of peace 
Colossians 3:15  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

There is one body 
Romans 12:4-5  For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

and one Spirit 
1 Corinthians 12:13  For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body--whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 
Ephesians 2:18  For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

just as you were called to one hope when you were called 
1 Corinthians 1:9  God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
2 Timothy 1:9  He has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ...
Hebrews 9:15  For this reason, Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
1 Peter 2:9  But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Ephesians 4:1-2

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

As a prisoner for the Lord 
Ephesians 3:1  For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles--...

I urge you to live a life worthy 
Philippians 1:27  Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.
Colossians 1:10  ... so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ... 
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12  For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

of the calling you have received 
Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another 
Colossians 3:12-13  Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

in love 
Colossians 4:15-16  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Ephesians 1:4  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--...

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. 

Now to him who is able 
Romans 16:25-27  Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith--to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
2 Corinthians 9:8  And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine 
1 Kings 3:13  "Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for--both wealth and honor--so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings." (God speaking to Solomon)

according to his power that is at work within us 
Ephesians 3:7  I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.

to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. 
Romans 11:36  For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. 

(parentheses are mine)

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Monday, May 28, 2018

Ephesians 3:17b-19

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love 
Colossians 2:6-7  So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people 
Ephesians 1:15-16  For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ 
Job 11:7-9  "Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens above--what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below--what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea."
Psalm 103:11  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; ...

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge 
Philippians 4:7  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

that you may be filled 
Colossians 2:10  ... and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

to the measure of all the fullness of God 
Ephesians 1:22-23  And God placed all things under his (Jesus') feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

(parentheses are mine)

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Ephesians 3:14-17a

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. 

For this reason I kneel before the Father 
Philippians 2:9-11  Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I pray that out of his glorious riches 
Ephesians 3:8  Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, ...
Romans 2:4  Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Romans 9:23-24  What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory--even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?
Romans 11:33  Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out!

he may strengthen you with power 
Philippians 4:13  I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 

through his Spirit in your inner being 
Romans 7:22  For in my inner being I delight in God's law; ...

so that Christ may dwell in  your hearts through faith
Romans 8:10  But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 
1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Ephesians 3:12-13

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

In him and through faith in him we may approach God 
Ephesians 2:18  For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

with freedom and confidence 
2 Corinthians 3:4  Such confidence we have through Christ before God.
Hebrews 3:14-15  We have come to share Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. As it has just been said, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." (Psalm 95:7-8)
Hebrews 4:16  Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 10:19  Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ...
Hebrews 10:35  So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
1 John 2:28  And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.
1 John 3:21-22  Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.
1 John 4:15-17  If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them, This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.

(parentheses are mine)

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Friday, May 25, 2018

Ephesians 3:10-11

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God 
Romans 11:33  Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
1 Corinthians 2:6-7  We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

should be made known 
1 Peter 1:12  It was revealed to them (the prophets) that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

to the rulers and authorities 
Ephesians 1:21  ... far above all rule and authority, power and dominion and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 
Ephesians 6:12  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Colossians 2:9-10  For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
Colossians 2:15  And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

in the heavenly realms 
Ephesians 1:3  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord 
Ephesians 1:11-12  In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

(parentheses are mine)

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Thursday, May 24, 2018

Ephesians 3:7-9

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 

I became a servant of this gospel 
1 Corinthians 3:5  What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants through whom you came to believe--as the Lord has assigned to each his task.
1 Corinthians 4:1  This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.
2 Corinthians 6:4  Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ...

by the gift of God's grace given me 
Romans 12:3  For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

through the working of his power 
Ephesians 1:18-19a  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Colossians 1:29  To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people 
1 Corinthians 15:9  For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles 
Acts 9:15  But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel."

the boundless riches of Christ 
Romans 2:4  Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

and to make plain the administration of this mystery 
Romans 16:25-26  Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith--...

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Ephesians 3:4-6

In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. 

In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 
2 Corinthians 11:6  I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
1 Corinthians 1:17  For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets 
Romans 16:25-27  Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith--to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Ephesians 4:11-12  So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ...

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel 
Romans 8:17  Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

members together of one body 
Ephesians 2:15b-16   His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus 
Ezekiel 47:22  "You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners residing among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along with you they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel."


Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Ephesians 3:1-3

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles--Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles 
Acts 23:17-18  Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him." So he took him to the commander. The centurion said, "Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you."
Ephesians 4:1  As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
2 Timothy 1:8  So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
Philemon 1  Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker--...
Philemon 8-10  Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul--an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus--that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.

Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you 
Colossians 1:25-26  I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness--the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord's people.

that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation 
Romans 16:25-26  Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith--...

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Monday, May 21, 2018

Ephesians 2:21-22

In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. 

In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord 
1 Corinthians 3:16-17  Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroy's God's temple, God will destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.
Ephesians 4:16  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit 
Romans 8:9  You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
Romans 8:11  And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20  Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
2 Timothy 1:14  Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Ephesians 2:19-20 Part 2 of 2

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.  

with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone 
1 Corinthians 3:11  For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:11  "Jesus is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.' " (Psalm 118:22)
1 Peter 2:4-8  As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him--you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame." (Isaiah 28:16) Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," (Psalm 118:22) and, "A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." (Isaiah 8:14) They stumble because they disobey the message--which is also what they were designed for. 

(parentheses are mine) 

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Ephesians 2:19-20 Part 1 of 2

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers 
Ephesians 2:12  ... remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

but fellow citizens with God's people 
Philippians 3:20-21  But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

and also members of his household 
Galatians 6:10  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

built 
1 Corinthians 3:9  For we are co-workers in God's service, you are God's field, God's building.

on the foundation 
Matthew 16:18  "And I tell you that  you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
1 Corinthians 3:10  By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.
Revelation 21:14  The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

of the apostles and prophets 
Ephesians 4:11-13  So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Ephesians 2:17-18

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

He came and preached peace to you who were far away 
Luke 2:14  "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." 

and peace to those who were near 
Ephesians 2:13  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Psalm 148:14  And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD.
Isaiah 57:19b  "Peace, peace, to those far and near," declares the LORD. "And I will heal them."

For through him we both have access 
Ephesians 3:12  In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

to the Father 
Colossians 1:12  ... and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

by one Spirit 
1 Corinthians 12:13  For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body--whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Ephesians 4:4-6  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Ephesians 2:14-16

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one 
John 14:27  " Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
1 Corinthians 12:13  For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body--whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Ephesians 3:6  This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

by setting side in his flesh 
Colossians 1:21-22  Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. but now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--...

the law with its commands and regulations 
Colossians 2:13-14  When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.

His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two 
Galatians 3:28  There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross 
2 Corinthians 5:18-19  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
Colossians 1:20  ... and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:22  But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--...

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Ephesians 2:11-13

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcision" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)--remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Therefore, remember that formerly 
Ephesians 2:1-2  As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 

(which is done in the body by human hands) 
Colossians 2:11-12  In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners 
Isaiah 14:1  The LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land. Foreigners will join them and unite with the descendants of Jacob.
Isaiah 65:1  "I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.' "

to the covenants of the promise 
Galatians 3:17  What I mean is this: The law introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.

without hope and without God in the world 
1 Thessalonians 4:3  Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near 
Ephesians 2:17-18  He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

by the blood of Christ 
Colossians 1:19-20  For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

For we are God's handiwork 
Isaiah 29:23  "When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel." 
Isaiah 43:5-7  "Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth--everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
Isaiah 60:21  "Then all your people will be righteous and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor."

created in Christ Jesus 
Ephesians 4:22-24  You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do 
Titus 2:11-14  For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say, "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Monday, May 14, 2018

Ephesians 2:6-9 Part 4 of 4

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 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.  

and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works 
Deuteronomy 9:5  It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the LORD your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 
Romans 4:2  If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about--but not before God.
2 Timothy 1:9-10  He has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 
Titus 3:4-5a  But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. 

so that no one can boast 
1 Corinthians 1:27-29  But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Ephesians 2:6-9 Part 3 of 4

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 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.  

expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus 
Titus 3:4-7  But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 

For it is by grace 
Romans 3:24  ... and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 

you have been saved 
Ephesians 2:4-5  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.

through faith 
Romans 9:30-31  What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Ephesians 2:6-9 Part 2 of 4

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 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.  

in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace 
Ephesians 1:7-8a  In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. 
Ephesians 1:18-19a  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 
Ephesians 3:8-9  Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 
Ephesians 3:16-17a  I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. 
Colossians 2:2-3  My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Ephesians 2:6-9 Part 1 of 4

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 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.

And God raised us up with Christ 
Romans 6:5  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 

and seated us with him 
Ephesians 1:19b-21  That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus 
Ephesians 1:3  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace 
Romans 2:4  Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Romans 9:22-24  What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath--prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory--even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?
Romans 11:33  Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Ephesians 2:3-5 Part 2 of 2

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.  

it is by grace you have been saved 
Ephesians 2:8-9  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. 
John 5:24  "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." 
Acts 15:10-11  "Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved just as they are." 
Romans 3:22-24  This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 
Galatians 2:15-16  "We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified."

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Ephesians 2:3-5 Part 1 of 2

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 

All of us also lived among them at one time 
Ephesians 2:1-2  As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts 
Romans 8:8-9  Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
Romans 13:14  Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16-17  So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not able to do whatever you want.
Galatians 6:8  Whoever sows to please their flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy 
John 3:16  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in transgressions 
Ephesians 2:1  As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins ...
Psalm 103:11-12  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Ephesians 2:1-2 Part 2 of 2

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.  

in which you used to live 
Colossians 3:7  You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
Titus 3:3  At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 
1 Peter 4:3  For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

when you followed the ways of this world 
Romans 12:2  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air 
John 12:31  "Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out."
John 14:29-31  "I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not say much more to you for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. Come now; let us leave." 
John 16:11  "... and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned."
2 Corinthians 4:4  The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
1 John 4:4   You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 5:19  We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient 
Ephesians 5:6  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Monday, May 7, 2018

Ephesians 2:1-2 Part 1 of 2

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 

you were dead in your transgressions and sins 
Ephesians 2:4-5  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.
Colossians 2:13-14  When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.

in which you used to live 
Ephesians 2:3  All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
Ephesians 2:11-13  Therefore, remember that formerly you who were Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)--remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Romans 11:30-31  Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you.
1 Corinthians 6:11  And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Ephesians 5:8  For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ...

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Ephesians 1:22-23 Part 2 of 2

And God placed all things under his [Christ's] feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. 

and appointed him to be head over everything for the church 
1 Corinthians 11:3  But I want you to realize that the head of every  man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 
Ephesians 4:15  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
Ephesians 5:23  For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
Colossians 1:18  And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Colossians 2:19  They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

which is his body 
1 Corinthians 12:27  Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

the fullness of him 
John 1:16-17  Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 3:19  ... and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

who fills everything in every way 
Ephesians 4:9-10  (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

[brackets are mine]

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. 
Limited to 15 verses per post.