Ephesians 1...let's give it a go!

The last three weeks I've been struck by the fact that Ephesians 1 is not for the light hearted. If you're keen to avoid challenge, wonder, grace and a Jesus bigger and better than you can imagine....then you need to stick well clear of this passage.

But of course who'd want to settle for that? Rather, I've been struck by how much Paul wishes to embrace it and see others benefit as a result. So here's a couple of thoughts I've had as to how we all can practically benefit from this passage.

Firstly, why not join with Paul in the praise. That is, consciously spend time praising God, particularly for our brothers and sisters in Christ. They are the object of God's interest and love and one of the implicit challenges of this chapter (and the rest of the letter) is for us to share God's passion and love for his people. It strikes me that it's far easier for criticism to come from my heart and lips regarding God's people than praise. I want to have Paul's attitude and practice and I should anyway. Crossroads in the City is an awesome group of people to be with...a rich gathering indeed.

Secondly, why not use vv.15-23 as a basis for writing out your own prayer for yourself and for others. This will help you consider more seriously those three key areas of hope, riches and power that we looked into on Sunday night. How many of our difficulties relate to these areas not being transformed by the Gospel reality? I can't therefore think of many more important things to be praying for. Why not pray on the basis of these verses for your Gospel group this week. Why not share with others that you've been praying for them these very things? How about even writing it down and sharing your prayer with others. Seems to me if it was good enough for Paul in regards to the Ephesians, then it's good enough for us in regards to the Crossroadians.

How awesome to be in a church where this kind of thing is happening. Where we genuinely praise God for one another and pray to God for one another for the things that really matter. 

Let's give it a go!