Reading for:
Day 343 – Monday, December 9: Ephesians 1 – 3
Day 344 – Tuesday, December 10: Ephesians 4 – 6

To the Saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus . . .

Paul begins the letter to the Ephesians with a traditional greeting, but what it this letter was never sent to the Ephesians? You might be scratching your head and saying what? It’s addressed right to the, it says so right in the opening verse. True . . . it does. However the word “Ephesus” is believed to be a later addition. So perhaps this letter was meant for those who are faithful in Christ Jesus. I like that!

Here’s the simple truth, many of Paul’s letters were likely circulated from one “church” to the other. Which meant that the letter to the Romans, may have made a pit stop in Ephesus, Corinth, and a few other places along the way. Same could be said for the letters to Corinth, Ephesus, etc. The Gospel was meant to be heard, taught, and spread, and Paul’s letters were great teaching and preaching tools for the early church. So like chain mail, these letters went on and on.

This proves to be an important factor as we read Ephesians and those beloved words from Paul:

For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and this is not your own doing;
it is the gift of God!
Not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 
For we are what he has made us,
created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
(Ephesians 2:8-10)

God’s grace through faith. How beautiful. How simple. How wonderful. For we did nothing to deserve the good graces of God, but through our faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, we have been saved! And saved for what? Good works in the kingdom of God. Works that do not, and cannot earn salvation, for only Christ can do that. But good works that promote God’s kingdom here in this place. Good works that are done as a joyous free will offering back to God.

Grace through faith! What a concept that is meant not just for the people of Ephesus but for all who call on the name of Christ!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Upcoming Readings:
Day 345 – Wednesday, December 11: Philippians
Day 346 – Thursday, December 12: Colossians
Day 347 – Friday December 13: I Thessalonians
Day 348 – Saturday, December 14: II Thessalonians
Day 349 – Sunday, December 15: I Timothy
Day 350 – Monday, December 16: II Timothy
Day 351 – Tuesday, December 17: Titus & Philemon
Day 352 – Wednesday, December 18: Hebrews 1 – 6
Day 353 – Thursday, December 19: Hebrews 7 – 10
Day 354 – Friday, December 20: Hebrews 11 – 13