Ephesians 2:11-21
Our passage for today (Ephesians 2:11-21) is rich--full of information we need to know and grasp on the Body of Christ. Now because there's so much packed in there, it can also be a little overwhelming (that was my first reaction anyway). At this point, I could have stopped and told myself there was just too much there to understand (And there was definitely a time in my life I would have done that). But not anymore. So here's what I did. I read the same passage in several different versions--four to be exact. I found that each version highlighted something different for me. So as I read, I picked up a little more and a little more and by the time I had read all four versions--no more feeling overwhelmed. I really got it--and what a sense of accomplishment.
So how about reading our passage in a couple of different versions today like I did? Yes, it'll take a couple of extra minutes, but I think you'll find it worthwhile. Then, tell us about it. Was it helpful? Did it cause you to think about different things? Did you see anything new? Tell us about your experience. Tami W.
Tami,
I just have to say it is wonderful to be part of the body. To know when we have a need and share it with other believers, and we come together in prayer, God is faithful to hear and answer. A while back I posted about my daughter's immunological disorder. There was several who posted back and said they would pray for me and her. I just want to say thank you to all who did. God heard and answered those prayers. What should have taken 4 years to accomplish, only took 15 months. We just found out this week Sarah Grace's immunoglobin levels are increasing and 2/3 of them are within normal range. Her cell function is normal. In other words she has been healed! We will have to go back in a year to make sure her Igm levels have also improved, but I have no doubts that it will. Our God is an amazing God. He hears all of us at the same time no matter where we are. There is no one like Him.
It certainly is a passage of Scripture packed full of truths for us of what Christ has done. The cross and shed Blood of our Precious Savior has brought Peace with God & Hope to our dying world! As written in Eph 2:5 "even when we were dead in our trespasses, (God) made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved" Makes you want to give everlasting praise to Him!.... and cling to Him always!
Amazing... I read 3 versions. When I read The Message version, it brought it all together. "Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father." "He's using us all - irrespective of how we got here... with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together." Thanks, Tammy - I will use this approach again. God's richest blessings!
Truly this is a rich passage. I read 8 versions and while many things did jump out at me, the most prevailing thought was that we are all being built (present tense) together for His purpose: KJV "...for a habitation of God through the Spirit.";today's English version:".....In union with Him you too are being built together with all the others into a house God lives through His Spirit.";
Phillips MOdern:"..In Him each separate piece of the building, properly fitting into its neighbor, grows together into a temple consecrated to the Lord. You are all part of this building in which God Himself lives by His Spirit." New English Bible: "In Him, you, too, are being built with all the rest into a spiritual dwelling for God."; and the Living Bible:"...We who believe are carefully joined together with Christ as parts of a beautiful, constantly growing temple for God." It is no wonder that this world is constantly trying to divide us...look at God's intentions and plan!
Tami
Is'nt our God wonderfull, that he'll take two different people with different views and bring them together through himself and make peace no matter what is going on in there worlds. Only our God can do something so amazing, and after reading different versions I see how you can get more out of a verse, and then I read what version Tina read, The Message version, I have to say it brought a reminder to me when it said " We see it taking shape day after day-a holy temple built by God " each day God is building in us what we need as we read and study his word, we can't rush it in our minds any faster if we try, God made each of us different for different works, I have a compassion for people in my heart I never had befor and I can say I would never have gotten that feeling from reading good books all my life, no this is straight from God himself showing how he works, so if I see someone that has a different gift I think I'ed like to have, I just have to remember I have what God wants me to have because we all make up his pefect family together and thats what makes it so wonderfull.
May God bless you all, David.
I was once far off, as verse 13 reads. Thanks be unto the Lord he made me nigh. I know my corner stone Jesus Christ is strong and firm but my building is still being remodeled. The outside is presentable the inside will always be ever changing as Jesus sees fit to change me. The old KJV is so inspiring to me. Anyway my desire is to help those that are far off from Jesus my corner stone.
Different race, different language, different people yet one body in Christ. This is amazing, it is beautiful, by faith we are one irrespective of class and background, much more we need each other and we can't do without each other, no one is lesser, no one is greater, 'but we are no longer strangers and aliens, but we are citizens and we are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom we also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. (Eph 2: 19-22)
Tami,
I just tried what you suggested. I read the passage in 2 different versions. I really liked it. I got a lot more out of it. I read it in the NIV and NLT. I like the more modern language.
Thanks for the suggestion.
It is just awesome reading your comments. God is really blessing us and we have to give Him thanks and praise for what He has done for us. The tearing of the vail of the temple when Jesus died on the Cross for us signified "that the way was now open into the presence of God" Matthew 27:51. We are now one in Christ. Before His death, we had no hope but when He shed His blood and died on the Cross at Calvary He has given us the best gift ever and we must hold on to this gift because we did not do anything to deserve it it is by His grace. So let us not allow the devil to lead us astray. Like any gift we receive, we must show our appreciation by giving thanks and praise and bless Jesus' name. Let us also share his blessings with others. I pray that Powered by 4 will reach many others and that they too will feel the blessings. this is too good not to share. Thanks again to you all.
I am asking your prayers for my neice [name removed] and her husband [name removed] who are going through some stressful time and need Jesus' intervention. They have three children ranging between 14 and 4. These are really trying times and right now we need Jesus on their side. I ask you all to join me in praying for them that God will be with them through it all and that He will bring about a solution to their problems and that they will continue to pray and not lose their focus on Him. Thank you all so much.
Joan
Tami,
Great Suggestion!!! A really good friend of mine suggested to me a while back to always start with the Original (King James Version) when I am stuck or confused while reading and studing. My current Bible is the NASB. I have heard that it is closest to the original text and I enjoy reading it. However, I have also been "spoiled" because I have Libronix and you can pick up to four different versions to view. I have NASB, KJV and HCSB already set.
We are (v.19) "of God's household", "of the household of God" and "members of God's household". We belong to His house and no longer strangers (out there on our own, unaccepted and rejected) We Belong!!!! There is nothing better than being a member of the Body of Christ knowing where we will dwell when life here ends.
I really enjoyed reading the different versions, side by side and seeing the same text, but getting certain things from one version and something else from another. I think this was an awesome exercise and hope that others continue to use this as a tool to better understand and interpret God's word as it is to be interpreted.
I would have to echo what David wrote concerning gifts. This is God's building project and what He wants is the best for His purpose. We know His purpose is best for us. We must take a lesson from this passage and extend respect and love toward all believers in Christ. It is when we allow human nature and pride get in the way that the body is hurt. God bless you all.
Joan, thanks for sharing about your niece and her family. I will pray for them today. Tami W.
no oher translation with me no because am far from home.but i will still go back to it.all am grateful for is being one body with Him, its a gret gift from Him.
Thank you so much Tami, We do appreciate our prayers.
God bless you and your family.