John’s primary PURPOSE is that believers will enter and maintain fellowship with God, with the RESULT of inner joy.“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that our joy may be full … These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1Jo 1:3-4; 1Jo 5:13 (emphasis added)
This compilation of notes represents the truths found in the Epistle of First John.
Gene Cunningham - May 28, 2010
Ephesians #4
He created a new man with believers in this age, namely, Jew and Gentile. Martin Luther summarized the reformation three ways: 1) salvation by faith alone in Christ alone, 2) inerrancy of scripture, and 3) the priesthood of believers. In error, Calvanism (reform theology) espouses "limited attonement", which means that Christ only died for those He would save (Joh 3:16, 2Pe 3:9, 2Ti 2:4-6). "Back to Faith", written by Fred Lybrand debunks reform theology. God accomplishes His plan via individual believers (see notes and Eph 2:1-10). In Eph 1:11-22 reconciles men to each other. Paul uses the same argument admonishing Peter (Gal 2:14-21). Peter was still establishing a self superiority. He raised up out of death, made us alive in Christ, and seated us with Christ (Eph 2:4-6). Impossibility is God's opportunity; He wants to show His power in our lives (Eph 2:7). We've been created as an "epic poem" being inscribed in heaven — our works were designed in eternity past (Eph 2:10). We were helpless and deprave (notes ) in the flesh (Eph 2:11-12, Eph 2:18-19). The only cure is new life — sharing in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. God started making covenants with Abraham (Eph 2:11-12); we had nothing: Abrahamic covenant included land, seed, blessing (Rom 9:4-5). "But now" (Eph 2:4, Eph 2:13) discusses corporate reconciliation (Eph 2:14, Rom 5:1); we were made part of a company/body of believers. There are only two geneologies in scripture Adam and Christ.
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:1-10, Ephesians 2:11-12, Ephesians 2:14, John 3:16, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 2:13, Ephesians 2:7, Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 2:4-6, Romans 9:4-5, Galatians 2:14-21, Ephesians 2:11-12, Ephesians 1:11-22, Ephesians 2:18-19
From Series: "Ephesians - Positions of Privilege in the Household of Faith - Colorado 2010"
Ephesians is a Prison Epistle along with Philippians Colossians and Philemon (see Eph 3:1 Eph 4:1 and Eph 6:20). Written by Paul from Rome the epistle expands on themes in Colossians much as Romans does to Galatians. Whereas Colossians develops the all-sufficiency of Christ to the Church Ephesians shows the blessings of that ?fullness? enjoyed by the members of God?s family. The idea of unity resulting from reconciliation runs strong through the book (Eph 1:9?10; Eph 2:16?18; Eph 3:4?6; Eph 4:3?6; Eph 5:30?32; Eph 6:18?20). It is possible that the epistle was actually a circular letter to the churches of Asia. Paul?s goal is to inform the saints of their privileged status and exhort them to live in a way worthy of their standing. Taught in Colorado 2010. Lesson 8 was inadvertently not recorded.