Sunday, December 3, 2017

Daily Bible Reading - December 3, 2017

Today's Reading:

Ephesians 1

Ezekiel 4-5

Psalm 150

Listen to the Bible

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts and Commentary on Today's Reading   


Today we begin reading the Book of Ephesians. Ephesians is essentially divided into two parts. The first part of Ephesians tells the Gospel Story, extolling and praising Yahweh for His Salvation. The second part of Ephesians tells our story (who we are in Christ), which shows our response considering the Gospel Story. Our story is a response to The Gospel Story, which Paul communicates by connecting the first part of Ephesians (on the Gospel Story) to the second part of Ephesians (our story) by the word "THEREFORE". 

Someone sent me an e-mail that I had seen before sometime ago, but because it rather memorably encapsulates and "parable-izes" the message of Ephesians I share it with you now (original source unknown):

RECALL NOTICE:(Whether you're religious or not, this is clever and to the point!)
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam andEve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. Thisdefect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-morality," or morecommonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction2. Foul vocal emissions3. Amnesia of origin4. Lack of peace and joy5. Selfish or violent behavior6. Depression or confusion in themental component7. Fearfulness8. Idolatry9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, Yahshua, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. 
Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Yahshua, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Yahshua will replace it with:
1. Love2. Joy3. Peace4. Patience5. Kindness6. Goodness7. Faithfulness8. Gentleness9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous tolist and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Yahshua.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!