Sharing in the Promise

Jesus Is Lord
Victory in Jesus
One in Jesus Christ

Ephesians 3:1-6

The Message

The Secret Plan of God

3 ^1-3 This is why I, Paul, am in jail for Christ, having taken up the cause of you outsiders, so-called. I take it that you’re familiar with the part I was given in God’s plan for including everybody. I got the inside story on this from God himself, as I just wrote you in brief.

^4-6 As you read over what I have written to you, you’ll be able to see for yourselves into the mystery of Christ. None of our ancestors understood this. Only in our time has it been made clear by God’s Spirit through his holy apostles and prophets of this new order. The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I’ve been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board.

For Reflection

All of us are invited into the mystery that is God.  Now, in our time, God has opened the mysteries of His Kingdom for all who are willing to exchange their self-centered lives for lives centered in the grace of God.  God invites us all to participate in his promise.  Our reward is hopeful expectations.

Pray

prayers of thanksgiving for God's invitation to salvation.  Pray that all people will witness, understand, accept and practice the power and grace in obedience to God's will.