just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, for us be holy and without blemish before Him in love, Truth to Learn God chose those who would accept Christ as Savior. Behind the Words “Chose” is translated from the verb eklegō, which is made...
Ephesians 1:3 – Spiritual Blessings
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Truth to Learn God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Behind the Words There are two Greek words translated “blessed” in the New...
Ephesians 1:2 – Grace and Peace
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Truth to Learn Paul prays for God to show His grace to us and grant us peace. Behind the Words The word translated “Grace” is charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to...
Ephesians 1:1 – Paul’s Letter to You
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the decision of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful ones in Christ Jesus: Truth to Learn If you are a Christian, this letter was written to you! Behind the Words “Apostle” is transliterated from the Greek word apostolos,...
Ephesians – Background
The City of Ephesus The city of Ephesus was located on the eastern coast of Asia Minor (present day Turkey). It was nearly 200 miles due east from Athens across the Aegean Sea (the body of water that separates Greece from Turkey). This very large metropolis, located on the Cayster...
James 5:20 – A Converted Sinner
let him know that the one turning a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. Truth to Learn We need to proclaim the truth of God to all people. Behind the Words “Sinner” is translated from...
James 5:19 – Wandering from the Truth
My brothers, if anyone among you should stray from the truth, and someone should turn him back, Truth to Learn We need to lovingly reach out to those who have strayed from the truth. Behind the Words There are a couple of words we want to look at in...
James 5:18 – The Rainmaker’s Prayer
And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the land produced its fruit. Truth to Learn Fervent prayers from a humble, submitted servant are powerful. Behind the Words The word translated “again” is palin, which is most likely derived from palē, meaning “to shake” or “to vibrate.”...
James 5:17 – Powerful Prayer Warrior
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. Truth to Learn The heartfelt prayers of a submitted Christian are powerful. Behind the Words The word...
James 5:16 – Energetic, Healing Prayer
Therefore, confess the faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. An effectual petition of a righteous man has great force. Truth to Learn In the body of Christ we all need to support each other with prayer. Behind the Words “Confess” is...