Today we are going to start with, How to see and recognise the Mystery of God !
If you turn to Ephesians 3 in the New King James Bible you will see it opens with The title is ‘The Mystery Revealed. Lets read
Ephesians 3:1-3
The Mystery Revealed
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already.
So what had Paul written about already ?
We see this in the previous chapter !
Ephesians 2:19-22
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
This scripture reveals so much. So let’s break this scripture down. So we truly can understand. What Paul is saying, we possess as followers of Jesus. What The Mystery of God is ?
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.
If there is one thing that everyone longs for, it is exceptance and a sense of belonging. This very thing, is the essence that draws people in to gangs, cults and religions , as well as many other groups like clubs. Paul is saying that God has provided a place that is truly secure, where we truly belong and fit in perfectly. In fact a place created especially for us. He is calling and inviting us, to become citizens with the saints and members of His very own household. If more people truly understood this, imagine what the world would look like ! As majority of issues in our personal life’s also in the world, society and even family. Directly relate to this very one thing. Not feeling included or valued with all our differences and belonging to a loving family.
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.
I love how Paul focuses on the foundations. As the foundations of all things will determine what can be build on top of them. As humans, our foundations may look good from the outside. But if we were truly to be seen in whole, it would surely expose cracked and fragile areas. So Paul shares how structurally sound the foundations for what God is building are. First the apostles and prophets, then Jesus Christ Himself. Paul finishes, with the one thing, which gives completeness, to the foundation of Gods house. Which is Jesus Christ the cornerstone.
So what is a cornerstone ?
The cornerstone of something is the basic part of it on which its existence, success, or truth depends. (Collins Dictionary ).
There is nothing more secure than the foundational strength than Jesus Christ. For the bible says through him all things were created.
Colossians 1:16. ESV For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things were created through him and for him.
Once you have solid foundations, then it’s time to build. This is what the next line reveals.
in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
This part I believe reveals how His Majestic plan is working together for good, before our very eyes. He is continually working in and through us all. Inviting and welcoming His children to truly meet, know and have a personal relationship with Him. But also Dwell with Him together in unity. As the Body of Christ.
So how does this look from a personal standpoint ?
How do we fit in ?
The next line addresses this !
in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
That God is working continuously in each of us. Clearing out thoughts that are not true and replacing them with the Truth of Himself ‘Jesus Christ’. Through this invitation being excepted. His spirit comes in and dwells within us ! So that what we have spoken about above is now reveal through His spirit to us in its fullness.
So we opened today with Ephesians 3:1-3. Then we looked at what Paul wrote about, of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to him for us and how that by revelation God made known to Paul the mystery of God Ephesians 2:19-22.
So let’s end today by reading these following verses, as a confirmation of what we have read and learnt today !
Ephesians 3:4-7
by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
So here is the last point for today ‘that the ‘Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel’
This line above brings everything we have read today into order. Why?
As it reveals that God’s plans and promises are for all both Jews and Gentiles (anyone who is not Jewish bloodline). Although we need to understand that the Jews are God’s chosen people. As seen in
Deuteronomy 7:6 “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. God in His
Love made a way for us as Gentiles to have a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ too. As we see in
John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
So although as Gentiles we are called to pray for the Jewish people ! As within this is a blessing for us too.
As we have learnt today God found a way to become fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.
Challenge
- If you have not totally, surrendered your life to Jesus ! Today the invitation is here for you. He is waiting for you to invite Him, to enter your life ! Find a quiet place and space ! Now ask Him by praying this prayer ! Jesus I believe that you died on the cross, for my sins. Also I believe that You raised from death on the third day victoriously ! I personally choose to surrender my life to You today ! Will you come into my life today. Jesus, I ask You to manage my life from this day forward. Lastly Jesus will You be my Lord and Saviour. Amen ( If you have prayed this prayer Congratulations! ) The next step is to tell someone you trust, that will not judge you. That you have surrendered, your life to Jesus. Then find a good bible base church, buy a bible and start reading it daily !
For those how have given their life’s to Jesus. Here is your challenge:
- Ask The Father ‘this question ‘Father how do I see me ?’ Write down the answer, include words,picture etc
- Then ask the Father this question Father please show me, how you truly see me” write down what you see, once again include words picture etc.
- Which of the two things you have written down, do you want to be see yourself as ? Which one do you want to be and believe you are ?
- If it’s the current way you see yourselves, then that’s ok, But if it’s how He revealed He see’s you . Say “Father I choose today to lay down how I see myself……………. (Say what this was ) and I choose to pick up how You revealed you see me ………….. (Say what you saw ). Thank you Father Amen.
Father thank you for this message, as Your Majesty brings clarity to Your will and purposes for our life. So we can co labour with You and see You perform Your miracles of power, through us . Amen
For those your would like to place a seed at the alter or plant a seed finically to the Lord to 2024. Or maybe contribute towards His House, we are currently building. To equip the saints for ministry and release His word in a variety of ways from.
Below is a link so you can do this online.
https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=87bf3759-ef4a-4ae2-ac5d-902b82587e44
Or our bank account details for New Zealand memebers,
Encounter Centre – 03-0481-0007448-000
If you require a receipt for tax purposes please email to info@ecounterministries.org.nz
Craig Patten
Founding Pastor/Prophet
Encounter Centre and Ministries