This month the focus of attention turns to Ephesus, a commercial trade center for Asia Minor and home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Housed in its borders was the magnificent temple to Diana (Artemis), filled with devotees and around which craftsman sold figurines and such to the public (Acts 18:23-19:41).

Ephesians was written while Paul was in the Roman Prison (60 AD) and the church at Ephesus later on would become the subject of a rebuke in Revelation some thirty-three years later (95-96 AD-Rev. 2:1-7).

One is astonished how quickly these marvelous revelations eroded in just one generation. Because this letter circulated among all the early churches, it is no wonder Colossians and Philippians cautioned about deceivers and weak believers.

Early on in Paul's imprisonment, God gave him His plan of the ages-revealing what had been a great mystery. Ephesians 1-3 shows the plan of the Lord from before the foundation of the world all the way to the very end of the world.

The latter chapters cover man's response to that plan and the role of the church through the eyes of Jesus. Chapters 4-6 address the necessity of keeping those blessings flowing and active in one's life. This calls for personal evaluation, discipline and warfare. Although there are no directives in the first section, there are thirty-five in the second.

Similarly, there are thirty-five instances in the book where Paul uses phrases like "in Christ" or "in heavenly places" or "in Him."

Paul's main thesis was "Jesus died to bring all the discordant elements in this universe into one body and to wipe out the breaches and the separations…to reconcile man to man and man to God. Jesus Christ is above all things God's instrument of reconciliation (Barclay)."

In the first chapter, we find the longest single sentence in the New Testament (vs.3-14). It is not broken up in verse form in the original Greek, even though it houses some of the most concise teachings on doctrinal issues like election, predestination and the free will of man to be found in Scripture.

Pouring out of Paul was a stream of revelation about the great mystery of redemption, which resided in the mind and heart of God before the foundation of the world. Answers about the intent of God to use Israel as His spokespeople on the earth and how the believing Gentiles entered that covenant and how the church, now comprised of Jew and Gentile believers, is His body (His hands, His feet and His voice to the world).

Paul revealed the great gap between what was done at Calvary and the church-how little of the heavenly "bank account" was being used by the saints and how endless spiritual resources were available to them. He showed the completed quest for the "glory of God" to be manifest in His people.

Ephesians Chapter One:

Part I, "The unfolded mystery"

Again,

(Take a moment to read both renditions of these verses, then discover the rich plantings of the Lord in this "royal book.")

Every word in this epistle has great meaning and their position and flavor is intriguing. Although one has the tendency to speed past opening lines, it does well to pay attention to Paul's details in writing.

Initially, he states his spiritual position is that of an apostle (a sent one), and in that authority, his words are not just for the church of Ephesus (some believe it should be Laodicea) but to the church in general, even flowing down into the present day.

"Grace and Peace" stand as sentinels in this case, guarding the treasures that await the reader. They usher one into the vault of blessings and point out in succinct grandeur the work of Christ available to the believer. No other religion in the earth has such foundation as is so described, even Judaism pales before the revelation of what it means to be "in Him."

Paul addresses the "holiness Ones." "To the Saints" is a translation of the Greek word designated as "the holiness ones (for reference see my book: Called to be Saints)." Paul directs his letter to those who are "consecrated" to Christ or set apart. They are separate in their living-apart from the world. They seek to be a part of nothing which would interfere with worshipping and being of service to God.

(Consider, "What is the debate today? Whether to ordain gay clergy?" Whether to perform and sanction gay marriage? How can this be?)

"Grace and Peace" become the "goodness and Mercy" which followed David to bless him.
These noble "blessings" are but the first of a myriad of other blessings trailing behind them. These twins must be harbored in the heart of those who claim "every spiritual blessing."

Ever mindful of redemption based on it, Grace becomes the avenue of our salvation. It allows no work to rely upon, no reason to demand its presence and no mortal status to call it down. The love of God is its source and mankind are lost without it.

"Grace," in the classical sense meant: "favor conferred freely, with no expectation of return and finding its only motive in the free-heartedness of the giver (Wuest)." (for reference see my book: Double Grace)

"Peace" is the "Shalom" of the New Testament. It houses more than the absence of conflict or trepidation. This is "sanctifying peace." The Holy Spirit saturates the believing heart with a state of untroubled, undisturbed tranquility. It pays no attention to circumstances and relies upon the sanctifying work of Christ, which allows the Father to rain down blessing upon His children.

Verse three begins with the word, "Blessed." It is a Greek word which is only used for God in the New Testament, it is: NT:2128 eulogetos. It is means "eulogize" or "speak well of." Here is the acknowledgment of who provides that which follows; here, is the giver of "all" or "every" gift originating in heaven.

Are any blessings withheld?
How vast and inclusive are these blessings?
Where do they originate and who bestows them?

These questions jump to the forefront. These blessings are "in Christ" and ones' relationship with Him causes those blessings to come to him as a believer. Paul sought to acquaint the churches with the vastness of God's spiritual provision. Congregations must be taught how to draw on their heavenly accounts. They must depend on His grace, His Divine Order-these spiritual blessings come through the Holy Spirit. These are Spirit bestowed blessings!

The use of the verb "has" is dynamic - this is not something in the future; this is a deed already done. He has blessed us with all spiritual blessings. God's people have lived in spiritual poverty while the banquet hall was open and the garments waiting. It is a sin to live short of what was done at Calvary!

From the heavenly planning room came this revelation-God has always had in His mind to bless the church when it was born and now the time had come to reveal the plan in all its splendor. These spiritual blessings are the door to understanding the mystery of His will. All of this originates through the "good pleasure of His will." Yes, the blessings were bestowed before the foundation of the world, just as the next item.

Someone has said, "the miracle is not that we chose Him, but that He chose us." Election and predestination are propensities of great value and sometimes great debate. The mystery that was withheld from the ancient world becomes clear to Paul. He could see how history fit together according to the "good pleasure of His will." Immediately he knew the roles of Abraham, Moses, the Prophets, Israel, Jesus and the church. So, he shouted, "we are accepted in the beloved!"

"Accepted in the Beloved" is terminology of the Song of Solomon. The Beloved is Jesus and the church needs to know they are received with open arms by King Jesus. But it is to be a Holy and Blameless (unblemished) Bride. Notice all of this is born through love.

Confidence and joy flow from the word, "Accepted." Paul is preparing the way for a stalwart body to be able to wear the armor of Chapter six. Inside that armor the Christian must know "who he is and that he is in the plan of God!"

As a chosen generation of adopted sons, all the privileges of the family, including heirship, belong to him (or her). Without going to great detail about adoption's ramification in the time of Paul, let it be known adopted children could never be disinherited, but also understand the father had complete say in the life of his children as long as he lived no matter the age of the child. Adopted children are subject to the same rule. (The father could order the death of a child-no questions asked. He could also bless the child with abundance for no reason other than his desire to do so.)

Our name has been in front of Him before the foundation of the world and still is!

Believers are looked upon as holy and blameless before Him in LOVE. Grace does this! Hallelujah! In the Song of Solomon, the Shulamite was never perceived or acknowledged in her self-appraisal. The Groom always viewed her as she soon would be. He always portrayed her as the finished product of His love (for reference see my book: Solomon's Secret).

Think of it - if the religious authorities in Jerusalem had knowledge of verse 7, they would not have crucified "the Lord of glory." His blood was/is the key to all our spiritual blessings. Mystery solved: It is through Jesus we live and move and have our being. His blood, when placed on the altar of heaven, signaled that "Now begins the fullness of times."

Verse 8 states that believers are endowed with wisdom and sound judgement (prudence). Draw upon these twins of light; they cry out today to "stop living in the shallows and dig deep into their resources." "The riches of His grace" is a sufficient supply of "all we can ask or think."

The word abound means "nothing held back."

Brilliance should shine in every face; understanding ought to flow constantly from an enlightened multitude gathering to praise Him. Political, social, religious and economic discernment should be universal among God's people. Alas, this is not the case today; however, it is the will of God for His people to be the most knowledgeable people on earth! Consider the early church - behold the brilliant message Simon Peter gave on the day of Pentecost. Glory in the power message of Stephen. Revel in the oratory of Paul and marvel at the transport of Philip. The supernatural work of the Spirit applying the grace of God taught His people not to fear what they were to say as they stood in front of magistrates and Kings - He would supply the words. Supernatural listening power, supernatural speaking power, supernatural grace enabled their visual acumen - these are the traits which ought to characterize God's people - not the glazed stare of stulted brains focused on nothing! The treasury of knowledge posited in heaven awaits the man or woman who seeks it out.

The prayer of Paul in verse 15ff was about this promise. Saints should be the soundest and sharpest of mind in the populous.

Pulpits ought to burn with zeal to proclaim what He has done; He alone has made conquests in every spiritual realm on behalf of those who will receive it. This is the "fulness," this is the power of the gospel that enables Him to draw heaven and earth under His rule.

Oh! The joy of that day when the great reunion of the Lord and His people takes place! His love purposed this in the same way He chose us, and behold, it was done, He predestined us and it was accomplished, so, He purposed, before the world was framed, for this to take place. He has circled the drawstring around time and is ready to close it forever.

There are more added ingredients to His work - we have an inheritance in Him. It's already there! Underline the word "obtained" and let it speak to you.

Man's free will is not diminished by God's predestination. He, who knows all things, also knows every man's decisions. Instead of a huge debate there should be an overwhelming rejoicing that we are chosen and predestined for this wonderful salvation. Look at the qualifier, "according," which ties all this to the will of God. He wants us to have these things and know where we fit in the grand scheme.

The unfolding mystery began its work in the upper room and included the late arrival of Paul. These were the first fruits of the new era. Their converts occupied an "also" seat in the next verse with one commonality: all of it was to the praise of His glory.

Rejoice, because verse 13 includes all future generations of true believers who bear the "seal of the Spirit" in their hearts and minds. What is promised is forever yours with that seal (for reference see my book: Sealed Unto His Coming). Throughout history, there have been matters sealed and are forever sure, but this seal is the crown of victory. This is the absolute guarantee of God that your inheritance is intact and will be yours forever! Saints once sang: "I know whom I have believed and He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that Day!"

Part II Paul's Prayer of Faith.

It is one thing to hear about theology and Biblical principles, it is another to apply them and lend one's heart and mind to them-so, Paul prayed and interceded. His prayer incorporated a series of matters.

Rightly put, this means one's spirit must be controlled by the Spirit of God to the point that wisdom (the ability to apply what is known) and revelation (rhema downloaded) are constantly directing the believer's life. As David inquired of the Lord before his second Philistine campaign, so, we dare not go forth on our own until we know the Lord is at the lead!

Paul is asking the Lord to gift His Ephesian saints with supernatural knowledge of Him. God wants His people to know Him. The glory of God's presence can occupy our spirit so much other people will know it - like Moses when his mountain experience caused him to glow.

Evidence of spiritual blindness in the modern church is still a factor of concern. Paul was not addressing those outside the church, those who still had the veil of ignorance. He was praying for the church to have full comprehension of the hope of His calling. This is the hope of glory. This is the depth of His provision. To know Him is to see the vastness of His power and the encompassing of His love. Paul wants his congregation to experience what he experiences. He wants them to have "God Eyes" and take His view of things as reality rather than the circumstances around them. From a prison, he prayed for them to see the "big picture" and become a part of true fellowship.

In verse 11, Paul told them they were recipients of an inheritance from God, now he wants them to testify what that inheritance is doing in them. The believer becomes God's inheritance as well. He is waiting to inherit the masses coming to Him. They are glorious to Him. The saints can draw from their inheritance now. They can hear Him saying, "now what do you think about that?" Although the prodigal son was a lesson about a negative squandering of his earthly inheritance, Paul does not want his church to squander the riches and glory of their inheritance.

I firmly believe the church is filled with people who know nothing of the great power available to them through Christ. "Exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think" parallels "exceeding greatness of His power toward us. "

Think of it - the power that raised Christ from the dead, seated Him on the throne and brought Him to be above all principalities and power and might and dominion making all things His footstool is the one who has filled the believer with the Holy Ghost and power. Jesus is the head of the filled Body. That is something to shout about!

No, a thousand times No - the modern church doesn't have a clue of what Paul has just said.
I honestly believe ministers are fearful of a church body so endowed. The early church may not have understood what happened on the day of Pentecost, but they burst down the doors getting into the streets! That power was working in them. That power raised the dead, healed the sick and confronted devils and man.

Now is the time to intercede, along with Paul, for the church to awaken to receive the fullness available. He wanted them to understand the "mystery" that was unfurled. The first chapter of Ephesians reveals the plan of God from before the foundation of the world to the end of the ages in twenty-three verses. O' that the modern church could grasp these truths. Alas, the hidden church absolutely must know this!

Until Next month,

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.

Nothing less than the presence of God can preserve, restore and refresh the soul of His Own. The heart of the true child of God was made for His presence. The focus of life is to live in Him and to have His life holding us in the firm grip of grace and glory.

The longing and pursuit of life is summed up in knowing Him. The Pearl of Great Price incites a singularity of purpose (Matthew 13:45-46). In His beauty the desire for other things is dissipated and drained of force and power within the human heart. Life becomes a journey consumed in the one great love, the one great quest and the one boundless pursuit of knowing Him.

Religion with all of its rituals, precepts and demands fail man's inherent need… the visitations of God Himself! It is by His Presence we are preserved, refreshed and made right. He is our salvation, He is our strength and in Him alone are we kept clean from this present world.

Brian Troxel

Year In Review - 2018!

Looking back at 2018 in review is very exciting, encompassing Guatemala, Honduras and Kenya. Together we were able to make a significant impact on 3 nations of the world! Thank you so much for believing in us, trusting us and partnering with us to reach the lost. Now sit back, grab a good hot cup of coffee and read all about what your love, prayers, and offerings have done this year!

	In the Feeding Centers The 7 feeding centers continued daily operations, feeding and assisting medical needs of the almost 500 children enrolled. All of the children heard a bible lesson before each meal, so that means 1092 bible lessons were taught! 75,504 hot nutritious meals were served this year! We also gave away chickens to an entire feeding center, so that they can have eggs to eat on a daily basis. Special thanks to Jordan Rivers Church for this project! With your help we also provided a wonderful Christmas to over 300 families in the feeding centers, with food, blankets, toys, and clothing.
	Training Nationals in Guatemala, Honduras and Kenya With your partnership we also held Annual Pastors' conferences in Honduras and Guatemala. In Honduras we had 60 in attendance representing 3,000-4,000 people all Christians because of the churches that you helped us build. Approx. 65 in attendance representing 4,000 or more believers scattered throughout 140 villages! Special thanks to His Place Family Church We had the privilege to graduate 2 groups of students in Guatemala last year. Graduating class of VOH, special thanks to Potters House Family Church with 11 students. And also, our own School of Ministry FOFSM here in Guatemala with 18 students.
	We made 2 trips to Kenya. The first pilot bible school for GGO was completed and graduated 20 students. We say thank you so much to you our partners for helping in this project! We believe that it will impact generations to come! After the first group of students graduated, they went on to begin a second class with 19 more students-they are conducting the classes themselves.
	Volcano Relief Volcano Relief Efforts added up to over $10,000 of help to the most unreached Villages only 6 Km from Crater. Food and clothing were passed out and many many gave their hearts to Jesus. The team went to the very edge of the crater to take help, risking their lives to take the gospel to the people affected by the volcano. Special thanks to all who gave to this effort, Especially Gainesville COG.
	New Church Plants In 2018 our home church, Generations church and the church builders GGO, built 3 brand new churches in Honduras and 8 in Guatemala. We heard amazing reports of villages being transformed by the churches as they establish the gospel in unreached villages. We say a very special thank you to GChurch for helping us transform nations! Everything that we do involves the churches that we have built for them. Everything we do is to empower these village pastors to be more effective with the gospel where they are.
	Teams We hosted 8 teams this year. They did a wide variety of things, including medical and construction as well as ministry in churches. We are pleased to say that within those teams we were able to build 6 homes in the Huts to Homes Project. That gives a family a decent place to live with a cement floor. We treated hundreds of patients in the medical clinics, offering free medical and dental care with free medicine. We always present the gospel, so many, probably hundreds, accepted Christ as Lord and Savior.
	Extra Food for Famine Relief Thanks to GCog, yet again to the rescue. When they heard about the crop failure, they were quick to send money for beans and corn so that the villagers would have something to eat. Word arrived to us through the feeding centers that many families had gone for 2 weeks with only the plate of food 3 times per week in the feeding centers, that they had absolutely nothing in their huts to eat. Not even a tortilla. So we quickly moved and sent up corn for tortillas and beans.

Honduran and Guatemalan Conferences touch many villages!

Annual Conferences are transforming Villages The annual conferences in Honduras and Guatemala with Pastor Doug Bartsch are transforming villages and therefore impacting nations! We had an amazing turn out for both conferences. There were almost 100 in each one. That represents so many villages that are being reached for Jesus. The Pastors and leaders come together to learn ministry skills that will help them be good stewards of their time, people, and finish the race strong having done all that God has called them to do. There are so many testimonies of how the churches are growing. It's impossible to tell them all! Together we are changing the eastern part of Guatemala and the western part of Honduras and are currently trying to see how we can reach other areas of both countries!

Update on Kenya!

Many of you have given to help get the bible school started in Kenya. We are so happy to announce that the Kenyan Bush Ministry Training School is about to graduate the second group of village pastors and leaders. They are already talking about the next group. We help them each month with the copies of the materials that we use. If you ever want to help us with that please drop us a line! They are also planning a big celebration for the students graduating, if you want to help, let me know. Here is a picture of the group that is graduating.

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