Ephesians 1 - 7.1.25

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 1:13-14 –  “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

OBSERVATION:  Paul is addressing this section to the converted Gentiles by using the word “you” instead of “we” which would address converted Jews. During the early church, there were some Jews who felt following Christ was exclusively for Jews. This scripture helps authenticate that conversion in Christ was also for Gentiles just like Romans 1:16:  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

I was drawn to the part that says “you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” Back in New Testament times, important documents were “sealed” with clay or wax that had an imprint of the official seal mark. Although using wax or clay is rarely used today, official seals are still used to authenticate birth certificates, passports, and other official legal documents. With this seal, everyone knows these documents are authentic and real. Anything that contains the official seal can easily be accepted and approved. As Gentiles who accept Christ, we have the same seal of approval through the Holy Spirit, which proves we are accepted into the Kingdom. I love the use of “deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” In the legal and financial field, a document that shows a deposit guarantee gives the owner a certified confidence that no matter what, the deposit guarantee means it will be paid. The Holy Spirit will provide for our certification into heaven with the inheritance and redemption Christ provided upon the cross. Christ’s seal, through the Holy Spirit, is what certifies us into the Kingdom of Heaven.

APPLICATION: 

Just like when you earn an honor, a promotion, a grade in work / school, there’s a sense of accomplishment and pride. Although we don’t earn our salvation - it is a gift - there is a sense of honor knowing we’re sealed through the Holy Spirit and have a “deposit guarantee” for our inheritance into Heaven. This is the assurance we have, through our faith, and the seal of the Holy Spirit. I am so thankful to the Lord for his seal and assurance into heaven. With having this assurance, there’s a deeper desire to serve Him, live a life pleasing to the Lord, and continually praise Him for everything.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for my seal in Christ through the Holy Spirit. I am thankful for the “deposit guaranteeing” the inheritance into heaven. This assurance gives me peace that my life is sealed in you. I pray that others come to know you and have that same assurance through the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name. Amen!

- Mary Oberg

Galatians 6 - 6.30.25

Scripture

Gal. 6:9-9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Observation 

Paul speaks about how we must live to please the Spirit and not the flesh. We will reap a harvest of God’s blessings (instead of a harvest of destruction), if we do not give up in doing good. He then exhorts the church to do good to all people, but especially highlights our own brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Application

Do good to our brothers and sisters in the faith.

Something just stood out to me! As we do good to our brothers and sisters in Christ, we will always reap a harvest! That’s why we cannot give up in carrying each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), encouraging one another and meeting together. (Hebrews 10:25)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Prayer 

Dear Lord,

Thank you for my family of faith. Thank You that You placed me in a family that wouldn’t hesitate to pray for me, encourage me, lift me up and meet corporately to honor You and give You glory.  I pray a special blessing over all of my brothers and sisters in You. I also pray that I would never give up in doing good and showing love to them as well. Thank You Holy Spirit for bringing us all together in unity. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi

Galatians 3 - 6.27.25

Scripture:  ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭26‬-‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Observation:

Faith has many rewards. Our faith brings us into relationship with God as His children. Children have special privileges that those outside the family don’t. When we move forward in baptism and walk closely where Jesus leads us, we are “clothed” in Him. Clothing implies covering. Something people notice. It sets us apart. 

God does not look at our nationality, social position, or even our gender. We are all one in Christ. You could say He has no favorites. He loves us all equally and sees us all equally. 

We are also considered Abraham’s seed, in his lineage, and heirs to the promise. 

Application:

I want to walk in such a way that I am clothed in Jesus.  I am a child of God. A child often imitates their parents. They learn to do things as they see their parents doing. I want to copy my Father. He loves and sees everyone as equal.  Spending time with Him is key to learning to imitate Him. I want to continue to dive into His Word and hear him speak to me. May I know God’s precious and wonderful promises are my inheritance. 

Prayer:

Lord, We are living in troubled times where people’s identity and how they view themselves is a bit skewed. You created us all perfectly and at the same time you love us all equally not looking at our status or gender, etc. May I continue to be a light and share your love to those around me. Thank you that you call me your child. May I look to you as my Father and trust you when troubles come. When times are good May I know it is because of you. Your care for us is complete. May I walk as one clothed in your holiness and be obedient to your call. Thank you that you have given your Word and I am one of your chosen people to inherit the promise. 

Amen

- Cindy Howard