"Studies of the Spirit in the New Testament - Ephesians"
ZADOK PUBLICATIONS - Dr. C. R. OLIVER
February 1, 2021





C. R. Oliver





ZADOK PUBLICATIONS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
February 1, 2021

"Studies of the Spirit in the New Testament
Ephesians"


You may watch this Newsletter in a video HERE.

Introduction:

     Having penned the book of Romans in AD57, there was a three-year gap before the prison epistles emerged in AD60, beginning with the book of Ephesians. Powerful promises came with this work, and it has become a much memorized and explored source. The Spirit passages stand out as the propellent of discovery for its readers.

The first fourteen verses of Ephesians are loaded with gospel doctrine. Look at these short, but powerful, declarations.

1. Ephesians 1:3:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.

2. Ephesians 1:4:
He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world (to be holy and blameless in love).

3. Ephesians 1:5:
He predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself…

4. Ephesians 1:6:
He made us accepted in the Beloved.

5. Ephesians 1:7:
7 In Him we have redemption (redeemed us) through His blood.

6. Ephesians 1:9:
He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself.

7. Ephesians 1:11:
In Him also we have an inheritance being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

These seven truths are accompanied by the seal of the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing these traits are established in the heart of the believer.

Ephesians 1:13-14:
In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

A huge question arises when these seven promises are reviewed. Are they dependent on something one does or are they fiatly applied to the believer? Before answering, visualize yourself receiving each of the seven as your very own possession and never being separated from them as long as you exist.

Paul wanted the saints to recognize what Jesus deposited in them. Once the follower of Christ internalizes these promises, spiritual growth takes place. Beginning with chapter one verse 3, the magnitude of one's endowment begins to surface and the "wow factor" dawns within the recipient.

Paul builds within the Ephesian church an embellishment of his message to the Romans.

Romans 8:28-31:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

The "called" needed to know they have become the repository of the promises, which were added to their account before the world was even formed! Saints should rejoice as grace and mercy forgiveness and power surround them with predestined accuracy. God knew the believer before he or she was born and justified and glorified them.

My dear children of God, satan has sought to blind us from the great wealth we possess--for it is time to draw upon the estate we have, confess these promises are ours, and remind ourselves continually that God sees as characterized by them.

Paul's prayer for the Ephesians, and the church in general, is still needing answers in the Twenty-first Century.

Ephesians 1:15-23:
15 Therefore I (based on everything said leading up to this point) also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
NKJV

Remember, the Spirit seals us into these traits - they are ours to use here on earth, now. But this is not all we are endowed with.

In the next chapter, Paul turns to what could be known as the "fellowship of the mystery." The great truth is that Jew and Gentile were brought together through the cross and how Jesus created "one new man." The "new man," working through the Spirit, has one task - building a holy Temple.

Ephesians 2:19-22:
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
NKJV

Paul acknowledges how through revelation he understood what was hidden in ages past and was a mystery to the ancients-now made known to him and them.

Ephesians 3:4-6: …the mystery of Christ, 5 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: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,
NKJV

Ours is a supernatural gospel with powerful spiritual ramifications. We, too often, are satisfied to read quickly through the biblical texts and not drink from the deep wells available to us.

Ephesians 3:8-12:
8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
NKJV

What a splendid companionship this "fellowship" is, for it is engendered by the Spirit and is a mystery to the unredeemed. This fellowship is not based on proximity, but is instantly attained when the Spirit draws it together. Wherever in the world the saints may venture - accompanying them is the Spirit and the portent of attaining "fellowship in the mystery."

Just like the body example Paul used in his epistles, where every body part supplied what was needed for the whole body to function, so this "fellowship" does the same. Within its gates miracles occur, healings take place, support is given and joy resides.

Given the world condition and the spiritual morass clinging to every aspect of life, the fellowship of the mystery might well be our great solace. Such may be the only avenue for truer worship.

Ephesians 3:13-21:
Therefore, I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
NKJV

We're family, folks!

Families are better than congregations. Families stick together, love one another and offer a place where support can be found. Families resemble one another and share common interests. Families defend each other. Families know each other's life challenges.

As part of the family of God, Paul prays for his brothers and sisters to be "strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man." Boy, this prayer is so needed for today.

When the "inner man" is strengthened by the Spirit, exploits can happen. Verse twenty says there is a power working in us that exceeds our wildest imaginations. Let it loose!

Consider "that strength" in these next verses.

Ephesians 4:1-6:
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
NKJV

Notice, there is not a Jewish "body" or "Gentile "body." There is one body we are called into. The Spirit works through Christ to nurture this amalgamation. This "unity of the Spirit" cannot be attained through fleshly pursuits but only through spiritual cognition. Conflict and divisiveness cannot operate in the true body (Paul hammers the "one body" aspect powerfully at this point.

There is one: Body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism and God. We are to function and fellowship in harmony with this one true church - not in a counterfeit environ. The "unity of the Spirit" produces an atmosphere of consistency and edification. He is a force-field that brings the ability to walk worthy of our calling, as well as the set of qualities found in verses 2-3 above.

We are to be "renewed" in our spirit. This august body of "renewed minds" is unconquerable. The gates of hell cannot prevail against them.

Ephesians 4:23b-24:
…be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
NKJV

Caution: "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit."

Ephesians 4:30-32:
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
NKJV

As a spirit being, we are to realize that redemption, "turned the light on within us" in order to shine in the darkness of this world.

Ephesians 5:9-10:
…now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
NKJV

Since we are to bear "fruit," it is needful to pay attention to v. 9 and 10. It is at this point that Paul sums up his admonitions against worldliness.

Ephesians 5:15-21:
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
NKJV

Oh Church! These verses (19-21) portray worship services that are characterized differently than most congregations will ever see. However, when these elements are focused upon, something happens! The Spirit of the Lord moves readily in this atmosphere!

Paul knows when the body reaches fulfillment of these traits, it becomes a fighting force and able to stand against the highest-ranking evil.

Ephesians 6:10-20:
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which, you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints - 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
NKJV

The saints are able!

We are able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
We are able to stand in the evil day!
We are able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
We are able to wield the sword of the Spirit.
We are able to pray always in the Spirit!
Our armor is not like David encountered as he battled Goliath - our armor fits! We are able to stand our ground and fight the battle with evil. We are able to watch and pray!

Paul asks for prayer from warriors in the faith, for they are "in the Spirit." How many of you know that the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous avails much? How many of you know that "warrior" prayers pray differently than those who are not?

Oh, may the church rise up to be warriors of the Ephesian kind!

Until Next Month,

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.






MISSIONS REPORT:

From Chamroeun Mau, President, Shade of Grace Community, Inc:



Background: When North Vietnam invaded Cambodia, they murdered millions of their citizens in the killing fields. Christians were especially targeted, among whom was Mau. He was hanged from a tree near a roadside as an example to passers by that practicing Christianity would be heinous. But God! The Lord kept him alive and someone cut him down and assisted his escape to a neighboring country. His neck still bears the scars.

Eventually, Mau found his way to the U.S. Although he had no credentials and just pocket change, the Lord provided for him. He learned English and educated himself through barber college. With his new found skill, he opened an old-fashioned barbershop with five chairs and called it "Mr. Hansome's." The Lord prospered him and soon he was able to fund missionary projects in his native land. He built a church, opened a free school for indigent education, supplied pastors with monthly income and fostered evangelistic work including the town where the populous voted to hang him. He provided Bible education for church workers and fostered elder care supplying staples for many widows. He used the profits from his business to fund these acts of faith and love. Of course, Oliver Evangelistic gave gifts of money and computers for his work.

With this brief synopsis of his life, it is now important that we encourage this brother. He has Covid-19. It has affected his ability to work at his barbershop. Because he has been gone to Cambodia so much, most of his barbers have gone to other shops, not embracing his vision. Monday, his next to last helper informed him he was moving to another state. This effectively means one chair leaves little income for bills and the inability to supply his missions work.

The work in Cambodia is also suffering from Covid-19 shut downs. The free school has closed by order of the state. The church cannot have more than 30 people and social distancing must be adhered to. Close contact with pastors in an education setting is impossible. In other words,He is basically discouraged and watching as satan attacks.

It goes without saying that an email to him or a phone call would give him a sense that he is not alone-of course his email address is a testimony of his faith and dependency on the Lord.

Contact Information:

Chamreun needs our prayers, and I believe he needs to hear via email or phone that people are supporting his work and praying for him.

(Many missionaries are hurting now because of govt. regulations and the political upheaval in the U.S.)

Camroeun Mau sent the follow video which detail some of his ministry in Cambodia:

You may see his video HERE.






From Larry and Marla Johnston in Guatemala:



Contact Information:
          Web: https://www.flamesoffireministry.org/
          Email: flamesoffireguatemala@hotmail.com

FaceBook Web Page


Thank you for making 2020 (which was a very trying year) such a success!

We have been praying that 2021 has shown you the graces of God against all the turmoil. We want to say thank you for allowing us to be your hands in feet not only on the mission field, but in the middle of a world wide pandemic. The pandemic ushered in all kinds of curfews and rules for us here in Guatemala. The most extreme being a daily curfew from 2pm until 6am, with Friday's curfew extending through the weekend until Monday morning, with the majority of all businesses shut down. This went on for months. This also affected the ministry staff, they were not allowed to come to work for almost 2 entire months. The only exceptions were humanitarian aid. This allowed us to continue to take food to the feeding centers and begin reaching out to our churches who desperately needed food. Despite all of the hardships and uncertainty God continued to bless and give us strategies to reach the lost and meet needs while we did it. So, we'd like to take a moment to tell you what we were able to accomplish with your help!

2020 in a Nutshell

This year caused us to think outside the box in order to keep the feeding centers running and continue ministry. The Lord is faithful and has led us each step of the way. We have been able to continue feeding the children, praise God. That was a huge blessing.

God opened doors for us to go into the Chiquimula Police department. We took food and bibles and ministered the word. Thanks to Oliver Evangelistic Association, we are building a chapel for the police to meet and pray and study the word!

Apart from this we were able, with the help of so many partners, to go into almost 50 villages with humanitarian aid and the word of God. We preached the gospel one on one to over 3000 people! Thank God for his mercy and love! We had the awesome privilege to leat ove 300 to the Lord!

Our home church, Generations Church and it's arm of outreach GGO have continued church building even in the pandemic! Thanks to all who give to church builders club we are very excited to see 6 new churches were built even in the difficult times of 2020. God supplied the need for the churches. The pastors were very happy to have their new church and see new converts come in.

As talked about above with the food give away many accepted Jesus but even beyond that the existing churches all report so many converts throughout the pandemic as they have continued to have house church in the homes of the villages with small groups of people.

Christmas in the Village was one of the biggest to date, with 350 families! 800 Children received toys and food and blankets!

As we enter 2021, we are prayerfully walking out the minsitry. We ask God to guide us and we ask you to pray for us. Our plans for now are to continue the feeding centers, continue to build churches, continue to distribute food, to win souls and make full proof of the ministry that God has put before us.

Never forget that we pray for you every day. We invite you to drop us a line from time to time.

Blessings, Health, Provision, Protection, and Peace

Larry & Marla


 

From Sid Luke Ministries; Alexandria, La. :


Sid Luke Ministries, Inc.
P. O. Box 585
Elberton, Ga. 30635-0585
sidluke1@gmail.com
www.sidlukemin.org

Greetings in JESUS our LORD, SAVIOR, & KING!

In November, the churches in Chile were given permission to once again reunite (with requirements) after being suspended in February of this year. What a time of Jubilee!

During this time of quarantine, the 24-hour, programming of Fire Radio - Radio Fuego 107.9, became a Lifeline to many believers and non-believers. It became the human companion to those who were shut in for months at a time. With a dedicated team of believers taking turns encouraging and fellowshipping day and night over the airways, people could call and request prayer and hear from a familiar voice of someone who cared.

A new antenna with purchased and installed through the donation of local businesses, which enabled us to increase our radio transmission deep into the countryside where shepherds, miners and farmers work and live. Also, with programming over the internet, our listening audience has extended throughout Chili, receiving calls and messages from distant cities and towns from northern to southern Chile (nearly 3,000 miles long).

P. Guillermo, Cristian, Diego
Different Ministries on Radio Feugo


Installation of the new antenna


In 1999, after having a program for years on another radio station, the opportunity for us to purchase our own station became available, BUT we needed $10,000USC, something we did not have. Sid travel to the USA and was invited to minister four days at a small Methodist Church on a gravel road in Shoals, Indiana. The pastor asked Sid what his need was and Sid told him $10,000 to purchase a radio station in Chile. The pastor said he would believe with him that the Lord would meet that need during those four days. There were only four individuals there! The meetings were anointed by the Lord and the last night ann elderly sister approached Sid saying she had been saving money for a special project for God's kingdom to invest in. She gave him an envelope with fifty one hundred-dollar bills ($5,000). With the other gifts, the total offering was $9,300.

Thank you for your prayers, gifts, and love you have so graciously poured upon us over the years. This has always been a team ministry. Some plant, some water, but God gives the increase. Thank you for being part of this ministry. We love you, in Jesus!


In His vineyard together for His honor and glory,

Sid & Kathy Luke

www.sidlukemin.org          www.sidlukemin.org          www.sidlukemin.org







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