Deciding—Not Only Desiring—To Be Strong in Him (Ephesians 6:10-20)

November 1, 2023 Nate Holdridge

Today, my mind is on a particular insight in Paul's exhortations to the Ephesians about spiritual warfare (or, really, about life). He said we wrestle not against people but powers, so he told us to take up the armor of God. I've identified and explained this armor elsewhere, so today, let’s consider the personal responsibility Paul expected each of us to take in putting on that armor.

Archival Post: The New You - Truthful and Free of Anger

January 31, 2023 Nate Holdridge

The New You Truthful and Free of Anger

Archival Post

After reminding the Ephesians of what they had learned from Jesus, namely to put off the old and put on the new, Paul explained five areas to take off and put on. Like the removing of old garments and the putting on of fresh ones, the Christian life is one of putting off and putting on.

Archival Post: Ways A Husband Can Love His Bride Like Christ Does His Church

April 14, 2022 Nate Holdridge

Ways A Husband Can Love His Bride Like Christ Does His Church

Archival Post

Paul had a vision of the church, the new humanity of Christ, that solved the ills of the world. As he spanned the globe in his mind’s eye, Paul saw that women, children, and slaves throughout the Roman empire were hurting, just as they often hurt today. He knew the new civilization of the church could help every category. In Ephesians, Paul wrote to Christian husbands, fathers, and masters, urging them to walk out their faith for the betterment of those in their care.

The Curse - How the World Is (Genesis 3:14-19)

August 23, 2021 Nate Holdridge

After Adam and Eve fall into sin, God started in on the serpent. He would then address the woman, and finally, the man. (8 Minutes/2000 Words)

Archival Post: When You Are Rooted And Grounded In Christ's Love

June 3, 2021 Nate Holdridge

When You Are Rooted and Grounded in Christ's Love

Archival Post

Paul, longing for the church to become fully united to the love of Christ, has prayed for the Spirit to build up our inner person and for Christ to settle in our hearts through faith. Here, he continues his request by asking that the love of Christ would establish us.

Archival Post & Podcast: Adopt the Right Attitude for Body Life

April 1, 2021 Nate Holdridge

Adopt the Right Attitude for Body Life

Archival Post & Podcast

Paul saw the church as a body. When healthy, the body can run and jump and move with ease. When sick, the body is hindered from moving the way the mind wishes.

Book Excerpt: Christ Unites

October 29, 2020 Nate Holdridge

Paul prayed for the Ephesian church — and us — to know three things. He longed for us to know the hope of our calling, the riches of our inheritance, and the immeasurable power of God toward us who believe. (4 Minutes/1100 Words)

Archival Post: A Prayer for God to Fill Every Part of You

October 19, 2020 Nate Holdridge

A Prayer for God to Fill Every Part of You

Archival Post

Paul now concludes his prayer for us to become more fully united to the love of Christ. One facet of this telescoping prayer remains: for us to “be filled with all the fullness of God.” A bold request, Paul longs for us to have all of God in us, everything God has for us. (3 Minutes / 500 Words)

Archival Post & Podcast: The Weapon of Prayer

September 28, 2020 Nate Holdridge

The Weapon of Prayer

Archival Post & Podcast

We are filthy rich. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians church tells Christians as much. Rich in Christ. Spiritually wealthy in Him. We have already received every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. We are adopted, predestined, and chosen by God. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit. We have been reunited with Him. The work of Christ was a full work, and Christians must learn to enjoy all they’ve received in Him, to walk out the spiritual reality that is theirs in Christ. But in the walk, there is a war. In that war, we must learn to stand. The enemy wants to take us out. (8 minutes/2000 Words)

Encouraging Word

August 12, 2020 Nate Holdridge

overcoming obstacles.jpg — “The believer, grounded in this love, is made stable for every season of life.”

“The believer, grounded in this love, is made stable for every season of life.”