Bible Study

Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! *** Our Bible reading is Ephesians 2. Notions of favoritism divided the earliest Christian churches and still affect our churches today. Paul urges all of us to remember who we were apart from Christ and to rejoice in what Christ has made us to be: His one Body. • Lord, forgive my prejudices and teach me to see Your Son in every Christian. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10220). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we begin a new book of the New Testament: Ephesians. This is a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christian congregation in the city of Ephesus (located in modern-day Turkey. Paul gives thanks for God’s power at work in the Ephesians. God’s power is not automatically good news. It terrifies sinners, but it comforts us who know His love for us in Christ. • Merciful Lord, powerful to save, grant us Your good Spirit that we may boldly confess Jesus’ saving Gospel. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (pp. 10215-10216). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read Galatians 6. In a handwritten postscript, Paul leaves us with an interpretive lens through which to evaluate all Christian teaching and life: the message of the cross. Against all self-righteous pride in spiritual accomplishments, the cross speaks a word of judgment. Yet to those who believe, the cross is God’s power to make all things new. • Lord, in Baptism, You put my old nature to death. By Your grace, dear Lord Jesus, continue to renew me. I already am a new creation in You. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10168). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read Galatians 5. Christian freedom means walking, conducting oneself, by the Holy Spirit’s power and leading. Our sinful flesh, consumed by self-importance, instinctively looks down on others and inevitably causes interpersonal tensions. At Baptism, we were united with Christ, who died to set us free from sin and the way of the Law. • O Holy Spirit, give us daily victories over sin in our personal life and, above all, the power to love one another. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10164). (Function). Kindle Edition.