Ephesians 4:1-16 ~ The Unity of the Spirit

 

Mamertine,  built in the 

7th century BC by King Ancus Marcius

Clivo Argentario, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. 

Setting: Situated at the base of the Capitoline Hill and overlooking the Roman Forum in the heart of Rome.

Ephesians 4:1-16

 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 

4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 

7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it says,

“When He ascended on high

 He led a host of captives,

    and He gave gifts to men.”

9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He Who descended is the one Who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

 11 And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ

14 So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 

15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the Head, into Christ, 16 from Whom the Whole Body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

What does it mean but that He had also descended 

into the lower regions,

 the earth? 

Sallust (86–35 BC): In his book The War Against Catiline, he wrote the most famous physical description of the lower dungeon (the Tullianum): 

"There is a place called the Tullianum, about twelve feet below the earth. It is enclosed on all sides by walls, and above it is a chamber with a vaulted roof of stone. Neglect, darkness, and stench make it hideous and fearsome to behold."

“When He ascended on high

 He led a host of captives,

    and He gave gifts to men.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

And we

ALL

with unveiled face

Beholding the Glory of the Lord

are

Being Transformed 

into the Same Image

from one degree 

Of Glory 

to another.

This comes from The Lord

Who is The Spirit.

Philippians 2:10-11 

So that at the Name of Jesus 

every knee 

should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 

and 

every tongue

 confess that 

Jesus Christ is Lord, 

to the 

Glory of God the Father.

The Records

The "Custody" Records: Roman historians and legal texts outline that high-ranking political prisoners or Roman citizens appealing to the Emperor (like Paul) were typically placed under custodia militaris (military custody) supervised by a Praetorian centurion. While the Guard processed these custody transfers, their internal paperwork on the matter was written on wood or papyrus and did not survive. 

 Tacitus (56–120 AD) & Suetonius (69–122 AD): Both historians write about the executions of political enemies of the Emperors inside the prison. Tacitus, who lived through the reigns of Nero and Domitian, wrote extensively about Nero's brutal persecution of Christians following the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, though he focuses on mass public executions in arenas rather than individual cell tracking.

It is believed Peter died in 64 AD after the Great Fire of Nero.  His bones indicate he was 62 years old and he was crucified upside down. Removed from his cross by slicing his feet off and throwing the feet back with the body. 

The Bible illudes to Paul under custodial arrest. Probably because he was a Roman Citizen, but eventually would lead to Mamertine probably in 67 A.D. How wretched for Paul to enter the prison knowing, probably many, who had died before him.

Yesterday, we spent time looking at the Glorious Abundance God can provide. 

And today we look at the prison. 

The sheer change of circumstance points to why we have Christian Denominations and not the one Church as recognized in The Book of Revelation. 

Jesus Christ came to fulfill every aspect of All the Scriptures.  Every dot and iota will be fulfilled by His Only Son, Savior of us ALL.   There is no way possible to fulfill every part of Scripture without being God.  And this grim Chapter has regard to the Glorious Aspect of God. We do not uphold the universe with the power of our word. God Does. He gives gifts to mankind. We all minister in different capacities. And each denomination has the aspect of Jesus' own Divine and Exact Nature of God. In God's graciousness, we fit into the Body of Jesus Christ. Recognizing God as God of ALL.

We all feel an emotion seeing the prison. Yet Paul writes for him, he has such faith, if we die, we die to the Lord to live in His Glory.  For the younger generations this still is gruesome. And that is just fine and dandy. 

 Deuteronomy 30:19 

"Therefore choose Life!

That you and your offspring may live!"

John 1:1 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, 

and 

The Word was God.

Psalm 96:11-12

Let the Heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; 

let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 

let the field exult, 

and everything in it! 

Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy

Psalm 19:1-2

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 

The Heavens declare the glory of God, 

and 

The sky above proclaims His handiwork. 

Day to day pours out speech, 

and night to night reveals knowledge.

2 Corinthians 3:13 

Not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face 

so that 

the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome 

of what was being brought to an end.

Romans 8:28 

And we know 

that for those who love God 

all things 

work together for good, 

for those who are called 

according to His Purpose.

Abba, Father,

Who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you 

with love and compassion

With Your Help, 

believing Jesus walks on water.

Dwell in me,

Dwell in us,

Dwell in those we Love,

Help us to seek You first.

And we will finish well, in Jesus Christ. 

HEAL OUR NATION

For Children in their Schools, all safety.

For those who protect and defend the USA,

protect us from evil.

Let evil and practicing evil

depart far from us

and our children.

Thank You, Father,

for Your Good Will.

And hearing our prayers.

Keep our food supply safe.

Support the Police.

For Worldwide Peace.

And the Peace of Israel. 

Those who protect

and defend

All The Word of God.

Freedom in our Churches.

Wholeness

Holy.

Goodness.

And the Nations of the world,

Your Good Creation,

Calling upon You.

O LORD Our Lord God, Almighty

and

 Governor of our souls, 

Whose Glory 

is in 

all 

the world

 We commend this nation 

to Thy merciful care, 

that being guided by Thy Providence, 

we may dwell secure 

in Thy peace. 

Grant to 

THE PRESIDENT 

OF THE UNITED STATES, 

and to all 

in Authority, wisdom and strength 

to know 

and 

to do Thy Will.

God our Creator, 

help everyone to share 

in the good gifts 

You have given to us. 

May those who lead 

the nations of the world be given wisdom. 

Especially we pray for Donald, 

our  President, 

You would fill him 

with all 

the gifts and blessings 

he must have to fulfill 

the solemn task before him. 

 Lord, in your mercy, 

hear our prayer.

Jesus help us in this Nation to be in Your Word and see more Joy.

Covered in God's Love,

President Donald Trump, the First Lady and their Family

Vice President JD Vance, the Second Lady and their Family.
All of Our Families.

The Presidential Team.

Governor Abbott and all 50 Governors and Legislatures.

The end of trouble surrounding this Post Plague.

Lord Jesus Christ,

Worldwide Peace

Prosperity and

Peace.

We pray that as a Nation,

as a Community,

as a Church,

as a Neighborhood,

we share what You would have us share.

Pray with hope!

Ending

Bad weather experienced 

And

be good weather again.

Praying for safety and prosperity in these days.

Please continue to pray for peace and the wishes of our parents and great and

grandparents to be fulfilled in a peaceful and complete manner. 

WITH

Thanksgiving for our household

to put the rabies shots behind us

And Good Health

Prevailing

on the Wings of Eagles.

We ask in the Name of Jesus Christ.

And in Jesus - this Hope, 

Faith and Love - we will rise up believing Jesus. 

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Yes The Lord Fulfills His Purpose

Thank You, Jesus

†

Matthew 20:1-16 ~ For the Kingdom of Heaven

 

On earth as it is in Heaven

Matthew 20:1-16

For the Kingdom of Heaven

is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for His Vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into His Vineyard.

3 “About nine in the morning 

he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ 5 So they went.

“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon

 and did the same thing. 

6 About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others 

standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’

7 “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.

“He said to them, 

‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 

‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

13 “But He answered one of them, 

‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

This is a great story for Sunday School children! And old, very old, Disney movies. Not so much for people who have bills, and orthodontia young people and education needs. People with healthcare bills from the ones they care for and love.

What 

Is the Lord God Almighty doing here? 

A Mighty Work

Displaying

on earth as in Heaven

Revelation 1:1 

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending His angel to His Servant John

Psalm 31:19 

Oh, how abundant is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You and worked for those who take refuge in You, in the sight of the children of mankind!

Malachi 3:10  

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My House. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of Heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

John 3:16-17

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him."

Philippians 4:19 

And my God will supply every need of yours according to His Riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Job 38:22-24

“Have you entered the storehouses of the snow

    or seen the storehouses of the hail,

23 which I reserve for times of trouble,

    for days of war and battle?

24 What is the way to the place where the lightning is dispersed,

    or the place where the east winds are scattered over the earth?

Lightning, science discovered through military science is the product of

sun flairs. What we see in our skies is the electricity passing through space and slowing as our atmospheres, plural, absorb His Light. 

This is the story of

our church friend

Bob

Bob was older than we are

and retired to his beloved hometown, blissfully.

Bob then met a drunk driver

and

entered Heaven

Triumphant.

Bob's story is one of Success.

Bob successfully married the woman he loved, so smart, she would hold them together, hold up her career and they were made.  And had 2 brilliant little boys who were not only brilliant, but had their mother's beautiful looks.  And the days came and went.  Just the same. And again.  Then some more bills.  More needs. And one day told its tale to the next.  Bob received a Christmas gift of a Musketeer purple hat with a great purple feather for being such a trooper.

An office party was a Disco party.  Bob came to find out dancing, drinking, he loved the night life. His purple hat and purple feather was a draw. And what a draw it was.

Fast forward. A change of career to pay bills was needed after the divorce.  And the next wife. A daughter.  Back to the Night Life.  Much more thrilling. Change states, skip child support. Now a Barber. New wife, still with the Night Life.  New 2nd daughter.  Ugh such a drag. Divorce. Change States. New Career.

The New Career pays off.  All he hoped was beginning to arrive. He had arrived.  Sons out of college, by their dear mom. No need for further contact they say.  2nd and 3rd wife. Not eager to ever see him again.  New Career. No ties. No childhood seen as his children grew up.  So ... empty. Now too old to be in the Club.  And see all the scenes he knew so well, empty, the repeats. 

Maybe. Church. Yes. This is the empty hole he found filled.

Accepting the Love of God he can feel.

The Love of God filling him. Still tentatively on his part.  And a few years moved by. Met an English Professor with the most beautiful eyes. A Christian. And they marry saying they will bring their children together and help them in life and to be a family.

And they start with the eldest. Now, a dentist. Make an appointment for two.

Told to get out and not try again. His brother the same. Extremely committed to slamming the door shut.  Try with the eldest daughter. In a cult on the west coast. Not interested. But the door doesn't slam ... shut. 

The youngest daughter believes she sees the Light in this new couple. And as they reconnect, his 3rd wife has died. 

Bob and his lovely Christian wife set about visiting very regularly. They see to this reconciliation with all their hearts. Arrive at the airport, rental car, grocery store, flowers. Set the table at their daughter's house. Make a great meal. Greet daughter after her week's work is complete. Have a lovely vacation. There for their daughter and grandson.  And this reconciliation is very solid. His bad behavior is understood, forgiven. New life has begun.  Years begin to go by.

So much so, the doorbell rings on Friday, late evening, and the Extremely Angry, Oldest Daughter has arrived to put this relationship on fire.  Bob and his beautiful wife said it was like the forces of darkness had arrived.  His wife takes the youngest and mature relationship daughter off for a private conversation and explains this is the force of darkness and possibly, just possibly, very, very large doses of narcotics. 

Back in the dining room, Beautiful Christian Wife says to oldest, messy, daughter, we call her "Debbie", we are so glad you are here, we are about to have dessert, let's pray. "Lord God, in the name of JESUS, we thank You, Jesus, You are here. We celebrate Jesus and the opportunity to have Pie with the family. And Jesus.  So we gather in the Name of Jesus. And have pie. Amen."

Younger daughter says to the prayed for daughter. "So glad you are here, you can have my son's bedroom he is going to bunk with me. Here is your pie. Would you like a cup of coffee?"

And in the course of time, 

the messy daughter leaves the cult, and actually begins to like the younger daughter she had blamed for her father leaving the second family set for decades. And they all go to the West Coast to visit the one who is more emotional and are inclusive.

As they retired back to the town with the youngest daughter, the older daughter is invited to join them. 

This is the earthly version of

Matthew 20:1-16

And possibly

explains

why 

Paul writes with the Holy Spirit

there are

Seven Layers of Heaven

and 

12 Open Gates

always in the

Light

God is our Father. 

He seeks us and sees the best of our hearts and souls. His Love reaches past the Heavens and beyond where Lightning begins.

As adults, we wonder if people can change. Scriptures assures us this is so. 

Another Scripture this fills very well: The Meek Inherit the earth. And is brought about by remorse, confession, apology, lives change to the apology, and the love abounds, abundantly. This is the Method of God in His Kingdom.

John 5:17

Jesus answered them, 

“My Father is working until now, 

and 

I am working.”

1 Peter 4:8

 

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, 

since love covers a multitude of sins.

1 Corinthians

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; 

but the greatest of these 

is 

love.

1 John 4:19

We love because 

He first loved us.

1 Corinthians

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is Love.

Colossians 3:14

And above all these put on Love, 

which binds everything together 

in perfect harmony.

Proverbs 10:1

Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.

Ephesians 4:2

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in Love

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for 

His friends.

1 John 4:7

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

Let the circle be unbroken

Psalm 31:19 

Oh, how abundant is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You and worked for those who take refuge in You, in the sight of the children of mankind!

Malachi 3:10  

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My House. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of Heaven for you and 

pour down for you a blessing 

until 

there is no more need.

If we name another unconditional love source

                                         That is Pro Life

Never generate hate

Never whitewash truth

Never rebuke and leave feeling worthless, any child (of any age) created by God

Determined to make all life meaningful and bloom

In Jesus Christ

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the Kingdom of God 

and 

His righteousness, 

and 

all these things will be added to you.

Our Abba, Father

We ask Your Blessing 

from God our Father 

and

The Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Alleluia Chorus will come from Jesus.

 Amen!

Blessed is our the God and our Father.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, has presented the Father with a New Heaven 

and a new earth.

Pray with hope!

Ending

Bad weather experienced 

And

be good weather again.

Praying for safety and prosperity in these days.

Please continue to pray for peace and the wishes of our parents and great

 and 

grandparents to be fulfilled in a peaceful and complete manner. 

Because we know our Father.

The Father of mercies

and God of all comfort.

This is Our Father and Jesus, who comforts us 

enabling us, strengthening us,

able to comfort those in any affliction,

 Blessings of Grace and Peace,

with which we ourselves are comforted 

by God.

Dwell in me,

Dwell in us,

Dwell in those we Love,

Help us to seek You first.

Peace and the Joy God gives us.

And we will finish well, 

in Jesus Christ. 

We are praying for 
NATIONS

to put

aside

Tyranny

and Cartels.

Abba,

Blessed to be chosen and Loved by God.

Blessed to ask for more of Your Good Will in Heaven as in earth. Blessed to be Given this day. Blessed to find Your Kingdom, Your Power and Your Glory as Life goes forth.

Blessed to have our prayers heard. Blessed to trust our Loved Ones to Jesus. Blessed to be the Children of God in Jesus Christ. Blessed to have Hope, Faith and Love.

We pray the

 impossible 

more Heaven on earth and 

for the believers of God 

and 

the ones they pray for 

To Know Your Love 

and

See the weary world REJOICING in Christ Jesus.

We can do absolutely nothing about Massachusetts killing babies.  Shake our heads at the horror of babies murdered. We can moan and cry and do absolutely nothing. And those babies will die badly.

 Or we can find life and grace. Blessing the great and grand and parents to find Love has made a path straight forward. 

Pray and make a path for these preborn children to LIVE.

To Know Your Love 

and

See the weary world REJOICING in Christ Jesus.

Life for preborn children. Human Beings. Babies.  Hoping for love and warmth to give and receive.  So many willing hearts and homes. Valid Adoption Agencies.  Hope for the biological mother, instead of a life of sadness.

The end of Abortion.

Asked why not affordable

Adoption.

Agree

LABOR
DAY

and the price of giving

birth

is and frequently 

and outrageously

and

unpatriotically

is

$50,000.

We pray

about

all

of these

valid 

true

concerns.

Saint Nicholas of Myra, b. March 270 – 6 December 343, Nicholas of Bari. Known as St. Nicholas. 

Pere Noel. Father Christmas. Santa.

If our Saint Nicholas 

buys 3 women out of being trafficked. 

We can certainly 

ask 

the mother to accept payment 

for bringing

God's Gift of Life 

into the world. 

Support 

The Book of Life!

Support 

The Book of Life!

In the Name of Jesus 

fill us

surround us

Embolden us

lead us

redeem us

and 

keep us forever.

Lord Jesus Christ

Only Son of God, our Father.

WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE

IN

JESUS CHRIST

THE LORD

Father God, Dear Father God,

WE PRAY 

BLESSINGS 

for those

helping the earth 

to heal.

Jesus Christ

Shine on us

ALL

Let evil and practicing evil

depart 

far 

from us

and our children.

Health for

American Gray Whales

and their solid survival

facing Orcas. 

Thy Kingdom come

Thy will be done

on earth

as it is

in Heaven. 

And we will be blessed indeed. 

Jesus the Lord. Alleluia

and Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Bless the Lord Jesus

Thank You, Jesus

Yes, The Lord Fulfills His Purpose!