No. 345 - Through Christ, God Gives Blessings in This Life and Eternal Life

The Gospel of Christ

Through Christ, God Gives Blessings in This Life and Eternal Life

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".

Starting Prayer 

Dear Heavenly Father, as I meditate on the blessings You have given me through Christ, I ask for Your guidance to understand and appreciate these gifts. Help me to live in gratitude and faithfulness. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background 

Ephesians 1 is a rich chapter that reveals the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. Paul begins with a song of praise, acknowledging the many blessings that God has bestowed upon believers through Jesus. These blessings are not just material but spiritual and eternal, given to us in the heavenly places. Ephesians 1:3 highlights that in Christ, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, setting the foundation for the entire chapter. This passage concludes the theme for the week, reminding us that through Christ, we receive both blessings in this life and the promise of eternal life.

Be Encouraged 

Through Christ, God has given us countless blessings in this life, both spiritual and physical. As followers of Jesus, we are promised everything we need to live a godly life. In Matthew 6:25-33, Jesus teaches us not to worry about our daily needs because our Heavenly Father knows what we need and will provide. These physical blessings include food, clothing, and shelter. But beyond these, God also fills our lives with spiritual blessings, such as peace, joy, love, and purpose, which are found in living according to His Word. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—makes our lives a blessing to others and transforms the world around us (Galatians 5:22-23).

The blessings that God gives us are not only for this life but also for the life to come. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have the hope of eternal life. If Christ had not risen from the dead, our faith would be in vain, and we would have no hope beyond this life (1 Corinthians 15:17-19). But because He rose, we, too, will be raised to live forever with Him in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5). Paul assures us that whatever suffering we face now is nothing compared to the glory that awaits us in eternity (Romans 8:18). Through Christ, we have the promise of eternal life, a hope that surpasses all earthly riches and pleasures. What a wonderful gift salvation is, worth more than anything this world can offer (Matthew 16:26; Hebrews 11:25-26).

Application 

God’s blessings through Christ are vast, covering every need we have in this life and giving us the hope of eternal life. As we live each day, let us remember that our faith in Christ brings both earthly and heavenly rewards. "Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:8). Reflect on how God has blessed you, both physically and spiritually, and share these blessings with others. Live in the confidence that your faith is not in vain, but it is grounded in the eternal truth of Christ's resurrection.

Invitation 

If you have not yet committed your life to Christ, I invite you to consider the blessings that God offers through Jesus. Visit any nearby Church of Christ, where you can learn more about how to obey the gospel. Through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of all past sins and your salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), you can be saved and added to the Lord’s church. There, you will continue to grow in your knowledge of God and live according to Christ’s commandments (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:47). Accept God’s invitation today and receive the blessings of this life and the hope of eternal life. Share this message with your loved ones so that they, too, may come to know the fullness of God’s blessings in Christ.

Concluding Prayer 

Father, I thank You for the many blessings You have given me through Christ. Help me to always live in gratitude and to share Your love and blessings with others. May I walk faithfully in Your ways, trusting in the hope of eternal life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana


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