HavHaving completed his doxology describing the spiritual blessings which the children of God enjoy, Paul turns to give thanks and pray for the Ephesian church. Paul was intimately involved in planting the church at Ephesus, but now he writes several years later, pleased to discover that their faith had continued and was demonstrated in their love for one another. The mere fact that one attends church and professes to be a Christian is no proof that he is indeed one. If we are to have assurance, there is in this text, two valid tests which we must apply. Whatever else may be true of us is irrelevant if we fail to pass these two tests.
The first test is genuine, personal faith in the Lord Jesus. There are many good, benevolent, moral people in this world who are not saved. We are not saved by good works, but on the basis of faith alone in Christ alone. This is the starting point for every Christian. Such is not belief in God in general nor is it ascent to the facts of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A Christian is one who trusts Jesus Christ – He is the center of his whole outlook on life. Faith in the Lord Jesus means that I have cast my entire hope upon Christ and what He has done for me, and nothing less than His person can satisfy me.
Then, as day follows night, love for all the saints, follows saving faith. Humans are naturally hateful, envious, vengeful, and prejudiced beings. For one to love, something must happen to him; if a man loves the saints, you can be sure he has a new nature. Can it be said of you, that others have heard of your love for all the saints – not just the pretty, pleasant Christians with whom you get along, but the least of them?
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“ a very good sermon! ” To dwell in unity with your brothers and sisters, is written for our benifit in the Bible. Fellowship is lacking in the modern church, it's very superficial. Please give a listen, it's my prayer that true Christian fellowship grows within the corporate Church worldwide.
A native of New York, Pastor LoSardo was saved by the grace of God in 1986 after hearing the Gospel from his brother, while pursuing a career in scientific research. He was ordained into the ministry in 1995 and served as the Associate Pastor of a large messianic congregation...
