Look at the Book

Living the Miracle of New Life in Christ: Ephesians 2:4–7, Part 9

09 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We embrace, delight in, receive, live in, experience the miracle of being remade in Christ through our faith.

Salvation Is the Decisive Work of God: Ephesians 2:4–7, Part 8

06 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Without our consent, without our approval, without our say, God decided to save his own.

Were Saved, Are Saved, Will Be Saved: Ephesians 2:4–7, Part 7

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

God has saved us. God is saving us. God will save us. All are true. All are necessary. All are glorious.

Grace Intrudes on the Undeserving: Ephesians 2:4–7, Part 6

30 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Grace loves to shine the brightest for the most undeserving and the most unable to save themselves.

What Is It Like to Be Made Alive? Ephesians 2:4–7, Part 5

26 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Being alive to Christ is a real experience, just like being dead to God is a real experience. What is it like?

Does God Love Everyone in the Same Way? Ephesians 2:4–7, Part 4

23 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Does God love everyone in the world? Does God care about both the elect and non-elect in the same way?

God Is Not Stingy with Mercy: Ephesians 2:4–7, Part 3

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Where would we be today, or in a thousand years, if God were not rich in mercy?

Are You Amazed You Are a Christian? Ephesians 2:4–7, Part 2

16 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It always takes immeasurable power to raise the dead to life. Every Christian has an amazing testimony.

Does God Save Us from God? Ephesians 2:4–7, Part 1

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When Christians say that we are “saved,” what exactly are we being saved from?

What (and When) Is the Wrath of God? Ephesians 2:1–3, Part 10

09 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The plight of all humanity is that we are lovers of sin and sons of disobedience. This makes us by nature children of wrath.

Who Are the Sons of Disobedience? Ephesians 2:1–3, Part 9

05 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Apart from Christ, we were so sinful, so wicked, so rebellious that Scripture called us children of disobedience.

God Defeated the God of This World: Ephesians 2:1–3, Part 8

02 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The ruler and authority of the air is the same as the god of this world. The whole world lies in his power — for now.

This Present Evil Age of Sin: Ephesians 2:1–3, Part 7

29 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Christians are unavoidably out of step with this world. We do not think the same or act the same because we serve a different Master.

Walking in Sin Enslaves Us to Sin: Ephesians 2:1–3, Part 6

26 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Anyone who assumes he is free and independent apart from God is in reality enslaved to the world and a lackey of Satan.

The Difference Between Sin, Sins, and Trespasses: Ephesians 2:1–3, Part 5

22 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What is the difference between sin, sins, and trespasses in the Bible?

Why Share the Gospel with Dead People? Ephesians 2:1–3, Part 4

19 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Keep sharing the gospel with friends, families, and neighbors. People are still being saved. Power still exists in God’s great news.

Can the Spiritually Dead Please God? Ephesians 2:1–3, Part 3

15 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean that mankind is dead in their trespasses apart from Christ?

How Could We Be Healthy, Active, and Dead? Ephesians 2:1–3, Part 2

12 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Being dead apart from Christ does not mean you are inactive, unable to do anything in this world. It means you have no love or appetite for God.

United Under Wrath and the Cross: Ephesians 2:1–3, Part 1

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

All ethnic groups stand condemned apart from Christ. And all people from every ethnic group can be redeemed by the blood of the cross.

Dead in Sin, Alive in Grace: Ephesians 2:1–3

05 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The word that describes us before Christ: Dead. The word that describes us after Christ meets us with mighty grace: Alive.

The Glorious Grace of Electing Love: Summary of Ephesians 1

01 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We need to see God’s truth not only as our theology, but as our great treasure. For that, God needs to open the eyes of our hearts.

How Does the Church Fill All in All? Ephesians 1:19–23, Part 5

28 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The church is the body of Christ, and he is the Head. He makes the decisions, he rules, and the body carries out his will.

The Head of the Church Is the Head over All: Ephesians 1:19–23, Part 4

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jesus is superior to every kind of rule, authority, and dominion that you will find in any culture, any nation, among any people, anywhere in the worl...

Whenever We Speak, God Hears: Ephesians 1:19–23, Part 3

21 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we pray, when we talk to our children, when we speak to our neighbors or argue with our spouse — we speak in the sight of God.

Christ Is Always Stronger Than All: Ephesians 1:19–23, Part 2

17 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Although real evils exist in this world, our King is seated far above them all.

How Much Did It Take to Make You Believe? Ephesians 1:19–23, Part 1

14 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The power God exerts toward us who believe is greater than any force imaginable. The fiercest tornadoes are but gentle breezes in comparison.

How Prayer Opens the Eyes of Our Hearts: Ephesians 1:17–19, Part 7

10 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lord, open the eyes of our hearts to see the value of the truths contained in your word.

Are We God’s Inheritance, Or Is He Ours? Ephesians 1:17–19, Part 6

07 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The unthinkable promise of the new covenant tells us not only that we are God’s people, but that he is our God.

The Irrevocable Glory of Our Calling: Ephesians 1:17–19, Part 5

03 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If God has called you by his grace into glory, he will never revoke that calling.

What Are the Eyes of the Heart For? Ephesians 1:17–19, Part 4

31 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you have not been growing in your love for God, your eyes may have become dull to him. Ask God to show you more of Christ.

What Does It Mean to Know God? Ephesians 1:17–19, Part 3

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Knowing God is to love God — the real God. If we do not love him, we do not know him.

Do You Have the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation? Ephesians 1:17–19, Part 2

24 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you have seen glory in the Bible, be assured, you can see more. Do not settle for what you’ve already seen.

Why Do We Pray to the Father of Glory? Ephesians 1:17–19, Part 1

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why is God called the Father of glory? What does that phrase mean, and how does it shape and inspire our prayers?

Faith and Love Mark Every Christian: Ephesians 1:15–16, Part 3

17 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why are faith and love so tied together in the Bible? Because they are tied together as a summary of the Christian life.

Why Do We Thank God for Our Love? Ephesians 1:15–16, Part 2

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When you look at your life and notice greater devotion to Christ, greater obedience to his word, greater love for God and for neighbor — thank God.

How to Transform Theology into Praise: Ephesians 1:15–16, Part 1

10 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you still pray for God to show you more of himself? No matter what you have seen so far, there are still worlds to see.

Why Is God’s Pursuit of Praise Not Conceited? Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 13

06 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How could God be loving and do everything he does for his own praise?

Is God Decisive in Saving Faith? Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 12

03 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The human heart is dead, fleshly, blind, natural, unable to believe the word of God — without the Holy Spirit.

Adopted and Redeemed Now, But Not Yet: Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 11

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We are God’s possession. Sealed with his Spirit. Adopted. Redeemed. Yet awaiting our full adoption and redemption.

The Holy Spirit Seals Us for God: Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 10

26 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to be sealed with the Holy Spirit? And how does his sealing affect the Christian life?

What Does It Mean to Believe in Christ? Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 9

22 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What is involved in saving faith? The devils, for instance, believe but are not saved. What is different for us?

How Do We Win the Elect to Christ? Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 8

19 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How do we win our elect neighbors, friends, and family members to Christ? What do we say?

What Exactly Is the Gospel? Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 7

15 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

According to Scripture, what exactly is the gospel?

How Is the Gospel True and Saving? Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 6

12 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some define it too narrowly, and others too broadly. So, what exactly is the gospel?

Hostile Enemies Made One in Christ: Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 5

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The mystery of Christ is that former enemies — Jews and Gentiles — are now united as one in Christ and share one inheritance.

If God Is Sovereign, What Can We Do? Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 4

05 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If God is absolutely sovereign over everything, is there anything truly meaningful for us to do?

Why Does the Sovereignty of God Matter? Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 3

01 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The sovereignty of God is explosively relevant for all of life. Come study his power and authority over all things, including you.

The Precious Importance of Predestination: Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 2

29 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why does the apostle Paul spend so much time drilling down into the realities and importance of predestination?

Chosen by God to Inherit God: Ephesians 1:11–14, Part 1

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The glory of adoption is that we now receive an inheritance from God, and the best inheritance he could give us is himself.

The Sum of All Things Is Christ: Ephesians 1:7–10, Part 9

22 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The grand climax of God’s plan in history, indeed the very point of all creation, is summed up in one word: Christ.

The Pleasure of God in All of History: Ephesians 1:7–10, Part 8

18 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

God has a joyful plan and has worked it out in history, and the climax of that plan is the person and work of his Son.

The Basis and Essence of God’s Grace: Ephesians 1:7–10, Part 7

15 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Nothing can be clearer about the nature of grace than to realize our life in Christ is owing to nothing in us. We were dead.

Knowing God’s Plan Is a Lavish Grace: Ephesians 1:7–10, Part 6

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Have you begun to take the Bible for granted? Even knowing God’s will is an immense grace from God.

Grace Flows from Joy in the Trinity: Ephesians 1:7–10, Part 5

08 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

“To the praise of the glory of his grace” summarizes the purpose of Ephesians, your life, and history.

Christ Redeems Us from Disobedience: Ephesians 1:7–10, Part 4

04 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Christ’s blood not only purchases our forgiveness, but our obedience. We were not only redeemed from guilt, but from our futile ways of living.

How the Cross Secures Our Resurrection: Ephesians 1:7–10, Part 3

01 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The blood of Christ not only frees us from just wrath; it frees us from the depths of the grave.

God Saves Us from His Own Wrath: Ephesians 1:7–10, Part 2

28 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

God does not sweep our sins under the rug. He sent his Son to hang on a tree to satisfy his hatred against our crimes.

What Does Redemption Mean? Ephesians 1:7–10, Part 1

25 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What does redemption in Christ mean, and why is it important for every person on the planet?

The Origin and End of All Things: Ephesians 1:3–6, Part 13

21 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Travel from eternity to eternity with John Piper as he submerges himself in the boundless oceans of Ephesians 1:3–6.

How Do Predestination and Election Relate? Ephesians 1:3–6, Part 12

18 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What is the distinction between election and predestination? Are they the same thing?

Holy in Love or Adopted in Love? Ephesians 1:3–6, Part 11

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some of the shiniest gold lies ready to be discovered in the mines of Scripture. Will we take the time to dig for and uncover them?

God Is Preparing His Holy Bride: Ephesians 1:3–6, Part 10

11 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Before the stars lit up the night sky. Before the sun blazed in the heavens. God planned for his people to be radiantly holy forever before him.

Election Silences Pride and Awakens Praise: Ephesians 1:3–6, Part 9

07 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

God chose his people in his Son, before the foundation of the world, to put an end to all boasting and to secure eternal praise of the glory of his gr...

Why Did God Choose Whom He Chose? Ephesians 1:3–6, Part 8

04 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why did God choose anybody for eternal life? And as he did choose some for eternal life, how did he choose those he chose?

Were We Chosen as Sinful or Innocent? Ephesians 1:3–6, Part 7

30 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When God chose us before the foundation of the world, did he consider us blameless or sinful?

Was Election Based on Foreknown Faith? Ephesians 1:3–6, Part 6

27 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Did God choose his people because he saw their faith ahead of time?

Did God Really Choose Individuals to Be Saved? Ephesians 1:3–6, Part 5

23 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Did God really choose individuals to be saved before the foundation of the world?

What God Did Before the World Began: Ephesians 1:3–6, Part 4

20 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

God did not look at our works and consider us worthy of eternal life. Before the foundation of the world, he blessed us in his Son by grace alone.

Destined for Everything Heaven Can Offer: Ephesians 1:3–6, Part 3

16 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If we knew what awaits us in Christ, we would hold to this world with a far weaker grip.

Does the Lord Jesus Have a God? Ephesians 1:3–6, Part 2

13 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If Jesus is God, why does Scripture say that the Father is the God of Jesus?

Studying the Bible as Worship: Ephesians 1:3–6, Part 1

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

All exposition of the Scriptures should fly under the banner of exultation in the glory of God displayed in the Scriptures.

What Are Grace and Peace? Ephesians 1:1–2, Part 8

06 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Everything in all of history and all of redemption is to the praise of the glory of God’s grace.

How Is Our Faithfulness Different from God’s? Ephesians 1:1–2, Part 7

02 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our God is the faithful one. He surely does what he has committed himself to do for his people.

What Is the Holiness of God? Ephesians 1:1–2, Part 6

30 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

God’s holiness means that he is in a class by himself, infinitely above and distinct from all else. He is transcendent.

Are Only Special Christians Saints? Ephesians 1:1–2, Part 5

26 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Paul calls Christians “saints” dozens of times in his letters — far more than any other name. What does it mean?

Different and Precious Names for Jesus: Ephesians 1:1–2, Part 4

23 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Paul uses a variety of names to describe Jesus, and they are all meaningful. What can we learn from each?

What Are the Two Wills of God? Ephesians 1:1–2, Part 3

19 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Are there really two wills in God? If so, what difference does that make for how we read the Bible?

What Does It Mean to Be an Apostle? Ephesians 1:1–2, Part 2

16 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What does it mean to be an apostle? Are they different from disciples? And why does it matter?

Who Was This Man Named Paul? Ephesians 1:1–2, Part 1

12 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A former Pharisee, a converted persecutor of the church, a man with two names, but one holy ambition: the apostle Paul.

Summary of Philippians in Nine Steps: Philippians 1–4

09 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What is at the heart of the book of Philippians? The display of the beauty of the gospel, the supreme worth of Christ, and the glory of God.

Why Do Greetings Matter? Philippians 4:21–23

05 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most overlooked ways to love the saints each week is to look them in the eye and greet them.

Philippians 4:20: Joining the Great Goal of the Universe

02 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When we live for the glory of God, we join God in living for his ultimate purpose in all things.

Philippians 4:18–20, Part 3: No Need You Have Will Exhaust God

28 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our needs being met will never be limited by anything lacking in God. He has riches upon riches of mercy for those who ask him.

Philippians 4:18–20, Part 2: Does God Really Supply All Our Needs?

25 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Should I take God’s promises to provide for all my needs in every circumstance literally?

Philippians 4:18–20, Part 1: Can Imperfect Christians Please a Perfect God?

21 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How can our actions, filled with mixed motives, ever please a holy God?

Philippians 4:17, Part 2: Strive for the Fruit That Lasts Forever

18 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Invest your treasure in heaven through faith-filled, Spirit-empowered, Christ-exalting good works on earth.

Philippians 4:17, Part 1: Woe to Ministers Who Crave Money

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As pastors, we must actively strive to make it clear that we do not do what we do for money.

Philippians 4:14–16: Any Christian Generosity Is Beautiful to God

11 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

God counts it a beautiful thing when churches show that their treasure is in heaven by giving to kingdom work on earth.

Philippians 4:10–13, Part 6: How to Actually Live the Secret of Contentment

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How can I go hungry to the glory of God? How can I lose a child to the glory of God? How can I receive a promotion to the glory of God?

Philippians 4:10–13, Part 5: The Secret of Christ-Exalting Contentment

04 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We tend to think contentment in Christ is hardest when life is hard, and easier when life is more comfortable, but reality says the opposite.

Philippians 4:10–13, Part 4: How Does True Contentment Come?

31 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If we are truly content in Christ, our contentment will increasingly silence all our grumbling.

Philippians 4:10–13, Part 3: How Does Self-Sufficiency Exalt Christ?

28 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The secret to overcoming obstacles is not believing that you can do anything you put your mind to, but doing whatever you do in the strength of Christ...

Philippians 4:10–13, Part 2: The Secret to Joy in Any Circumstance

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Real happiness is untethered from this world. Whether we abound or are brought low, we have Christ.

Philippians 4:10–13, Part 1: True Honesty Minimizes Misunderstanding

21 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A wise person not only knows what he wants to say, but how others will hear him say it.

Philippians 4:8–9, Part 3: How to Experience the Presence of God

17 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How can I live to experience peace in the presence of God?

Philippians 4:8–9, Part 2: What Does the Mind of Peace Think About?

14 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What do you think about most? How you answer the question will reveal how much of the peace of God you experience.

Philippians 4:8–9, Part 1: The Peace of God Does Not Produce Passivity

10 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

One way to find peace beyond our circumstances is to set our minds on things above our circumstances.

Philippians 4:4–7, Part 6: How God’s Peace Guards Our Hearts and Minds

07 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The peace of God is not a calm stream to jump in when life becomes difficult. It is a home we live in, at all times, as we wait for heaven.

Philippians 4:4–7, Part 5: Battling Anxiety with Thankful Prayer

03 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Replace anxiety with this way of life: In whatever would make you anxious and cause you not to rejoice, go vertical in prayer.

Philippians 4:4–7, Part 4: Is Any Christian Anxiety Good?

29 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything,” but does that really mean anything? Is any Christian anxiety good?