Today's Passage - Ephesians 3:10-13

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Ephesians 3:10-13   "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.  In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory."   As ministers of the gospel, we need to explain to people the mystery of God since the creation.  First of all, this mystery is predestined by God since the earth was created.  God has already incorporated the salvation of gentiles in His eternal plan, thus the door of salvation was opened to the gentiles because the Jews rejected Jesus.  So, gentiles are not second class believers in the Kingdom of God, nor are we result of God's revised plan because of the setback.  God has predestined gentiles to be saved since creation.   Next, this mystery will be manifested through the church.  God said that this mystery would not just be manifested through the Jews, but through the church.  Church is one large entity, where Jews, gentiles, men and women are all united into one.  God's will for the church did not just come out in the New Testament time, but it's always been in God's eternal plan.  If God values the church so much, shouldn't we also value the building of the church?  God wants to manifest His glory through the church, as Psalm 8:2 says: "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. "  We are "children and infants," and the enemy is devil Satan.  Children and infants are powerless and can't possibly overcome the enemy, but God does miraculous things and He can manifest His mighty power through people who are weak.  Therefore, Paul encouraged us not to be discouraged, because the attack by the enemy is temporary.  In Christ we can be fearless, because the Lord has overcome all the work of the enemy.  Not only was He victorious, He will also lead us to victory.   Are you in all kinds of suffering?  Don't be afraid and be discouraged; when you have no way to go, God is still your strength and your help.  When you feel that you are like children or infants who have no strength to face warfare against the enemy, God will fight for you, and He will "create power" in you so that all those with a vengeance will be silent.  Hallelujah, praise the Lord!                                                                                    Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, I thank you and praise you, because you have the authority to be victorious on us so that we can claim victory against the enemy and those with a vengeance and they will be silenced.  It is your will for your mightiness to be completed through our weakness.  May the Lord manifest this power in us.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!