Parenthetically

In the first part of the third chapter of Ephesians, there are a couple of things that get my attention.  One is what appears to be a parenthesis running from verse two to verse thirteen.  (Notice that Paul picks up where verse one left off when he gets to verse fourteen.)  I guess he would have loved to have a word processor of some kind, instead of a scribe unwilling to start over that far into the letter.

The other thing that stands out in the first part of the chapter, inside the parentheses, in the middle of all that mystery talk, is the fourth time that something is said about the heavenly places, in case anyone is not counting.  There is one more coming later in the book, making five in all.  It makes me believe there is something to the presence of this phrase.  I want to gather the occurrences up and look at them as a group. 

I think I will.  (Parenthetically)

Get to know.....

Andy Langston: I'm from the Knoxville area & just graduated from UT this past May with a business degree. I'm looking to start seminary in the spring & see where God takes me from there. I love Jesus & people so its pretty cool when those two meet.

Hidden Talent(s): I do a mean Jar Jar Binks impersonation from Star Wars

I know nothing about: Makeup

Once lived in: A house from the Civil War era

In HAITI!

 Don't want to live without: my iPod or running shoes

Absolutely won't eat: I wont drink buttermilk

Nickname(s): LPK

Favorite song to sing in the car when I'm alone: Dont Stop Believing by Journey

Pet Peeve: Traffic

Best recently read books: Blue Like Jazz (you need to read it)

Color Apple should make an iPod: UT orange
Favorite aroma: the breeze right before a big storm
Least favorite aroma: when you leave laundry in the wash to long, or a paper mill

Becoming

... the fullness of Him who fills all in all.  What an amazing line!  Ephesians one ends with that description of the body of Christ, which means you and me.  Who would have thought?

There is a lot going on with us. 

In Ephesians two, there is more.  There is a massive amount of power involved.  It has been used for a good reason, according to an eternal purpose.  Part of that would be forming us into a force to be reckoned with in this world. 

Have we become, or are we becoming that force, aligned with the eternal purpose of God?  Let's talk about what that would be like, and how we can make it happen.

Get to know....

Brent Lackey: born in Jackson Tennessee, lived in Parsons TN until I graduated high school and started college at UT. I am the youngest of 3 children, my parents own and operate Lackey's Supermarket in Parsons. I grew up on the farm, both ours and my grandparents. In my free time you can most likely find me in or near the water.

Hidden Talent(s): Freaky ability to remember names and faces. It is both a blessing and a curse...

I know nothing about: lots of things

Once lived in: charter bus

Don't want to live without: Jenny's Cooking

Absolutely won't eat: Shellfish...allergic

Nickname(s): If I put them here I am afraid that I will have to start answering to them...

Favorite song to sing in the car when I'm alone: "God of This City" "City On Our Knees"

Pet Peeve: Backbiting, and lying

Best recently read books: I am a John Grisham junkie, if he has written I have read it.....twice!

Color Apple should make an iPod: Tennessee Orange

Favorite aroma: Sunscreen

Least favorite aroma: Body Odor