{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ephesians: Far Above All Rule","description":"Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23 The point being made in Ephesians 1:20-23 is straightforward enough.  Having risen from the dead, Jesus has been exalted as head over all things.  Conquering death itself, He now rules as sovereign over all authorities, seated at the right hand of God the Father. He reigns, not only now, but forever and leads His church as its regal and tender head. It is the connection between this truth  (the royal exaltation of Christ) and the immediate notion preceding it (the conversion and enlightenment of Christians) that is marvelously encouraging in its logic.  Here is the logic . . .    ... fact number one - Jesus was raised from the dead and is exalted in heaven above all earthly and angelic authorities by the power of God.            ... fact number two - that same power, in all its omnipotent strength, is the power which has worked in the heart of every believer, drawing him\/her to faith in Christ and changing him\/her, year by year, to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus. The power that raised Christ from His stone-sealed grave and set Him over everything, is the same power that has breathed life into our dead hearts.  There are a few awesome implications that can be drawn from this truth.  (1) What an amazing thing God has done in our lives in bringing us salvation!  (2) God has the power to convert the most hardened person.  This encourages us in our prayers and efforts to win others to Christ.  (3) The eternal security of believers rests on the omnipotence of God.  This produces genuine rest and hope. ","author_name":"Bethel Baptist Church","author_url":"https:\/\/bethelbaptistscs.org\/","html":"