Bible Studies

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The God of Consequence

On the TV game show, Truth or Consequences, a contestant was asked a trivia question. If the question (truth part) could not be answered, a consequence would follow, usually a wacky, embarrassing stunt. However, many of the gags would also include a heart-warming reunion with a long-lost relative or child returning from military service. The show aired from 1950 through 1988, though it originated as a radio broadcast in 1940. Hot Springs, New Mexico, renamed itself Truth or Consequences after Ralph Edwards, initial host of the show, offered to do the program from the first town that would take that name. For fifty years, Ralph Edwards returned to T or C each May for a week of celebration and festivities.
As Paul takes us through Ephesians, he is laying out GodÕs truths for us. He has taken us from where we were, dead in trespasses and sins, to stellar new positions as sons and daughters of God. He has shown us that our new standing is a gift from God, and he has left no doubt that our position was not earned by us in any way.
Christ did the work on the cross, and He placed Jews and Gentiles into one body Ð the church. Consequently, we, who were once not Christians, are now Christians by GodÕs mercy and grace. Paul has shown us, too, that the Holy Spirit guarantees our new position.
Chosen at the foundation to be part of GodÕs family, we have been given life by the name above all names Ð Jesus. It is a heart-warming story of how God sent His son to reconcile us to Himself. We were long-lost sinners, born estranged from God with cold hearts, and we were unable to do anything about it. We were enemies of God, in hot water and unaware of the deadly, future consequences.
Yet, God offered to come to our hearts, those city-states where we reign as directors, and take up residence and order our lives (our shows) from there. Faith came to us as we heard words about Christ, and we took the name of Christ in an act of faith. In the process, we received a new nature and a new standing as servants of the Lord Ð good consequences!
This is the truth: we are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with GodÕs people and members of GodÕs household. These things being so, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age, looking for that Blessed Hope and the glorious appearing of our Great God and Savior Ð Jesus Christ. These things being so, we should be zealous to do good works, which is what God planned for us to do long ago. These things being so, we should do all to the glory of God and praise His Holy Name! These things being so, we should celebrate our new life in Christ and share His love with others, remembering all the while the dire consequences from which we were delivered.

Mountain Time Moment

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens,
but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,

Ephesians 2:19 NIV
Complete article with verse references in blue at:
http://home.comcast.net/~flgrace/Ephesians219.pdf

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