On Ephesians

As Dr. Eley prepares us to dive into the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians, I was reminded of the fact that in myself, I am nothing. But in Christ, I am more than a conqueror. And as more than a conqueror, I am a child of God and have a royal inheritance in heaven. Unfortunately not too many folks in the world see it that way. In fact, even in the church, many believers think they will get to heaven based on the "good" things they do on earth and how well they obey all the rules. But Paul tells us a different story.
It's no secret that Ted Turner (founder of TBS and CNN) has a great disdain for Christianity. He once said that Christianity is a religion for losers. He then cracked a joke about hoping the pope would step on a landmine. He once ridiculed Christian CNN employees, calling them Jesus Freaks and suggesting that they should work for Fox.
Despite all that, Mr. Turner, who has claimed to be an atheist, often talks about his acceptance in the afterlife.
In 2003, when he was meeting with a group of Christian to discuss the movie Gods and Generals -- a Civil War era faith-friendly film that Turner financed -- he said: "Look at my philanthropy! The Bible says it's better to give than receive...I'm living like a Christian. I guarantee you I'll see you in Heaven. I'll be like the guy who has the last two tickets in the stadium. I've lived a really good life. I'm going to say, 'Hey, St. Peter, remember Gods & Generals?' This movie is a final bit of insurance that I get in."
It's a little unclear whether Turner really believes his own words, but it appears that he is making the same mistake that so many make. Like I said before, even many professing Christians believe that our acceptance into heaven will be determined by how good we are in this life. Though goodness is a goal, it's not a ticket. We must remember Paul's words...
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Aren't you glad about that? I am!!!

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