“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” - Genesis 2:15Sometimes we think that work is a necessary evil. We might even believe that work came as a result of the curse after Adam and Eve sinned. But if we read Scripture closely, we see that God designed work before sin ever entered the world. Genesis 2:15 tells us that God put Adam in the garden to ten...

"In whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." - Ephesians 1:13 (NKJV)This sealing of the Holy Spirit is one of the most precious doctrines in all of Scripture, yet many Christians have never fully experienced it.Let me give you five key aspects of what this sealing means:1. Authentication - A seal is a symbol of authenticity, like a notary seal that makes a docu...

"In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." - Ephesians 1:13 (NKJV)Paul outlines a clear progression here: hearing, believing, and being sealed. First, "you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation." Every single person who has entered this Christian life has...

"In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory." - Ephesians 1:11-12 (NKJV)Paul tells us that "we have obtained an inheritance." This isn't something we might get someday if we're good enough - this is something we alre...

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11 NKJV)On this Christmas Day, we celebrate the birth of One Who is both Savior and Lord. The angels announced both roles - these are inseparable. Jesus cannot be your Savior unless He is also your Lord.In Colossians 1:15-20, we see Jesus described as the Image of the invisible God, the Creator of all...