Good morning! Today we will continue our reading in the book of Ephesians chapter four.
Bible Verse – Ephesians 4:7– 10 NLT
“7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift[a] through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say,
“When he ascended to the heights,
he led a crowd of captives
and gave gifts to his people.”[b]
9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world.[c] 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.”
Reflection
In prior verses (1-6), Apostle Paul discussed the unity of the church. In these verses he focused on the diversity within the church. The beauty of God is that He gives each believer grace/enablement as Christ apportioned it. In Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 the scriptures speak of gifts given to believers, in Ephesians 4:7, it speaks more of gifted believers being given to the church (we will read about this tomorrow in verse 11).
Christ’s ascent above the heavens is the reminder that because of His death, Christ has victory over sin and redeemed those who would be given as “gifts” to the church. Those are gifted people to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers whose primary work is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, which is the body of Christ.
Prayer
Father God, we thank you for diversity in the church. We thank you for loving us enough to send Christ to save us. We thank you for the spiritual gifts that are given to each believer so that we can use those gifts within the church and throughout the world. Lord, you are so gracious to use us, because by the world’s standards we would not meet the mark, but because of Christ Jesus we are enough. Lord, we are grateful to be blessed with the gifts you give. Lord, continue to empower and equip us in ways that will unite the church and encourage believers and nonbelievers to follow you.
Lord, continue to mature us in your word. Bless us with your peace and continue to encourage us to walk out our faith daily. Lord, open our eyes and hands to see the need, recognize our gifting, and allow you to use us in a mighty way.
Lord, we pray for our nation today. Lord, as we go to the polls, as we vote, and as we wait for results we ask that You take charge today. Lord, may Your will be done. May Your justice prevail. May Your placement of leaders stand. Lord, we pray for those who will be elected into roles that will impact humanity. Lord, may they be gifted by You, may they serve You above other people. May they align their work with what you desire. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
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BIBLE STUDY
Our next Bible study session is on Thursday, November 5, 2026. This in-depth Bible study series is on the Book of Galatians. The book is titled: Now That Faith Has Come, written by Beth Moore. Study is online via Zoom and it begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m. To join the study, send an email to contactus@maryewhiteministries.com
You can pre-order your book from Living Proof Ministries at https://store.lproof.org/products/copy-of-now-that-faith-has-come-a-study-of-galatians-bible-study-book?pr_prod_strat=jac&pr_rec_id=b65982225&pr_rec_pid=6667403690035&pr_ref_pid=4721695260723&pr_seq=uniform
Picture of the Bible Study Book – Now That Faith Has Come: A Study of Galatians Bible Study
PRAYER REQUEST
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