Ephesians 4:4-6 (Broke Down)
Ephesians 4:4-6 (King James Version)
4. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5. One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
(A) There is one body, meaning one church, which must be of Christ. Let’s take a look.
Colossians 1: 13-14, 17-18
13. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
skipped to 17
17. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
(B) One spirit- meaning the truth(one word of God, fit for all mankind(ref. John 6: 63)
John 6:63
63. It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
(C) One hope of your calling: mankind has one hope as long as he is living, except their reprobate. ref. 2 Corinthians 13: 5, Matthew 22: 14
2 Corinthians 13:5
5. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
((Okay, if a person is reprobate, Jesus Christ can’t be in them. Is this for a season or is this a permanent condition? Let’s continue.))
Definitions of reprobate: reject as invalid, express strong disapproval of, a morally unprincipled person, condemned, one who is predestined to eternal damnation, and rejected by God and without hope of salvation.
((Whoa….this reprobate condition is extreme. Are you telling me a person can be living right now, walking around and God has completely cut them off from having a shot at obtaining eternal life? Some might say, “How can God do that? and/or Why would he do that to someone?” Mankind do it all the time, most of the time it’s over something pety, but when God do it, it’s straight up a righteousness judgement call, he’s perfect, he has made no mistakes, and it’s supposed be. God can get so tired, fed up, and mad at certain people to the point where he would dropped this condition on them. Who can overturn it? The scary part is that, a person can be without Christ right now, and don’t know how close they are to being reprobated. I encourage all to get connected to Christ. You know, we don’t know where his line is drawn. What a gamble? This is what leads to being reprobated. Let’s continue.))
Romans 1:28-32
28. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
*Note: Keep in mind, these aren’t people that don’t know or understand the truth or haven’t came in contact with the truth. These are people who know and have understood what’s right and just refuse to behold the truth and live it. So God just gave’em up. Basically, this is what God is saying. Okay, this is what you want to do. I’m gonna fix your mind to the point where you can’t serve me, and make you vunerable to do just about every wicked thing that exist, even experience some wickedness that you’ve never thought you would get involve with, for stance:
29. Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30. Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31. Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32. Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Matthew 22:14
14. For many are called, but few are chosen.
(D) One Lord: meaning Jesus Christ, ref. Acts 4: 10-12, Philippians 2: 8-11
Acts 4:10-12
10. Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Philippians 2:8-11
8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(E) One faith- meaning one belief(one way of living and serving God unto salvation). ref. Romans 10: 6-9, 5: 1-5
Romans 10:6-9
6. But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
((We shouldn’t be waiting for God to personally show us some dramatical sign from above to show us that his word is true, it’s right here in our face, bibles all over the place.))
7. Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8. But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
((The word of faith(belief) is here, all we have to do is act upon, read and believe it, by living it.))
Romans 5: 1-5
1. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4. And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
(F) One Baptism: we must be baptized in the name of Jesus, not the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. ref. Acts 2: 38, and some might say I was baptized when I was a baby, at 10, or at 14. I myself was baptized when I was about 16, and still committed numerous amounts of sin with no regrets or remorse until I found the truth. Are these ages sufficient? No, according to the bible. At those ages, most kids don’t fully understand the importance of being a Christian, walking and living the ways God. These scriptures let us know when a child is liable and when he or she becomes an adult. Ref. Numbers 14: 28-34(The Lord killed all the people that murmured against him from 20yrs old and upward, except Caleb and Joshua, they didn’t murmur). So a person becomes an adult at the age of 20yrs old in God’s eyes. Children are still children from the ages of 19 yrs old and downward. Although throughout those 19 yrs, children are supposed to be prepped to be capable adults by the age 20, because now their liable. Before baptizing, consider these scriptures – Deuteronomy 4: 10, Prov 29: 15, 17-18
Deuteronomy 4:10
10. Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.
Proverbs 29:15, 17-18
15. The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Skip to 17
17. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.
18. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
((I don’t have any kids, but I’ve experience my mom and dad saying to me, “I don’t have to worry about you.” It’s a delight for parents, not to worry about their children all the time. I take care of my business. I’ve been seeking righteousness for awhile now, and by the strength of the Lord, I’m able to uphold myself, and be the man that God want to be. I keep these scriptures in mind. Check’em out.))
Ecclesiastes 11:9-10
9. Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.
10. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.
1 Corinthians 13:11
11. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
Why is there division/denominations amongst Christians if the bible states this in Ephesians 4: 4-6?
Ephesians 4:4-6 (King James Version)
4. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5. One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
An answer from God:
Proverbs 3:5 (King James Version)
5. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
((Many people have leaned to their own understanding, opinions, interpretation, and this is what happens when that is done. Let’s continue to the next scripture.))
2 Peter 1: 20
20. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
Romans 10:2-3 (King James Version)
1. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
2. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
(((This is what has happen, this is why we have all these denominations, religions, and different faiths. People are self-willed, and coming up with their own interpretation. They’ve created their own doctrine, their own commandments, their own brand of righteousness, whatever is suitable to fit their lifestyle or way of living, which can’t be read in the bible. You know, saying comments like, “I don’t think or believe God will be angry at people for doing this or that. My response would be, “Well, If God is the authority and head of our life and he’s giving us an informative/instructional manual of how he operate, along with what he expects of us as servants in detail: his laws, statues, judments, and commandments, telling us what he hate and what tics him off. So therefore, if we fear and believe what he had written, we don’t have to wonder, think, or be confused about what he dislike or like, it’s written. If we want to live forever, we have to conform to him, not he to us.” So… who are the congregations following? Who are you following? Let’s continue.)))
((For instance, let’s take a look at the Pharisees and the Sadducess: These next scriptures are a prime example of how denominations are started.))
Acts 23:6-8
6. But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
((Keep in mind that Paul says that he’s a Pharisee, which believes in the hope and resurrection of the dead. Let’s continue.))
7. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
8. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
((So…what do we have here? Division. These are the leaders/pastors of the churches back then. Paul, the Pharisee, and the other Pharisees confess and believe both(resurrection, angel, spirit). On the other hand, the Sadducees don’t believe neither. There’s no difference today. We have many denominations that are under the umbrella of Christ, yet are divided, and don’t believe this, or don’t believe that. About 17 years ago, this guy told me that, “If you are not a member of a church called, **Church of Christ** , you will not get into the Kingdom of God. I didn’t know the truth back then, but I know now. This is what’s going on. People repping(boasting) their denomination, and not putting the Word of God in the forefront. It don’t matter if a church is called, “From the bottom to the Top or God takes No mess or 4 the people.” What matter is, “What is being taught, the truth or false doctrine. The Father and his Christ is looking for where the truth is, not a title. Let’s continue with Paul preaching to the Corinthians.))
1 Corinthians 1:9-13
9. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
10. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
((How can we be joined together, if churches are teaching different doctrines? The church of Christ is not divided. Man has divided himself and others. How can we be joined together in the same mind and same judgment? By believing, keeping, and teaching the full gospel, not partial, or what we don’t mind observing and casting out what’s dis-likable. Let’s continue.))
11. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
((You, know. Arguing just to be arguing. Rebelling, cause so and so seen, found, or did this or that first. Sometimes the word of God can be real easy to be understood, plain English, not even big words being used in the scripture, yet we’ll have some say, “That’s your interpretation or It don’t really mean that or That’s how you see it.” Let’s continue.))
12. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
Naw(No)…Naw(No)..and Naw..(No). Christ is not divided, neither was Paul crucified for us, and no, we weren’t baptized in the name of Paul. Let’s continue and look at the Pharisees and Sadducees again.
Matthew 16: 1
1. The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
((Back in those days, the Pharisees and Sadducees where considered our leaders, pastors, bishops, preachers, etc. These cats tempting him, basically putting him on the spot, maybe heard of his power, asking him to show us that you have the power that we hear of. Let’s continue.))
2. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
3. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
((What it is, is..that they put their effort and time into guessing, and predicting the sky, like they’re really doing something, yet don’t believe, understand, nor teach the signs of the times. Which are needful for our best interest, even safety from the Great Tribulation, etc. Jesus started blast’em some more. Let’s continue.))
4. A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
((Jesus called them wicked, and adulterous, seeking after a sign. You, know: something dramatic has to be done for them to believe. He gave a sign, yet they screwed that up too. I’m not even gonna deal with that right now. Let’s continue.))
5. And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
6. Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
((Was Jesus literally talking about bread that we eat with our mouth, let’s continue.))
11. How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
12. Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
((This is what Jesus was warning us about: The Doctrine, the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees, not physical bread, but their spiritual bread, which can be consumed by the eyes or ears. Their spiritual bread is tainted, which makes it the spiritual bread of death(deceit). Let’s continue.))
Proverbs 20:17-18
17. Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Yeah…it’s sweet to your taste. Whatever is your desire, they’ve got something for ya, but afterwards you’ll have a mouth full of gravel. What nourishment can you get from a box of rocks? Let’s continue.
Psalm 1:1
1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
((In order to not be deceived or tricked by the counsel of the ungodly(whoever, specifically the ungodly pastors), we have to read and understand God’s words, because he’s gonna point’em out. Blessed are the one’s that take heed. Let’s continue.))
Psalm 2:2
2. The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
((Who are the Kings and rulers of the earth which take counsel against the Father and his anointed(Christ)? Numerous presidents, governors, senators, ect., those who stand in power to set up laws for countries, states, city’s, and communities. The Pastors, Bishops, Preachers and leaders are held in high regard amongst the people in the communities, they are giving a certain degree of ruler-ship in the communities, and the people of the communities look for direction from these guys, yet many are erroneous leaders. Teaching things which they ought not, using the name of Jesus, yet not glorifying the Father and his word, but glorifying themselves, and pushing their doctrine, or some other man’s doctrine. Who’s counsel does not have loop holes or malfunctions? Let’s find out.))
Psalm 33:11
11. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
TO ALL GENERATIONS…! Everyone’s without excuse!
Proverbs 20: 18
18. Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
((Our purpose as servants of God is to be established in strength by God’s counsel, not man’s. If we want to fulfill some potentials while living, we must as much as possible weigh out all choices by God’s counsel(his word). When we accept his word, and live it, we can make war, without being defeated. Check this out.
Proverbs 21:30-31
30. There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.
((There is nothing man can come up with that can stand against the counsel of the Lord.))
31. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.
((Mankind most of the time rely on what they can see or physically used to defend themselves. No matter how much man prepare or gather up for battle against truth, he’ll never out-do, neither save himself from the wrath of God. We must or continue to seek the Lord’s safety(his counsel/ his word) to be delivered. Let’s look at how some Pharisees approached Jesus.))
Matthew 15:1-3, 8-9
1. Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
2. Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
((This is a custom, we practice today. It’s not a sin to not wash your hands before eating. What if you and two or three people are stranded on the freeway for 2 days, with just enough food and water to last about 2 days. Are you guys gonna be worried about using that water to drink and rinse your hands before eating? If you got some sense, you wouldn’t be worried about rinsing your hands with that water. If you found yourself doing that, you’ll also find yourself feeling like you’re dying of thirst, because you’ve wasted water, especially if you haven’t ever practiced fasting(no liquids or foods), trying to practice a custom of man. Let’s continue.))
3. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
(transgress- meaning break) Jesus hit’em with scriptures. These cats(men) trying to catch Jesus up with some rule mankind has come up with by himself, which have no substance of life everlasting. Let’s continue.))
8. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. Ref. Isaiah 29: 13
Note: Heart(mind) is far from me.
9. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
((So man, over hundreds and thousands of years have been worshiping God, calling on his name, praying to him not knowing who he really is out of ignorance or just knowingly understand the truth, yet desiring to be rebellious(plainly don’t care about what he expect from us), teaching and coming up with doctrines, the commandments of men. What about the commandments of God? Thousands of churches disregard the commandments of God. I’ve heard this statement,” We don’t have to keep them commandments,” or “We can’t keep them commandments, they’re to hard.” I asked the question. In order to inherit eternal life, do we have to keep the Father’s commandments, laws, statues, and judgments? If, he or she say no. I say, “Show me in the scriptures?” Basically, many pastors, preachers, deacons, bishops, and leaders are teaching the people that it don’t really matter if you commit sin, just repent, you don’t have to strive with all your might and restrain yourself from committing sins for instance: having and serving other gods, taking the Lords name in vain, profaning and breaking the Gods Seventh Sabbath Day(Saturday), dishonoring your Father and Mother, killing your neighbor, committing adultery with your neighbors spouse, stealing from your neighbor, bearing false witness against your neighbor, or coveting(lusting) to have what your neighbor have- his house, his wife, his possessions, etc..
This is why this world is engulfed in sin now, because maybe 3% of the people are striving with their might to Love God and Love their neighbor(Exodus chpt.20: 1-17), and 97% of the people are self-willed, believing and saying “I’m my own man, I’m my own woman, I do what I want, when I want, and how I want. Whoever is in my way, beware. I’m not budging.” Where is the consideration, passion, and love? If we don’t have, learn, then teach the commandments, these 3(consideration, compassion, and love) will be lacking greatly within most of us. Let’s continue))
Matthew 7:13-14(King James Version)
13. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
The straight gate is where the truth is. What’s in the wide? Any, and all religions, and faiths contrary to the Father’s Truth. Many are there that go to the wide gate, because in their mind, “I got a whole slew of religions to choose from, whatever fits my fancy and I’m cool with is where I want to be.” Whatever your sweet tooth desire is, Satan will get a man to serve you whatever you like. We must be aware of what we’re eating. Few be there that find the narrow and strait gate. Why? Because you have to tow the line, it’s not a loosely guideline, where anything goes. Anything goes within that wide gate, which ends in destruction. You know, it’s a saying out there, that goes something like this, “I might suffer later, but I’m gone enjoy myself now”, or “I might have to pay later, but I’m gone get mine in now.” If you wind up paying, it’s gone be forever(The lake of fire: fire burning yo body, while worms crawl and chew on your body).
We are all sinners, yet we must continuously withdraw ourselves from being willful sinners. **READ-BELIEVE-HOPE-LIVE IT-ACHIEVE ETERNAL LIFE** Wickedness, reigning over us, doesn’t have to be. **FIGHT** Let’s continue..
Ezekiel 33:19-20 (KJV)
19. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby.
((God cannot lie(ref. Titus 1: 1-3), if we keep his laws, we shall live forever.))
20. Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways.
((We must do that which is lawful and right. Do you want to live forever in the Fathers Kingdom(New Jerusalem), where there will not be any tears, pain, death, sorrow, or crying(Ref. Revelation 21: 1-5)?
Revelation 21: 1-5
1. And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
2. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Let’s get it yall!