Dean's Devos Part 5: Ephesians 3:1-11 – A Stewardship of Grace

by Dr. John Harvey

Let’s take a look at what Paul has to say about this mystery that is the gospel.

Verses 3-7 describe the mystery of the gospel.

Paul’s argument is a little complicated here. It’s as though he begins one idea; then, breaks off to chase another idea; then, returns to his original idea. Regardless, he makes three points about the gospel. First, it was not made known to previous generations (v.5a). Second, God’s Spirit has now revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets (v.5b). Third, it brings the Gentiles into the promise (v.6). That third point is huge and goes back to what we talked about last week—the fact that God has broken down everything that divides us, has us made into one brand new race, and has totally reversed our helpless, homeless, and hopeless condition.

Certainly, the idea was implicit in the OT.

• Abraham – “In you all the nations of the earth will be blessed.”
• Jonah – “Go to Nineveh and preach.” 
• Isaiah – “I have placed you as a light to the nations.” 
• Psalms – I will give thanks to you, Lord, among the nations.” 

But Jesus made the implicit explicit:

• Matthew 28 – “Disciple all the nations.”
• Mark 16 – “Preach the gospel to all creation.” 
• Luke 24 – “Forgiveness of sins will be preached to all the nations.” 
• Acts 1 – “You will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth.” 

The message of salvation is now a message that’s for everyone, and Jesus has entrusted it to us as a stewardship of grace.

Verses 8-12 describe the impact of the gospel.

Paul continues by explaining what the preaching of the gospel does. He highlights four results. First, it proclaims the unsearchable riches of Christ (v.8)—and we can never get to the bottom of those riches. Second, it brings to light the mystery that has been hidden in God (v.9)—but now it is revealed in Jesus. Third, it makes known God’s multi-faceted wisdom (v.10)—it’s like a sparkling diamond under a bright light. It fulfills God’s eternal purpose (v.11)—it accomplishes what God has intended since Adam and Eve sinned.

Do you know what’s amazing? What’s amazing is that Jesus entrusted this gospel to his church to make it known to all the nations. Jesus has entrusted the gospel to us as a stewardship of grace. If we don’t share it, no one will.

Verse 13 describes the cost of the gospel.

The last point Paul makes about the gospel is that it comes with a cost. When he wrote to the church in Ephesus, Paul was in prison in Rome. Why? Because of the opposition he encountered among the Jews for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. But imprisonment wasn’t his only tribulation. Take a look at the list in 2 Corinthians 11:24-27.

What cost are you willing to pay for sharing the gospel with others? A little embarrassment? The possibility of rejection? The possibility of being considered a religious weirdo? Just remember the glory that results when someone responds in repentance and faith (“which is your glory”).

Jesus gives us a new message to share.

That message extends the good news to everyone. It has an amazing impact. it comes with a cost, but when someone responds in repentance and faith it bring glory to God. We talked earlier about the servants entrusted with the talents. They were given stewardship over their master’s money. We have been given a stewardship of grace over something far more important: the gospel.

In Matthew 24:45-46, Jesus asks this question, “Who is the faithful and sensible [steward] whom his master put in charge?” His answer is, “Blessed is that [steward] whom his master finds so doing when he comes.” In Matthew 25:23, Jesus utters the words we should all long to hear, “Well done, good and faithful [steward].” your stewardship of grace this week? Will you hear Jesus say “Well done!”

Alumni Spotlight: David Satterlee (MDiv Cross-cultural Ministry, 1989)

David has enjoyed a fulfilling career in software testing while serving the local church in teaching Sunday School and some lay preaching.

Chapel This Week: Feb 25-27 Authority of Scripture Week

Dean's Devos Part #4: Ephesians 2:11-22 – Welcome to the Family

Sermon in a Sentence: Jesus gives us a new family to enjoy.

In this passage, Paul follows the same three steps he used last week: what we were, what God did, and who we are.

Verses 11-12 remind us of what we were then.

Since Paul is writing to Gentiles, he uses Jew-Gentile relations as a case study. The Gentiles had three problems (v.12). First, they were without Messiah (helpless). They had no help available when Messiah came. They were on the outside looking in. Second, they were without citizenship (homeless). They were like illegal aliens with no place to call home. Third, they were without God (hopeless). They had no hope for the future and were living “lives of quiet desperation” (H. D. Thoreau).

Actually, those problems do not simply describe one group of people. They describe each one of us. We were separated; we were isolated; we were alienated. We were away from home and on our own. We were all alone in a sea of humanity. The poet says that no man is an island, but that’s exactly what we were—each of us was an island with no connection to any other island and a lot of water in between.

Apart from Christ, our interpersonal relationships were a mess. The good news is—that was then, but this is now.

Verses 13-18 remind us of what God did.

Verse 13 is where we meet “But now . . .” Verses 13-18 are where we find out about the difference God made in our relationships with one another.

Paul continues talking about Jew-Gentle relationships and says that Jesus’ death had three effects on those relationships. First, his death destroyed the dividing wall (v.14). You see, the Gentiles were forbidden to enter the inner court of the Temple. They were relegated to the Court of the Gentiles. Jesus tore that wall down. Second, his death created a new race (v.15). The word Paul uses (kainos) denotes “new of a different kind.” The new race Jesus was neither Jew nor Gentile; it was Christian. Third, his death gave all of us direct access to God (v.17; cf. Heb 10:19-22). We no longer need to go through a mediator, because there is one mediator between God and man—Jesus (1 Tim 2:5).

It’s not just about Jew-Gentile relations. It’s about every other man-made division as well: black-white, Yankee-Southerner, Democrat-Republican, Carolina-Clemson. God took every division humankind could make and threw all of them into the darkest cave you could ever find, into the depths of the deep blue sea, into the blackest hole in outer space—he made peace among enemies. That’s what’s new: Jesus gives us a new family to enjoy.

Verses 19-22 remind us of who we are now.

“Therefore . . .” marks the conclusion. Jesus has erased all the divisions between Jew and Gentile—and between all of us. In fact, he has done more than erase the divisions; he has brought us together and made us part of something greater than we could ever have imagined. He has made us into his people, his church.

Paul says we are no longer homeless (without citizenship)—we are fellow-citizens of God’s kingdom (v.19). We are no longer helpless (without Christ)—we are fitted together into Christ’s redeemed building (v.20-21). We are no longer hopeless (without God)—we are part of the place where God dwells (v.22). We are now part of a new creation, a new kingdom, a new society. We are now God’s people and God’s family. We now have more in common than natural siblings. And so . . .

Jesus gives us a new family to enjoy.

We were helpless, homeless, and hopeless. We were separated, isolated, and alienated. We were away from home, all alone, and on our own. But now we are fellow-citizens, part of Christ’s building, and the place where God dwells. This new place of belonging is what we call the church. It’s not the building, though. It’s the people. Together we are now the family of God.

If you think about the picture Paul paints, you realize that each of us is uniquely designed and uniquely gifted for a specific role in that family. Each of us has a job to do if the family is going to function properly. Do you know where you fit? Is the family functioning as it should because you are functioning as you are supposed to function?

That’s one aspect. Here’s another. Over in Romans 12, Paul says that members of the family rejoice when others are rejoicing and weep when others are weeping. Why? Because part of being in a family is caring for one another. Do you truly care about the other members of this family? Do you pray for one another? Do you see a need and act on it?

Chapel This Week: February 17-21

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A Valentine's Day Ode to Love

by Dr. John Harvey

Stories on the origin of Valentine’s Day abound. Most likely, February 14 was chosen as the observance of the burial of Valentinius, a priest who lived in the third century. Valentinius ministered to persecuted Christians in Rome, when it wasn’t legal to do so. Part of the legend is that after he healed a lady, he gave her a note signed “your Valentine.” Another part of the legend is that he gave soldiers cut-out parchment hearts to remind them of God’s love. Regardless of the details, the ministry of Valentinius was more about sacrificial love than romantic love. His sacrificial love for persecuted Christians showed others what God looked like. To state that idea as a transferable truth: When we love, others see God in us. That is the truth we see in the three stanzas of 1 John 4:7-12.

The first stanza reminds us that God is the source of love (4:7-8).

Beloved, let us love one another,
because love is from God,
and everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God.
The one who does not love does not know God,
because God is love. 

In verse 7, John states unequivocally that “love is from God.” The Greek preposition he uses paints the picture of “out of from within.” That is, love originates from the very core of who God is. Then in verse 8, John clarifies the reason that God is the source of love: “for God is love.” Love is at the very core of who God is. In his substance, he is “spirit” (John 4:24); in his nature, he is “light” (1 John 1:5) and “love” (1 John 4:8). God is the source of love because he is, by definition, love. He can do nothing other than love, and if we love, we demonstrate that we are God’s children (“born of God”). If others see God’s love in us, it is because he is the source of love. 

The second stanza reminds us that Jesus is the demonstration of love (4:9-10).

God’s love was manifested among us in this,
that God sent his only son into the world that we might live through him.
In this is love,
not that we have loved God,
but that he loved us and sent his son as a propitiation for our sins.

Despite the fact that our love demonstrates that we are God’s children, our love—even our love for God—does not provide a true example of what love is. Only Jesus can do that. Twice John reminds us that “God sent his son,” and he gives two results of that act. In verse 10, John says that God sent Jesus as a “propitiation for our sins.” The idea of propitiation is the satisfying of wrath by a sacrifice. Our pastor in Toronto defined it this way: “God’s frown turns to a smile.” The result in verse 9 follows logically from God’s frown turning to a smile—John says that “we live through him.” Why do we live? Because Jesus died in our place to satisfy God’s wrath. If others see God’s love in us, it’s because he demonstrated love in Jesus. 

The third stanza reminds us that we can be the revelation of love (4:11-12).

Beloved, if God loved us in this way,
we also ought to love one another.
No one has seen God at any time;
if we love one another, God abides in us,
and his love has been fulfilled in us.

John began by writing “let us love one another.” Now, he returns to that idea and says it twice in these verses. In John 13, Jesus taught that our love for one another proves we are his disciples. Here, John says that our love for one another lets others see God in us. That idea is pretty amazing when you consider that John 1:18 says that no one has ever seen God, but the son has “made him known.” When you put this idea together with the rest of Scripture, it teaches us that God reveals himself through creation, through Scripture, through Jesus, and through our love for one another. That last one is both encouraging and challenging. When God abides in us, and when his love is perfectly fulfilled in our love for one another, others see God in us. How’s that for a valentine to the world? 

So, maybe Valentinius gave soldiers cut-out parchment hearts, and maybe he signed a note or two to ladies with “your Valentine.” But God gave the greatest valentine of all: he sent his own son to die for us so that we might live for him. And now, we can reveal God’s love to a watching world by loving one another like Jesus loved us. When we love, others see God in us.

Dean's Devo's: Part #3: Ephesians 2:1-10 – “But God . . .”

by Dr. John Harvey

Sermon in a Sentence: Jesus gives us new lives to live. 

Paul sets out his teaching in three steps: what we were, what God did, and who we are.

Verses 1-3 remind us of what we were then.

We were dead in our trespasses and sins (v.1)—not almost dead, not partially dead, not sort of dead. We had zero righteousness, zero holiness, zero knowledge of what it means to know God, and zero ability to choose for God.

We were dominated by “the prince of the power of the air” (v.2a)—Satan controlled us and our actions. Everything we did was dictated by the powers of this age: the world, the flesh, and the devil.

We were disobedient just like everyone else who is “in Adam” (v.2b)—we might know what God wanted us to do—whether through a knowledge of his law or through conscience—but we did the opposite.

We were doomed to experience God’s wrath (v.3)—we were on a one-way conveyor belt to hell, where we would experience the full wrath of God for all eternity.

Isn’t that a lovely existence? Don’t you want to stay right there forever? But here’s the problem: we didn’t know there was anything better. Dead, dominated, disobedient, and doomed was the only existence we knew. But there’s good news.

Verses 4-7 remind us of what God did.

Verse 4 begins with these words: “But God . . .” With those two words, the entire direction of our lives changed. We were headed for disaster, an eternity separated from God, but God stepped in and changed everything.

In 1:15-23, Paul talked about the great new power that raised Jesus from the dead, seated him at God’s right hand, and put everything under his feet (1:19-22). Now Paul tells us that God did the same thing for us—he made us alive with Jesus, he raised us with Jesus, and he seated us at God’s right hand with Jesus.

Why did God do it? Because of the great love with which he loved us (v.4). To what end did he do it? To show the surpassing riches of his grace (v.7). What’s the result? We talked about it last week: we were born again to a living hope (1 Pet 1:3).

Verses 8-10 remind us of who we are now.

We know verses 8-9 very well, but we sometimes stop there. If we do, we miss Paul’s point entirely. What’s Paul saying? He’s saying that it’s not about our works; it’s about God’s works. In fact, 2:10 says it pretty strongly: “His work we are.”

But there’s more. God made you alive, raised you, and seated you with Christ in heaven, so that you could make a difference on earth—so that you could walk in the good works he has “pre-prepared” for you.

We now have new lives to live, and we should live them according to the plan God has prepared for us and in the manner God expects of us.

You see, Jesus gives us new lives to live. We were dead, dominated, disobedient, and doomed.

But God made us alive with Christ, raised us with Christ, and seated us with Christ in the heavenlies. So, now, we have new lives to live. If you have been made alive, raised, and seated with Christ, what are the good works in which you should be walking?

Black History Week: A New Perspective on “Grace Relations"

By Naomi Balk, CIU Student Writer

CIU celebrated Black History Month with Dr. Charles Ware, executive director of Grace Relations at the College of Biblical Studies in Indianapolis. In a week of Chapel messages, Ware challenged students to allow “grace relations,” not just race relations, to characterize their association with people of different backgrounds and ethnicity.

The week was organized by CIU’s African American Student Association (AASA) bringing students together for an ice cream social, a Gathering or open forum, and a banquet.

AASA president, Brandon McClaine said that God was “truly speaking through the week.”

“There was a sense of growth and maturity [on campus],” McClaine said. “I think after this week, it’s up to us to continue in [the revival],” adding that students were empowered with “the right tools to go out and impact the community.”

Dr. Charles Ware challenges students to "grace relations" at Black History Month celebration.

In one Chapel message, Ware addressed the excellence of love from 1 John 4:9-11 and John 13. Instead of being called white or black, Ware said, “Color me love. That’s the command, because He loved us. … We need to be so free in His love that we can selflessly love others.”

He challenged the CIU student body, “Is the gospel powerful enough for racial reconciliation? Do we dare believe that we can move beyond race relations to the unity of grace relations?”

At the Gathering, Ware joined with CIU Philosophy Professor Dr. Jonathan Reibsamen and students who worshipped and engaged in a Socratic style discussion about race topics in a safe space.

The Banquet was a celebration of how far America has come in race relations, and a challenge to consider what it means to leave a legacy.

Bernard Backman, the grandfather of AASA’s event coordinator Donte’ Mackey, gave a charge to students.

“I was born in 1950. [The] era [of segregation] was my era,” Backman said. “We have come a long way. You meet no strangers, only friends, that’s something my mamma told me.”

Backman referenced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream that his children would one day live in a nation where they are not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

“King’s dream is remembered for the legacy of his dream which is reaching completion,” Backman said. He finished by challenging the students, “What’s your legacy going to be?”

George Huff, a CIU junior, said he was deeply moved by the banquet.

“AASA has positively moved our campus in an extraordinary and even inspiring way,” Huff said. “A lot of people talk about positively impacting culture, while AASA is actually doing it.”

Meanwhile in a personal interview with Charles Ware, he said he hopes the students have a good understanding of the love of Christ for them as sinners saved by grace, and are secure in that identity.

“Practically, they can create relationships with others,” Ware added. “We have to get to us-and-us conversations because in us-and-them conversations someone’s got to lose. But if Christ wins, we advance the kingdom of God. If I can (help some) see in that direction, praise God.”

Hear Black History Week Chapel messages with Dr. Charles Ware at CIU’s podcast page.

Community is at the heart of Columbia International University. CIU consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Excitement is growing on campus with increased enrollment and new academic programs such as the Bachelor of Science in Disaster Relief and Emergency Management. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.

Chapel This Week: Feb 11-14

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John Maxwell coming to CIU

Dean's Devos: Series: All Things New (part 2) Ephesians 1:15-23 – Eyes to See

by Dr. John Harvey

Our new identity comes with special privileges, and Paul says that we need spiritual eyes to see those privileges.

The first privilege is the new hope that comes from God calling us (1:18b).

In the Bible, hope is being so certain of something that you wait eagerly for it to appear. You can’t see it now, but you are confident that you will see it when God determines the time is right. The source of our new hope is God’s act of calling us to himself, and that calling is part of the process that will lead to our being glorified with Jesus. (Rom 8:28-30)

What’s the nature of your hope this morning? Is it wishful thinking, or is it confident expectation? What’s the focus of your hope this morning? Is it your own efforts, or is it the certainty that God will complete what he has begun?

Peter says that we are “born again to a living hope” (1 Pet 1:3). The living hope that comes from God calling us is the first privilege that accompanies our new identity. Do you have eyes to see the new hope that is yours because of what God has done in Christ?

The second privilege is the new glory that comes from God inheriting us (1:18c).

Do you realize that, not only are you God’s possession, you are also God’s inheritance? When we think about an inheritance, we usually think about what we get. That’s all well and good, but it’s not Paul’s idea here. His focus is not on what we get; it’s on what God gets—it’s his inheritance.

You might think, “Well, if God gets us, that’s not a very good deal for him!” But look a little closer. What does it say? Paul calls it “rich glory.” How can that be? How can we be rich glory to God? It’s rich glory because when God fully and finally glorifies us, it demonstrates the riches of the glory of his grace that he lavished on us in Christ (1:8).

Do you understand that you are a glorious trophy of God’s grace? Do you have eyes to see the new glory that shines in you because of what God has done in Christ?

The third privilege is the new power that comes from God working in us (1:19a).

Paul’s point is that the power he’s describing is truly “great power.” It goes along with “living hope” and “rich glory.”

God has demonstrated the greatness of that power through what he has done for Christ. That’s what he’s telling us in verses 20-22. When he raised Christ (1:20a), he demonstrated his power over death. When he enthroned Christ (1:20b-21), he demonstrated his power over enemies and opposition. When he subjected all things to Christ (1:22), he demonstrated his power over all things.

We now have access to the power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at God’s right hand—power over death, power over enemies, and power over all things.

Do you understand the power that is available to you? Do you have eyes to see the new power that’s yours because God is at work in you? Will you embrace your new power this morning?

Jesus issues us a new identity that comes with three special privileges: new hope, new glory, and new power.
Our new identity is that we are now God’s special possession. So, here’s the question: Will we continue to live as who we were, or will we begin to live as who we are? Will we live in light of our new identity? Will we take God at his word and embrace who he says we are?

President Mark Smith attends important economic development luncheon

CIU President Dr. Mark Smith (right) with Steve Forbes of Forbes Media.

As Columbia International University increases its community involvement, CIU President Dr. Mark Smith dialogues with key members of the state and other influencers.

In January, Smith joined over a dozen state and nationally known leaders for an economic partnership luncheon. Others at the table included University of South Carolina President Robert Caslen, South Carolina businessman Hayne Hipp and Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media. Also in attendance was South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette who has spoken at CIU on two occasions.

From the time Smith became president of CIU and a resident of the Palmetto State, he has shared his desire to volunteer his time and serve state leaders in any way possible, noting that CIU students, faculty and staff are willing to do their part to serve the great state of South Carolina.

Smith serves on the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education representing independent colleges and universities.

Chapel This Week: Black History Week!

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Alumni Spotlight: Trae Capers

Travien L. Capers earned his Master of Arts in 2007. He keeps busy by leading the flock at Zion Benevolent Baptist Church and raising a family of 4 children with his wife. 

Trae works on the CIU campus as an Academic Advisor and Adjunct Instructor. "Also in the interim," writes Trae, "I’ve had the privilege to consult in the area of Faith Based Initiatives, I’ve managed academic programs on various campuses and I’ve built learning management systems for a religious television network."

Trae shares that, "while a student in the SSM, I was blessed to have a true international experience. I studied with people the world over and those relationships have lasted faithfully in the decade since. I really enjoyed the instruction and the personal relationships the faculty forged with the students."

Listen to Trae's chapel January 21, 2020 message, "Say It Loud'