I have been blessed throughout my life to have been taught by MANY wise and Godly people. One of those Wise and Godly people was Pastor Ken Solomon. Pastor Solomon spent many years as a missionary in Argentina before “retiring” into the position of Assistant Pastor (as well as founding a local Spanish speaking church in town). I was in my early teens when he came to our church, and one thing I always remember about him was that he prayed some of theLongest prayers I had ever heard. I also knew that he just radiated wisdom; to this day when I think about wise men, he tops the list.
The most important thing that I learned from Pastor Solomon was what he often said when he would read a few verses or a chapter especially from one of Paul’s letters. He would say something to the effect that ‘these verses that we are reading are good, but remember, Paul wrote this and intended it to be read in one sitting like any letter that anyone would write’. That always struck a chord with me. I was never what anyone would consider an avid reader, so it was quite some time before I would see how right he was, but I never forgot him saying that. In fact that was one of the early seeds planted that led to The Minute Bible.
Reading an entire book of The Bible may seem a little daunting, but it certainly adds a new perspective to the message. Paul’s letters in particular are so jam-packed with good stuff, verse by verse that it is often difficult to zoom out and read an entire book as if it were a letter, which in fact it is, but once you do, it will give you a whole new perspective; especially with Paul’s letters. Let’s take a look at Paul’s letter to the Ephesians as an example. A very friendly letter, Paul tells the Ephesians that they are saved through faith, they (basically Jews and gentiles) are now ONE body under Christ, that they should do good, imitate Christ, set good examples for non-believers, work on proper relationships with others, prepare for spiritual battle and be prepared to stand strong for Christ… It is a very encouraging book. It is very easy to get focused on the many fabulous verses and sections that even though it is a short book/letter, reading it as a single letter takes some effort.
To help get an overview of this wonderful letter, check out The Minute Bible summary of Ephesians…
Some of the great verses in Ephesians:
Ephesians 2:8 for it is by grace you have been saved…
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork… or KJV workmanship - any Keith Green fans out there?
Ephesians 4:26 In your anger, do not sin…
Ephesians 4:29 Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church…
And of course Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power…
Soooo much good stuff in there!
I hope you have found this helpful. I’ll be honest, I need your feedback to keep motivated, so if you have any questions, or comments or you just found this helpful, please leave a little comment.
Thanks
The Minute Bible Guy
