1-08-17 - Mystery Revealed

Rev. Steve Ahlersmeyer


 

 

 

Ephesians 3:1-12
1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles – 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom
we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.

Matthew 2:1-12

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold,
wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king
of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod
the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief
priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They
told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 And you, O Bethlehem,
in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come
a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and
ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying,
“Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too
may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the
star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where
the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going
into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him.
Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And
being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.