Columbus, OH
Scripture Reflection by Sang Sur on Ephesians 2:10,12-13,19-20 posted July 16, 2013 - Prayer Tents
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Verse 10. God has a specific path for each of our lives—to do what is good. The word good may sound bland to us since there may be better words such as “great,” “awesome,” “excellent,” or “best;” yet, throughout Scriptures we see terms like God is “good,” and in Genesis, “God saw that it was good.”
The word good actually signifies perfection, something excellent, best, of great(est) beauty... and those are the kinds of plans He has for each of us.
Do you accept that He created us to be His masterpiece and continues to transform us toward the “good”?
Verses 12-13. Here's the message of grace. Though we were far away, we have now been accepted because of what Jesus has done.
Verses 19-20. Here's the picture of a church. It is not you standing by yourself, but a community of believers who form the church.
It is essential for us to be involved in a believing community—wherever we may be! Otherwise, we become hypocrites when we say that we believe in God and we understand Scriptures—because certainly Satan knows the Scriptures well too and he has fooled you.
We remain in community because it is our unity of heart that demonstrates to the world that we are followers of Jesus (see John 13:35). So, love one another as the Lord has loved you. Make that your lifestyle, for this is what He calls us to, and this makes us the church.
10For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 12In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. 13But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. 19So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. 20Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
New York, NY
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New York, NY
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Scriptures Marked by Sang Sur
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Friday, October 31, 2025
Can be interpreted as, some were already alcoholics in the past, and they might be afraid to jump back in. So those who are strong, who were never influenced by alcohol, must care for those who are "w... [see more]
Can be interpreted as, some were already alcoholics in the past, and they might be afraid to jump back in. So those who are strong, who were never influenced by alcohol, must care for those who are "w... [see more]
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Paul went to speak with those who were interested. He didn't preach or hold discussions with people who didn't care. Over time, as people (in relationship), find interest, let's be ready to engage.
Paul went to speak with those who were interested. He didn't preach or hold discussions with people who didn't care. Over time, as people (in relationship), find interest, let's be ready to engage.
Saturday, September 27, 2025
"tremendous sense of holy" or "great fear" comes by the grace of God. We need this more today, and only God can provide this.
"tremendous sense of holy" or "great fear" comes by the grace of God. We need this more today, and only God can provide this.
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Slipping away from busy days. The more busy and hectic work becomes, the more we must practice slipping away and spending time with God. That's what Jesus practiced and modeled for us.
Slipping away from busy days. The more busy and hectic work becomes, the more we must practice slipping away and spending time with God. That's what Jesus practiced and modeled for us.
Monday, September 22, 2025
Jesus went out and stepped forward. Jesus takes the hit to protect us. Many kings and so-called "leaders" would let their subordinates take the hit for them before they are captured. Yet, Jesus step... [see more]
Jesus went out and stepped forward. Jesus takes the hit to protect us. Many kings and so-called "leaders" would let their subordinates take the hit for them before they are captured. Yet, Jesus step... [see more]
Monday, September 22, 2025
Preparation for the next steps. Jesus went ahead to the place where He would be captured. When we know we have a challenge ahead, here is an example showing us to go there early and pray. Though not... [see more]
Preparation for the next steps. Jesus went ahead to the place where He would be captured. When we know we have a challenge ahead, here is an example showing us to go there early and pray. Though not... [see more]
Monday, September 22, 2025
Jesus prayed this prayer in front of His disciples. Yet, we know his heart was heavy (next chapter). It shows Jesus was able to carry a heavy heart, and yet, pray for (bless) his disciples, even despi... [see more]
Jesus prayed this prayer in front of His disciples. Yet, we know his heart was heavy (next chapter). It shows Jesus was able to carry a heavy heart, and yet, pray for (bless) his disciples, even despi... [see more]
Monday, September 22, 2025
We should also recognize what we have is a gift from Him. Not anything we have earned or made by our might.
We should also recognize what we have is a gift from Him. Not anything we have earned or made by our might.
Monday, September 22, 2025
That's our job too, to manifest who God really is (make God known because we live in His character)
That's our job too, to manifest who God really is (make God known because we live in His character)
Saturday, September 20, 2025
The challenge of handling money. In our world where money is praised as king, it is dangerous to handle money. Judas is not the only one who would fall into such idolatry, pushing him toward theft a... [see more]
The challenge of handling money. In our world where money is praised as king, it is dangerous to handle money. Judas is not the only one who would fall into such idolatry, pushing him toward theft a... [see more]
Friday, September 19, 2025
Could it be that any of our ailments, including difficult circumstances, be to show the glory of God? (Miracles!) Recognizing that God is responsible for the results can give us peace through the wor... [see more]
Could it be that any of our ailments, including difficult circumstances, be to show the glory of God? (Miracles!) Recognizing that God is responsible for the results can give us peace through the wor... [see more]
Monday, September 8, 2025
Jesus appoints us the same, to be continually by His side, to preach and have authority to heal the sick and cast out demons.
Jesus appoints us the same, to be continually by His side, to preach and have authority to heal the sick and cast out demons.
Sunday, September 7, 2025
God had a special plan for Peter. All disciples vowed to not deny Jesus. It wasn't just Peter who was confronted with this question. But why was Peter singled out? Because he has a special mission, ... [see more]
God had a special plan for Peter. All disciples vowed to not deny Jesus. It wasn't just Peter who was confronted with this question. But why was Peter singled out? Because he has a special mission, ... [see more]
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Children do not pay taxes (or are heavily burdened). These verses share two truths regarding our eternal lives. Children (of God), those who have faith in Jesus, will 1. Are exempt from laboring to ... [see more]
Children do not pay taxes (or are heavily burdened). These verses share two truths regarding our eternal lives. Children (of God), those who have faith in Jesus, will 1. Are exempt from laboring to ... [see more]
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Enjoy our foolishness—that's power! How did Peter, James and John know it was Moses and Elijah? They never saw them from a thousand year ago. They felt it was them, and it was. They spoke foolishl... [see more]
Enjoy our foolishness—that's power! How did Peter, James and John know it was Moses and Elijah? They never saw them from a thousand year ago. They felt it was them, and it was. They spoke foolishl... [see more]
Sunday, August 24, 2025
God's provision. Mary and Joseph had no money to even find a place to give birth, but the angel tells them now to move to a foreign land. Where would they get the provision to do this? God sent the ... [see more]
God's provision. Mary and Joseph had no money to even find a place to give birth, but the angel tells them now to move to a foreign land. Where would they get the provision to do this? God sent the ... [see more]
Saturday, August 23, 2025
How can an eight year old kid know right from wrong, other than to follow the ways of his parents. Jehoiachin has a sad story with parents who believed they were God's followers, but were not. Now th... [see more]
How can an eight year old kid know right from wrong, other than to follow the ways of his parents. Jehoiachin has a sad story with parents who believed they were God's followers, but were not. Now th... [see more]
Friday, August 22, 2025
As kings (leaders in the places where God has established us), people are awaiting the right decision. They want to act, but due to our inattention, they might just twiddle their thumbs hoping for tru... [see more]
As kings (leaders in the places where God has established us), people are awaiting the right decision. They want to act, but due to our inattention, they might just twiddle their thumbs hoping for tru... [see more]
Friday, August 22, 2025
Let this be our cry, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Decide to trust God only, then act continually in accordance with that decision.
Let this be our cry, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Decide to trust God only, then act continually in accordance with that decision.
Friday, August 22, 2025
First steps as a king (or any position, venture). Take care of things broken that relate to our worship of God. Hezekiah, known as a good king in God's eyes, first repaired the temple his dad messed ... [see more]
First steps as a king (or any position, venture). Take care of things broken that relate to our worship of God. Hezekiah, known as a good king in God's eyes, first repaired the temple his dad messed ... [see more]
Friday, August 22, 2025
When we are bullied (injured by others, led to uncertainty), we are to go to God. The opposite is pride and self-reliance. And it never works.
When we are bullied (injured by others, led to uncertainty), we are to go to God. The opposite is pride and self-reliance. And it never works.
Friday, August 22, 2025
God's grace gives us the ability to turn and repent. When we think about the hardening of the hearts of people in the past (Pharaoh, Israelites, etc.), we can't imagine a winning army turning from th... [see more]
God's grace gives us the ability to turn and repent. When we think about the hardening of the hearts of people in the past (Pharaoh, Israelites, etc.), we can't imagine a winning army turning from th... [see more]
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Not internalizing what we hear. Joash heard "sermons" all his life. Yet, he didn't internalize them and took them lightly. Perhaps he is a picture of a modern day church-goer who attends faithfully ... [see more]
Not internalizing what we hear. Joash heard "sermons" all his life. Yet, he didn't internalize them and took them lightly. Perhaps he is a picture of a modern day church-goer who attends faithfully ... [see more]
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Joash never grew up. At seven, he had a great mentor Jehoiada who directed him in God's ways. Things went well when Joash followed. Yet, his growth should have led to making those wise decisions hi... [see more]
Joash never grew up. At seven, he had a great mentor Jehoiada who directed him in God's ways. Things went well when Joash followed. Yet, his growth should have led to making those wise decisions hi... [see more]
Monday, August 18, 2025
When God responds, the actions of a king, and actions of the priests. When God speaks (prophets): Kings kneel before Him submitting to God and causing everyone else to follow suit. Priests rise up ... [see more]
When God responds, the actions of a king, and actions of the priests. When God speaks (prophets): Kings kneel before Him submitting to God and causing everyone else to follow suit. Priests rise up ... [see more]
Monday, August 18, 2025
A way to defend, pray. When a battle comes our way, our immediate stance can be to take action, prepare for war, or do anything to minimize the blow or overcome the attack. Yet, there is a more impo... [see more]
A way to defend, pray. When a battle comes our way, our immediate stance can be to take action, prepare for war, or do anything to minimize the blow or overcome the attack. Yet, there is a more impo... [see more]
Sunday, August 17, 2025
How to gain respect. Let God grant that for you. Jehoshaphat didn't do much beyond setting up defenses, which is expected for a king. Yet, there was a strange glow of respect for him throughout the l... [see more]
How to gain respect. Let God grant that for you. Jehoshaphat didn't do much beyond setting up defenses, which is expected for a king. Yet, there was a strange glow of respect for him throughout the l... [see more]
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