A Treasury of Illustrations and Quotations from Walking with Jesus: An Expository Commentary Based Upon Paul's Letter to the Ephesians: 9

The Apostle Paul in exercising his ineffable wisdom draws this magnificent letter to a close in an extraordinary manner. Certainly he could have concluded it after telling the masters and servants how to treat one another. But no he did not. He proceeded to challenge them to become Christs Ambassadors and to be proficient in this high calling despite the daily obstacles pressures and temptations. What does Paul boldly state after having told Christs followers [t]hat we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the sleight (trickery) of men and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive? That they will have a life of ease no problems or worries and no challenges disappointments or hardships? No! But he did tell them how to conduct themselves in all of lifes different phases. Further that they were to walk in love as Christ hath also loved us and that not everyone hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Paul contra to the practice today of many preachers teachers and church officers knew the problems that Christs followers faced and he boldly addressed them. He unequivocally stated that there were things appointed for them to do. Knowing these things and the difficulties encountered in following Christ he issued a battle call to each and every follower saying take (up) unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand in the evil day and having done all to stand. Paul was forthright in describing the benefits and challenges of Walking With Jesus as well as the attitude conduct and conversation precluding one from entering the kingdom of Christ and God. If we are to be Christs Ambassadors whether it be preacher teacher church officer or profess- ing Christian we are to know our duties and carry them out resolutely. What are they? They include but are not limited to: discharging our duties honorably; being loyal subjects; following instructions; knowing the Word; and obeying Christs commands. May we along with Paul pray the following with humility and sincerity: For which I am an ambassador . . . that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak as one of His ambassadors. Bob Callahan has brought together a useful compendium of insights about the full range of Christian faith and experience. Preachers and teachers of the Bible can look here for clarifying ideas and quotations to help their hearers take the next step in their growth as Christians. --Michael Bush Presbyterian minister and former professor of Theological Preaching Robert B. Callahan Sr. founded Callahan & Associates Inc. a telecommunications consulting firm in 1976. He is the author of Walking With Jesus an eight volume expository commentary on the Apostle Pauls epistle to the Ephesians.