"Anchored in Christ, Empowered by the Spirit and Walking in Confidence"

“This was according to the eternal purpose that He has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him.” (Ephesians 3:11–12)

While Paul was in prison, his heart remained tender toward the Gentile believers in Ephesus. Ironically, the very reason he was imprisoned was because religious leaders accused him of defiling the Temple by bringing Gentiles into the inner court—an accusation that sparked an angry mob. Imagine being in a worship service where believers start a riot simply because people who don’t look like them are worshiping beside them. That was the climate Paul ministered in.

Principles We Can Learn from Paul:

 1. Remain Committed to the Call When Ministry Becomes Tough

God called Paul to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles—a ministry that was controversial and unwelcome among the religious elite. Despite beatings, imprisonment, and mockery, Paul stayed compassionate and committed. His calling mattered more than his comfort.

2. Encourage Others Even When You Feel Discouraged

From prison, Paul wrote to strengthen the Gentile believers. He reminded them that their salvation in Christ was secure. They shared the same eternal life, the same promises, and the same inheritance as every other believer. They were rightful heirs of the Kingdom of God.

3. Access to God Does Not Depend on Human Effort

Paul wrote: “In Christ…we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him.” He was addressing the Gentiles’ insecurities about their identity in Christ.

•       Boldness — freedom from fear, shame, or hesitation

•       Access — genuine, unhindered entry into God’s presence

•       Confidence — assurance without doubt

Our access to God is not based on our spiritual performance. We are fragile, inconsistent, and often double‑minded. Yet God does not treat us as our weaknesses deserve. Instead, He extends grace beyond-beyond what we could ever earn.

Our relationship with Him is anchored in the complete, total, and permanent work of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

 For His glory....

Written by Sandra Kelley (2/17/26)

Let’s pray…………………

Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for the eternal purpose You fulfilled through Christ. Thank you for giving us boldness, access, and confidence in Your presence. Today we pray for the Holy Spirit’s full ministry to be active in us and through us.

Holy Spirit, fill every place in our hearts where fear tries to live. Replace insecurity with boldness, hesitation with confidence, and doubt with unwavering trust in the finished work of Christ. Teach us to walk in the freedom Jesus purchased for us. Strengthen us to remain committed to the call, even when ministry becomes difficult. Help us to love like Paul loved, to encourage others even when we feel discouraged, and to stay faithful when the path is costly.

Holy Spirit, we ask that You operate in us without restriction. 

Lead us into truth. Empower us to obey. Transform our thinking. Purify our motives. Stir up spiritual gifts and produce Your fruit in our daily lives 

Thank You, Father, that our access to You is not based on our performance but on Christ alone. Anchor us in that truth. Let us live as sons and daughters who know we belong to You.

We surrender ourselves to the fullness of the Holy Spirit today—His power, His wisdom, His comfort, His conviction, and His guidance. Use us for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.