In this episode of The Kingdom Corner, Matt Geib offers a prayer of encouragement distilled from Ephesians chapter 3 that he calls, Paul’s prayer to obliterate oppression.”

Please note upon production of the episode we wanted to clarify in show notes, Matt said John the Beloved used the word 'MENO' 3 times in His Epistles ...it should BE 30TIMES 

[00:01:22] “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, but faith goeth away by hearing, and hearing the word of men.”

[00:02:11] Matt reads Ephesians 3:13-21 in an effort to provide words of encouragement to the listener in this troubled time in our world’s history, citing the upheaval of the global coronavirus pandemic and culture wars.

[00:03:08] Matt calls today’s message, “Paul’s prayer to obliterate oppression”.

[00:04:55] Matt cites James 1:2-8 as an admonition to welcome trials (oppression) and be encouraged by them as James compels the early church to do.

[00:05:52] Matt’s first point in his prayer today is to have persistence – to be strengthened or endure, to have stamina; refusing to give up or let go. Today, Matt offers a prayer of encouragement from Ephesians 3 for the listener in 6 points to follow.

[00:08:20] Matt alludes to the story in Luke 18 of the woman who repeatedly bothered the ruler with her troubles until he dealt with her justly, referencing Jesus approval of this degree of persistence. He also mentions Jesus’ persistence in prayer throughout his ministry.

[00:09:43] Point #1: “Be infused with the power of His spirit in the inner man to give you stamina and perseverance” 

[00:11:50] Point #2: “Receive the power to remain, abide, or dwell in Christ.” Matt cites multiple references in John 14 and 1 John 2 and Jesus/John’s repetitive commands to abide in Christ (to remain in Him).

[00:14:28] Point #3: “Receive the power of establishment through or by love.” Matt illustrates this idea of being “rooted” as a plant being firmly secured in the ground.

[00:16:48] Point #4a: “Receive the power to connect with and influence the kingdom of God, that is, His people.”

[00:19:44] Matt discusses the necessity of community – for the church to lean on and depend on one another in order to comprehend the love of Christ and live an abiding life in Him. He illustrates this referencing the ancient Spartan army formation of a phalanx, where each man depended on the man beside him for his life.

[00:22:23] Matt recaps today’s message including points 1-4a and promises to continue on to his last two points in the next episode.

Helpful Links From This Episode

The Kingdom Corner Website: https://kindomcorner.podbean.com/ 

The Kingdom Corner on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thekingdomcorner 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kingdom-corner-with-matt-geib/id1481796673