Marissa Henley

Encouraging weary women to hope in Christ alone

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But God {First 5}

January 11, 2021 by Marissa Leave a Comment

Today I have the privilege of sharing a teaching for First 5 on one of my favorite passages of Scripture – Ephesians 2:1-7. Here’s a preview . . .


“Which do you want first, the good news or the bad news?”

I cringe when I hear this question – I don’t want any bad news! But if I have to choose, I’d rather get the bad news over with first. In Ephesians 2:1-7, Paul shares devastating news followed by the best news imaginable. He starts with the bad news that we were all hopelessly and helplessly dead in our sin.

Paul doesn’t hold back in describing our spiritual condition apart from Christ. We might prefer to say we’re broken, weak, straying or struggling, but Paul says we were walking in sin and spiritually dead. (Ephesians 2:1) We were following the devil and consumed by our own desires. Apart from Christ, we were sinners who deserved nothing from God but His wrath. (Ephesians 2:2-3)

Dead people can’t do anything to change their situation. They can’t make themselves better or even ask for help. Spiritually dead people have only one hope: a rescuer with the power to raise the dead and give them new life.

Now it’s time for the good news. In Ephesians 2:4, we find these two little words that change everything: “But God.”


I hope you’ll head over to First 5 to read the rest of the teaching, or download the app and join us as we study Ephesians together!

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Filed Under: Guest posts Tagged With: Ephesians, First 5

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marissahenley.com

I write to remind myself of the truth of God's promises. I share my writing here in case you need to be reminded sometimes, too.

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Click the image above to learn more about Marissa's books: After Cancer and Loving Your Friend through Cancer

Recent Posts

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