Gail B.

Hello to everyone. I am 49 and live in south Louisiana. I have been waiting eagerly for the new bible study on 1 Peter to begin and am so thankful that Pastor Ralph has continued these regularly. Each and every one of them have been so helpful and right on time with tests and trials I was going through. Again, I have had questions about some of the verses in 1 Peter and look forward to the Holy Spirit's guidance through this book. I pray for each of you to receive deeper revelation through God's spirit as we dig which has such a transforming effect on our lives.

This study has given me much insight into Jesus' intent and will for unity in the church and has caused me to look at how I as a member of my local body can keep and support that unity through the spirit in the local body as well as the body at large.

All God's power has been given for working in and through us; however, most believers do not understand or are not aware of their authority in Christ. When the Body acts on the authority we have in Christ we glorify God's will here on earth.

As we are obedient and submit to Christ's authority as head of the church, we are filled with his power.

If we remain in Christ, we have been raised up are now seated with him and given all power which was given to him.

Because the Ephesians had so many gods and goddesses that they worshipped, they understood that these beings operated in the spiritual realm. Paul wanted them to understand that Jesus had authority over everything including these beings.

Paul knew that if the Ephesian church could just see with their spiritual eyes into the spiritual realm as he could and grasp the power and authority they had in Christ where all things have been placed under his feet, they could bring glory to God here on earth by walking in that power that resurrected Jesus.

Hi. I'm Gail from Louisiana. I'm married and the mother of one 22-year old daughter. I am especially looking forward to this bible study on the church although I have enjoyed and grown by all other studies in the past several years and have taken them all very seriously. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to equip the saints of God, Pastor Ralph. Looking forward to reading the posts as time permits and possibly sharing at times.