Waves of Grace: Sermons Through the Book of Ephesians

Jim Barber has been teaching from the Bible for more than 45 years. His audiences have spanned from highschool students to senior adults. There is a certain authentic voice that comes through in Waves of Grace that is truly refreshing. These are not quick quotes meant for just the religious. Each chapter provides the reader with historical background, word study from the original language, Greek, and real life application.

Pick up a Bible that has been used for study by almost any of God's children and look at the edge. For most, you will notice that the pages of the Gospel of John will be darker. John is where one turns for comfort in times of joy and grief. It is where one goes when one needs a word from the Master. However, if you pick up my study Bible, you will find the darker edges at Ephesians. It is in this great book that I have found God's word for the church, and it has been this book that guided my years of teaching the Great Affirmations of our faith.

In verse 2, Paul begins with the two principles that bring order to our lives and to our church.

"Grace to you and peace from God

our Father." (Ephesians 1:2)

Notice carefully that grace must precede peace or there can be no peace, which can only come from God our Father. In understanding this principle, Paul can begin to explain the importance and significance of these two small, yet powerful words--grace and peace-- and what they bring to the life of a Christian.