“The (Only) Holy War” - Episode 1 in the series, "Letter to the Ephesians”

We begin with a new series this year that will take us into an entire book of the New Testament: The Letter to the Ephesians. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians has been a source of inspiration for both Patrick and Jonah, as it beautifully describes God’s vision of a new community, a community of human beings united in and through Christ Jesus. Our first episode delves into Ephesians 6: 10 -20, where Paul describes the spiritual forces of evil which threaten humanity with enmity and division. Paul goes on to reveal the armor of God that bestows his strength and power—truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation. These virtues act as living spiritual armor, transforming our souls through His power. When we “put on” these spiritual forces each day, we can begin the practice of recognizing the enemy within us, and by following Christ’s example, wage a different kind of battle—one that allows true healing and blessing to flow out into the world.

For more notes, suggested further reading band further resources, check out our patreon page for this series on the letter to the Ephesian.

Conversation Notes and References

~ for another perspective on how Alice in Wonderland is a story of redemption, read this article “Why Wonderland is a Parable for the Kingdom of God” on the website seekingwonderland.org. 

~ for an overview on leading psychologists’ thoughts on the value of healthy fighting and how it can foster love, click here. 

~ “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.”    St. Francis of Assisi

Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief recap of our previous series, “Sacred Scripture.”
• What led us to the letter St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians: In a crisis of terrible division, we are called to become builders of a Christ-community.
• We begin at the end, Ephesians chapter 6:10-2 — Who is our enemy and where is the battlefield?
• Scripture’s purpose of giving us new eyes to see and new ears to hear.
• How learning to properly engage in conflict leads towards deeper love.
• Looking to Jesus as the person who fulfilled the victory on the spiritual battlefield with the powers of darkness (we need what he has, and he can give it to us).
• The enemy is NOT other human beings
• The enemy is in us but other than us.
• Magical protection?
• Putting on the moral qualities of the whole armor of God for the inner battle so that from there will flow healing and blessing into the community and the world.