We’re going to be in the book of Ephesians for the next couple of weeks, really centering around this famous verse at the end of the book: Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Next week, we’ll be looking at what these rulers, authorities and spiritual forces exactly are. All you need to know is that these refer to the hierarchy of Satan’s kingdom. Rulers and authorities, powers and spiritual forces, these are demons and fallen angels. For this week, I want to just explore this concept of “the heavenly realms.” We read that and we’re like, “well I know what that is: the spiritual realm. The supernatural realm. The unseen world. Behind the veil. The upside down. The Quantum Realm. Narnia.”Whatever you want to call it. It’s that spiritual plane of existence that angels and demons inhabit. But wait: what if I told you that “the heavenly realms” is a phrase that’s been used throughout the book of Ephesians- and not only that, it says we’re already there. Ephesians 2:6 says God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus So how can we be there if we’re here? I find this to be weird, and I’d like to explore why it’s in the Bible. Turn to Ephesians 1, and let’s get weird. Check out the new website! www.weirdstuffinthebible.com Sign up for the weekly newsletter! Get additional insights and Bible study tips for unpacking strange things in scripture. Enter your email here: https://weirdstuffinthebible.beehiiv.com/ You can also find a list of past newsletters at that same link so you never have to miss one. 0:00 - Introduction 1:55 - Epouranios 5:45 - Ephesians 2:6 10:30 - Ephesians 1:3 12:00 - Ephesians 1:20 15:25 - Ephesians 3:10 23:00 - Next Time 25:40 - Closing Thoughts If you want to get in touch, my email is
[email protected] Hosted by Luke Taylor If you’re intrigued by strange Bible stories, uncovering Bible mysteries, or learning about unusual biblical teachings, this podcast is for you! Dive deep into weird Bible facts, biblical controversies, and the supernatural in the Bible, while exploring the hidden stories of the Bible you may have never heard. Get a fresh perspective as we explain the Bible in ways that challenge the norm and uncover the unexpected. I’m so glad you’re here- don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE so that you never miss an episode!
