Sun, Nov 01, 2020
Evil exists in our world. If we're not careful, we'll feed it or fall into its trap. Fortunately, the apostle Paul describes a posture, perspective, and protection available to us as we battle spiritual powers. And, when in doubt, we can pray: it is the bottom line weapon in apprehending God's protection over us.
Sun, Oct 18, 2020
Duration: 50 mins 18 secs
Sometimes we can buy knock off brands and generic products. They're close enough to the real thing that we'll gladly accept them. But no one likes a cheap imitation. RC Cola can't rival Coke. Rose Art can't copy Crayola. In Ephesians, the apostle Paul calls us to imitate Jesus. He's the real thing. We can imitate him by living a life of purity, mission, and wisdom. Without these attributes or the aid of His Spirit, our lives are a cheap imitation.
Sun, Oct 04, 2020
Duration: 43 mins 33 secs
We all want to experience renewal in certain areas of our lives: physical health, financial freedom, flourishing relationships, academics, career, and overcoming old temptations. Unfortunately, change does not happen by pure determination. Renewal requires a plan. The apostle Paul lays this out in Ephesians 4:17-32. To experience renewal, we must replace our stinkin' thinkin' and stay focused on God; we must replace corrupting habits with Christlike ones. Fortunately, God's Spirit helps us in this change process.
Sun, Aug 30, 2020
Duration: 39 mins 37 secs
Followers of Jesus have all experienced a miracle: God raised them from the dead. Paul comments on this dynamic act of salvation in Ephesians 2:1-10. This new life includes a secure place in God's presence, as well as good works to live out today. Our new life in Christ matters, Paul writes, compelling people to receive God's gift of grace and become fully alive.
Sun, Aug 16, 2020
Duration: 33 mins 30 secs
Paul opens his letter with a profound blessing. It is theological rich and verbally effusive. He recounts the blessings from the Father, Son, and Spirit in the lives of the saints in Ephesus. These blessings apply to any follower of Jesus. God chose us, has a plan for us, and made a promise to us. Our most natural response is worship. We live to the praise of his glory.
Sun, May 31, 2020
Duration: 50 mins 58 secs
The apostle Paul calls believers in Ephesus to "walk worthy of their calling." These are diverse people, divided people, whom Jesus brought together as a single family. They share a single faith in Him who died for them and raised them to new life. This new, worthy life included living together in a spirit of humility. In our individualistic age, humility, gentleness, and sacrifice for others requires God's Spirit to help us.
Sun, Sep 24, 2017
Duration: 41 mins 36 secs
If you're under 65 years old, the word "submit" makes you cringe. You are self-sufficient. You make your own rules. You follow the beat of your own drum. Thus the biblical call to "mutual submission" startles you. Take the test: Seven Signs that Submission Is Not Your Strong Suit." You'll see. And once you admit you try to hard to control others, you might consider letting the Spirit take greater control in your #LifeTogether.
