Sermons on Ephesians
Abide – Week 4
There are several metaphors used to describe the Church. The most common description used in the Bible is a family. But, Paul also used the image of living bricks, and members of a body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). We all desire to belong. People are always forming clubs and groups and teams. We build community to support each other and encourage each other. The Church differs in that Christ is the head of the body of the Church (Ephesians 4:14-16). This…
Abide – Week 3
No one claims to be an expert on prayer; we all feel inadequate. There are many difficulties and many distractions. In one way, prayer is very easy; however, it is also deeply complex. Prayer should be the business of Christians; it is our duty, and it should be our delight. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he describes this rich, deep desire to know the love of God (Ephesians 3:14-21). Prayer is the most likely place to be this close…
Abide – Week 1
In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, today we ask, how might we grow spiritually this year? How do we worry less and pray more? The “Gospel Hardware” is Jesus. He stated that He is the true vine; you are clean because of the words He has spoken. Apart from Him you can do nothing. “Abide in me,” Christ said. (John 15:1-11). Abide is a verb relating to where you live. Where is your permanent spiritual address? Live in constant…
Walk Wisely – Week 7
In this conclusion to the “Walk Wisely” sermon series, we explore the timeless metaphor of life as a journey. Reflecting on Proverbs 4:10-19 and Ephesians 5:15-16, this message examines the two paths we can walk — the way of wisdom or the way of folly. It highlights the choices, challenges, and direction of our lives and emphasizes Jesus as the ultimate “Way” to life. Jesus not only rescues us but also walks with us, guiding us daily as we follow…
Walk Wisely – Week 5
The way we think about work is broken. We often see it as a necessary evil, but scripture presents a different way to think about it (Colossians 3:23-24). Though it is imperfect, there is goodness in work, and we should be wise about how we think about and how we engage in work (Proverb 12:11)(Proverb 22:29). God created us to work (Genesis 2:15), but it has been corrupted in the fall. We can still find meaning and joy in working…
Walk Wisely – Week 4
We are all a part of a family, and the Bible teaches us how to live wisely in families. Family is vital, and family is vulnerable (Proverbs 27:8). It is a critical part of our social and personal foundation. It has a deep influence in our lives, for good and sometimes not so good (Proverbs 6:16-19). It begins with honor and respect (Exodus 20:12). There is a structure to families, and discipline matters (Proverbs 23:13-14) (Proverbs 22:6); discipline comforts and…
Walk Wisely – Week 1
We live in the age of information. There is more data at our fingertips than ever in history. However, all that information does not translate into wise living (Ephesians 5:15-16). The wisdom of Proverbs 1:1-7 tells us to pursue wisdom. It takes intentional living; do not reject or mock wisdom. Wisdom invites you to engage and grow (Proverbs 1:20-23). But it takes humility and an understanding that all wisdom is from God; He is eager to gift it (James 1:5).
Redeemer
He is risen! (Ephesians 1:7-10) Jesus has paid the ransom and bought us back. We are redeemed from slavery and sin. It was a high price, indeed, but you are of infinite worth to God. So, live the new life Jesus gave us when He transferred us from a life of darkness to His kingdom of redemption and forgiveness (Colossians 1:13-14).
A living Redeemer – Week 3
In the final chapter of Ruth, we saw that we need a redeemer, not just humanity, but each and every one of us. We also need a king, a benevolent, loving authority that we can only find in Christ. Finally, it is critical to know that everyone is invited; everyone is welcome. Just as Ruth was an outsider, she became an integral part of the family. This is true of each of you as well. Ephesians 2:11-21
Oikos: Biblical Wisdom for Marriage & Home – Part 5
Ephesians 6:4 Deuteronomy 6:1-7 Deuteronomy 6:20-25 Joshua 4:1-7 Judges 2:10 Psalm 145:3-4
Oikos: Biblical Wisdom for Marriage & Home – Part 4
Parenting is hard …. and rewarding. Ephesians gives us a great guidelines for both parents and children (obey, honor, respect, guide, encourage…). We are all adopted into God’s family and through our adoption there is healing for wounds and mending where there is brokenness.
Oikos: Biblical Wisdom for Marriage & Home – Part 3
Even in the healthiest of relationships there is conflict. Paul writes a beautiful and powerful guide to the broken church of Corinth. From it we can learn the power of and importance of love. Have hope, be kind and extend grace, always fueled by our our future hope promised by our Lord.