GOSPEL :: FAMILY :: MISSION

Author: joemarino (Page 26 of 50)

Ephesians 4:25 – 32 | Words, Thoughts, Actions

The apostle Paul has previously instructed the Ephesian believers to no longer walk as the Gentiles do but to instead put on the new clothing of the Christian life. In essence he has said that if we are followers of Jesus then the clothing of our old lives, while they may feel comfortable and familiar to walk in, has no place in our lives and we should strive to put on Christ himself.

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Ephesians 4:17 – 24 | Old Life New Clothes

As we look at our passage for today we see that Paul’s concern is once again straightforward and clear. He is concerned that there are people in the church at Ephesus who call themselves Christians but do not live like it. I think his concern for the Ephesian church is born out of two deeply held desires. Number one he desires that the name of Christ would be honored and lifted high. And number two he desires the best for the people in the Ephesian church. He wants Christ to be honored and he wants the best for the Ephesians.

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Ephesians 4:7 – 16 | Spiritual Growth Part VI

Today is a call to wake up and to grow up. Today is a day to afflict the comfortable. Today is a day like in Joshua’s day where the Lord calls out to you and says, “Choose you this day whom you will serve.” Will you stay seated in the first two camps? Or will you by God’s grace get up out of your seat and not just occupy space but instead take possession of and live out of who and who’s you are? Will you leave behind foolish and childish ways of living while claiming the name of Christ? Will you take a step towards growing up?

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Ephesians 4:7 – 16 | Spiritual Growth Part IV

As we’ve studied Ephesians 4:7 – 16 over the last few weeks, I’ve been reminded of a few biblical themes regarding the purpose of the church. The church was not designed to be a country club, a social club or a political power. It’s not meant to be another activity on our list of other good things to do. And it’s also not meant to be a place where spiritual goods are merely consumed.

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Ephesians 4:7 – 16 | Spiritual Growth Part III

Every one of us is called to equip and build up the body of Christ. But most of us struggle with seeing ourselves the way God does. Some of us think too highly of ourselves and some of us think too lowly of ourselves. We are either highly arrogant or highly insecure. Sometimes we think, feel and behave like we are indispensible. Sometimes we think, feel and behave like we are useless. But the gospel teaches us that we are all, valuable and useful and gifted and are called to equip and build up the body of Christ.

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Giving Freely

You may have heard the phrase that it takes a village to raise a kid. I know that’s certainly been true for me. I also think it’s true that it takes a village to establish a community where the presence of God lives visibly.

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