Regeneration

The Living Church demonstrates the Gospel through their relationships—this is really the point of 4:17-5:21. But in the next section, Paul points to three specific relationships that demonstrate the Gospel, in this case, marriage. Marriage demonstrates the Gospel most explicitly because we are Christ’s bride. As such, our relationship with Christ helps us guide our marriages, which are marked by m...

The Living Church is at war—not with a culture, not with a nation, not with a people—but with unseen spiritual forces that seek to destroy her and her members.

The Living Church “walks in the way of love” (v. 1) because we are “children of light” (v. 8). As children of the light, we live thoughtfully and wisely—which has more to do with our talk, as well as drinking, and hiding deeds of darkness.

Paul turns his attention to two other day-to-day relationships that have tremendous importance in demonstrating the Gospel. The first is parenting, the second is employees (slaves) and employers (masters). Both of these passages are under the “control” of 5:21, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” By submitting, we make more room for God.

August 16 - Finding God Across Generations by

The Living Church lives out its identity; in this passage, Paul begins his instructions for Christian living. These verses really unpack 4:15, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.” As such, this chapter deals with our talk: speaking truthfully to our neighbor, and speaking wholesome words to one anoth...

The Living Church has been equipped to accomplish its mission. We are united by the Spirit, by one hope, by one Lord, by one baptism—but to manifest this unity to the world, we have been given a variety of gifts. God’s best gifts are people, and these gifts are exercised by people for His glory. A highlight of this passage is Paul’s insistence that it is not the pastor that does the work of minist...

The Living Church is not a building or a place, it’s a living, breathing organism that moves. Those who are “in Christ” are His missionaries into the world. “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power.” Being a missionary means being a servant to all people in order to demonstrate the Gospel. Yet, this is challenging—the very task causes...

In the Living Church, we are united—we are one new humanity (15). As a result, the new standard of our living is peace. This is a “mystery” (3:7), but takes its shape as we learn to love one another, forgive one another, and protect one another. This Sunday we will celebrate communion—a living demonstration that we are made one.

We Are Saved - Ephesians 2:1-10 In the Living Church, identity precedes action. Those who belong to Jesus were once “dead in [their] transgressions and sins.” Through faith, Jesus has “made us alive.” In short, we are saved—not by what we can do, but what Christ has accomplished. As a result, we are God’s “workmanship,” his poem, his song, through which He demonstrates “the immeasurable riches of...

We Have a New Identity - Ephesians 1:1-23 In the Living Church, identity precedes action. All those who are “in Christ Jesus” (1:1), are given a new identity, which Paul explains in sweeping language in this chapter. The basic call of this chapter: “be who you is, and not who you is not,” the blessed, chosen, blameless, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, included, sealed people of Jesus. Paul’s prayer i...

August 9 - Finding God in Change by

Psalm 62:5–8 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. 

My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. 

O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.