Ephesians (Part 18)
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Last Week's Reflection: Ephesians 5:3-14
Paul's Warning to Wake Up: A call for vigilance against practices contrary to Christian values.
Absolute statements on behaviors that prevent inheriting the kingdom of God, including idolatry, envy, divisions, drunkenness, and more.
A clear warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Vs 21).
Today's Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-21
Shift to Wise Living and Spiritual Fullness:
Encouragement towards wise living, making the most of time because of the evil days (Vs. 15-16).
Understanding God's will as opposed to foolish living (Vs. 17).
Being filled with the Spirit instead of indulging in debauchery like drunkenness (Vs. 18).
Expressing worship through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; making melody to the Lord with your heart (Vs. 19-20).
Cultivating gratitude, always giving thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ (Vs. 20).
Practicing mutual submission within the body of Christ out of reverence for Christ (Vs. 21).
Practical Wisdom and Spiritual Guidance
Living Wisely:
The metaphor of walking wisely, applying knowledge with wisdom.
The importance of making the best use of time, recognizing the maturity deficit in society.
Understanding God's Will:
Differentiating between natural and spiritual understanding.
Questions to consider for those uncertain of God's will or their spouse's needs in marriage.
Being Filled with the Spirit:
How to be filled with the Spirit through communal worship and personal devotion.
Specific types of worship: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs.
The role of worship in expressing surrender, trust, and gratitude.
Application to Personal and Community Life
Cultivating a Lifestyle of Gratitude:
The transformative power of a thankful heart in all circumstances.
Directing gratitude towards God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Mutual Submission:
The impact of mutual submission on the Christian community and the wider world.
The potential for solving world issues through the Christian principle of esteeming others above oneself.
Conclusion: Living Out the Gospel
Paul's guidance in Ephesians 5:15-21 serves as a roadmap for Christians to live wisely, understand God's will, be filled with the Spirit, express heartfelt worship, cultivate gratitude, and practice mutual submission.
These practices are aimed at closing the gap between believers and the world, preaching a Gospel of hope through lived example.
Ephesians (Part 17)
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Overview of Ephesians 5:1-2
Be Imitators of God: In light of Ephesians 4:17-32, which describes the new life in Christ, Paul exhorts believers to imitate God. This is foundational, setting the stage for the rest of the chapter.
Walk in Love: As Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, we are to walk in love, which is described as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Paul's Specific Declarations at the Beginning of Chapter 5
Be imitators of God.
As beloved children.
Walk in love.
As Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.
This act is a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.
The Reason for These Instructions
Paul is preparing the believers for challenging truths ahead, establishing a strong foundation in verses 1-2 to empower them to confront the battles in verses 3-13.
Transition to Addressing Sin in Eph. 5:3-7
Call to Holiness: Verses 3-4 introduce a shift, warning against sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talk, and crude joking, and instead advocating for thanksgiving.
The Heart's Condition: Luke 6:45 is cited to emphasize that our speech and actions reflect the condition of our heart.
Hard Words from Paul: Eph. 5:5-6
Consequences of Sin: Paul is unequivocal about the eternal consequences of engaging in sins like sexual immorality and idolatry, stating that such behaviors exclude one from the kingdom of Christ and God.
Sexual Immorality and Idolatry Explained: Definitions and examples of sexual immorality (Greek word "porneia") and covetousness as idolatry are provided.
Comparison with Galatians 5:19-21
Similar Warnings: Paul lists behaviors that are contrary to inheriting the kingdom of God, emphasizing that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom.
The Hope for Believers
Confession and Repentance: The importance of confessing sins, acknowledging the role of the Holy Spirit, recognizing Christ's sacrifice, and daily seeking forgiveness.
Fighting Sin: Strategies include resisting temptation, renewing one's mind, not isolating oneself, and relying on the Holy Spirit.
Paul's Final Wake-Up Call: Eph. 5:14
Spiritual Awakening: A call to awaken from spiritual complacency, promising that Christ will illuminate those who rise from spiritual death.
The Deception of Unexposed Sin: A warning that thinking one's sin is hidden does not equate to being right with God, urging believers to "wake up" to the reality of their spiritual condition.
Antidote to Spiritual Sleep: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Encouragement to constantly remember and keep God's commandments in sight, as a means to prevent spiritual slumber and ensure a vibrant faith.
Ephesians (Part 16)
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Ephesians (Part 15)
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Ephesians (Part 14)
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Looking Back Looking Ahead
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New Years Resolutions
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Name Above All Names
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Perceiving Seasons & Staking Ground
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Israel & Hamas Conflict (Part 2)
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Israel & Hamas Conflict (Part 1)
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6 Back and 6 Forward
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Father's Day 2023
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Jesus Discipler (Part 4)
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Jesus Discipler (Part 3)
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Jesus Discipler (Part 2)
Summary
In his recent sermon titled "Closing the GAP between Church & Culture," pastor John Blue emphasized the crucial role of individual Christians in bridging the gap between church teachings and modern culture. Honoring Memorial Day, he stressed the importance of remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. He then delved into the vital task of discipleship in Christianity, presenting it as a mandate rather than a mere suggestion, in accordance with the teachings of Jesus and the Bible.
Drawing on the imagery of a city's breached wall from the book of Ezekiel, John called on his congregants to stand in the 'gap' for their marriages, families, and nation, upholding godly principles against a tide of cultural opposition. He urged his listeners to consider their potential impact, reminding them that just one person can make a significant difference in society.
He also highlighted the costliness of discipleship, stressing that following Jesus requires a total commitment of life. To change the culture, John urged individuals to become active in discipling others. The sermon concluded with a call to find 'the one' person they can invest their lives into and a communal observance of communion, symbolizing the sacrifice of Jesus for the world.
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Mother's Day 2023
Excerpt from Pastor John Blue's Mother's Day Message: Encountering Jesus through Moms
On this joyous Mother's Day, we gather here at Pacific Point Church in Costa Mesa, California, to delve into a message that holds great significance—encountering Jesus through the mothers in our lives. As we take a moment to honor these remarkable women, let us reflect on the profound ways they shape our faith, demonstrate God's love, and leave lasting impressions on our hearts.
Think of the mothers who have touched your life—their love, guidance, and unwavering support that have played a pivotal role in your journey. In a world filled with distractions and busyness, the impact of a mother's love cannot be overstated. It is through their nurturing presence that we first encounter Jesus, experiencing His love and compassion in tangible ways.
Within the sanctuary of our homes, mothers assume multifaceted roles beyond caregiving. They become the architects of our families, building a foundation of love, patience, and grace that stands strong amidst the challenges of life. It is within this safe and nurturing environment that we have the opportunity to encounter Jesus in the everyday moments.
However, let us not overlook the difficulties that mothers face. They navigate the trials of life with resilience, strength, and unwavering faith. In their own journeys, they show us the unwavering love of God, even amidst hardships. Their ability to rise above challenges, their endurance in the face of adversity, and their unwavering trust in God's providence become a powerful testimony to encountering Jesus in the midst of difficulty.
A mother's love serves as a tangible expression of God's grace and compassion. It is through their selfless acts of care that we witness the embodiment of Christ's love in our lives. From the meals prepared with love and nourishment, to the comforting embraces that offer solace during our darkest hours, to the prayers offered on our behalf, mothers exemplify the transformative power of encountering Jesus through their role as moms.
Today, let us express our gratitude and appreciation not only to our biological mothers but also to all the women who have played a nurturing role in our lives. Let us recognize and honor the countless ways they have shown us God's love, compassion, and kindness.
As we listen to this poignant message on Mother's Day, may we cherish and celebrate the immeasurable impact mothers have on our faith, character, and souls. Let us draw inspiration from their love, compassion, and unwavering devotion as we embark on our own journeys of encountering Jesus through the profound influence of moms. May we honor them not just on this special day but every day of our lives, acknowledging that their love draws us closer to the heart of God.
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Death, Surrender, and Life in Christ (Eddie Burgess)
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Who's Eating Your Fruit (Part 5)
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Good Friday Service 2023
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