Sermon Video: Not Even a Hint Among Us - Ephesians 5:3-7

After telling us that we need to imitate Jesus by walking "in the way of love," the Apostle Paul now reminds us how incompatible that calling is with continuing to live in sin.  As such, Paul reminds us that "even a hint" of immorality, impurity, or greed is too much for God's people.

Sermon Video: Walk in the Way of Love - Ephesians 5:1-2

 

Imitate God. That's a directive that prompts many questions in response. The Apostle Paul has one particular aspect of God's nature and actions in mind: Love. We are to love others like God loves us. It's that's simple, and that daunting.

Sermon Video: Be Kind and Compassionate - Ephesians 4:31-32

 

As the culmination of his examples of the new attitude that is needed now that we are in Christ, the Apostle Paul proclaims that "all" and "every form" of the previous bitterness/rage/anger/malice, etc. needs to be removed and in its place must be put kindness and compassion that includes forgiving others.

A challenge?  Absolutely, things will happen in life that push us toward anger and away from kindness.  We need to let them go and follow the example of Jesus with kindness and compassion.  Added incentive needed?  God forgave you first, go and do likewise.

FFOZ updates their "What We Believe" page, it (mostly) now reflects what they teach.

 

Having dealt with FFOZ club leaders and followers these past three years who are adamant that FFOZ "doesn't teach that" even after I show them the exact thing they are denying, it is refreshing to see that FFOZ now has a "What We Believe" page that (mostly) reflects what they actually teach.  This transparency is a big step in the right direction toward warning pastors and others about the unorthodox/heretical teachings coming from FFOZ.

In the video I break down each of the 15 statements, paying particular attention to the most dangerous (unbiblical) ideas and pointing out one big omission.

Sermon Video: The Problem of Unwholesome Talk, Ephesians 4:29-30

As Paul continues to share examples of the new attitude that followers of Jesus must adopt, he turns his focus to our speech.  The contrast between unwholesome talk that tears down and helpful talk that builds up highlights the stark change between what we were and what we must grow (with the Holy Spirit's help) to be.

In addition, Paul reminds us that our failures with respect to what we say are a grief to the Holy Spirit.  Why?  We are ambassadors of Christ, as any misbehaving child would embarrass his/her parents, filthy talk from Christians grieves the Spirit of God within us.