We are Light

For you were once darkness, but now you are light.

The world of self-help tells us to envision what we want to be.
Paul tells us that we are light. Do we envision this truth, or do we live by worm theology?

Light is positive, not negative, so we should be known for what we do not what we don't do.

Light also lights up dark corners and reveals what is hidden - and it is usually trash. Because we live in a dark world that wants to stay hidden, it is difficult to remain shining brightly. There are many temptations and reasons for covering our light, so how do we shine?

Paul gives three very good suggestions for victory.
be filled with the Holy Spirit
set a context for good speech and encouragement
submit to one another so they can help us separate righteousness from self-righteousness.

Do we focus our vision on what we are -- light?

May the Holy Spirit help us keep our light shining.

Pastor Wayne

the use of words

Ephesians 4:25-5:7 emphasizes the use of words.

Paul begins by commanding us to speak truthfully with our neighbor. Paul also tells us to let no unwholesome talk come from our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.

What do we do when the truth and positive words are complete opposites?

When our truth is defined by angry, critical, bitter and greedy words, then we have a problem.

The work of the Holy Spirit is to bring people and God together in perfect harmony. When our words and actions are harsh, then we grieve the Holy Spirit.

Jesus loved God so much that he was willing to do everything so that he could present us as a gift to the Father. How much do we love our Lord? How far will we go to present our neighbor as a gift to him?

When our words reveal our heart, may our love for Jesus cause us to change.

Pastor Wayne

the path to knowing Christ

So I insist - Paul says.

stop living like the Gentiles. (Eph. 4:17-24)

Good idea Paul, Of course we don't do that. We're Christians.

But then, why did Paul insist, and just how do the gentiles live?

Their thinking is futile
because they are darkened in understanding and are separated from God.

they are darkened and separated because they are ignorant.

they are ignorant because they have hardened their hearts.

the result is they are insensitive, but desperately want to sense, to feel.
so they go to the extremes to feel something.

As Christians, we also often harden our hearts because we are not willing to go down the path that Christ lays out for us. We want security and comfort, and don't want it messed up with extreme Christian living.

the result is that we become ignorant, and separated from the only true source of security and comfort. So we pursue it in the wrong way - vigorously.

Let us not live like the gentiles, but put on righteousness and the new self, for only in doing so do we truly attain what we long for.

God Bless, Pastor Wayne

the grace of gifts

Christ the King came down from heaven because others were taking up His space. When he came, he conquered. When he returned to heaven, he had captives following him. He he former leaders who had switched allegiance to him. He also acquired much treasure.

Now, as the returning King who is setting up his kingdom, he is the one who appoints leaders, teachers who will build His Church. With these spoils of war, he is able to lavish gifts on us who claim him as our King.

But, these gifts are to be used for His kingdom, not our own fiefdoms. Let us not be like the servants who hide his gifts, or use them for our own glory.

He is the King. May we delight in building His kingdom.

Pastor Wayne

Live Worthy

There is a logical flow to Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Because this mystery has been made known to us, and we are the recipients of such a great gift of God. Because we are able to know God better and have Jesus live in our hearts. Because we are able to be one with God, we can live worthy of his calling.

Humbleness, gentleness and patience do not come because they are simply a good idea, but because we have already received so much from God.

We don't need to push to the front of the line, because we are already filled to overflowing because of Jesus.
If, on the other hand, we feel the need to exalt ourselves, rage against the night and against loss, and rush to find something, then we are looking in the wrong direction for peace.

May the joy of living in God's blessings enable us to live gently, humbly and patiently.

Pastor Wayne