Ephesians 4:1-16–Understanding the church and what it does

Ephesians 4 begins the practical section of Paul’s Ephesian letter.  Paul undergirds action with principle.  Chapters 1-3 focus on church identity, “Who are we?” The church must understand its identity and purpose.  Chapters 4-6 answer the question, “What do we do?”  The Christian life that reflects our shared identity in Christ Jesus includes requirements, reasons, response, and results. Requirements.  …

Seated in the Heavenlies

Paul uses the phrase, “in the heavenlies,” four times in Ephesians. The phrase does not appear elsewhere in the New Testament. Translators generally feel the need to add a noun and use “heavenlies” as an adjectival modifier, e.g. heavenly places, heavenly realms. In the heavenlies Christians receive every spiritual blessing in Christ; in the heavenlies …

The Power and Purpose of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1)

In Acts 1, the apostles were instructed to “wait on the Spirit.” Why? The obvious answer is that the Holy Spirit would provide the power for their testimony or witness unto the uttermost parts of the earth. While we in the contemporary church have affirmed the power of the Holy Spirit in evangelism and preaching, …

Principles for the Mission: Matthew 10

Sunday morning I will teach the Bible Class at Iglesia de Cristo. We are studying Matthew 10, Jesus’ second major discourse. After commissioning the Twelve and giving them specific instructions that relate to their mission (verses 1-23), Jesus gives them words of encouragement that can be applied more generally. We can call these “principles for …

Galatians 5-6: Is Anything Different?

Christians who have experienced the new birth and new creation in Christ Jesus must not hesitate to ask, “What is different?” The Christian life is not lived in legalism. Nor is the Christian life license. The Christian life is understood through the liberty of healthy, loving relationship. With a new creation (or re-creation) and all …