It’s Sunday Again: Christmas–He Appeared (Tit 2)

We live in limbo. We live between two appearings. This is a Christmas sermon, this is a Bible study. We explore together an unknown text, seldom associated with the Christmas season. Titus 2:11-14 speaks of the appearing of the grace of God, bringing salvation. The reference is to the coming of Jesus. The same text …

It’s Sunday Again: Christmas Resolutions (Luke 2)

I like Christmas! Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I enjoy the season; I enjoy the festivity. I enjoy the opportunity to revisit an important part of the storyline of Scripture. The Christmas season is misunderstood by many, diminished, even demeaned. Christmas is much larger than the story of baby Jesus. …

It’s Sunday Again: Christmas–God Came Near (Heb. 2)

Christmas sermons abound in Scripture. An anonymous first-century author reflects the Christmas story when he affirms that “God came near to us and spoke our language” (you can see more details of his affirmation in Hebrews 2). While his focus is on the High Priesthood of Jesus, he affirms two encouraging truths. • In Jesus …

It’s Sunday Again: Christmas–Name Above All Names (Phil. 2)

The Christmas story is not told only in the well-known gospel accounts in Matthew and Luke. The Incarnation is foundational to the message of the New Testament. Christmas texts abound throughout Scripture. Consider how Paul recounts the Christmas story in Philippians 2:6-11. Jesus, taking on servanthood, becoming human in form, humbling himself, emptying himself, obedient …

Ephesians 4: the church that genuinely serves

Churches that understand their identity, mission, and eternal purpose are most likely to do the things God wants. The church exists in God’s eternal purpose to unite all things under Christ. In Ephesians 4, the church participates in this purpose through the ministry of every member, facilitated by the leaders Christ places in the body. …

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.  …