Paul subversively undermines the patriarchalism and slavery of his day by calling all people – male/female, young/old, slave/free – to “be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ”. By doing this, Paul lights a fuse that will undo the oppressions and injustice of his culture by working within the cultural institutions and applying the Gospel to societal norms. Join us…
In addressing how the Gospel should be implemented in family structures, Paul subversively transforms the dominant culture’s perspective by calling for mutual submission guided by love and respect for the other. Though his culture is patriarchal, he sows the seeds of equity and justice by calling on all to stand by, for, and with the other, instead of capitulating to controlling and…
Paul continues his discussion of Christian living by calling believers to “imitate God, as God’s beloved children”. He speaks of three ways in which believers do this: (1) by walking in love, (2) walking in light, and (3) by walking wisely. Paul is not interested in setting forth a series of rules as much as he is interested in speaking of a…
Having informed his readers that they must experience a complete spiritual fashion makeover by “putting off” old behaviors and “putting on” christlike behaviors, the Apostle gives practical advice on what must be removed and what must be appropriated in order to wear the “wardrobe of Christ.” Join us tonight for our “After the Through the Bible Zoom Chat” https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89826000792 Password is the…
When the Apostle sets out on developing a Christian ethic, one might expect him to put out a philosophy or set of rules, but instead he puts forward the person of Christ. He invites us to “learn Christ” because “truth is in Jesus”. He also develops what it means to live our baptismal identity by dying to old ways and rising to…
Paul calls the church to walk worthy of God’s calling by dwelling together in the unity of the Spirit. During his earthly ministry, Christ promised to build his church. The risen and ascended Christ has put us together and equipped us with gifts for the common good of our life together. By sharing life and gifts together, the church grows into christlikeness.…
Paul begs the church to walk worthy of God’s calling by dwelling together in the unity of the Spirit. In order to fulfill this “high calling” it is necessary to cultivate humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance. Join us for our “After the Through the Bible Zoom Chat” at 7:30 p.m. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87901487440 Password is the same for regulars. If you need it, contact…
Paul prayers that the believers in Ephesus would come to greater knowledge and experience of God – Father, Son, and Spirit. The Spirit deep within manifests the presence and love of Christ, filling us “with all the fullness of God.” The believer is caught up in the divine embrace of the Triune God. This prayer is a model for us. Join us…
From prison, Paul writes of his commission to speak boldly and courageously of the mystery that has been revealed to him that God is drawing all things together in Christ so that the church might participate in God’s eternal plan and be a peace-making instrument of unity and reconciliation. There is no “After the Through the Bible Zoom Chat” tonight because the…
The apostle presents his most elevated teaching concerning the church by speaking of it as a “new humanity” and a “living temple” created by God to manifest God’s will in the world. Tearing down walls and manifesting God’s peace is at the heart of achieving God’s plan to unite all things in Christ. Join us for our “After the Through the Bible”…